The Up Devotional

When we open the Bible, it’s not just about what we’re learning, but who we’re learning it from. Take, for example, the letter of 1 Peter. It was written by Peter the apostle (of course), who walked and talked with Jesus. But let’s notice six details about his life. He was passionate, imperfect, rebellious, reconciled, suffering and … Continue reading You’re in good company

Diamonds. People love them. They’re valuable, obviously.But did you know that diamonds don’t start as diamonds. They start as simple carbon. So, how are they transformed?Through pressure.The same principle sometimes applies to humans. Difficulty and affliction—“pressure”—can often refine us into someone who is more faithful, humble, wise and strong.The apostle Peter speaks to this in 1 … Continue reading Diamonds don’t start as diamonds

There is a lot of battle and warfare language in the New Testament. For example, we are to “take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm” (Ephesians 6:13). In Romans 13:12 we are told to put on the “armour … Continue reading Why does the true soldier fight?

“…make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness…” (2 Peter 1:5-8).In the past few devotionals, we’ve been talking about spiritual disciplines, and what to do when you feel as if you’re in a bit of a rut.As a … Continue reading Try something radical

In the previous devotional, we talked about spiritual disciplines. These are deliberate, repetitive, biblical practices the Holy Spirit uses to make us more like Christ.Even still, there are times when we can feel stuck. When that happens, one suggestion is to shake things up. Here are some examples.I know people who have moved their morning prayer … Continue reading When you feel in a spiritual rut

I recently presented a workshop on spiritual disciplines. These are deliberate, repetitive, biblical practices the Holy Spirit uses to make us more like Christ.Some of the most well-known practices that fit into this category are prayer, Bible-reading, fasting, worship, serving others, etc. There are others, but those are some of the most popular.Over time, we … Continue reading Joy is what happens when

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12).When I was in university one of my professors told our class that during our discussions, we weren’t allowed to use the word “interesting.”Why not? Since it was a word that people over-used, it had lost it’s meaning. “Yes, that … Continue reading The (real) signs of love

Jesus said: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” (Matthew 5:44)Do you have enemies? Perhaps you do, perhaps you don’t. If you don’t, perhaps you still have people who you feel are somehow “against” you. They always seem to say the wrong thing at the right time. They foil your plans, put you … Continue reading The love that jams the Devil’s wheels

Victor Frankl recalls an experience he had in a concentration camp. He was serving as a kind of medical assistant, caring for fellow prisoners who were sick or elderly. He would use whatever supplies he could get his hands on to help them.One day, he was approached by some fellow prisoners. They had made a … Continue reading Well done, good and faithful servant

“Life is tough. Heaven is great. I guess we just need to wait it out.”Unfortunately, we can often get caught in this mode of thinking.Having said that, it’s true that life is often difficult. And yes, heaven is also going to be amazing. I appreciate that life includes a lot of waiting—including waiting for heaven—but … Continue reading More than just waiting around

Over the past several months we have been spending some time with Daniel. When he was captured, he was most likely around 15-years-old. At the end of the book, he was in his late 80’s or early 90’s.After the Babylonian captivity had formally ended, many of his people were allowed to return to their homeland. We … Continue reading Being a part of a plan even when life isn’t going as planned

1 Corinthians 10:31 is well-known. That’s where Paul writes: “whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”Several years ago, I was discussing this verse with a group of high school students. One of the students asked: ‘Why does God want us to focus on him so much? Isn’t that kind of selfish? … Continue reading Focus on what’s best

The phrase “born again” gets thrown around a lot. But what does it actually mean? The original context was John 3 when Jesus was speaking with Nicodemus: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3).*Nicodemus struggled to understand. How can a person enter into … Continue reading Born again?

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...”Catherine of Siena was a well-known Christian from the 1300’s. She lived in Italy. She became known for her extreme devotion to God and her unyielding love for others. Early … Continue reading With both wings, not just one

[Request in footnotes]~In these devotionals not only have we been spending time with Daniel, but we have been spending time thinking about the big picture hope we have as the people of God.The Bible tells us the large-scale narrative arc of human history. Although there are many problems in the world, and although sin and … Continue reading Keep believing and keep going

[Request in footnotes]~Hope is the underrated weapon of our faith. Even if it’s not underrated, it’s certainly underappreciated. Since the Bible is the very word of God, we know how human history is going to unfold and turn out since various biblical passages speak about it. For example, we know that Jesus will return. All people … Continue reading Wounded on the battlefield, but help is coming

When you know the end of the story it can change your experience as you live through the middle of the story. Let me provide a small analogy from the world of baseball. I cheer for the Toronto Blue Jays, but I don’t watch all the games. They play most days, and a lot of games … Continue reading When you’ve seen the final score

