At a monthly, regional meeting of church elders in central Ontario, my colleague and friend, William Han, spoke about evangelism. He’s served as a pastor, as the Executive Vice President at Lausanne Canada, and is currently a church planting catalyst with the North American Mission Board. The more he spoke, the more passionate he became. … Continue reading Personal THEN powerful
faith
The antidote to human rivalry
Rivalry is a bigger part of our lives than we often realize. Maybe you have an actual rival, someone you’re always competing with—maybe in sports, at school, or in the office. And although what I’m about to say can apply to those situations, let’s think more broadly. It’s easy to continually compare ourselves to others. … Continue reading The antidote to human rivalry
Informed decisions are good decisions
Informed decisions are good decisions. I’m pretty sure we’d all agree with that statement. But when it comes to what we read and hear—especially online—it’s easy to make quick conclusions that are anything but informed. The problem is compounded because of how quickly all the information comes at us. We’re bombarded. We hear breaking news, … Continue reading Informed decisions are good decisions
Impossible to duplicate
I read about some mouth-watering sourdough bread made at a bakery in San Francisco. It hadn’t been replicated anywhere else. As it turns out, there was a secret to the taste that had nothing to do with the recipe. As Larry Osborne explains, “It’s a bacterium that thrives in the area. When the yeast ferments, … Continue reading Impossible to duplicate
Why is there evil and suffering?
Recently someone asked me: Why is there so much evil and suffering if there is a benevolent being? It’s a huge question, perhaps the biggest! And let’s be honest. If there was an easy, silver bullet answer, we’d all know it already. You can link to a video of my full response to the question … Continue reading Why is there evil and suffering?
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
Peace when it seems fragile
Today many of us wake to disturbing news. We hear of rising tensions between America and Iran. Just a few weeks ago we were celebrating the birth of the Prince of Peace: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14). In times like … Continue reading Peace when it seems fragile
Whatever you do
It’s a new year, a new decade, and a new chapter of your life. As you look out over the horizon, and as you think about whatever goals, commitments or resolutions you might have, I encourage you to consider Proverbs 16:3: “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Today … Continue reading Whatever you do
Motives are weighed by the Lord
Hi everyone. Happy new year! After a short post-Christmas break, the “Up!” daily devotional is back and looking forward to a good and God-honouring 2020. At this time of year a lot of people make “resolutions.” They resolve to do something better or differently. According to businessinsider.com, some of the most popular resolutions have to do … Continue reading Motives are weighed by the Lord
“Is your face turned toward me?”
Dallas Willard tells a touching story about a young boy who needed some assurance. At night, unable to sleep, he went into his daddy’s room and crawled into his bed. But because it was dark he couldn’t tell if his dad was facing him or not. “Is your face turned toward me, Father?” he asked. … Continue reading “Is your face turned toward me?”
The Up Devotional 