“God couldn’t love me. Not after what I’ve done.” I hear this sometimes. Maybe not those exact words. But some form of them. Sure, we know the words to “Jesus loves me” and, on some level, mentally agree that they’re true. But then life goes on, things happen—sometimes terrible things, and we doubt God’s love. … Continue reading You’ve never fled or fallen too far
faith
You: The living memory
Siblings can become very close. That was certainly true for Theodore and Amity. But as time went on, Amity contracted cancer. The doctors told her she could have surgery to try and remove the tumor. But since she was getting older and feeling weaker, there was a chance she either wouldn’t survive or would go downhill … Continue reading You: The living memory
Your John 3:16 moment
I had planned on writing about something else today. But a congregant just passed away and I felt the need to share this question with you. Are you ready for your own death? Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t think about it until it’s too late. In previous eras, people thought about death a lot … Continue reading Your John 3:16 moment
Like water off a duck’s back
“You never do it right.” “Your priorities are always messed up.” “You always say the wrong thing!” How do you respond when people unduly judge and criticize you? If you’re like a lot of other people (including me), probably not very well! So I stand in awe of the apostle Paul when he says, “I … Continue reading Like water off a duck’s back
Proving that you’re somebody
Lately I’ve been talking about “Keeping up with the Joneses.” It’s an expression that has to do with how you think you’re measuring up (and keeping up) with the people around you. It has to do with comparison. And do you know what? It’s an exhausting way to live. In an incredibly honest interview with … Continue reading Proving that you’re somebody
If not you, who?
The thing that happens when people gather on Sunday is called a “worship service.” It’s often at a building, but not always. Recently on vacation (in a very warm climate!) we gathered in a circle on the beach. Psalm 66:2 says, “sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise!” That’s what we did … Continue reading If not you, who?
Worth the risk
When it comes to a worship service, I’m usually the one doing the talking. So I was really looking forward to a service I attended on Tuesday night in Midland at Knox Church. My friend and colleague Alton Ruff said that when Jesus calls us to do something, it quite often involves going out of … Continue reading Worth the risk
Why other people’s standards are distracting
As you know, the “Up!” devo was on a break for a week while I was on vacation. But now I’m back and ready to walk faithfully into a new year. I hope you are too. And one of the things that helps us do that is to evaluate what we’re spending our time thinking … Continue reading Why other people’s standards are distracting
If you’re not dead
A lot of people make “New Year’s Resolutions.” When the year behind gives way to the year-to-come, they “resolve” to do something differently. Some people make these kinds of resolutions. Some don’t. Either way, many of us make personal goals. And a new year is a time to look forward to the next 365 days … Continue reading If you’re not dead
Don’t waste it dwelling on the negative
Human (noun): “a homo sapien who has the ability to breathe, reason, and become an expert at second guessing themselves and dwelling on the negative.” Okay, you’re right. That definition isn’t in the dictionary… but it could be! Especially after Christmas. You’d think that after celebrating the birth of the Messiah we’d be on cloud … Continue reading Don’t waste it dwelling on the negative
