A lot of people think of God as an Almighty Kill-Joy. As if he never wants you to have any fun. As if he wants you to continually flagellate yourself and stick a pin in the balloon of your excitement and happiness. This is a radical misunderstanding of God. Does God think you should do … Continue reading The Almighty Kill-Joy?
God
Jerked up by the collar
What do you expect when you worship God? Some of us expect to give something—whether it be our time, talent, money, voice, or prayers. But many of us expect to get something too—whether it be teaching, or friendship, or inspiration, or even comfort. Today I want to focus on the idea of comfort. Don’t get … Continue reading Jerked up by the collar
In spite of you
Think God can't save or use you because you always mess up and are imperfect? Think again.
Prioritizing key relationships
Yesterday I said that life was unpredictable and short, and that all of us are one heartbeat away from meeting our Maker. (Not to be morbid, but it’s true!) Because of that, getting right with God is our number 1 job. But today, I’d like to talk about something else along the same vein: Prioritizing … Continue reading Prioritizing key relationships
151,600 people every day
All of us are one heartbeat from meeting our Maker. So this is the #1 thing you need to figure out, especially in this world of distraction.
Special Agent… You?
Potential employees of the government need to answer a series of questions before they can be hired. One of the questions that used to be asked was this: “Do you think you are a special agent of God?” As you can imagine, it was designed to weed out potential “crazies” from the civil service. I … Continue reading Special Agent… You?
The Devil
1 Peter 5:8 "Your accuser, the devil, is on the prowl like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." (CEB) Today's Thought This may be the shortest devotional yet, but here goes: The Devil wants you to NOT pray... By Matthew Ruttan
Baseball, bullfights, or both?
Two groups of people participated in an experiment. The first was a bunch of Americans who had never been to Mexico. The second was a group of Mexicans who had never been to America. The researchers asked everyone to look into some binoculars. But they weren’t normal binoculars. At the end of one lens was … Continue reading Baseball, bullfights, or both?
You go nowhere by accident
Psalm 139:16 "all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be" (NIV) Today's Thought This week in the Up! devotional I’ve been offering super-practical ideas about how to love and connect with people, even people you just don’t like. But if you're going to be a person … Continue reading You go nowhere by accident
Is your God just a bigger you?
Isaiah 9:6 “And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (NIV) Today's Thought Last year I attended a training session for people in our congregation who visit those who are sick and for those who can’t leave their homes. The leader, Cathy, had us look at a series of … Continue reading Is your God just a bigger you?
