Episodes

  • What is Epiphany?

    What is Epiphany?
    Jan 6 2026
    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?
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    2 mins
  • Do “ordinary” things well

    Do “ordinary” things well
    Jan 5 2026
    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
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    2 mins
  • Glory to the newborn King

    Glory to the newborn King
    Dec 25 2025
    “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
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    3 mins
  • The bridge between heaven and earth

    The bridge between heaven and earth
    Dec 24 2025
    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
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    2 mins
  • The true meaning of Christmas: Be careful

    The true meaning of Christmas: Be careful
    Dec 23 2025
    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
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    2 mins
  • A perfect time to re-centre

    A perfect time to re-centre
    Dec 22 2025
    “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
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    2 mins
  • Faith, loving action, perseverance

    Faith, loving action, perseverance
    Dec 19 2025
    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
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    2 mins
  • The problem is never God’s availability

    The problem is never God’s availability
    Dec 18 2025
    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
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    2 mins