“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