Recently, my wife Laura heard something on the radio. She shared it with me, and now I’d like to share it with you. It was about Chris Tomlin, the well-known singer of songs like How Great is our God, Glorious Day, and Whom Shall I Fear? When he was young, he got mononucleosis. As a result, he … Continue reading Waiting for the light to break

This week we have been thinking about Daniel 11:32.In the second century B.C., Antiochus IV was working mayhem. He was a cunning man of violence. He desecrated the Jerusalem temple and persecuted the people of God.Some people gave in. Others didn’t. There were resisters. Verse 32 provides this detail: “the people who know their God … Continue reading Take action as the hands and feet of Christ

This week we’re looking at Daniel 11:32. In the second century B.C. the murderous Antiochus IV was wreaking havoc. He was persecuting God’s people and even set up pagan sacrifices in the Jerusalem temple. In response, a group of people resisted and remained true: “the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action.” Despite … Continue reading Standing firm

In yesterday’s devotional we looked at Daniel 11:32. In the second century B.C. a vile leader named Antiochus IV was wreaking havoc and destruction. He was persecuting God’s people and even set up pagan sacrifices in the Jerusalem temple. In response, a group of people remained true: “the people who know their God shall stand firm and … Continue reading Knowing God first

On the surface, Daniel 11 is not a happy piece of reading. In it, the archangel Gabriel tells Daniel what is about to happen in the coming centuries. There is a lot of war, bloodshed, political gamesmanship, and persecution. Amongst other things, a vile leader named Antiochus IV, rises to power, desecrates the Jerusalem temple by … Continue reading Know God, stand firm, take action

In his wisdom, God has given us certain things to do. They are for our good. They are a conduit for his grace in our lives. These are things like prayer, reading the Bible, and the Sacraments. There are more, but these are some of the most commonly referenced.Today I’d like to share something with you … Continue reading I have stored up your word in my heart

“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” … Continue reading He treats me as his favorite

Ryan Skoog had a friend who went in a mission trip to Russia after the fall of communism. They went to a former gulag, a forced labour camp. Horrible things had happened in that location. Their mission was to deconstruct the prison and repurpose the stones to build a church. Their mission was to make something good … Continue reading Just because you can’t see him working

“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55)“We are an Easter people.” I’m not sure when I first heard that expression, but it was probably when I was in high school. Being “an Easter people” means that the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus is the defining aspect of what … Continue reading We are an Easter people

[Ministry Announcement in the Footnotes Below] ~ Jim Carey was in a movie called Bruce Almighty. Carey played Bruce, and God was played by Morgan Freeman. In short, Bruce complained to God that he wasn’t doing his job very well. So, in a kind of cosmic experiment, God gave his powers to Bruce to see if … Continue reading Playing God

Happy Easter! Johnny Hunt once said: “In the end we win because the fight’s been fixed.”*I love it! But what does he mean? He’s referring to the victory of Christ. On the cross and through the empty tomb, he defeated the powers of sin, death, despair, darkness and even the Devil himself. Colossians 2:15 says: “He disarmed … Continue reading The fight’s been fixed

There’s a marine training facility called Parris Island. A young man signed up who was a bit out of step with the others. He was nice enough—but he just didn’t fit in. As a result, he got picked on—a lot.In his barracks, there were guys who were particularly mean. One of them came up with … Continue reading He was pierced for our transgressions

Tomorrow is Good Friday. Today is a lesser-known day called Maundy Thursday—not “Monday” but “Maundy.”The word “Maundy” comes from Jesus’ words in John 13:34. Although he spoke Aramaic, the oldest record of his words are in Greek. Those words have been translated into many languages, including Latin. “Mandatum novum” is the Latin wording for “new … Continue reading He washed Judas’ feet

I once heard John Ortberg make an analogy. He said that when people envision their future, they picture themselves standing before a series of doors. Let’s say there are ten doors. Which one will we choose? If there’s only one correct door, that can make us stressed. After all, we have a 90% chance of choosing … Continue reading God’s Plan A for your life

This is Holy Week. It’s the week where Christians all over the world remember and celebrate Jesus’ final days before his torture, trial, crucifixion and resurrection. When Jesus arrived at Jerusalem he rode on a donkey. At first, this might seem like a random or unimportant detail. However, it was packed with meaning. One of the most … Continue reading The true and eternal King

There is a direct relationship between the physical realm and the unseen realm. As I often say to the congregation where I pastor, details matter. Take, for example, Daniel 10. That’s where we learn how he was mourning and fasting for three weeks: “I ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth, nor did … Continue reading The physical realm and the unseen realm

[Note: New podcast episode and blog -- link in footnotes.] ~ Peter Wagner writes: “Without holiness we can expect very little power in spiritual warfare. The opposite of holiness is worldliness…”*I’ll be honest. In an earlier chapter of my life, I would have grimaced at a statement like that. What in the world is he … Continue reading Holiness and worldliness

In the past hundred or a hundred and fifty-years or so, many Christians have started believing and doing things which have impacted how many of us live—or don’t live—as followers of Jesus.First, a significant tradition has emerged which treats the Bible exclusively as a historical document. And don’t get me wrong, it is most certainly … Continue reading Have these 2 things weakened your faith?

