The Up Devotional

“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 5:4-5)In these verses, John introduces the idea of “overcoming the world.” What … Continue reading Your three enemies and overcoming the world

“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3).Did the apostle John just say that keeping God's commandments are “not burdensome”? Some of them, sure. But all of them?Friends, hear this: The closer you get to God, the less burdensome his commandments become.Something … Continue reading And his commandments are not burdensome

“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments” (1 John 5:3).What if I told you that you had to climb a steep mountain. It would be difficult and take several hours. You probably wouldn't want to do it.But what if I then told you that when you got to the top … Continue reading When following God's commands feels difficult

John Ortberg writes: “Obedience has become the virtue that nobody wants.”*What does he mean?The apostle Peter says that to “make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue” (2 Peter 1:5). Patience is a virtue, as we often hear. So is kindness. So is loyalty. But many people find obedience a tougher pill to swallow.Perhaps … Continue reading The virtue nobody wants

We've been spending some time thinking about love. Makes sense. After all, it comes up in the Bible—a lot.Truth is critical. So is doctrine. Related to these is love. It is an outward expression of the faith that God has given to us.Today I want to share a word of encouragement to those who don't … Continue reading Loving people when you don't “feel” very loving

“In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him” (1 John 4:9).Autumn is a time of gratitude. The leaves on the trees are beautiful. We sing “Great is thy faithfulness” and remind ourselves about the good people … Continue reading Even if I could multiply myself a thousand times

“Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:8).This is a famous verse. It's inspiring. It's also a verse that is frequently abused. Some people use it to justify any behaviour they want, including ideas or actions which directly contradict God's own teachings. To them, “God is love” means … Continue reading God is love?

In the previous devotional we talked about “distracted living.” Just how someone can become a “distracted driver” when behind the wheel, we can lose our focus about what and who matters most in life.As the people of God, it can be helpful to think deliberately about this with the following question: Am I prioritizing what … Continue reading Prioritizing what Jesus prioritizes 

One of the biggest threats to road safety today is distracted driving. The national collision database says it contributed to 25.5% of serious injury collisions in 2021. Each year it seems to be increasing. A national survey found that 79% of drivers admitted to being distracted while driving. But this devotional isn't about distracted driving. It's … Continue reading Distracted driving, or distracted living?

In 1 John 3:14 the apostle John writes: “We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death.”Did you see it? Love flowing from faith. It's an idea that permeates the letters of the apostle John. It permeates the Gospel he wrote … Continue reading The indication that you are truly alive

“By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error” (1 John 4:6).Neil Anderson and Timothy Warner say that “Satan loves to be ignored.”* What do they mean?Think about it. If the Devil jumped out from behind every bush with horns and a pitch fork, we'd easily be able to identify and reject … Continue reading He loves to be ignored

You sometimes see artwork where a person has an angel over one shoulder and a demon over the other. Sometimes they are shown to be whispering into the person's ear. Regardless of whether the artist thinks these good and evil spirits are literally on someone's shoulder, the idea is clear—that there are good and bad … Continue reading Angels and demons on our shoulders?

There are times when we humans make simple things difficult and difficult things too simplistic. Mark Bauerlein was speaking to his friends about a group of monks in Vermont who spend most of their time in contemplation and prayer. His friends respected the monks, but were puzzled by them. “It doesn't occur to them,” Bauerlein writes, “that … Continue reading The gospel of our liberated age?

When we call ourselves “Christians” what do we think that means?The earliest followers of Jesus were called “disciples.” That word is used about 269 times.In those early days, the followers of Jesus were also called the people of “the Way.” That phrase occurs five times. So, when did the title “Christian” come into use? We first … Continue reading Christian is also a verb

There's no denying it. The Bible tells us like it is! No holding back. In 1 John 3:13 we read: “Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you.” In my Bible, I have those first four words underline separately. Do. Not. Be. Surprised.In this context, “the world” is a reference to “human systems that … Continue reading Do. Not. Be. Surprised.

