The Up Devotional

Have you ever had someone say to you that all religions are basically the same, and that none is better than the other? I answered this question in a recent podcast episode. You can listen to my full response below. For today's devotional, however, I'd like to give you a shortened version of my response because … Continue reading Aren't all religions basically the same?

In Daniel 5 the king was perplexed by some mysterious writing on a wall. Since Daniel had developed a reputation as a wise man, he was summoned to help. In exchange for this help the king would give him rewards and status. In response, Daniel said: “Let your gifts be for yourself, and give your rewards … Continue reading Our God is never not on the move

“Then the king commanded, and Daniel was brought and cast into the den of lions. The king declared to Daniel, ‘May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!'” (Daniel 6:16)When you picture Daniel in the lion's den, what do you see? A young vibrant man full of vigour and prayerful bravery?As I often tell … Continue reading God uses faithful servants—no matter their age

“We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing” (2 Thessalonians 1:3).What if you are someone's answered prayer even though yours feel unanswered?You've probably heard the first part of that statement … Continue reading Being someone's answered prayer (when yours feel unanswered)

“Keep me as the apple of your eye…” (Psalm 17:8)There is a deep human tendency to over-value our achievements. For example, in the movie Rocky, the hard-working boxer's girlfriend asks him why it is so important for him to “go the distance” in the ring. “Then I'll know I'm not a bum,” he replies.In the … Continue reading You are more than what the world says you are

Lucy Maud Montgomery was the famous author of Anne of Green Gables. In her journal entry from Christmas Eve 1909 she left a record about how much anguish she was feeling at that point in her life: “I feel shrieking at [God] defiantly, ‘Why did you create me to suffer like this?'”*She was certainly being … Continue reading Talking to God—when you want to scream

[Note: New podcast episode link below.] ~ In Daniel 4, we learn about a king who has become proud and arrogant. He has a troubling dream. Since Daniel has developed a reputation for successfully interpreting dreams, he is summoned to help.Daniel says that the king will be humbled. He will be driven away from the … Continue reading Advice for a king—and for all of us

In the previous devotional I raised the topic of humility. In Daniel 4, the pagan king was full of himself. But God taught him a lesson and punished him for seven years. He was made to live like an animal and even eat like one.When he finally acknowledged God and was restored to his former … Continue reading Humility: weakness to the world, greatness to God

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4).In the eighteenth century there was a very heated debate between two theological heavyweights—George Whitfield and John Wesley. It was … Continue reading Humility—even when things get heated

“And after he had taken leave of them, [Jesus] went up on the mountain to pray” (Mark 6:46).Towards the end of last year, I went away on a silent retreat. It was a peaceful time to read, pray and sing the psalms.I'm an introvert, so the silence wasn't difficult. Other than the worship and a … Continue reading When getting things done isn't the point

This week we have been exploring the bravery and faith of Daniel's three friends, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. We have been using their experience to ask important questions about our own faith today.These three young men refused to bow down to the king's statue. But why?In the Ten Commandments God says: “You shall have no … Continue reading Loyalty matters in more ways than you think

Daniel's three friends were told to bow to the king's statue. If they did, they would live. If they didn't bow they would burn. They refused. “…even if he does not [rescue us],” they said, “…we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up” (Daniel 3:18).Let me share … Continue reading Glorifying him or denying him

In yesterday's devotional we talked about having an “even if” kind of faith. This was based on the words of Daniel's three friends. They were told to bow down to the king's statue. If they didn't, they would be thrown into a fiery furnace. They had two options: Bow or burn. But they said No. “If … Continue reading Prepare for big moments by starting small

It was a ruthless time. Daniel's three friends—Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego—were threatened with death. If they didn't bow down to the king's statue they would be thrown into a fiery furnace. The king gave them one last chance—bow or burn.In response, this is what the young men said: “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, … Continue reading Having an “even if” kind of faith

“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Romans 15:4).Theologian J.I. Packer makes the following observation:“In 1963, J.A.T. Robinson's ‘Honest to God' was heralded by an article in one of England's national newspapers entitled “Our Image of … Continue reading Giving God a makeover?

