According to Mother Teresa, the spiritual poverty in the western world is WORSE than the physical poverty in Calcutta. She said, “You in the West have millions of people who suffer such terrible loneliness and emptiness… These people are not hungry in the physical sense, but they are in another way. They know they need … Continue reading How to be wealthy (without any money)
theupdevo
Hallowhat?
When I was little I didn’t really know anything about Halloween. It was just a time to put on weird costumes, forego our don’t-talk-to-strangers rule, and pile in more chocolate than Augustus Gloop from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. But as time went on I found out more. I learned that a fair amount of … Continue reading Hallowhat?
Even if everyone is doing it
When I was learning how to drive a car, the instructor didn’t just teach me what was in the driver’s manual. He taught me other tips too. One of those tips was to go “with the speed of traffic.” ‘When you’re driving on the highway,' he explained, ‘and everyone is going a bit faster than … Continue reading Even if everyone is doing it
Tis only a flesh wound!
Most people have some annoying habits. Sometimes they’re no big deal. But sometimes those habits are actually hurtful. Maybe you’re perpetually insensitive. Or maybe you’re quick to criticize or trample on someone’s well-meaning ideas. And here’s why it can be hard to identify the hurtful habits you may have. It’s because people aren’t usually quick … Continue reading Tis only a flesh wound!
The Almighty Kill-Joy?
A lot of people think of God as an Almighty Kill-Joy. As if he never wants you to have any fun. As if he wants you to continually flagellate yourself and stick a pin in the balloon of your excitement and happiness. This is a radical misunderstanding of God. Does God think you should do … Continue reading The Almighty Kill-Joy?
Priceless!
In our society, the words “rich” and “poor” have dual meanings. On one hand, someone is “rich” when they have a lot of money, and someone is “poor” when they don’t. But we also think people are “rich” when they have wisdom and strong friendships. In the same way, someone is “poor” when they neglect … Continue reading Priceless!
It all goes back in the box
Jesus told his followers to avoid storing up “treasures on earth.” These are things that don’t last—things like homes, money, and material things. Are they evil in and of themselves? Of course not. As a means to an end, they can be useful. But as ends in themselves, they can be distracting and devastating. Instead, … Continue reading It all goes back in the box
Getting your head in the game
When I was small my Little League team would say a cheer right before we ran onto the field. It was a way to rally ourselves and focus on what we were about to do. Maybe it seems strange, but it can be good practice to have a ritual before you read your Bible too. … Continue reading Getting your head in the game
Jerked up by the collar
What do you expect when you worship God? Some of us expect to give something—whether it be our time, talent, money, voice, or prayers. But many of us expect to get something too—whether it be teaching, or friendship, or inspiration, or even comfort. Today I want to focus on the idea of comfort. Don’t get … Continue reading Jerked up by the collar
Living in the time of God’s patience
Every day a woman I know wakes up, looks out her window, and says, “One more day, Lord, one more day.” She’s referring to the fact that Jesus hasn’t returned yet. As a result, we have—at least—one more day. There’s a lot of speculation about when Jesus will victoriously return to judge the world and make … Continue reading Living in the time of God’s patience
