“Your word, LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens” (Psalm 119:89). When I was attending university, I was headed to class on the subway. I was reading my mini New Testament. A stranger walked over and asked what I was doing. He started to criticize me in front of everyone else (quite loudly, … Continue reading Can you defend the Gospels in the coming storm?
confidence
Confidence and obedience: mutual accelerants
[If you accidentally received this twice, sorry!] Check out this pattern in John 1: Andrew and another disciple asked Jesus where he was staying: “Come, and you will see” (verse 39). Jesus calls Philip with the simple but ever-direct words: “Follow me” (verse 43). Philip tells Nathaniel that they have found the Messiah. Nathaniel isn’t … Continue reading Confidence and obedience: mutual accelerants
He. Is. Interceding. For. You. And. Me.
In yesterday’s devotional I focused on the ascension of Jesus. It assures us that Christ is in the control room. [If you missed it, click here.] After all, Jesus leaving this world to be at his Father’s right hand is his cosmic coronation as Lord of the universe. The Apostles’ Creed zeroes in on this … Continue reading He. Is. Interceding. For. You. And. Me.
Fear can’t rule over you if
What makes some people afraid, and others unafraid? Imagine two men with a similar past, personality and personal life. When hardship comes, the first one loses sleep, perspective and peace. But the other usually sleeps well, maintains perspective, and feels at peace—even though life is sometimes a struggle. The first doesn’t trust that God is … Continue reading Fear can’t rule over you if
When you’re confident about what will happen eventually
Let me share an eternal truth that can encourage you: When you’re confident about what will happen eventually, you have more courage for what is happening currently. Here’s what I mean. When you know that God is eternal, and that one day he is going to one day make all things new and finally eliminate … Continue reading When you’re confident about what will happen eventually
Super-conquerors
If you’re a follower of Christ you’re a “super-conqueror.” Did you know that? Do you feel like it? (Need some convincing?) In Romans 8:37 Paul writes: “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” The words “we are more than conquerors” translate a Greek word meaning, quite literally, … Continue reading Super-conquerors
Saviour?
An air force pilot told Max Lucado about the time he forgot to put on his own seat belt. He went through all the other checklists, but he forgot to do up his belt. His jet was designed in such a way that after it took off he couldn’t buckle up after the fact. So … Continue reading Saviour?
Neil Armstrong… and Jesus
I read a story about an elementary school class who was learning about the moon. They wondered, ‘What does zero-gravity feel like?’ and ‘What did it really look like out there?’ As a surprise, the teacher had arranged for none other than Neil Armstrong to make a special appearance! In the middle of their discussion, … Continue reading Neil Armstrong… and Jesus
The roar of the Spirit
This week I’ve been answering questions about the Holy Spirit. (To see devotionals you may have missed go here and search by date.) Today let’s keep at it. After giving some significant insights about the Holy Spirit, Jesus says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). But why … Continue reading The roar of the Spirit
Fear not, do
Someone recently brought something to my attention. When you reverse the words “Do not fear” you get “Fear not, do.” Here’s why I like it. Some people get paralyzed with fear. They sense (or create) something to be afraid of in their minds—something invisible and possibly destructive—and, as a result, cease living their lives. What … Continue reading Fear not, do
The Up Devotional 