The novelty of Zoom meetings has worn off. No offense Zoom, you’ve been a big help! Technology can do a lot of things, but not everything. For example, you can’t hug someone through a screen. Recently on Zoom I discovered a feature called “Hide Self View.” If you select that option, you see the other … Continue reading Hide Self View
humility
Stand firm on your knees
There are times when you need to stand firm in your faith. No doubt about it. You can get pushed (or body checked) off-centre by a variety of forces or false teachings—unless you are standing firm. One of my favourite verses from 1 Corinthians 15 is verse 58. Paul had just taught them about the … Continue reading Stand firm on your knees
The usefulness of weakness
It’s eye-opening and useful to thank God in our weaknesses. I’m not saying that we should thank God FOR our weaknesses. After all, there are many weaknesses which lead to very bad things. Thanking God IN your weakness is something else. It is a humble reminder that we are not able to make it on … Continue reading The usefulness of weakness
Jr A hockey and Luke 14:11
In Luke 14:10-11 Jesus says: “But when you are invited [to a wedding feast], take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. For all those who exalt themselves … Continue reading Jr A hockey and Luke 14:11
Humility: Your first thought of the day
You'll find it difficult to grow and develop as a disciple of Jesus if you aren’t intentionally cultivating humility. Augustine says: “If you try to build a tall house of virtues you must first of all lay a deep foundation of humility.”* He’s talking about the castle of your character. Without a “deep foundation of … Continue reading Humility: Your first thought of the day
Looking down our noses
In Luke 7 we learn about a woman who had a less-than-stellar reputation. Even though we all mess up and have many missteps in our journey with God, it’s probably not something we want to be known for. This woman was known for sin. She went up to Jesus boldly, looking for forgiveness. An on-looking … Continue reading Looking down our noses
Only strong and smart people?
“Only strong people are close to God. Only smart people know anything about God.” In case it’s not obvious, those two sentences are incorrect! But we still tend to let those kinds of thoughts creep into our heads, don’t we? And yet. God shows grace to the humble (James 4:6). And your salvation is something … Continue reading Only strong and smart people?
Full of yourself, or the Spirit?
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them…” (Luke 2:8-9) Have you ever wondered, “Why shepherds?” Why did the angel come to them of all people while they were actively watching against thieves and prey? There are probably … Continue reading Full of yourself, or the Spirit?
A soul rooted in humility
Hello! After a week away, the ‘Up!’ devotional is back to your email inbox and social media feeds. James 4:6 says, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” God OPPOSES the proud, but shows FAVOUR to the humble. Would you rather God oppose you, or show you favour? Yeah, me too! Here's … Continue reading A soul rooted in humility
Dirty windows
Someone shared a newspaper clipping with me.* It told about a young couple who had moved into a new home. Every so often the wife would look out the window and see her neighbour hanging her laundry out to dry. “That laundry is not very clean; she doesn’t know how to wash correctly. Perhaps she … Continue reading Dirty windows
