John 4:47 describes a desperate scene: “When this [royal official] heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death.” This was a world of honour and of strict social convention. The royal official humbled himself before Jesus—something … Continue reading Desperation at the feet of Jesus
prayer
Pray big at the throne
John 4:47 describes a desperate plea by a desperate father: “When [he] heard that Jesus had arrived… he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death.” They were in Cana, but the sick child was in Capernaum. Nevertheless, Jesus healed him—right then and there, and from … Continue reading Pray big at the throne
Sigh
Last week a news story of a Toronto boy named Carter sent waves around the internet. He was shovelling piles of snow, dealing with a pandemic, and couldn’t yet go back to in-person learning because his school had been closed because of the storm. As he talked with the reporter he let out an exasperated … Continue reading Sigh
God’s timely help
I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about Hebrews 4:16: “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” In our time of need. You could also translate that phrase “for timely help.” In other words, God’s … Continue reading God’s timely help
Why you can approach this throne with confidence
When you’re in over your head, who do you go to? You go to someone you know personally, who is trustworthy, and who has a track record of being helpful. I think that one of the reasons we don’t open up to God and invite him into our most desperate places is because, perhaps, we … Continue reading Why you can approach this throne with confidence
3 suggestions to help with temptation
“Because [Jesus] himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” So says Hebrews 2:18. But how? How is he able to help those who are being tempted? Let me make three suggestions. First, talk to God about it—honestly. Think of your most painful or frequent temptations. We … Continue reading 3 suggestions to help with temptation
Worrying means you suffer twice
In the movie Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Newt Scamander tells people not to worry. In response, one of the characters says, “Tell me, has anyone ever believed you when you told them not to worry?” He replies: “My philosophy is that worrying means you suffer twice.”* Isn’t that great? Worry is a … Continue reading Worrying means you suffer twice
God resurrected the tree
There was a church by an African village who met under a tree. A local witch doctor put curse on the tree and it died. So what did the church do? They had a prayer meeting. What did they pray for? Did they pray for solace or to find another location? Did they pray that … Continue reading God resurrected the tree
Motives, prayer and invisible momentum
Hello! After four weeks of vacation The Up Devotional is back with your one-minute daily shot of soul espresso! In the fictional movie Bruce Almighty, Bruce is played by actor Jim Carrey. He has the unique opportunity to do God’s job for a while. He wants to be nice to everyone so he says Yes … Continue reading Motives, prayer and invisible momentum
Calling on the name of the Lord
The writer of Psalm 116 had experienced trauma—the “griefs of the grave,” as it is stated in the Geneva Bible translation. Whatever his particular affliction, he had called out to God for help, and received it! In gratitude and thanksgiving he said he would “call on the name of the LORD” (verse 13). We’ve heard … Continue reading Calling on the name of the Lord
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