The Bible. How do we use it? How do we treat it? Like fancy family china that stays in a box somewhere? Or maybe like a prop? I loathe the Bible being used as a prop. Loathe. It is the Lord Almighty’s sacred word to his people through all time and through all generations. Speaking about … Continue reading Not a prop
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Made in the image of God
Hello again! As you know, “Up!” has been on pause for a week while I’ve been away for some dedicated study time. As of today, the devotional returns to your feed or email inbox five days a week—Monday to Friday! A lot has happened in the past seven days. There is a lot of hurt. … Continue reading Made in the image of God
How do you acknowledge him?
Have you ever done something really nice for someone but they didn’t even acknowledge you? Maybe you can hear yourself saying something like this: “They didn’t even acknowledge what I did!”
Fear can’t rule over you if
What makes some people afraid, and others unafraid? Imagine two men with a similar past, personality and personal life. When hardship comes, the first one loses sleep, perspective and peace. But the other usually sleeps well, maintains perspective, and feels at peace—even though life is sometimes a struggle. The first doesn’t trust that God is … Continue reading Fear can’t rule over you if
Coming to him with the greatest freedom
Psalm 91:3-4 says this: “Surely [God] will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” [A rampart is a protecting wall.] Save you. Cover you. Refuge. Shield. Rampart. These … Continue reading Coming to him with the greatest freedom
Drowning in the oceans of pleasure?
This week many people are mourning the death of Ravi Zacharias. He was a well-known apologist. An apologist is someone who is skilled at making a reasoned defense of something—in this case, Christianity. He had a sharp mind and a compassionate heart. Although I never met him, I’ve watched several of his videos and read … Continue reading Drowning in the oceans of pleasure?
You + Jesus = Compassion
I have a theory: When you think you’re better than other people, you tend to look down on other people. But here’s the flip side. Your compassion towards others increases when you take seriously the extent of your own need. As humans, we don’t tend to want to acknowledge our own flaws. And don’t get … Continue reading You + Jesus = Compassion
A merciful reset
In an article for The Gospel Coalition Canada called “Better Than Before,” Darryl Dash quotes a prayer that was once handed to a pastor: “Pray that God uses these days as a merciful reset of our lives.” What a powerful perspective and prayer for us as well. That these days—as difficult and uncertain as they … Continue reading A merciful reset
Independent or Inter-dependent?
Something a lot of people want to be is independent—not having to rely on other people for anything. It goes along with being “self-made” or “self-reliant.” But one of the things COVID-19 has taught us is how inter-dependent we are. This point was made in a recent conversation I had with a friend and colleague … Continue reading Independent or Inter-dependent?
The moments you already have
Things are different. Including your routines. As a result, your spiritual habits have probably taken a hit. Do you find it harder to carve out time to read the Bible, or pray, or worship, or connect with your small group, or do family devotions, or serve others, or _______? If so, you’re not alone. Last … Continue reading The moments you already have
