A high schooler once asked me: “Why is God always saying to glorify him? Isn’t that sort of selfish?” Good question. If any of us did that it would certainly be a selfish thing to do! Here’s the difference. God wants the best for us, and he himself is actually the best. So when … Continue reading Is it selfish for God to ask for praise?
glory of God
What is “success”?
What is "success?" Having a good reputation? Climbing the ladder? Getting the highest marks? Being popular? Making lots of money? I have a dream. It’s that every one of you, one day in the future, when you’re lying on your death bed, can look back on your life and with humble confidence say to yourself, … Continue reading What is “success”?
He just HAD to get the credit. And it cost him.
I heard a story about two geese and a turtle. They wanted to go somewhere far. Together. But the turtle couldn’t fly. So he came up with an idea. The two geese could hold the ends of a big stick in their beaks. The turtle could grab the stick in the middle with his own … Continue reading He just HAD to get the credit. And it cost him.
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
Your spiritual gift
In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul writes, “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them… Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good” (verses 4, 7). In a profound passage, Paul explains how God gives spiritual gifts to all Christians. If you are a follower … Continue reading Your spiritual gift
Credit where credit is due
Psalm 115:1 starts like this: “Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” It’s a prayer for God to get all the glory. And yet we don’t always glorify God, do we? Jud Wilhite pastors a church in Las Vegas. He writes, “God … Continue reading Credit where credit is due
Failure doesn’t mean defeat
Why did David take FIVE stones (instead of one) when he went to battle Goliath? The answer might give us a new perspective about what defeat and victory look like in your life.
Is the point of life to be a good person?
Is the point of life to be a good person? A lot of people think so. But what do they mean by “good”? Many things that were “good” in our society 50 years ago are no longer “good.” And many things that are “good” today will no longer be considered “good” 50 years from now. … Continue reading Is the point of life to be a good person?
Stopping problems from putting down roots
Have you ever noticed how the Bible is packed with statements about God wanting us to worship, glorify and serve him? And have you ever thought to yourself, ‘Doesn’t that seem kind of selfish? Why is the all-loving God so consumed with his own glory?’ Well, it’s actually for our benefit. Let me explain. Last … Continue reading Stopping problems from putting down roots
From Trolls to Glorifiers
Trolls continually post negative comments online. If you want to pump some positivity into the drab that can be the internet, read on.
The Up Devotional 