Lately I’ve been talking about “Keeping up with the Joneses.” It’s an expression that has to do with how you think you’re measuring up (and keeping up) with the people around you. It has to do with comparison. And do you know what? It’s an exhausting way to live. In an incredibly honest interview with … Continue reading Proving that you’re somebody
inspiration
If not you, who?
The thing that happens when people gather on Sunday is called a “worship service.” It’s often at a building, but not always. Recently on vacation (in a very warm climate!) we gathered in a circle on the beach. Psalm 66:2 says, “sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise!” That’s what we did … Continue reading If not you, who?
Worth the risk
When it comes to a worship service, I’m usually the one doing the talking. So I was really looking forward to a service I attended on Tuesday night in Midland at Knox Church. My friend and colleague Alton Ruff said that when Jesus calls us to do something, it quite often involves going out of … Continue reading Worth the risk
Why other people’s standards are distracting
As you know, the “Up!” devo was on a break for a week while I was on vacation. But now I’m back and ready to walk faithfully into a new year. I hope you are too. And one of the things that helps us do that is to evaluate what we’re spending our time thinking … Continue reading Why other people’s standards are distracting
If you’re not dead
A lot of people make “New Year’s Resolutions.” When the year behind gives way to the year-to-come, they “resolve” to do something differently. Some people make these kinds of resolutions. Some don’t. Either way, many of us make personal goals. And a new year is a time to look forward to the next 365 days … Continue reading If you’re not dead
Don’t waste it dwelling on the negative
Human (noun): “a homo sapien who has the ability to breathe, reason, and become an expert at second guessing themselves and dwelling on the negative.” Okay, you’re right. That definition isn’t in the dictionary… but it could be! Especially after Christmas. You’d think that after celebrating the birth of the Messiah we’d be on cloud … Continue reading Don’t waste it dwelling on the negative
The means to live (but no meaning to live for)
Holocaust survivor, neurologist and psychiatrist Victor Frankl said that, “Ever more people today have the means to live, but no meaning to live for.” He was referring to what I call the crisis of purpose. I think it’s a huge part of the general malaise and apathy which can seep into so many people’s minds … Continue reading The means to live (but no meaning to live for)
Open me
There are certain moments in life when time seems to stand still. It’s when something really significant is happening and the usual routine of daily life is disrupted. One of these times is the birth of a child. Another is the death of someone we deeply care about. And I think that Christmas is one of those times … Continue reading Open me
Enjoying things without owning them
As far as I can tell, Jesus didn’t own very much. The Gospels don’t tell us anything about a storage unit for his overflow belongings. As I write this I’m aware that in comparison to him I have a lot of stuff. I have a house and a car in the driveway. I have a room full … Continue reading Enjoying things without owning them
One habit to live more simply
I love simplicity. And I love things that go along with the idea of simplicity—things like sincerity and practicality. Maybe I really like simplicity because I know that (a) life can get complicated, and (b) I find it very hard to achieve! Writing to the Corinthians Paul says that “we behaved in the world with … Continue reading One habit to live more simply