The word “believe” comes up a lot in the Bible. Clearly, it's very important to our faith. In 1 John 3:23, the apostle writes: “And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us.”But what does it truly mean to … Continue reading Believing in God, or believing God

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12).In February 2015 twenty Coptic Orthodox Christians were killed for their faith in Lybia by Muslim terrorists. They had been labourers. These … Continue reading Their God is my God

Through thick and thin, and regardless of whether things are easy or difficult, the apostle John has some sage counsel: “For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another” (1 John 4:11).We tend to pay attention to what some people say more than others.For example, let's … Continue reading Love one another, regardless

“Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart” (Psalm 119:111).Today is the anniversary of William Tyndale's martyrdom. He died 489 years ago on October 6, 1536.Tyndale was born in the late 1400's. As he grew, he became passionate about God and the Bible. But it wasn't available in English. … Continue reading When William Tyndale was martyred

According to the apostle John, followers of Christ engage in a process of purification. Speaking about the return of Jesus in 1 John 3:3, he writes: “And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.”But what does purification entail?Think of something which is purified with fire. A biblical example is from … Continue reading Purification

In 1 John 3, the apostle discusses the importance of being “righteous.” Our society hates the idea of righteousness. In fact, it has equated it with being “self-righteous.” Being self-righteous is thinking you are better than others and looking down your nose at them with a dripping sense of moral superiority.But that's not what the Bible … Continue reading Righteousness includes love

“Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4).When I was young and we went to church I would usually go to Sunday School.Before too long, however, I wanted to be up in the service with the adults so that I could hear the sermon.I remember the preacher … Continue reading A biblical definition of sin

In 1 John 3:3 the apostle writes: “And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.”He was speaking about the return of Jesus. If we hope in him (which we do) we will be engaged in a process of purification. His idea is that we are striving—with God's help—to be more … Continue reading Repeat it as you go about your day

Dr. Sean Tobin is a clinical psychologist who brings into his practice insights from both psychotherapy and Christian spirituality.He says that right out of the gate many Christians have a barrier in their relationship with God. At a base level they think of God as one of three things: angry, distant or weak.To move forward … Continue reading When your negative thoughts need a smack

Two students were knocking on doors evangelizing. One of those doors was answered by a mother. It was not a good day. The house was crazy, kids were going nuts, and she was clearly tired and frazzled. They asked her: “Are you interested in eternal life?” Looking around at her chaotic life she replied: “Frankly, … Continue reading To give you the crown of glory

“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence…” (2 Peter 1:3)The more thoroughly you know Jesus, the more thoroughly you experience Jesus.Let me explain.Jesus does a series of different things in the Bible. He … Continue reading The more thoroughly you know him

“If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father” (1 John 2:24).John Ortberg invites us to imagine the following scenario. Imagine a man and a woman on their wedding day. The decorations are amazing. The guests are joyful. The music is majestic. … Continue reading Lord, what's the least I need to do in this relationship?

What do Nero, Napoleon, Stalin and Hitler all have in common? They were all accused of being the Antichrist. The apostle John uses the word “Antichrist” five times in his letters. But what does it mean? The Louw-Nida Greek lexicon defines the term like this: “one who is opposed to Christ, in the sense of usurping … Continue reading Many antichrists have come

Jesus said: “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24).John Chrysostom was a church father who was known for his eloquence, his commitment to a simple lifestyle, and his success at repelling demons.But he was also known … Continue reading Do I fear? No!

C.S. Lewis was a famous literary critic and author. He converted to Christianity from atheism. Here is one of his more famous quotes: “There are all sorts of things in this world that offer to give it to you, but they never quite keep their promise… If I find in myself a desire which no experience … Continue reading When the world doesn't keep it's promise

The apostle John walked and talked with Jesus, the one who said he was the very light of the world (John 8:12). In 1 John 1:5 he shared this insight of clarity and power: “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” As his people we are to “walk in the light, as … Continue reading You can’t illuminate darkness with darkness

“By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked” (1 John 2:5-6).What does it mean to “abide” in Jesus?  After all, this is an important word. It comes up 40 times in the Gospel of John and … Continue reading Close or distant? Permanent or occasional?

“But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1)This verse was written by the apostle John. In it, he offers a powerful word of encouragement. But to see the full scope of his reassurance, we need to keep something in mind.Picture a legal setting, a … Continue reading Your advocate in the divine court room

In his book, Your Story Has a Villain, John Pokluda asks: “What would you change if all your prayers were answered?”When I first read that question, I paused and tried to think about all the prayers I had said the previous day. Pokluda's question made me wonder if my prayers were too timid or small. … Continue reading If all your prayers were answered

The first letter of John the apostle starts with a lot of enthusiasm—and this energy is for a reason:“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life…” (1 John 1:1)Let me explain … Continue reading A trustworthy eyewitness is speaking to you

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).In A Tale of Two Cities two men look a lot alike. Their names are Charles and Sydney. They both fall in love with the same woman. She falls back in love with … Continue reading Are you dying for him?

