Imagine three scenarios. In the first, there you stand with your fellow troops about to head into a life-or-death battle. But you don’t know who your leader is going to be. Out he comes from the tent behind you. None of you has any idea who he is. That certainly doesn’t give you much confidence … Continue reading Courage for the battle
courage
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
4 ways to draw closer to God
James 4:8 says, “Come near to God and he will come near to you.” When we cultivate a closer relationship with God, we experience his power and presence more and more. Consider the example of Mary. In her famous song of praise in Luke 1:46-55, she shows how she is close to God in at … Continue reading 4 ways to draw closer to God
The courage equation
Merry Christmas! On December 25th we praise and thank God for coming to us in Jesus. In Luke 2:10 the angel said to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” For ALL the people—including you. Notice how the angel started his message: … Continue reading The courage equation
Messier’s bold prediction — and the Bible’s
On May 25, 1994, Mark Messier did something bold. He was the captain of the New York Rangers hockey team. It was the playoffs. His team was down 3 games to 2 in the Eastern Conference final. They had to win two games to beat their opponent, the New Jersey Devils, if they were to … Continue reading Messier’s bold prediction — and the Bible’s
The best way to stand up for someone?
Sometimes standing up for someone is simpler than you think. Just take this advice from a 2-year old...
Don’t be defined by past hurts
The past. It's big. And there can be hurts in the past. But they don't have to overcome you. This is why.
What a flame is to dynamite
After summarizing some research on self-esteem, John Ortberg describes an internal question that a lot of people ask when approaching a challenge: “When you face a difficult situation, do you approach it, take action, and face it head on, or do you avoid it, wimp out, and run and hide?” When you face a difficult … Continue reading What a flame is to dynamite
The courage to face ridicule for God
No matter who or how old you are, I’m pretty sure you want your Christmas to be meaningful. And you don’t have to look further than Joseph for some help to do just that. When Joseph married Mary he stepped into a world of ridicule. After all, she would have given birth to Jesus LESS … Continue reading The courage to face ridicule for God
Despite the odds
Who would you put in the following blank? When I think of someone who is courageous, I think of ________________. When I do it, my first instinct is to think about people who’ve done incredible things in the face of adversity. Through the years I’ve known World War Two veterans, so I think of them. … Continue reading Despite the odds
The Up Devotional 