There are problems everywhere. But there aren’t ONLY problems. There are blessings too. They are gifts from God. To notice you may need to give yourself permission to smile and to enjoy life a little more often. Life can be hard. There are serious issues in the world. Because of this, we can focus (almost … Continue reading Permission to smile
hardship
Shallow positivity
The people in the TV commercials are always so happy. I know, I know—they’re actors. But it makes me think of the phrase “shallow positivity.” Shallow positivity is the idea that we’re supposed to be happy all the time. Although not many of us would agree that we’re supposed to be happy all the time, … Continue reading Shallow positivity
Discomfort, pain and youth
Chris Colquitt is a campus minister for the Reformed University Fellowship at Northwestern University. In a recent talk he was speaking about faith and Gen Z. That’s the generation born roughly between 1996 and 2010. One of the things he talked about was how kids were (and are) raised, and the influence this has on … Continue reading Discomfort, pain and youth
Roots stabilize you
Our yard has a beautiful hydrangea tree. Actually, our yard used to have a beautiful hydrangea tree. It got knocked down by the wind. I took a close look. The blooms were gorgeous, especially in autumn. But the root structure was basically non-existent. I’m not sure why. For some reason, the roots weren’t spread out, … Continue reading Roots stabilize you
Barrenness of soul
“I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish” (Ezekiel 17:24). Generally speaking, we do not like hardship. We try to avoid it. But if we’re being honest, I think that most of us can look back on certain hardships from our past and see how some good was able to come … Continue reading Barrenness of soul
A friend loves at all times
The biblical book of Proverbs has a lot to say about friendship. Here’s another: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity” (Proverbs 17:17). Let’s flush out the meaning. True friends are there for you at all times, including the ups and downs. This is a warning … Continue reading A friend loves at all times
God’s loving discipline
Hello! After some vacation time The Up Devotional is back to your email inboxes, social media feeds and podcast platforms five mornings a week! Today let’s look at Proverbs 3:11-12: “My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father … Continue reading God’s loving discipline
Divine deliverance
Psalm 91 is sometimes called The Soldier’s Psalm. We hear stories of soldiers putting its words on small pieces of paper or cardboard and tucking them in a pocket in their uniform. Through history others have put its words in small lockets as if to ward off evil. Although Psalm 91 most certainly speaks about … Continue reading Divine deliverance
Difficulty, but never defeat
The Lord does battle for you. You may experience difficulty, but never defeat. Let me provide an illustration. A small child walks into a street with his head down. A woman jumps into the street to get the attention of a truck driver who is barreling his way. The driver hits the brakes and swerves … Continue reading Difficulty, but never defeat
Where God puts a comma
Have you ever felt like God has let you down? Perhaps illness has come into your life. Perhaps you wanted a baby and it never happened. Perhaps you experienced a personal and brutal attack. Perhaps you have been so stressed or anxious that you wondered if it wouldn’t just be better if you weren’t on … Continue reading Where God puts a comma