In 1 John 1:5-6 John the apostle says “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”In this verse, what does “light” mean? In the Bible, light often refers to wisdom. It “illuminates” our understanding. It can also refer to purity or holiness. It also provides clarity. Let's say you're stumbling around in … Continue reading Wisdom. Purity. Clarity.

“If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth” (1 John 1:6).Nectarios Trevino is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He was as a squadron commander and also worked in intelligence. He served on General Schwarzkopf's staff during the Gulf War. After Trevino … Continue reading Evicting dark thoughts

There's usually more happening in the Bible than we realize. Here's an example.In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus famously said: “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” (Matthew 5:44). That's huge. The love that Jesus taught and exemplified changed (and changes) the world.But let's also take note of something that happens in … Continue reading Who is your highest authority?

A writer named William Somerset Maugham said: “If fifty million people say something foolish, it is still foolish.”*His words are a helpful (and accurate) reminder that we need to evaluate ideas based on their merit, not popular opinion. As followers of Christ, we also need to evaluate ideas based on whether or not they agree with … Continue reading If fifty million people say something foolish

The words of Psalm 143:10 are a good prayer for all of us: “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.”As followers of Jesus, we want to do God's will. Sometimes his will is clear. Sometimes it is not. What do we do … Continue reading How do I discern God's will when the path is uncertain?

“Now the LORD provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights” (Jonah 1:17).As you begin September, do you need a reminder that with God all things are actually possible?As modern people, we can get sucked into the prevailing skepticism of our time. … Continue reading Believe big things

“All who are prudent act with knowledge, but fools expose their folly” (Proverbs 13:16).If you ever get caught under a colossal pile of snow as a result of an avalanche, don't dig blindly. Spit first. Let me explain.Science Magazine told the story of an individual who, after being trapped under the snow, died. But before … Continue reading Think first

Hello and welcome back to The Up Daily Devotional. I've been taking some vacation time but am now back five mornings a week to your email inbox, social media and podcasts feeds, and radio airwaves.I also return to teach and preach at Westminster this coming Sunday.Okay, here we go.I often say that September is the … Continue reading Knowing + Doing = 

Hello! Today I'm here to remind you that The Up Daily Devotional continues to be on pause because I'm on vacation. It will resume five days a week one week from today, September 1, 2025.In the meantime, I'd like to share two things. First, some long-form content.This time of year can be a good opportunity to tune … Continue reading Going deeper and a quote from Spurgeon

{See below for a vacation notice.}Why are we supposed to love our enemies?It's a big question. I recently dedicated an entire sermon to the subject (which can you access in the footnotes below if you're interested).Among the many answers to this question, here's one that is worth pondering. People who are radically loved, love radically. Granted, … Continue reading Those who are radically loved…

We've been spending some time thinking about Jesus' words in Matthew 5:44: “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…”With this in mind, I have a suggestion. Go the extra inch.Yes, our goal should be big. But let's back up a minute.In October 2006, a gunman took hostages in a one-room Amish schoolhouse … Continue reading Go the extra inch

Jesus said: “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).Actor Kelsey Grammer is best known for playing Dr. Frasier Crane on the hit shows Cheers and Frasier. A few years ago he was interviewed about playing a pastor in the movie “Jesus Revolution.” When asked about faith, he said: “The idea that … Continue reading The best thing yet

It's one of Jesus' most famous and inspirational statements. It's also one of the most difficult: “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).Sounds good in theory, but what about in reality? What about the people who have wronged you personally or who have done something against someone you care about?Miroslav … Continue reading Pray for those who persecute you

John Mark Comer says we should find our inner monk “to live with depth and serenity and focus right in the middle of the noise and traffic and hurry of the modern world.”*I like that. Depth.Serenity.Focus.Right in the middle of the…Noise.Traffic.Hurry of the modern world.Can I get an Amen?!The challenge isn't whether or not we think … Continue reading Your inner monk?

“The time has come,” Jesus said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15)We live in a time when many Christian movies and T.V. shows are being produced. They are high quality and can be very inspiring. Some of you have seen The Chosen (about the life of … Continue reading How to approach faith-based TV shows and movies