<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[My Site]]></title><description><![CDATA[My Site]]></description><link>https://www.upward-focus.com/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2026 02:35:28 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.upward-focus.com/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Awe and Wonder]]></title><description><![CDATA[Firsts can be interesting. I can't remember the first time I drove a car, but I remember some of those early days. I remember the first time I liked a girl, and the first time I REALLY liked a girl. I remember my first job, my first day back in church, and many other firsts. I had a good conversation with a friend of mine recently about "firsts" and their impact on us. I remember the first time I went to Yellowstone National Park. Everything seemed so huge; it was a place of awe and wonder....]]></description><link>https://www.upward-focus.com/post/awe-and-wonder</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a2b665c8d10dcf6288ea8cb</guid><pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2026 01:52:32 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1d3f93_fceea305fcc644fc9e3e79c763c06981~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Jeremey Voit</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Wednesday Share: Fear of Man]]></title><description><![CDATA[Continuing the theme for the week, today I want to share this podcast from Fortis Institute on rejection/fear of man. I'm not going to admit that I deal with this personally, I wouldn't want you to think less of me. Facetiousness aside, it was a pretty good listen. Fear of man is a snare, as the Proverbs say (29:25), and is something I think a lot of us deal with. And, tying in to this weeks theme, can be a definite source of anxiety for many of us. If my memory serves me, a comment was made...]]></description><link>https://www.upward-focus.com/post/wednesday-share-fear-of-man-1</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a29ffedf8e7e84c72c0db00</guid><category><![CDATA[Curated Content]]></category><category><![CDATA[Mental Health]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 11 Jun 2026 00:28:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1d3f93_7c3895d4cd36479ba0e65e7a0a907d1e~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Jeremey Voit</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Extra Share: Talking to a Friend Who's Depressed]]></title><description><![CDATA[In keeping with the topic of mental health and depression, here's another share from ACBC. This one is a conversation dealing with how we can approach loved ones who are depressed; how we, ordinary people, can help. It's a tough subject to be sure. But what we shouldn't do is continue wrongful stigmas about the problems of the soul. So, I hope this is a helpful read for you, especially if you know of someone who is going through a rough patch. Maybe God desires to work through you to reach them.]]></description><link>https://www.upward-focus.com/post/extra-share-talking-to-a-friend-who-s-depressed</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a28ab5899361b5d20d5ab85</guid><category><![CDATA[Curated Content]]></category><category><![CDATA[Mental Health]]></category><category><![CDATA[Christian Life]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2026 00:14:53 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_554f7776775a3944793677~mv2_d_4928_3264_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Jeremey Voit</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Monday Share: Dealing with Suicide in the Church: A Pastoral Perspective]]></title><description><![CDATA[June is, unbeknownst to me 'til now, Men's Mental Health Awareness month. While I'm not one to govern the calendar around more modern, man-made events, the underlying mental health problems people face (specifically men in this case) are a serious one, and the church should take note, in my opinion. More to the point for today's share from ACBC is suicide, and how the church ought to approach this difficult topic. A glance at the statistics shows that men are four times more likely to die by...]]></description><link>https://www.upward-focus.com/post/monday-share-dealing-with-suicide-in-the-church-a-pastoral-perspective</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a26b4d77af0f73356980389</guid><category><![CDATA[Curated Content]]></category><category><![CDATA[Mental Health]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 08 Jun 2026 12:56:32 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1d3f93_d9f80be4b86641309d4852b9e87ddd7f~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Jeremey Voit</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Bonus Share: Job's Three Friends]]></title><description><![CDATA[Well, sometimes it's good to do an extra share for the week, I suppose today is one of those days. This one will be from Gotquestions, and it is about Job's three friends, and what they got right, and what they got wrong. If you're unfamiliar with the story, Job is put through a series of severe trials. As he mourns, some of his friends come to offer comfort, or as it turns out, more trials. Instead of giving him any real help, they mostly tell him that his problems are a result of his sin,...]]