I know someone who seems incapable of seeing anything in a positive way. Cynicism is the air they breathe—both in and out. They even seem to think that their tainted outlook makes them wise. But it doesn’t. If you’re like the rest of humanity, this most recent chapter of life hasn’t been ideal. That’s why … Continue reading I look for the good things
Colossians
Not just what you say, but how
I’ve spoken with dozens of people looking for advice about how to speak more confidently about their faith—more specifically, to those who don’t share that same faith. Jesus is very special to us. So we want to speak of him well, and to say something that is compelling to others. This can be especially hard … Continue reading Not just what you say, but how
When success isn’t success
A lot of people want to be “successful.” In fact, since so many people think that success is a good thing, and since the drive for success can be so powerful, we can rationalize doing questionable things to get there. But it’s not success if you fail at virtue. In Colossians, Paul talks about putting … Continue reading When success isn’t success
The big picture
There’s something that people I admire have in common. They have the ability to see the big picture even when times are hard, and even when they’re under pressure. As a result, they don’t get thrown off course. They’re more likely to hold to their principles. And they’re less likely to say or do something … Continue reading The big picture
When high ethical standards seem hard
Followers of Jesus are called to a high ethical standard. Do you ever read about those standards in the Bible and then feel bad because you realize of how often you mess up? Maybe it’s the passage about loving your neighbour (Mark 12:31), or even your enemy (Matthew 5:44). Or maybe it’s Colossians 3:12: “clothe … Continue reading When high ethical standards seem hard
It’s not imposing, it’s loving
To the Colossians, Paul wrote: “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:6). Keep that in mind for a moment. There’s a story about a man who went to India and struck up a friendship with a woman. She had never … Continue reading It’s not imposing, it’s loving
As beggars telling others about food
For the past two days I’ve spoken about peace. And, more specifically, the peace that only Jesus can give. For those of us who have come to know and follow Jesus, this should fill us with great… Humility. Not superiority. Not arrogance. Not self-righteousness. In the same biblical book where we are told that Jesus … Continue reading As beggars telling others about food
A light, even in your words
Yesterday’s devotional was about being a person of your word. I said that people who keep their promises keep track of their promises. It makes total sense. If you’re going to be a person who is trustworthy and who keeps their promises, you have to know what they are. You need to keep track of … Continue reading A light, even in your words
Daily unexpected providence
In his book Miracles, Lee Strobel tells a story about Roger Olson. He was very distraught after a bad medical appointment. The next day an old hymn about God’s comfort kept going through Roger’s head. Over and over. On the following Sunday, the pastor in church announced that they would all sing hymn number 220 … Continue reading Daily unexpected providence
The Up Devotional 