“You never do it right.” “Your priorities are always messed up.” “You always say the wrong thing!” How do you respond when people unduly judge and criticize you? If you’re like a lot of other people (including me), probably not very well! So I stand in awe of the apostle Paul when he says, “I … Continue reading Like water off a duck’s back
theupdevo
Proving that you’re somebody
Lately I’ve been talking about “Keeping up with the Joneses.” It’s an expression that has to do with how you think you’re measuring up (and keeping up) with the people around you. It has to do with comparison. And do you know what? It’s an exhausting way to live. In an incredibly honest interview with … Continue reading Proving that you’re somebody
If not you, who?
The thing that happens when people gather on Sunday is called a “worship service.” It’s often at a building, but not always. Recently on vacation (in a very warm climate!) we gathered in a circle on the beach. Psalm 66:2 says, “sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise!” That’s what we did … Continue reading If not you, who?
Don’t get worked up about $20
When I’m meeting with someone and we’re about to pray, I often ask them what we should pray about. One of the most common answers is to not sweat the small stuff. I get that. Sometimes it’s easy to let something small get blown out of proportion and take over our brain. To help out … Continue reading Don’t get worked up about $20
Worth the risk
When it comes to a worship service, I’m usually the one doing the talking. So I was really looking forward to a service I attended on Tuesday night in Midland at Knox Church. My friend and colleague Alton Ruff said that when Jesus calls us to do something, it quite often involves going out of … Continue reading Worth the risk
Why other people’s standards are distracting
As you know, the “Up!” devo was on a break for a week while I was on vacation. But now I’m back and ready to walk faithfully into a new year. I hope you are too. And one of the things that helps us do that is to evaluate what we’re spending our time thinking … Continue reading Why other people’s standards are distracting
If you’re not dead
A lot of people make “New Year’s Resolutions.” When the year behind gives way to the year-to-come, they “resolve” to do something differently. Some people make these kinds of resolutions. Some don’t. Either way, many of us make personal goals. And a new year is a time to look forward to the next 365 days … Continue reading If you’re not dead
Help for the relaxation impaired
I have a confession to make. I’m not very good at relaxing. What I mean is that it takes some work to calm my mind. When I’m supposed to be mellow in a semi-trance of blissfulness with my uber-cool sunglasses, my brain easily wanders back to my gargantuan to-do list. Can you relate? If not, … Continue reading Help for the relaxation impaired
Don’t waste it dwelling on the negative
Human (noun): “a homo sapien who has the ability to breathe, reason, and become an expert at second guessing themselves and dwelling on the negative.” Okay, you’re right. That definition isn’t in the dictionary… but it could be! Especially after Christmas. You’d think that after celebrating the birth of the Messiah we’d be on cloud … Continue reading Don’t waste it dwelling on the negative
The means to live (but no meaning to live for)
Holocaust survivor, neurologist and psychiatrist Victor Frankl said that, “Ever more people today have the means to live, but no meaning to live for.” He was referring to what I call the crisis of purpose. I think it’s a huge part of the general malaise and apathy which can seep into so many people’s minds … Continue reading The means to live (but no meaning to live for)