In Daniel 2, the king of Babylon has a puzzling dream. God reveals the meaning to Daniel, who then explains it to the king. In short, the king has seen a big statue made of different materials: gold, silver, bronze, iron, and clay.At the end of the dream, a stone (or rock) hits the image and … Continue reading When governments and kingdoms let you down

In Daniel 2, the Babylonian king issued a death order. Since some of his “wise men” couldn't tell him his dream or it's interpretation, he wanted to kill them all. Yikes! It was literal insanity.Since Daniel and his friends were among the class of wise men, they too were in danger. After learning what was … Continue reading Pray—as a first resort

“…he [God] knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him” (Daniel 2:22).The darker the dark, the brighter the light. Imagine being in a well-lit room in the middle of the day. There are a lot of windows. You hold up a torch. It will definitely bring extra light. After all, it's a … Continue reading The darker the dark, the brighter the light

The presence of darkness does not mean the absence of God. Let me explain.Lately I have been spending a lot of time studying Daniel. As a young man, he endured horrible things. His nation was attacked and capital city was besieged. Many of his friends and family members would have been killed. Picture homes and property … Continue reading Short-sighted-ism and the presence of darkness

We live in a time in which we have incredible access to information. This includes information about our faith. If we want to know when the Exodus happened, where Nazareth was, or what verses talk about angels, we can look them up in one of a thousand different resources.We can also research end-times theories, in-depth … Continue reading The relational nature of our faith

In the autumn of 445 B.C., the governor Nehemiah had finished rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem after it had been destroyed. After exile, the people had gathered for a festival. Nehemiah 8:8 says: “They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the … Continue reading Being proactive about sermons and Bible study

The book of Daniel tells us that Daniel and his friends were exiled to a foreign nation, Babylon, after Jerusalem was besieged. The text tells us that they were young. We find this in Daniel 1:3-4: “Then the king commanded Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring some of the people of Israel, both of the … Continue reading Being faithful, or fitting in?

“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life” (Proverbs 4:23).Writer Selma Lagerlöf tells the story of a knight from Italy. This was the Middle Ages, the time of the Crusades. He was a warrior, capable of dark things. When he got to the Holy Land he found himself at the … Continue reading Devotion changes you

“In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it” (Daniel 1:1). And with that, Daniel and his friends—and many others—were exiled to Babylon.As I study the book of Daniel, I'm struck by the abject calamity which came up on him:His ancestors had rejected … Continue reading When everything is stripped away

Fred Craddock tells a story from when he and his wife lived in Oklahoma. There was a tornado warning. They went out on their porch. They could literally see the tornado coming. It looked like it was going to change directions, but it didn't. In fact, it was coming straight toward their house! So they jumped in … Continue reading Love makes you do things

“…put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24).In “The Happy Hypocrite” Lord George was an immoral man with a bloated face. He fell in love with a lovely young lady. He figured that she would never love him back. So, as the story goes, he covered … Continue reading He uses even our feeble efforts

“…whoever says he abides in [Jesus] ought to walk in the same way in which he walked” (1 John 2:6).Tucker was in grade eleven. He was in an apprenticeship program to become a welder. He was working and learning under Bill, a retired teacher. Bill was known for three things: his sense of humour, his … Continue reading When the Lord rubs off on you

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:1-3).What does … Continue reading Who are we most closely tethered to?

Holidays like Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving are well-known. “Epiphany,” however, is a different story. (And it's today.)It's not a day when we get a vacation, which means it gets less attention. But since it has something to do with our faith, what is it all about?It's a date which has become associated with the visit … Continue reading What is Epiphany? 

Happy 2026! After some vacation time, The Up Daily Devotional is back to your email inboxes and social media and podcast feeds five mornings a week.Let me also say welcome to the new subscribers who have joined us over the past few weeks! Okay, here we go:As we look upon the next twelve months, I … Continue reading Do “ordinary” things well

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14)Christ is born! For today's devotional I'd like to wish you a merry Christmas! I'd also like to remind you of the good news of Jesus' arrival—and in general of his life, death and resurrection—through the gospel-soaked words of … Continue reading Glory to the newborn King

Welcome to Christmas Eve!Over 700 years before the birth of Jesus, the prophet Isaiah spoke of a coming King. Like many prophecies, not only were the prophet's words rooted in historical situations and concerns, but they looked ahead to the future. This King would bear divinity. He would be born of a virgin and would be called … Continue reading The bridge between heaven and earth 

At this time of year, we often hear people talking about “the true meaning of Christmas.” I'm glad about that. We need to focus on what and Who matters most.However, be careful. There are competing definitions of “the true meaning of Christmas.”For example, I've heard it said that the true meaning of Christmas is that … Continue reading The true meaning of Christmas: Be careful

“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour” (Matthew 25:13).A dying boy wanted to meet Dwight Eisenhower, the 34th President of America, whose term occupied most of the 1950's. Somehow his request made its way to the President. One day, low and behold, Eisenhower just showed up at his front door, unannounced. It … Continue reading A perfect time to re-centre

