According to an old legend, many years ago when spies were taken captive by the Persian Army and brought in to be killed, the general did something strange. He would give the spy an option. He could choose to face the firing squad, or he could choose to be subject to whatever was behind a … Continue reading God is bigger
uncertainty
An unshakable kingdom
[Note: I'm on vacation next week so the devotional will go on pause after today and will return on March 20th.] Certain events and experiences can shake and unsettle us. A world war can do that. So can events like September 11, 2001. I still remember the day. When terrorists flew planes into the World … Continue reading An unshakable kingdom
Following the pillar of fire
Very famously Jesus said: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). I love that verse. I quote in on Christmas Eve when we light the Christ Candle and pass out the light to the congregation while singing carols. … Continue reading Following the pillar of fire
Get secure
Lee Strobel was on a sailing adventure with some friends in the British Virgin Islands.* Since he was a novice he really enjoyed learning how things were done, and the importance of things being done right. One example is when they would drop the anchor. They would go into a calm cove and let it … Continue reading Get secure
The wilderness
In the previous devotional, I shared Mark Sayers’ idea that we are at the start of a new era of human history.* We aren’t there yet. In fact, we have one foot in the previous era, and one foot stepping into the emerging era. He calls this present moment a “gray zone.” There is increased … Continue reading The wilderness
Uncertainty, opportunity, intimacy
There is a lot to feel uncertain about: global armed conflict, differing opinions about the pandemic, other illness, potential food shortages, gas prices, a troubled relationship, random acts of violence, interest rates… Not only are there uncertainties, but sensationalism in the media can further contribute to fear and panic. Frank Furedi counted how many times … Continue reading Uncertainty, opportunity, intimacy
Yield to Jesus when you are fearful or anxious about the future
Never in my life have I talked to more people about the uncertainty of the future. If I were alive during World War Two or the upstart of the Cold War, perhaps I would not be able to say that. But fears and anxieties about the future are now common. Is it even possible to … Continue reading Yield to Jesus when you are fearful or anxious about the future
Jump anyway. I can see you!
Jesus said: “Follow me” (John 1:43). I’ve noticed something. People who are confident in Jesus, and who are confident about his ongoing provision and power in their lives, don’t tend to tremor as much at what the future might bring. I’m not saying they never tremor. I’m saying they don’t tend to tremor as much. … Continue reading Jump anyway. I can see you!
Everything you do flows from it
Yesterday’s devotional stressed the importance of guarding our hearts. Proverbs 4:23 says: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” In that verse we are also told WHY we should be on guard: “for everything you do flows from [your heart].” Just as a river flows from a spring, everything … Continue reading Everything you do flows from it
2021: In the arms of an certain God
Welcome to 2021! After a week off, the “Up!” daily devotional is back. And welcome to those who have newly subscribed over the past week. In 2008 there was a College softball game. Sara Tucholsky came to the plate. She only had three hits all season. But she smashed the ball out the park. It … Continue reading 2021: In the arms of an certain God
The Up Devotional 