Looking for answers in all the (wrong) places The “Up!” Devo for September 8 If we look for answers in incorrect places, we’ll get answers that are incomplete. For example, sitting on my desk are three textbooks. One is for the Greek language, one is for philosophy, and one is for psychology. If I try … Continue reading Looking for answers in all the (wrong) places
Jesus Christ
What does it mean to be wise, anyway? [Plus, new book announcement!]
Yesterday I said that when you gorge on information, you’re too full for wisdom. But what does it mean to be wise, anyway? Fear not. We don’t have to guess. Jesus tells us.
When you gorge on information
Saying that we live in the “information age” seems like an understatement. There is more information coming at us than ever before. In 2019 YouTube reported that 500 hours of new video content is uploaded every single minute. Yup, every minute. Combine this with news, blogs, radio programs, social media, Netflix, TV, music, movies—the list goes … Continue reading When you gorge on information
The clean of heart
In Matthew 5:8 Jesus says: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” The words “pure in heart” imply being clean before God. He’s not talking about taking a shower. He’s talking about holiness and integrity in God’s eyes. By adding the words “in heart,” Jesus is emphasizing the inner aspect of … Continue reading The clean of heart
No other hope
The Beatitudes are a short-but-mighty collection of Jesus’ teachings. Here is how they begin: “Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He said: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” … Continue reading No other hope
How do you acknowledge him?
Have you ever done something really nice for someone but they didn’t even acknowledge you? Maybe you can hear yourself saying something like this: “They didn’t even acknowledge what I did!”
Not some cheap substitute
I recently read that the real reason the Titanic sank wasn’t because it hit an iceberg. Well, sure, that’s the main reason, but it wasn’t the only reason. Apparently, there was a shortage of good quality bolts when it was being built. So the builders settled for cheap rivets as replacements. Rivets held the steel … Continue reading Not some cheap substitute
The battle of the mind
The battle many people are fighting right now is the battle of the mind. Franticness. Failure. Fear. Loneliness. Loss. Lethargy. Distress. Disappointment. Doubt. So how do you win the battle of the mind? In 2 Corinthians 10:5 Paul writes: “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and … Continue reading The battle of the mind
Christ cannot be quarantined
Where is God in a pandemic? It’s a big question. I addressed it more fully this past Sunday. [Link below.] But for today, let me just say two things. First, God is always on his throne. Nothing ever changes that. He is our sovereign and eternal ruler and king. Second, God is in YOU and … Continue reading Christ cannot be quarantined
Don’t beat yourself up
Today I’m here to tell you to cut yourself some slack. Here’s why. We’re living through a global pandemic. Has buying groceries ever been this complicated? More people are working from home (or adjusting to a new work situation), homeschooling their kids, trying to think through extracurricular (if even possible), dealing with limited access to … Continue reading Don’t beat yourself up
