Let me suggest something that is a part of your faith—but you’ve maybe never thought of it that way: Respecting your elders. An ancient law in Leviticus 19:32 says, “Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God.” It easy to lose sight of this kind of … Continue reading Your elders
inspiration
The pleasure button
Hi everyone! As many of you know, I’ve been on vacation. And after a two-week break the Up! devotional is back! On this last Monday in August let me share a thought: Dr. Robert Galbraith Heath did some research on human behaviour. Electrodes were placed on areas of patients’ brains. When a button was pushed, … Continue reading The pleasure button
How to handcuff the present
I’m no stranger to nostalgia. I like looking back and remembering the good ole days. But is there a point when looking back too much is harmful? I believe that if you glorify the past you handcuff the present. In other words, if you put too much stock in what has happened in the past, … Continue reading How to handcuff the present
Your soldiers for the battle
Why have many of us bought the lie that life is supposed to be easy? Maybe it's tempting to believe all the shiny, happy people in the TV commercials. But no. Life is a... Battle. In this country, 1 in 4 are "very stressed" at work. 1 in 8 families struggle to put food on … Continue reading Your soldiers for the battle
When you feel defeated
I think there can be a darkness within each one of us that loves to reach up, take hold of our confidence, and pull it down into an abyss of self-pity. You know the days. The bad thoughts or feelings start to steamroll. It’s the opposite of positive momentum. You feel deflated. Then you catch … Continue reading When you feel defeated
Consider others better than yourselves
Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about how individualistic our society has become. Basically, “individualism” is a way of thinking. It’s living like your own immediate needs and wants are more important than the needs of the wider community. It’s a Me-Myself-and-I way of life. I’m not saying your own needs aren’t important. But they’re … Continue reading Consider others better than yourselves
Order of Operations… in math and life
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… in math and life
God is on me!
Pastor Craig Groeschel was giving a talk at a youth camp. There was one boy who was clearly just not into it. As Craig talked, he sat there disinterested, hands in his pockets, slumped over, even looking angry. Afterwards, the young man revealed some struggles in his life. Craig asked if he could pray for … Continue reading God is on me!
Your spiritual gift
In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul writes, “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them… Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good” (verses 4, 7). In a profound passage, Paul explains how God gives spiritual gifts to all Christians. If you are a follower … Continue reading Your spiritual gift
The distance you’ve already come
Yesterday I talked about the fruit of the Spirit that Paul lists in Galatians 5:22-23 (CSB): “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” As a follower of Jesus, these traits will start to grow in your life. If you’re like me, you’ve probably looked at that list and scratched your head in … Continue reading The distance you’ve already come