></description><link>https://www.upward-focus.com/post/bonus-share-job-s-three-friends</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a249f1d1f44c606b37a3441</guid><category><![CDATA[Curated Content]]></category><category><![CDATA[Christian Life]]></category><pubDate>Sat, 06 Jun 2026 22:35:45 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_725477686d46536f584338~mv2_d_6000_4000_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Jeremey Voit</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Friday Share: Don't Give Up]]></title><description><![CDATA[Reagan Rose over at Redeeming Productivity just put out a video taking application from Galatians 6:9. I know for me, as someone who can become discouraged, it's good to hear the reminder; it's good to know that our work in the Lord is never in vain. So, I hope that regardless of what you may be going through at this time, this will be a helpful encouragement to you and me not to grow weary in doing good, because in due season, we will reap.]]></description><link>https://www.upward-focus.com/post/friday-share-don-t-give-up</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a23363789165fe3fa8da742</guid><category><![CDATA[Curated Content]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2026 20:57:07 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1d3f93_97e651dd16e94b3aa9b6405f5b899178~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Jeremey Voit</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Looking For The Loophole to be Angry]]></title><description><![CDATA[Have you ever felt completely justified in being angry at someone, even after knowing what Jesus says in Matthew 5:21? I know I have. In studying this passage for a lesson at church, I found it interesting and convicting that part of what Jesus was doing was removing the "loopholes," as it were, that the Pharisees were adding to the law. It seemed that as long as they hadn't actually murdered anyone, they were fine, irrespective of their heart condition. "I can't kill them, but I can hate...]]></description><link>https://www.upward-focus.com/post/looking-for-the-loophole-to-be-angry</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a21d046aaa8d363bc43bb91</guid><pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2026 20:48:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_b5bf69a88de1445d949f7ca84d7f28c1~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Jeremey Voit</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Wednesday Share: How Has Christ Changed Your Life?]]></title><description><![CDATA[This short from Keith Foskey on YouTube poses an interesting question, and one that should help in our gospel conversations. I believe I have heard this before, but being reminded is definitely helpful. Not much else to say about it, just go ahead and click the link and watch it!]]></description><link>https://www.upward-focus.com/post/wednesday-share-how-has-christ-changed-your-life</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a1d8d3a7b6630756eef3dc0</guid><category><![CDATA[Curated Content]]></category><category><![CDATA[Evangelism]]></category><category><![CDATA[Christian Life]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2026 16:00:21 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1d3f93_7c3895d4cd36479ba0e65e7a0a907d1e~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Jeremey Voit</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Lazarus: The Resurrection And The Life]]></title><description><![CDATA[In the passage surrounding the raising of Lazarus, we can learn a lot of different things. But undergirding it all is the fact that Jesus is the Messiah, that He is God, and this story proves it. John sought to prove that Jesus was who He said He was by writing this gospel. Throughout this book, he shows much evidence that proves Jesus is the God-Man. As we wrap up this series on Lazarus, I want to hone in on the central element to this story: Jesus as Messiah, and briefly what that means for...]]></description><link>https://www.upward-focus.com/post/lazarus-the-resurrection-and-the-life-1</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a1ec66725eba3b2860eca97</guid><category><![CDATA[Christian Life]]></category><category><![CDATA[Verse Studies]]></category><category><![CDATA[Series]]></category><category><![CDATA[Evangelism]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2026 12:35:45 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1d3f93_9149685771774cc98a5dfc16d59afadb~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Jeremey Voit</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Monday Share: What Does It Mean to Be Discerning]]></title><description><![CDATA[This short post on discernment by Tim Challies, is our share for the day. Discernment, especially in Spiritual matters, can be a tricky thing. I know for me, distinguishing between "what is wise from what is wiser still" is especially hard. I appreciate that he also touches on the "dangers" of discernment. While leaders and teachers need to help protect the church from error, it takes discernment to know how best to do that in the plethora of arenas out there, be it the church itself or...]]