Steadfastness of hope. What an inspiring phrase. Here it is in 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 (ESV): “We give thanks to God always for all of you… remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” Hope. We like it. We want it. … Continue reading Hope works backward to lift you forward
perspective
Perspective corrective
[Note: After today, The Up Devotional will go on pause for a week, returning on June 12, 2023.] If you want to read something that tells you that everything is always wonderful and that life should be a non-stop parade of flowers and lollipops, don’t read the Bible. The Bible is too honest for that. … Continue reading Perspective corrective
The big picture and right-sizing our problems
Perspective is about seeing the bigger picture and right-sizing our problems. Let me explain. When you are looking through a camera lens and want to see more of whatever you’re looking at, you zoom out or go to a wide-angle. You get a clearer picture about what is happening because you can see more. This … Continue reading The big picture and right-sizing our problems
Talking to your problems about God
Do you have problems? I’m sure you do. If so, you’ve probably been talking to God about them. I recently came across this statement by Mark Batterson: “It’s okay to talk to God about your problems, but at some point you need to talk to your problems about God.”* At first it didn’t sit well … Continue reading Talking to your problems about God
The rock that is higher than I
Non-stop news. Overflowing schedules. Phones that won’t stop dinging. Mental and emotional frakis. You're right, "frakis," isn't a word, but you get the gist. Not everyone’s life is like this. But for a lot of people this is a daily reality. One of my favourite verses from the psalms is Psalm 61:2. David says: “lead … Continue reading The rock that is higher than I
When you’re feeling low
Recently I was feeling a bit low about some things. As I folded my hands to pray, I felt as if God shoved into my mind a long list of blessings he had poured into my life—things, experiences, opportunities and people from my childhood, to my early adulthood, and to now. It was as if … Continue reading When you’re feeling low
Joy, even after watching his house burn down
I recently had the privilege of interviewing Dan Scott, the national Moderator of The Presbyterian Church in Canada. [Link below.] When he was a boy, he watched his house burn to the ground in an act of arson. The next morning his father read James 1:2-3 to him and his siblings: “Consider it pure joy, … Continue reading Joy, even after watching his house burn down
The greatest inheritance
Several years ago there was a winner to the Mega Millions lottery. Actually, there were three winners. Three teachers had gone in together to buy a ticket and had won. Put yourself in their shoes. Imagine how your life would change. However, they didn’t claim their prize for a full ten days. They waited. They … Continue reading The greatest inheritance
Great is your reward… in heaven
Jesus said: “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven…” (Matthew 5:11-12). I’d like to share a comforting thought. You might not think it’s very comforting at first, but hear me … Continue reading Great is your reward… in heaven
I look for the good things
I know someone who seems incapable of seeing anything in a positive way. Cynicism is the air they breathe—both in and out. They even seem to think that their tainted outlook makes them wise. But it doesn’t. If you’re like the rest of humanity, this most recent chapter of life hasn’t been ideal. That’s why … Continue reading I look for the good things
