In the previous devotional I highlighted Jesus’ words: “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10, ESV). I’d like to invite you to do something. It’s kind of heavy. But I think it’s super-important. Write down on a piece of paper the purpose of your life. You can write it … Continue reading Write down your purpose
priorities
Wasteful or wise?
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). Have you heard of a “bucket list”? It’s a list of things people want to do before they die—before they “kick the bucket.” There’s a website which lists popular choices. Skydiving, skinny-dipping, visiting the Grand Canyon and sleeping under … Continue reading Wasteful or wise?
When nice things become ultimate things
Jesus said: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21). Last week we spent time talking about your soul and about how your soul has an appetite. Fill it with the wrong thing … Continue reading When nice things become ultimate things
Gorging on the right things, or the wrong things?
This week we’ve been talking about your soul and about spiritual appetites. A man goes to a fast food restaurant. He has twenty five dollars in his pocket and nowhere to be. He orders his favourite combo and supersizes it. He stuffs himself to the brim, refills his coke, and goes back for a vanilla … Continue reading Gorging on the right things, or the wrong things?
Peace not panic
In the epic story Moby Dick, there is a turbulent scene where a whaleboat races to try and catch the great whale. The scene is frantic. Sailors are yelling and working hard. The enraged Captain Ahab is at the helm. But one person is calm amidst the chaos. He is steady and focused. It’s the … Continue reading Peace not panic
(Really) prioritizing the faith of children as we re-vision our lives
For those of you with children or grandchildren, or for those of you who lead or teach children and youth in some other way, I’m about to share something that might be a bit jarring. But there are times when some soul-rattling is in order. Let me share it with you, and then explain my … Continue reading (Really) prioritizing the faith of children as we re-vision our lives
Un-drifting from shore
Hello! The Up Devotional is glad to be back after two weeks of vacation. My family spent some time at the ocean. And yes, it was warm enough to swim. We even saw dolphins! One day my daughters and I were jumping in the waves. They would crash into us. We tried to keep our … Continue reading Un-drifting from shore
The skull of motivation (Ash Wednesday)
Today is Ash Wednesday. Some Christians are in the habit of putting ashes on their foreheads because they symbolize our mourning and regret for sin. But ashes also symbolize our mortality. This recalls Genesis 3:19 where Adam was punished for his disobedience to God and made to work the soil from which he came: “for … Continue reading The skull of motivation (Ash Wednesday)
The monks were clearly playing by different rules
A story is told from the Vietnam War. A platoon was hunkered down in some rice paddies in the heat of a firefight. Suddenly, as if out of nowhere, a group of six monks started walking through the middle of the field between the two sides. David Busch recounts the scene: “They didn’t look right, … Continue reading The monks were clearly playing by different rules
Discuss your priorities
If you’re reading or listening to this, you’re probably someone who values priorities. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be subscribed to a devotional which is dedicated to keeping our focus on God. The greatest command is an articulation of priorities: “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?... The Lord our God, the Lord is one. … Continue reading Discuss your priorities