></description><link>https://www.upward-focus.com/post/monday-share-what-does-it-mean-to-be-discerning</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a1d8af474254bcae0846e6b</guid><category><![CDATA[Curated Content]]></category><category><![CDATA[Christian Life]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 13:44:36 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1d3f93_d9f80be4b86641309d4852b9e87ddd7f~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Jeremey Voit</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Thoughts on Conscience]]></title><description><![CDATA[I've had a few conversations recently with several people about matters of conscience. From the entertainment we consume to the words we say, it's amazing how much there really can be to ponder. I even find myself questioning my own convictions to a slight degree. But one thing I can say with absolute conviction is that the Bible is our guide in all matters of life and godliness. I think one of the major takeaways I've gotten from these conversations is that much of it is a matter of...]]></description><link>https://www.upward-focus.com/post/thoughts-on-conscience</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a1b92b92221307b855e2606</guid><pubDate>Sun, 31 May 2026 01:46:54 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_a92862b960bf4ea593df3ee2e6b96d7f~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Jeremey Voit</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Friday Share: Be a Disciple Maker]]></title><description><![CDATA[Today's share is from Got Questions, and it discusses the basic principles behind making disciples. Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations wasn't only for the 12 apostles only, but for all believers. While it may look different for each of us, we are all called to share the good news of the gospel. It's a pretty short and simple article, to the point for sure. But useful nonetheless.]]></description><link>https://www.upward-focus.com/post/friday-share-be-a-disciple-maker</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a1a0356d5a4b3fb0be06344</guid><pubDate>Fri, 29 May 2026 21:24:42 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Jeremey Voit</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Lazarus: Our Future Hope]]></title><description><![CDATA[Martha and Mary show incredible insight in this chapter of John, don't they? Despite whatever doubt they may have shown (vss. 33, 40), they still understood that Jesus could save from death. When first speaking to Jesus, both sisters exclaim, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died" (vss. 21, 32), showing their understanding of who He was and what He could do. As we continue to draw application from the story of Lazarus, I wanted to look at our future hope. When people...]]></description><link>https://www.upward-focus.com/post/lazarus-the-resurrection-and-the-life</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a183419c2da9ec268497e2b</guid><category><![CDATA[Christian Life]]></category><category><![CDATA[Series]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2026 13:15:02 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1d3f93_9149685771774cc98a5dfc16d59afadb~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Jeremey Voit</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Wednesday Share: Why You Probably Don't Need a Quiet Time]]></title><description><![CDATA[Wednesday's share is an article from Ligonier about daily devotionals. Do we need them? Are they legalistic? Honestly, I would prefer not to say much about the post, but instead to ask you to read it prayerfully. I hope it will be a help to you!]]></description><link>https://www.upward-focus.com/post/wednesday-share-why-you-probably-don-t-need-a-quiet-time</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a1491add681fe01d168daec</guid><category><![CDATA[Curated Content]]></category><category><![CDATA[Christian Life]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2026 16:00:18 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1d3f93_7c3895d4cd36479ba0e65e7a0a907d1e~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Jeremey Voit</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What's in a Name?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Well, Kingdom First Photography is now Upward Focus. I had been contemplating a name change for quite a while, as I felt the former name was confusing. I mean, why is this landscape photographer posting about the Bible and mental health and foster care? I can understand the confusion. Photography and Scripture have been a major part of my life. This was always meant to be a place where they join. Even so, I felt a name change was in order before this thing could really move forward. While...]]></description><link>https://www.upward-focus.com/post/what-s-in-a-name</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a1597d6175279973260958b</guid><pubDate>Tue, 26 May 2026 13:05:50 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1d3f93_ad87a401b8c247a3aaf30fb26530f07a~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_700,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Jeremey Voit</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Monday Share: Being a Biblical man]]></title><description><![CDATA[Today's share comes from Dr. Adam Tyson over at Fortis Institute. In this podcast, he relays an Old Testament story involving King Ahab and the advice he sought. It's a cautionary tale, and an important one with much application for us today, particularly for men seeking to make wise decisions. I know for myself, it is easy to fall into some of the traps Dr. Tyson mentions. Traps like merely seeking affirmation instead of real advice. It is certainly a convicting listen, but hopefully one...]]