The Up Devotional

The American Bible Society conducted a survey. They found that there was a correlation between engaging with the Bible and having lower anxiety levels. This correlation exists, they said, among all Americans “but is especially evident among Gen Z.”  “Young people who identified as “Bible Engaged” had an anxiety score of 3.4, while people in […]

“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24). There are different types of prayers.  Free-form prayers are prayers you say as the words come into your mind. There are also set prayers. These are where the words are always the […]

An angel told Joseph something significant about Jesus’ role: “[Mary] will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). What does it mean for Jesus to save someone from their sins? Firstly, he saves us from the “consequence” […]

Matthew’s Gospel begins with a genealogy. By today’s standards, that’s not a particularly exciting way to begin. Wouldn’t you rather start with something attention-grabbing? But in Jesus’ time, it would have accomplished just that. In the ancient world, a genealogy functioned somewhat like a resume. If you wanted to know what someone was really liked […]

You sometimes hear it said that as Christians we have three enemies—the world, the flesh and the Devil. The Devil is the Devil. That’s pretty clear. No ambiguity there. The “flesh” is a reference to the internal battle we experience with our own sin and temptation. The “world” is perhaps less understood than the previous […]

“Yet not one of [these sparrows] will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care” (Matthew 10:29). Today is Friday the 13th. Oh no, lookout!  Some people think that Friday the thirteenth is unlucky. Why?  I never knew the reason. After a quick google search it seems that there isn’t a clear answer. Today provides […]

We’ve spent some time thinking about our true citizenship. Paul says that “our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20). That reality has implications for the lives we are leading right now. The ancient city of Philippi was a Roman colony. Rome had tonnes of people, including retired soldiers. The city was too small to support […]

Let’s begin with two ideas. I’ll explain them and then bring it all together at the end. First, speaking to fellow Christians, Paul explains that “our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20). We may be from Canada, Cambodia or Cameroon, but if we follow Christ, our true citizenship is in heaven. Second, Eugene Peterson explains […]

Herod Antipas decapitated John the Baptist. In short, Herod married his brother’s wife, Herodias. This was contrary to biblical law. John the Baptist criticized him for it and was thrown in jail.  During his birthday party, Herod made a lavish promise to his stepdaughter: “Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my […]

Jesus did a lot of incredible and mind-blowing things. Because of that, I think it’s easy to forget that he had human emotions too. He wasn’t immune to many of the feelings we experience on a daily basis. For example, he experienced hunger (Mark 11:12), tears (John 11:35), and fatigue (John 4:6).   Mark 6 […]

There are many biblical descriptions for the church. It is called the bride of Christ, the people of the Way, and a family. It is also called the body of Christ. This is captured in 1 Corinthians 12:27: “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” […]

In Mark 6 Jesus sent out the twelve apostles on mission. They cast out demons, healed people, and preached.  Verse 12 tells us something specific about the content of their preaching: “They went out and preached that people should repent.” Let’s face it. Repentance isn’t a very popular topic. If you show up at a […]

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Recently at a youth group event, a colleague used this phrase in a prayer—that God would help us “hold the things of the world loosely.” The “things of the world” are the things that are temporary. They don’t last. They include that […]

Anthony was a well-known monk who became known for his close relationship with God, for fighting demons, and for his enduring wisdom. People would journey for days to find him and get his advice. One of those people was Abba Pambo. Over the course of their conversation, Anthony said this: “A time is coming when […]

In Luke 8:44 we learn about a woman who had been bleeding for 12 years. “She came up behind [Jesus] and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.” Jesus healed her. It was—and is—an incredible testament to his goodness and power. I was curious about Jesus’ cloak. The word for “edge” […]

The 10 Commandments continue to apply to Christians today.  Of all the commandments, do you want to know which one gets the most space?  Is it murder, idolatry or adultery? Nope. It’s one day a week for Sabbath rest.  Trust me: This isn’t a guilt trip. Many of us struggle to find time to rest. […]

Some people think that being a Christian inoculates you from hardship. Not always. Yes, there are innumerable benefits; God is most certainly a provider, protector, rock and redeemer. At the same time, Jesus warns us against the delusion of smooth sailing. In John 16:33 he says: “In this world you will have trouble.” He also […]

When we think of Jesus as “Saviour” we tend to think about his role after our time on earth. That makes sense. After all, he saves us from the consequence of sin and from being on the wrong side of eternal judgment.  As (very!) important as those things are, we can sometimes forget that he […]

Forever is a big deal. Heaven is a big deal. Eternity is a big deal. You and I have probably thought about those things a lot. That makes sense. We should. Not only is eternity with God something to look forward to, but it gives us hope in the here and now. That’s the part […]

People don’t write letters as much as they used to. They tend to text, call, email or video chat. But letters are still written and received. At the close of a letter, it is common to give an important summary statement—perhaps something like, ‘May God bless you,’ or ‘I’m always thinking about you,’ or ‘Be […]

Acts 2:42 provides a snapshot of the early Christians who were living in Jerusalem after the resurrection. Here it is: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Let’s focus on the word “fellowship.” What does it really mean? The Louw-Nida lexicon defines it like […]

Mark 5:1-20 contains one of the most startling—and perhaps even confusing—stories in the Bible.  It’s where Jesus casts out a legion of demons from someone. They go into a herd of pigs who subsequently drown. As a result, some people were filled with fear. Others were filled with amazement. I know, pretty dramatic, right? If […]

There are times when someone who is sad doesn’t like to see someone who is happy. This isn’t with everyone and not all of the time, but certainly with some people and for some of the time. The reasons can differ. Perhaps the sad person is jealous. Or perhaps the sad person is reminded about […]

You are like a house. Let me explain.  Think of a normal house. If you leave your front door open at night a robber might break in. Will it definitely happen? Not necessary. But if you do that, you’re certainly increasing the chances of getting robbed. Here’s how you are like a house. When we […]

[New podcast episode about demons out now; see link in the notes below.] ~ Who you think Jesus is influences who you are becoming. Let me explain. Mark 4:38-41 (ESV) records one of Jesus’ most dramatic miracles. He was with his disciples in a boat when a huge storm came upon them. “Teacher,” they cried […]