Words. They have power, don’t they? In the Bible, James writes: “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be” (James 3:9-10). So if … Continue reading Your verbal legacy
daily devotional
The hedge of protection
As a pastor, I’ve had many people pray for a “hedge of protection” around me. I’ve also prayed it for other people. Maybe you have too. But what is it? And where does the idea come from? As far as I can tell it comes from the biblical book of Job. Job was a faithful … Continue reading The hedge of protection
Jesus in the back of the canoe
In my neck of the woods there is a coming-of-age experience that many young people go through: Learning how to paddle a canoe. I remember my dad telling me to get into the back. He got into the front and off we went. It didn’t go very well! He paddled as he normally would, but … Continue reading Jesus in the back of the canoe
Mountain Goat Grace
I heard a story about some mountain goats that lived near the top of a rocky mountain. Around one end of the mountain was a narrow ledge. It was only a foot wide. Fortunately, mountain goats can navigate narrow ledges. One goat started to walk around the ledge from one side of the mountain, and … Continue reading Mountain Goat Grace
Applause vs Faithfulness
This week I’m sharing some thoughts about humility. On Monday I talked about the pitfalls of pride. On Tuesday I talked about Jesus’ own example. On Wednesday I talked about some practical ways to “Do nothing out of selfish ambition” (Philippians 2:3). Today let me keep that going. Here are a few more down-to-earth ideas … Continue reading Applause vs Faithfulness
Selfish ambition
Yesterday I said that humility is focusing on someone else more than self. Or, in the words of C.S. Lewis, “Humility isn’t thinking less of yourself, but of yourself less.” Jesus is our ultimate inspiration and example of humility. Since we want to be like him (1 John 2:6), we strive to be humble and … Continue reading Selfish ambition
Someone else more than self
Is it just me, or is humility the virtue that many people admire but few actually want? To the Philippians in the early 60’s, Paul wrote: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests … Continue reading Someone else more than self
Do you EXPECT to hear from God?
Do you want to hear from God? With some help to make a decision, or for encouragement? If so, consider this.
The word she wrote across her chest
Here is one of Paul’s prayers for the Ephesians: “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe” (Ephesians 1:18-19). … Continue reading The word she wrote across her chest
Slaughter untrue thoughts with truth
Many of us face battles. More often than we’d like. And many of those battles begin in the mind. But you can respond swiftly and firmly by slaughtering untrue thoughts with truth as soon as they enter your brain. That truth is, in the words of Paul in Romans 8:37, that “in all these things … Continue reading Slaughter untrue thoughts with truth
The Up Devotional 