One of my favourite words in the Bible is steadfastness. Here is one of Paul’s prayers where he uses it. “May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ” (2 Thessalonians 3:5). Isn’t that awesome? I think it’s one of the most neglected prayer verses in the … Continue reading Praying for steadfastness
steadfast
Imitate those with a low centre of spiritual gravity
Laziness is bad, especially when it comes to faith. So the writer of Hebrews encouraged his readers to imitate those who knew how to press on, even in tough times. Hebrews 6:12 says: “We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.” … Continue reading Imitate those with a low centre of spiritual gravity
Stand firm in things eternal
At the start of a new year some people make resolutions. They resolve to improve something in their lives. Maybe it’s getting in shape, getting out of debt, or quitting smoking. Personally, I’m not too keen on making resolutions. But what I am keen on is developing practices and routines that help us stand firm … Continue reading Stand firm in things eternal
Be a California Redwood
The California Redwoods are massive trees, apparently the biggest living things on earth. Some are higher than 360 feet, and some are more than 60 feet around. Many are over 100 years old, and some are even over a thousand years old. Some of them have even been somewhat burned in forest fires—but they still … Continue reading Be a California Redwood
The burden shifts to Christ
Do you carry around a burden? Some invisible thing with difficulty or obligation? -Maybe it’s a draining responsibility that only falls to you. -Maybe it’s an internal and unhealthy drive to continually prove yourself to others. -Or maybe it’s a pile of problems you think only you can solve. Psalm 55:22 (ESV) says, “Cast your … Continue reading The burden shifts to Christ
Your reliability can make an impact
Right now I’m in a teaching series about how to be a person of your word in a world of verbal mistrust. [See the 50-second preview video here.] It’s generating a lot of interesting discussions. And in today’s devotional, I’d like to dig into something I’ll be talking a little bit more about this coming … Continue reading Your reliability can make an impact
The Up Devotional 