Generally speaking, people want to be happy. But what is happiness, anyway? Is it related to status, money, or an all-expenses paid vacation? What about a lollipop while watching the sunset? I want to share four “ingredients of true happiness” according to John Calvin, a towering figure in Christian thought from the 1500’s. I value … Continue reading 4 ingredients of happiness
theupdevo
A servant mindset
Servants of a Servant Saviour serve. We serve God and we serve others. It’s just a part of who we are. It’s a part of our devotion to Jesus. I know servants who help with children or with technology, with food programs or with prayer marathons, with the homeless or with homework. But we can … Continue reading A servant mindset
Flavour your country with this
For those of you living in Canada, happy Canada Day! And for those of you in America, please accept my best wishes for a happy Independence Day on July 4th! Did you know that followers of Jesus are actually citizens of two different places at the same time? Here’s what I mean. I’m a citizen … Continue reading Flavour your country with this
If you don’t proactively shape who you are…
There are things that shape us—that contribute to the molding of our minds and hearts. Our relationships, society, and country all play a part in this formative process. Messages are coming at us on an hourly basis about what is right or wrong, or good or bad, or attractive or ugly, or valuable or insignificant, … Continue reading If you don’t proactively shape who you are…
Our strength every morning
Dick and Rick are members of Team Hoyt. Together they’ve competed in sixty-four marathons, two hundred and six triathlons at Ironman distance, and two hundred and four 10K runs. In total, that’s over six thousand kilometres! But get this. Dick, the father, can run. But Rick, the son, isn’t able to run or speak. It’s … Continue reading Our strength every morning
You can’t stand on quicksand
Yesterday I said that wisdom is hearing Jesus’ words and putting them into practice. Sounds good, right? But it also sounds STABILIZING. Here’s why.
What does it mean to be wise, anyway? [Plus, new book announcement!]
Yesterday I said that when you gorge on information, you’re too full for wisdom. But what does it mean to be wise, anyway? Fear not. We don’t have to guess. Jesus tells us.
Based on what we think is true
We live our lives based on what we think is true. For example, if I think it’s true that it’s going to rain, then I’m going to grab an umbrella when I head outside. But if I don’t, I won’t. If I think it’s true that my child is about to get hit by a … Continue reading Based on what we think is true
It determines the day
Good morning! Many of you are opening this in the morning, whatever your time zone happens to be. If you fall into this category, I hope your sleep was refreshing, long enough, and didn’t include any creepy dreams. Let me get right to it. Even when times are tough—and especially when times are tough—your morning … Continue reading It determines the day
The clean of heart
In Matthew 5:8 Jesus says: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” The words “pure in heart” imply being clean before God. He’s not talking about taking a shower. He’s talking about holiness and integrity in God’s eyes. By adding the words “in heart,” Jesus is emphasizing the inner aspect of … Continue reading The clean of heart