></description><link>https://www.upward-focus.com/post/monday-share-being-a-biblical-man</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a148cd3f3bc0136e51b5a9d</guid><category><![CDATA[Curated Content]]></category><category><![CDATA[Christian Life]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 25 May 2026 18:01:09 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1d3f93_d9f80be4b86641309d4852b9e87ddd7f~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Jeremey Voit</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Extra Share: Thoughts on A.I. and Work]]></title><description><![CDATA[I have to preface this by stating that I'm not at all familiar with the source of today's share, and as such, I'm not going to advocate for or against reading their content. I came across this piece on Tim Challies' site. His site, I do of course trust. Regardless, I think the author provides some interesting insight into the potential problems with A.I. and work. Insights I see myself struggling with. Ultimately, in my opinion, work is here to stay, as it is built into us as human beings....]]></description><link>https://www.upward-focus.com/post/extra-share-thoughts-on-a-i-and-work</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a12223ea2438924d10fd2d3</guid><category><![CDATA[Curated Content]]></category><category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category><pubDate>Sat, 23 May 2026 22:00:48 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_6c51399ad7734267b87edd02342df1da~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Jeremey Voit</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Friday Share: Strategies for Fighting Depression Well]]></title><description><![CDATA[I certainly try to cover a lot of different topics on here, granted. But hopefully the theme becomes clear: our hope is in God. Depression is a debilitating situation, yet it can also be misunderstood greatly. Phrases like "get over it" or "have more faith" are responses that the weary pilgrim might hear along their way through the valley of deep depression. This can not only crush their spirit further, but also cause them to feel more isolated. Both of which are hurtful to the situation....]]></description><link>https://www.upward-focus.com/post/friday-share-strategies-for-fighting-depression-well</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a0b273c6cd6edad7e868787</guid><category><![CDATA[Curated Content]]></category><category><![CDATA[Mental Health]]></category><category><![CDATA[Christian Life]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2026 16:00:23 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1d3f93_97e651dd16e94b3aa9b6405f5b899178~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Jeremey Voit</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Lazarus: Jesus Wept... and Raged?]]></title><description><![CDATA[In the account of Lazarus, we see many different stories come together. We see the disciples both questioning and coming alongside Jesus, both on His decision to wait and His journey to see Mary and Martha. We see the plight of Lazarus' sisters as they grieve the death of their brother. We even see the watching Jews and their leaders, some who would believe, and others who would never believe no matter what (John 11:45-46). In the midst of it all, however, we see Jesus, both wholly God and...]]></description><link>https://www.upward-focus.com/post/lazarus-jesus-wept-and-raged</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a0f06bca2438924d109b6e6</guid><category><![CDATA[Christian Life]]></category><category><![CDATA[Series]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 21:19:07 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1d3f93_9149685771774cc98a5dfc16d59afadb~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Jeremey Voit</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Wednesday Share: Did Jesus Claim to be God?]]></title><description><![CDATA[I wanted to share this short from Keith Foskey. Many people claim that Jesus never said He was God, but in this clip, we find that He absolutely is God, and says as much in so many words in John chapter 8. It's a powerful message, and one I hope will encourage your faith. If you have further questions, I would encourage you to check out this booklet over at Fortis Institute. It answers several questions about what the Bible actually says about Jesus.]]></description><link>https://www.upward-focus.com/post/wednesday-share-did-jesus-claim-to-be-god</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a0b22898ba6aec9a81021cb</guid><category><![CDATA[Curated Content]]></category><category><![CDATA[Christian Life]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2026 16:00:18 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1d3f93_7c3895d4cd36479ba0e65e7a0a907d1e~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Jeremey Voit</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>