The Up Devotional

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you” (Exodus 20:12).In today's society many people think that old equals bad and new equals good. We have a tendency to dismiss older ideas and even people—simply because they are older.We have a tendency … Continue reading Chronological snobbery

In Exodus 16 we learn about a group of ex-slaves whom God had led out of Egypt.They needed nourishment. So he provided them with manna, a bready source of food. Each day he would deliver just enough for that day. Since he wanted them to rest on the seventh day he would provide double on … Continue reading How will I build my empire?

Last week I sent a note to the congregation I pastor. It was about being deliberate about our attitude on Sunday mornings.It's so easy to forget what (and who) worship is all about. All of us are influenced by the prevailing individualism and consumerism of our time. What mindset do we have as we prepare … Continue reading He is not shocked

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy” (Exodus 20:8).Rest is an act of war against the powers of chaos.That's a pretty strong statement. Perhaps some of you think it's too much. Or, perhaps, just maybe, it's right on the money?Life can get crazy. So can the world. Rest isn't optional for a warrior preparing … Continue reading Against the powers of chaos

There was a famous da Vinci painting, Salvador Mundi. It was a depiction of Jesus.There was a time when it needed to be restored. So a professional was contacted. She was very careful and knew what she was doing. The restoration was a success. There's a longer, fascinating story about all of this, but I'm … Continue reading Botching the job

God wants good things for us. One of the evidences of his love is the fourth commandment: “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy” (Exodus 20:8).It's a matter of health and well-being—not just spiritually, but physically and mentally.For a lot of people, dedicating time to find rest is difficult. I understand that. I'm one … Continue reading Sundays in arrears

I've heard an expression a few different times. Perhaps you have too. Here it is: “Out of one hundred people, one will read the Bible, and ninety-nine will read the person reading the Bible.”It's a way of saying that the lifestyle of a Christian is on display for everyone to see. That's how others will … Continue reading Your example to the 99

When it comes to the Bible, there is often more going on than what first meets the eye. This is certainly true with the third commandment: “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain…” (Exodus 20:7, ESV)Another much-neglected dimension of this commandment is what we could call ‘hypocritical use.' In … Continue reading The hypocritical use of God's name

Let's take a quick look at a much-neglected aspect of the third commandment which says: “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain…” (Exodus 20:7, ESV)It has to do with the word “take.” In Hebrew it's the word “nasa'.” It means to take, to bear, or to carry.It's telling that … Continue reading Bearing the Name

“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain” (Exodus 20:7, ESV).Let's be honest. Attitudes have radically changed about how we use God's name.Up until recently it was actually illegal in England to misuse God's name. Today … Continue reading Taking God's name in vain

James H. Taylor was the pastor of Central Presbyterian Church in Washington. There was a time when he was at a party with a lot of big wigs, including the British Ambassador.“It is an honour,” he said, “to meet the ambassador of so great a king.” Knowing Taylor was a pastor, the ambassador replied, “Ah, … Continue reading An ambassador to the King of kings

“You shall not bow down to [idols] or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God…” (Exodus 20:5)Some people are surprised when they learn that God can be “jealous.” However, it makes perfect sense.God chooses to use words that we can understand. “Jealous” is certainly one of those words. We can … Continue reading God is jealous?

In yesterday's devotional I highlighted two questions from Tim Keller's book, Counterfeit Gods.** Today I'm going to highlight two more. They are designed to help us think about our ultimate commitments. Is God number one in our lives, or have we let something or someone else compete for the throne that only belongs to him?1. … Continue reading A perpetual factory of idols

In Exodus 20:3-4 God says: “you shall have no other gods before me.” Makes sense. After all, he is our Creator and Redeemer.He goes on to say: “You shall not make for yourself an idol…” No problem. Back in Egypt and Canaan, people crafted idols, usually out of wood or stone. They represented the deity … Continue reading Modern idolatry

The first commandment is well known: “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3).It's about putting God first. But we easily miss something else that is very important. It's connected to the word “gods.”Let's be honest. That word can make many of us uncomfortable. We know there is only one true God, the … Continue reading No other gods before me

Blaise Pascal was a well-known mathematician. He said: “There is a God-shaped hole in the heart of every person.”He wasn't talking about a physical hole, of course, but an existential one. We have a deep, inner yearning for God. We will never find true rest until we make that connection with God.But here's the problem. … Continue reading The God-shaped hole

“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart” (Deuteronomy 6:6).Andy used to have conversations with Agnes in the laundromat. They would talk about a bunch of different things. It would often come up that she kept the 10 Commandments. It was basically her way of shutting down the conversation.One day … Continue reading You gotta know ‘em to keep ‘em