In the past few devotionals, I have been sharing some insights about a parable Jesus told in Matthew 25 about his return.In short, a groom shows up at his own wedding banquet. Five women who were faithfully waiting for him get let in to the festivities. Five women who were unprepared get left out. The … Continue reading Faith, loving action, perseverance

In Matthew 25 Jesus tells a parable about his return. Some people are ready for him, others aren't. The people who are ready to meet him get let into a wedding banquet—which, based on my own study, represents the new heavens and the new earth. Others aren't ready for him and get left outside.After arriving late … Continue reading The problem is never God's availability

“Surely I am coming soon” (Revelation 22:20).Advent is the four-week period leading up to Christmas. It is from a Latin word meaning “coming.” At this time of year, we think about the first coming of Christ at Christmas. Makes sense. Historically, however, it is also a time to think about the “second coming” when Jesus … Continue reading How you live today—and the last day

Firefighters do their work in a state of readiness.Picture a firehall. The firefighters need to be ready to respond to a call at a moment's notice. The firepole exists to save time getting from the second or third floor to the first, quickly. The truck is also always full of gas and ready to go. I … Continue reading The key word is readiness

A father dragged his college-aged son into the office of one of his professors, Dr. Campolo. The father was angry. It turns out that the son had spent his time at college in a different way than the father had intended.The father said: “I sent him to college to get a good education, to make … Continue reading Being Christian—up to a point

Dr. James Tour is a professor at Rice University. His church has a ministry to support families dealing with the challenges of cancer. People need treatment like chemotherapy for months at a time, so families from their church welcome these families into their homes.Sometimes, as we know, even children get cancer. In the midst of … Continue reading Not alone in your struggles

I recently heard a story about an ancient King. He was known for being perfectly just and perfectly loving. It was discovered that someone was stealing gold from the royal treasury. The King said that the punishment would be ten lashes. The next week, more gold was taken. And more the week after that. Each time … Continue reading Born to die? Why?

Providence. John Calvin defined it as the invisible hand of God. It's when God guides and directs what is happening in the world (and in our lives) even when we can't see how everything fits together.One of the most famous biblical examples of this is Joseph. He was favoured by God, and also his biological … Continue reading You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good

Prayer is vital to the Christian life. But let's be honest, we can get stuck. Even if we don't get stuck, we probably want to go deeper.Prayer is deceptively simple. A very basic definition is that it is talking with God. So, why can it be so hard—either to get out of a rut, or to … Continue reading Short one-sentence prayers from the Bible

Let me share two quotes with you.The first is by C.S. Lewis who famously wrote: “There is no neutral ground in the universe: every square inch is claimed by God and counterclaimed by Satan.”*I used to think that statement was a bit extreme, but not any more. The more I understand the Bible, the more … Continue reading Evil wants to confuse you

While in college John Ortberg had to attend mandatory chapel services. They had assigned seating. It was a clever format. After all, since the services were mandatory, and since the students had assigned seating, it was easy for the monitors to see who was (or wasn't) in attendance.During one of the semesters a controversy broke out. … Continue reading His performance, not yours

Note: New Podcast Episode and Blog (link below)~ Have you seen the world lately? The pain, the division, the hardship, the anxiety, the threat of war, the evil, the darkness…The Dark Knight trilogy of movies with Batman came to a head with the final release in 2012. People thought, ‘Oh, this is going to be … Continue reading Ready to leave the dark night behind

“God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth” (1 John 1:5-6).The apostle John has a particular way of writing. His style makes us see clear and definite contrasts. Throughout his New … Continue reading Your choices matter

Have you ever heard the expression that someone is “sitting on the fence”? It's about being neutral, or perhaps being slow to make a decision about something. With that in mind, let me say this: You can't follow Jesus if you're sitting on the fence. The exact expression “follow me” occurs twenty times in the Gospels. For example, … Continue reading If you're sitting on the fence

“Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart” (Psalm 51:6).In 1992 a movie came out called “A Few Good Men.” It's been a while since I saw it, so there are a lot of parts I don't remember. But one line stood out, and it … Continue reading God can handle the truth

One of the most well-known verses in John the apostle's first letter is this: “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18). People tend to quote that verse to say we never have any need to be afraid of anything. However, the second part of the verse explains the context: … Continue reading Perfect love casts out fear?

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17).I sometimes see T-shirts or online memes that say something like this: “Surround yourself with people who make you happy.” I get it. But that's an unfortunately shallow way to look at life. Now, before you think I'm being too harsh or … Continue reading Surround yourself with people who make you…