Never in my life have I talked to more people about the uncertainty of the future. If I were alive during World War Two or the upstart of the Cold War, perhaps I would not be able to say that. But fears and anxieties about the future are now common. Is it even possible to … Continue reading Yield to Jesus when you are fearful or anxious about the future
the future
Jump anyway. I can see you!
Jesus said: “Follow me” (John 1:43). I’ve noticed something. People who are confident in Jesus, and who are confident about his ongoing provision and power in their lives, don’t tend to tremor as much at what the future might bring. I’m not saying they never tremor. I’m saying they don’t tend to tremor as much. … Continue reading Jump anyway. I can see you!
Preparing who you are (for the future)
In 2 Peter 3:18, the apostle says to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” The reasons why this kind of growth is a good idea are beyond quantification. But here’s one of them. You never know what challenges you’ll face in the future. But what you DO know … Continue reading Preparing who you are (for the future)
Sinicism
Sinicism. You’re right. It’s actually spelled with a C. Cynicism. But lately I’ve been thinking that an overly cynical view of the world is sin—hence, sin-icism. Let me explain. When it comes to plain old cynicism, I get it. There is a lot we could be cynical about. I mean, a lot. Have you watched … Continue reading Sinicism
Brains like a broken Etch-A-Sketch?
What will next month hold? Or next year? Or the next 5 years? At this point in human history, we’re not so sure. Covid-19 has changed a lot of things. But guess what? God provides. Speaking to the Hebrews in Deuteronomy 8:4, Moses reminded them about this very fact, even as they had wandered through … Continue reading Brains like a broken Etch-A-Sketch?
A time to re-evaluate success
What if you had a faulty understanding of success? If so, you’d probably have the wrong goals. And each day you’d probably miss the mark. In Deuteronomy 8:2 Moses was speaking to the Hebrews after they had wandered through the wilderness for forty years: “Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way … Continue reading A time to re-evaluate success
Only 15 feet at a time
There’s an old saying for travelers: The headlights in your car only light up the road in front of you 15 feet at a time—but those 15 feet will get you all the way to your destination. When you think about it, it’s profound. Miles and miles of darkness stretch out before you. You need … Continue reading Only 15 feet at a time
How to handcuff the present
I’m no stranger to nostalgia. I like looking back and remembering the good ole days. But is there a point when looking back too much is harmful? I believe that if you glorify the past you handcuff the present. In other words, if you put too much stock in what has happened in the past, … Continue reading How to handcuff the present
Your future in the Spirit
A lot of people have questions about the Holy Spirit. And I’m going to address some of them for you over the next few days. I think it will help clarify our thinking, and encourage us for living. First, is the Holy Spirit an “it” or a “who”? The Holy Spirit is not some random … Continue reading Your future in the Spirit
Only God can count the apples in the seed
A friend of mine told me about something he saw on a fridge magnet: “Anyone can count the seeds in an apple. But only God can count the apples in the seed.” The reason I share that is because it’s easy to get discouraged when you don’t see something important in your life bearing fruit. … Continue reading Only God can count the apples in the seed
The Up Devotional 