“They set out from Rephidim and came into the wilderness of Sinai, and they encamped in the wilderness. There Israel encamped before the mountain, while Moses went up to God” (Exodus 19:2-3).The mountain in question is Mount Sinai. It's where God gave the 10 Commandments to the people through Moses. The traditional location of the … Continue reading Neutralized from outside sources

“Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute” (Psalm 82:3).As discussed in yesterday's devotional, many modern people think the 10 Commandments are random. They also think of them as restrictive rules that are designed to make life worse.But when you look closely at the content and … Continue reading They're for you, but for others too

“If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love…” (John 15:10)I can't overstate the global influence of the 10 Commandments. They have shaped not only individuals, but entire societies. To a lot of people, however, they seem random. But they're not. Amongst other things, they actually reflect God's character. For example, we shall not murder … Continue reading They trigger within us the image of God

John F. Kennedy was an American President in the early 1960's. That office is considered by many to be the most powerful in the world. Apparently, when JFK was having important meetings at the White House, his son would sometimes wander in. John-John (as he was called) would walk over to his dad and sit on … Continue reading Who else could have that kind of access?

It's hard to deal with change. Depending on what it is, it can make you feel like you're standing on quicksand. It can make you lose sleep or worry about the future. It can disrupt your sense of stability.That's why I'd like you to consider Mark 13:31. It's one of my favourite Bible verses. “Heaven … Continue reading His words will never ever pass away

Modern people tend to be very tactile. “Actions speak louder than words.” We like physical results. We like concrete, measurable objectives.I get that. Our actions need to back up our words. Physical results and measurable objectives are important.But when it comes to being like Jesus, we can mistakenly conclude that it's only about what is … Continue reading What we want to do

Several years ago I was invited to give a talk to some high school students at a church in Toronto. During a question and answer time at the end one of them asked me this question: How do we know what is or isn't true online?Wow, what a question! In short, it's becoming increasingly difficult … Continue reading How do we know what is or isn't true online?

In yesterday's devotional we looked at the story behind the popular war-time slogan: “Keep calm and carry on.” We modified it to say: “Keep calm and follow Jesus.”It's amazing how many times Jesus urges faithful vigilance even in the face of uncertainty and danger. In Mark 13:32-37 he was teaching about his return: “Be on … Continue reading Vigilance

During World War Two the British government commissioned posters to keep the public focused on key ideas. They were written with white letters on a red background. There was a crown at the top.One said: “Freedom is in peril. Defend it with all your might.” A second one said: “Your courage, your cheerfulness, your resolution, … Continue reading Keep calm and…

“In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ…” (Ephesians 1:4-5)Imagine you're a parent. Your child has been learning the piano. She's got a school concert coming up. She chose the music carefully and has practiced a lot. You bought her a new dress. She is excited but nervous. So are you!The … Continue reading You may fail

One of the things that has really stuck with me recently is the foreknowledge of Jesus. He knew he would be tortured, abandoned and killed. And yet, he did it anyway.Why?Let's pretend that I've had a direct message from God for you. Here it is: “Tomorrow is going to be the most painful day of … Continue reading He knew what was going to happen

Tony Campolo tells a story about the movie, The Seventh Seal.In short, a medieval knight plays a dramatic game of chess with death himself, the prince of darkness. Throughout the whole movie they go back and forth making moves.Right at the end, as things are reaching a climax, the prince of darkness makes one more … Continue reading One more move

There are times when everything seems chaotic. Problems everywhere—not only in the world generally, but in your life specifically. Pain, confusion, hardship. It's pandemonium. The word “pandemonium” literally means “demons everywhere.” That's very fitting, isn't it?That must have been what the disciples felt like during Jesus' trial, torture and crucifixion. Demons everywhere!That's why it can be … Continue reading Pandemonium

Jesus actually rose from the grave. Actually. Physically. Incredibly!Because of that, everything was different. Everything is different.He paid for and conquered sin. He defeated death. He saved his people. His love triumphed! His reconciling work extended—and extends—to the entirely of the world, bringing unity to all things in heaven and on earth (Ephesians 1:9-10).He also … Continue reading When the Devil reminds you of your past

Today is Good Friday. It's a solemn time to remember and give thanks for what Christ did for us on the cross.Billy had a younger sister who was confined to a wheelchair. He took her to school and brought her from class to class. He was happy to do so. He was caring for his … Continue reading These records tell me all kinds of bad things about you 

Today is Maundy Thursday. It's not as well-known as Palm Sunday, Good Friday or Easter Sunday. But many churches have special services.The name comes from Jesus' words in John 13:34. He gave us a “new command” (Latin: mandatum novum) to love one another as he has loved us. In Mark 12 we have a beautiful example … Continue reading All she had to live on

In yesterday's devotional we looked at David. Actually, we looked at how God looked at David: “The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).This was true not only for David, but for you. The Lord looks … Continue reading He sees and values you

Other people are more successful than you, more popular than you are, more good looking than you are, make more money than you do, are more accomplished than you are, are smarter than you are, and stronger than you are.(Before you throw something at me, hold on for a moment.)David was a young shepherd boy. … Continue reading People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord?

