As we run with perseverance the race before us, Hebrews 12:2 says we are to be “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Let’s look at a few other translations of these words: The CSB translation: “keeping our eyes on Jesus”The NET: “keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus”The ESV: “looking to … Continue reading The wandering eye
God first
Autumn: the first step back to good
Yesterday was the first day of autumn. There’s something new about a new season. I’m not just talking about cooler temperatures, pumpkins, or pirouetting, multi-coloured leaves. A new season can be a great opportunity for a mental re-set. Have you been consumed by emotional fog? Have you been distracted by lesser distractions? Have you been … Continue reading Autumn: the first step back to good
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.
It’s not You-ianity
The word ‘religion’ comes from the same Latin root as ‘ligament,’ meaning ‘to bind.’ In this sense, ‘religion’ refers to a system of beliefs and practices that ‘bind’ us to God and other people in a community. That’s obviously a good thing. But there’s another way the word ‘religion’ is used which I think is … Continue reading It’s not You-ianity
When things that seem fine are fatal
In Mark 4:18-19 Jesus says that some people “hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.” He’s describing people who don’t respond well to God’s word and message because of three things. Today we focus … Continue reading When things that seem fine are fatal
Order of Operations
I forget which grade I was in but it was definitely high school. And it was the day of the big math test. I remember that the problems were complicated. You had to follow all the mathematical rules, what the teacher called the “order of operations.” If you didn’t, your entire answer would get messed … Continue reading Order of Operations
Until we are aware of God’s marching orders
Life is full of decisions. Small ones, easy ones, tough ones, and over-sized. But how do you make decisions in a faithful way? That is true to what God’s purposes might be for your life? Well, you’re right. That’s a big question. But here's some advice: Consult God FIRST. Carl George writes, “Until we are … Continue reading Until we are aware of God’s marching orders
The cure for poor I-sight
It’s no secret that our society is highly individualistic. It often seems like everyone’s elbowing for room in a me-first world where there’s only so much happiness, opportunity or money to go around. From a Christian point of view, the problem is that we’re supposed to put God first—not ourselves. Jesus said, “If anyone would … Continue reading The cure for poor I-sight
Flopping around like a fish
Three friends were walking along the beach and noticed a fish flopping around on the shore. One person wondered if the fish was sad because it didn’t seem to own anything nice. So he bought the fish a gold watch and set it beside him. But nope. It made no difference. It still just flopped around. … Continue reading Flopping around like a fish
A verse we read with one eye closed
I don’t know about you, but when I read the Bible there’s a silent conversation happening in my head. With a lot of stories and verses I’m saying things like ‘Yeah, that’s awesome, that’s good too, oh yup…” But then I run into passages like this one and yup turns into gulp: “If anyone wants … Continue reading A verse we read with one eye closed
The Up Devotional 