“By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error” (1 John 4:6).Neil Anderson and Timothy Warner say that “Satan loves to be ignored.”* What do they mean?Think about it. If the Devil jumped out from behind every bush with horns and a pitch fork, we’d easily be able to identify and reject … Continue reading He loves to be ignored
Jesus Christ
Lord, what’s the least I need to do in this relationship?
“If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father” (1 John 2:24).John Ortberg invites us to imagine the following scenario. Imagine a man and a woman on their wedding day. The decorations are amazing. The guests are joyful. The music is majestic. … Continue reading Lord, what’s the least I need to do in this relationship?
Many antichrists have come
What do Nero, Napoleon, Stalin and Hitler all have in common? They were all accused of being the Antichrist. The apostle John uses the word “Antichrist” five times in his letters. But what does it mean? The Louw-Nida Greek lexicon defines the term like this: “one who is opposed to Christ, in the sense of usurping … Continue reading Many antichrists have come
When the world doesn’t keep it’s promise
C.S. Lewis was a famous literary critic and author. He converted to Christianity from atheism. Here is one of his more famous quotes: “There are all sorts of things in this world that offer to give it to you, but they never quite keep their promise… If I find in myself a desire which no experience … Continue reading When the world doesn’t keep it’s promise
You can’t illuminate darkness with darkness
The apostle John walked and talked with Jesus, the one who said he was the very light of the world (John 8:12). In 1 John 1:5 he shared this insight of clarity and power: “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” As his people we are to “walk in the light, as … Continue reading You can’t illuminate darkness with darkness
Are you dying for him?
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).In A Tale of Two Cities two men look a lot alike. Their names are Charles and Sydney. They both fall in love with the same woman. She falls back in love with … Continue reading Are you dying for him?
Knowing + Doing =
Hello and welcome back to The Up Daily Devotional. I’ve been taking some vacation time but am now back five mornings a week to your email inbox, social media and podcasts feeds, and radio airwaves.I also return to teach and preach at Westminster this coming Sunday.Okay, here we go.I often say that September is the … Continue reading Knowing + Doing =
Pray for those who persecute you
It’s one of Jesus’ most famous and inspirational statements. It’s also one of the most difficult: “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).Sounds good in theory, but what about in reality? What about the people who have wronged you personally or who have done something against someone you care about?Miroslav … Continue reading Pray for those who persecute you
“I’m doing this for God’s glory!” Um, really?
[1-week pause alert. See notification at the end of today's devotional.] ~ In 1 Corinthians 10:31 Paul writes: “whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”It’s a famous verse. It reminds us to give God the glory no matter what. It’s not about us; it’s about him.When we feel overlooked or taken … Continue reading “I’m doing this for God’s glory!” Um, really?
In this glitter-obsessed world
[Apologies! - Some of you may have received this on July 2 and July 3. The error has been corrected. This is the devotional for July 3, 2025] In Matthew 6:19-21 Jesus says: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but … Continue reading In this glitter-obsessed world