In Daniel 10:12 he was given this angelic message: “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words.”In this verse we are specifically told that God heard Daniel’s prayer. But … Continue reading From the first day you humbled yourself before God

Perhaps the biggest challenge facing most Christians today is not that they won’t spend eternity with God but that they don’t spend today with God. Here’s what I mean.If you trust in the risen Jesus—in who he is and what he has done for you on the cross—your sin is forgiven. You are given eternal peace … Continue reading The biggest challenge facing most Christians today?

John Ortberg has a clever way of describing the ABCs of faith.He says we must Abandon our old life, Believe God’s promises are trustworthy, and Commit to a new journey. The reason I like this is because it’s biblical. First, in 2 Corinthians 5:17 Paul writes: “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The … Continue reading The ABCs of faith

Hello! This is just a quick reminder that The Up Daily Devotional is on pause this week. It returns in full on March 23, 2026 to your email inboxes, social media feeds, and podcast platforms.But since you’re here, let me offer a quick word of help and hope.In James 4:7-8, Jesus’ half-brother provided these instructions: “Submit … Continue reading Pause reminder (and a quick word on James 4:7-8)

[Notice: Pause alert - see details in the footnotes.] ~ What does it mean to be the hands and feet of Jesus?When I ask that question, what first comes to mind? Do you think about praying, feeding the poor, going to church, or loving your neighbour? Those are all good things. But I recently came across … Continue reading What happened to the hands and feet of Jesus

While reading the prophet Jeremiah, Daniel came across a very important detail. The exile of his people was about to come to an end.In response, this is what he did: “Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes” (Daniel 9:3).This … Continue reading Pleas for mercy—with fasting

In Daniel 9:18-19, this inspiring man of single solitary devotion gives us an example of the ideal attitude we should have in prayer.This is what he says: “For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy. O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay … Continue reading The right attitude in prayer

Promises shape the character and direction of our lives.Some promises are small. “I’ll pick you up after soccer practice, I promise.” Others are big, like the ones people say during wedding ceremonies. “For better, for worse, in sickness, and in health…”However, over time it is easy to get cynical about promises. We sometimes hear campaign … Continue reading The words of men are unstable things

“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).In an essay in 1963, literary critic and author C.S. Lewis said something about how to avoid God:“Avoid silence, avoid solitude, avoid any train of thought that leads off the beaten track. Concentrate on money, sex, status, health and (above all) your own grievances. Keep the … Continue reading How to avoid God (by C.S. Lewis)

“Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).In the previous devotional we asked how Daniel was able to manage all of that hardship.He was sent into exile as a young man. He had most of what he had known and loved taken from him. He was forced to … Continue reading Faithful and true, no matter what

Lately, we’ve been spending time studying Daniel.Over the past few weeks, we have considered all the difficulty he had gone through. As a teenager, he was taken captive to serve in a foreign land. His home was most likely burned. Many of his family members and friends would have been killed. He was probably castrated … Continue reading Prayer and perseverance

John Eldredge is an author and therapist. Recently in an interview he said: “The war for the human heart is the epicentre of the war in the world.”*That made me stop and think. I hope it makes you stop and think as well.First, it reminds us that there is in fact a war for the … Continue reading The epicentre of the war in the world

Xu Yonghai was imprisoned in China because he was working for the legalization of house churches. Here in North America we might take this sort of thing for granted. But over there it is very serious (and dangerous) business. Not only was he imprisoned, but he was sentenced to be executed. His last stop was a … Continue reading What God is doing in you, not just around you

Have you ever wondered what the voice of Jesus must have sounded like?Jesus would have spoken Aramaic. He would have known Hebrew and Greek as well. As a boy he would have received the standard education for his day, been raised in the synagogue, and learned the language of commerce when apprenticing under Joseph.Unfortunately, we … Continue reading The psalms and the personal voice of Christ

Daniel had a series of visions about the end of days. It’s big stuff. At one point he sees four dreadful creatures. “And four great beasts came up out of the sea, different from one another” (Daniel 7:3).The first was like a lion with eagle’s wings. The second was like a bear with ribs in … Continue reading The kingdoms of the world