In 1 John 3:14 we read: “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other.” In World War Two, Japan occupied Korea. There were religious shrines set up all over the place and people were expected to bow down to them. Esther Ahn Kim was a Christian who refused. … Continue reading Who do you want me to love for you today?
image of God
215 children
As a pastor, I spend some time in cemeteries. It’s moving to see visitors taking care of headstones, planting flowers, or simply spending quiet moments in reflection or prayer. The peace and tranquility of those scenes stands in stark contrast to a discovery in British Columbia, Canada, where the remains of 215 children were found … Continue reading 215 children
In the face of God
In our society the spotlight is shining brightly on the problem of racial injustice. There is certainly racial discrimination in our world, and that should change. In Matthew 6:10 Jesus teaches us to pray for God’s will and kingdom to come “on earth as it is in heaven.” So doesn’t it make sense for us … Continue reading In the face of God
Made in the image of God
Hello again! As you know, “Up!” has been on pause for a week while I’ve been away for some dedicated study time. As of today, the devotional returns to your feed or email inbox five days a week—Monday to Friday! A lot has happened in the past seven days. There is a lot of hurt. … Continue reading Made in the image of God
An accurate view of yourself
Some people have too HIGH a view of themselves. They think they’re always right and others are always wrong. They think it’s a privilege for you just to be in their presence. They think they’re the best thing since sliced bread. Others have a too LOW a view of themselves. They think they’re good for … Continue reading An accurate view of yourself
When up is down and down is up
“For we live by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7, NIV). There are people living in huge mansions who are way more miserable thank you think. There are people living on the street who have way more joy than you think. There are people who have made a lot of mistakes who have way … Continue reading When up is down and down is up
Aren’t they all our children?
Several years ago a reporter was covering the conflict in Sarajevo when he saw a young girl get shot. He rushed over to help. By the time he got there another man also wanted to assist. They lifted her into the reporter’s car and set off to the hospital. The reporter drove, and the other … Continue reading Aren’t they all our children?
Loved people love people
I was watching an interview with someone who worked with at-risk youth. He said, “Hurt people hurt people.” He meant that if someone has been deeply hurt in their past, they often hurt other people simply because it’s what they know. Is that always the case? No. But in his experience it was often true. … Continue reading Loved people love people
Love defined
Today is Valentine's day. It's a day a lot of people spend thinking about love. But I'd like to widen our scope a bit and think about what love actually means. And not just in the romantic sense, but in the wider love-your-neighbour sense. I think that when we look at Jesus’ example, love means … Continue reading Love defined
When they sang Happy Birthday she wept
Tony Campolo is a sociologist who traveled to Hawaii. Because of the time change he found himself wide awake in the middle of the night, wandering the streets, and looking for somewhere to eat. He found a small diner and ordered a coffee and a donut. Soon, a bunch of loud, boisterous prostitutes came in. … Continue reading When they sang Happy Birthday she wept
