A lot of people are experiencing a sense of loss right now. -Many have lost jobs, money or mental calm. -Many have lost experiences or opportunities. -And many have lost a sense of control or composure. Today I’m here to tell you that you can’t always have everything that matters, but you can have everything … Continue reading Even though you can’t have everything
theupdevo
What rules you?
What rules you? No, seriously. What RULES you? Fear? The pursuit of success? An unquenchable desire to be liked? In Colossians 3:15 Paul writes: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.” As “members of one body” (i.e. the church), we should seek peace … Continue reading What rules you?
Speaking truthfully about God
The Ten Commandments are among the best known biblical teachings all over the world. Many of us know them. But do we know them? For example, Exodus 20: 7 says: “You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.” The older … Continue reading Speaking truthfully about God
Humility holds a mirror
Jesus’ half-brother James was known for his wisdom and faithfulness. In fact, his nickname was “camel knees” because he apparently spent so much time on his knees in prayer that they swelled and became calloused and huge! He wrote: “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is … Continue reading Humility holds a mirror
Default reaction
In Romans 2:1, Paul offers a warning to those who have been passing judgment on others when they themselves are doing the same things: “You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same … Continue reading Default reaction
The measure you use will be measured to you
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” That’s what Jesus says in Matthew 7:1. If you judge, then you will also be judged by God. He goes on to explain further in verse 2: “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it … Continue reading The measure you use will be measured to you
The comfort of God’s sovereignty
“I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose…” (Isaiah 46:9-10, ESV) Harold Kim tells a story about his friend Daniel who had to bury his wife, Maria, due … Continue reading The comfort of God’s sovereignty
And we shall find God by our side
“Seek God in all things and we shall find God by our side.”* So said Peter Claver. He was a Jesuit from Spain in the early 1600’s who was sent to Cartagena (now in Columbia). While there he devoted himself to caring for thousands upon thousands of people who were being sent from west Africa … Continue reading And we shall find God by our side
Big God vs little “god”
Joseph’s brothers hated him. They sold him into slavery in Egypt when he was 17. He was falsely accused of assault and sent to prison. But since God gave him the ability to interpret dreams, he eventually provided valuable insight to Pharaoh, the most powerful man in the land, and saved untold numbers of people … Continue reading Big God vs little “god”
God uses crooked sticks
Broken. Bruised. Uncertain. Imperfect. Flawed. Deficient. Maybe you can relate to a few of those words. Maybe they describe something challenging from your past—or from your present. Today I’m here to tell you that “God uses crooked sticks to draw straight lines.”* That’s something that was said by a church father named Ignatius. As the … Continue reading God uses crooked sticks
