Note: New Podcast Episode and Blog (link below)~ Have you seen the world lately? The pain, the division, the hardship, the anxiety, the threat of war, the evil, the darkness…The Dark Knight trilogy of movies with Batman came to a head with the final release in 2012. People thought, ‘Oh, this is going to be … Continue reading Ready to leave the dark night behind
light of Christ
To the one who has, more will be given
Mark 4:25 causes some people to scratch their heads. They think it’s unfair. That’s where Jesus says: “For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” To understand what is happening, we need to look at the context. Jesus … Continue reading To the one who has, more will be given
The glory of Jesus outshines
In a prayer for his disciples—both then and now—Jesus prays: “Father, I want those you have given me… to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world” (John 17:24). Jesus prays that we will see his glory. This surely includes a growing appreciation of … Continue reading The glory of Jesus outshines
Shopping for lightning bolts
Hello everyone, I’m back from three weeks of vacation—and so is The Up Daily Devotional! I caught some Z’s, a sunburn and a fish. Business and marketing expert Seth Godin has written: “We need to stop shopping for lightning bolts.”* When it comes to faith, many people seem to be seeking cheap thrills—flashy and electrifying, … Continue reading Shopping for lightning bolts
Having the light of life
Jesus said: “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). It’s a promise. If you follow him you will have the light of life. The light of life doesn’t necessarily equal happiness and freedom from care. Sometimes, yes; but not always. The light might not always … Continue reading Having the light of life
Lightsome
Thomas More was beheaded in 1535 at the order of King Henry the 8th. The last thing More wrote while imprisoned in the tower of London was a devotional work called The Sadness of Christ. In it he penned this moving phrase about God: “he that by the infinite brightness of his divine majesty maketh … Continue reading Lightsome
Real believing and real following
Jesus said: “I am the light of the world. Whoever WATCHES me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Oh, wait a second. That’s a misquote. Of course he didn’t say that. Here’s what he actually said. “I am the light of the world. Whoever FOLLOWS me will never walk … Continue reading Real believing and real following
Following the pillar of fire
Very famously Jesus said: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). I love that verse. I quote in on Christmas Eve when we light the Christ Candle and pass out the light to the congregation while singing carols. … Continue reading Following the pillar of fire
You can’t expect the world to change if…
Have you noticed? The online world is a very angry place right now. Just spend a few minutes on Twitter. Or any other social media platform for that matter. People are complaining about this or that. They’re accusing so-and-so of this, that and the other thing. Or they’re advocating for a certain cause and calling … Continue reading You can’t expect the world to change if…
Borrowed light
This past Sunday at church, several people shared video statements about being part of a small group. [Link below.] A small group is where people get together to study God’s teachings in the Bible, to discuss and learn, to get to know one another, and to pray. I am so thankful that they took the time … Continue reading Borrowed light