John F Kennedy served as the President of American in the early 1960's. I recently heard that he had a copy of an old Breton prayer on his desk: “O God, thy sea is so great, and my boat is so small.” How true. It's a commentary about those times when life seems overwhelming. It's … Continue reading Thy sea is so great, and my boat is so small

The Apollo 13 spacecraft launched into orbit in 1970. Many of us know the general parameters of the story because we've seen the moving starring Tom Hanks.In short, things go sideways. Stuff starts breaking and the lives of the astronauts are in danger. At home, everyone watches their TV screens in suspense and send up … Continue reading Play your part

In yesterday's devotional we focused on a passage from Mark 12 where some hypocritical leaders were trying to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar.Today let's zero in on another element of Jesus' response. As usual, there is more going on in the text than what first meets the eye.They asked him … Continue reading Whose likeness is this?

In Mark 12, some hypocritical leaders were trying to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar.It was a clever trap. Caesar (the Roman emperor) was a man named Tiberias. He was not very popular, could be very cruel, and levied heavy taxes on the people. The Jews felt like they weren't fully … Continue reading Render to Caesar

In yesterday's devotional I highlighted something from Augustine: “The essence of sin is disordered love.”In short, we all love certain things and certain people. But if we get the order wrong, that's a problem. For example, if I love my job to the neglect my family, that's sin. In that scenario I'm living in a … Continue reading Priorities and social pressure

Church Father Augustine said: “The essence of sin is disordered love.”*What did he mean?We all love things. We love people, we love friends, we love music, we love certain ideas, we love our favourite snacks, we love our hobbies, and we love God (hopefully!) But if we love things in the wrong order this, Augustine says, … Continue reading Disordered love

A boy had a little dog named Remmy while he was growing up. Remmy was a Jack Russel. He was mostly white with one brown ear. And he was very loved.One day it snowed outside. Remmy went out into the garden. That's when the boy noticed something about his beloved dog. He wasn't white anymore, … Continue reading What’s to be learned from a dog’s yellow fur

In Mark 12:30 Jesus said: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”We could take a lifetime to fully grasp the implications. With each new year we gain new insights, and seek fresh strength, to put those words from … Continue reading Not some, but all

We know that God answers prayer. We know that he is near to those who call on him in truth (Psalm 145:18). We know that he hears us when we ask things according to his will (1 John 5:14). We know that when we draw near to him he draws near to us as well … Continue reading Delays are not denials

"And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words" (Matthew 6:7).A man was nearing death. A priest went to visit him in the hospital a few days before he died.The priest noticed that the man had pulled an empty chair up … Continue reading Pulling up a chair for Jesus

"Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children..." (Ephesians 5:1)If you think someone is inspiring and want to be more like them, you probably pay attention to what they do and how they do it.How do they live their life? What makes them different? What can I learn from them and incorporate into my own … Continue reading How did Jesus pray day by day?

The apostle Peter warned his readers with these words:“You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability” (2 Peter 3:17, ESV).Earlier in the chapter he had been telling them about Jesus' return. They should live expectantly and with “holiness … Continue reading Stability

[New podcast link below.] In Mark 11 Jesus says something pretty harsh to a fig tree with leaves but no figs: “May no one ever eat fruit from you again” (verse 14).From there he went into the temple in Jerusalem and overturned the tables of the money-changers. Can you imagine the scene! Perhaps we could … Continue reading Going through the motions

In Mark 10, a blind beggar cried out to Jesus for help.Jesus heard his pleas and called him forward. A miracle followed. Jesus healed his sight! With a word, Jesus changed his life. In response, the man followed Jesus. He expressed his gratitude by dedicating himself to the Lord.But there's a telling detail in verse … Continue reading Your Trust-O-Meter

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10).Rick Warren states: “The greatest tragedy is not death, but life without purpose.”*He's onto something. For some people, death is most certainly a tragedy. For God's people, however, it is … Continue reading Tragedy: a life without purpose

It's no secret that God's people are to be a people of prayer.Jesus taught us to pray with the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13).n the book of Acts the early church devoted themselves to it (Acts 2:42). Paul taught to “pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and to be “faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12). Another translation of that … Continue reading As wings burden the bird in flight