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The Up Devotional
Matthew Ruttan
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In a minute or two, start your day with a shot of soul espresso—biblical and down-to-earth. It's written and read by disciple, pastor, and author, Matthew Ruttan. www.TheUpDevo.com
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Religion & Spirituality
Religion & Spirituality
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Today
People on the narrow path need this
I’m captivated by Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:13-14. In fact, I’ve started to recite them as a part of my devotional time every morning: “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow … Continue reading People on the narrow path need this
Episodes
Today
People on the narrow path need this
I’m captivated by Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:13-14. In fact, I’ve started to recite them as a part of my devotional time every morning: “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow … Continue reading People on the narrow path need this
Yesterday
Narrow, not broad and wide
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). These words of Jesus are quite famous. At first, they … Continue reading Narrow, not broad and wide
2d ago
They fear concentration
John Climacus wrote a book in the early 7th century that became very influential among Christians. It was called The Ladder of Divine Ascent. Among other things it was a book about becoming more like Jesus. In it he wrote: "Demons fear concentration as thieves fear dogs."* He put a high value on concentration. He was … Continue reading They fear concentration
5d ago
Rarely does he let me see the script
In her book No Greater Love, Rebecca McLaughlin writes: “I thoroughly believe that God directs my life, but rarely does He let me see the script.”* Can I get an Amen?! Like McLaughlin, I thoroughly believe that God directs my life. Perhaps you also agree that God directs your life. When she says that God … Continue reading Rarely does he let me see the script
6d ago
Feet firmly planted
When did you last wrestle someone? Perhaps it's been a while. Perhaps you never have! I'm not a professional. I'm a father (which, for the record, includes a good deal of wrestling). You need to have your feet firmly planted on the ground. If you don't, you get taken down pretty quickly. Today's devotional is … Continue reading Feet firmly planted
1w ago
Personal, but never private
In yesterday’s devotional I highlighted the exceptional courage of the first apostles. As far as we can tell, all but one of them died for their faith. One writer has stated that God is personal, but never private.* How very true. Our faith is internal AND external. It impacts who we are on the inside … Continue reading Personal, but never private
16-04-2024
Courage is fighting alongside the King
Whatever happened to those first apostles? Shortly after the resurrection, this new movement of Christ-followers took off. Initially they were called the people of “The Way.” The word “Christians” also came into use fairly early. Jesus’ people were first referred to by that title in Antioch (see Acts 11:26). Some of the things we know … Continue reading Courage is fighting alongside the King
15-04-2024
Doubt your doubts
Perhaps you sometimes have doubts about various aspects of your faith. Perhaps you’ve also thought to yourself, ‘If only I could have seen Jesus when he was resurrected; then I’d have total confidence.’ You may be surprised to hear this, but seeing the risen Jesus in the first century was not a slam-dunk guarantee that … Continue reading Doubt your doubts
12-04-2024
Casual and casualty sound so much the same
“Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position” (2 Peter 3:17) It’s no coincidence that casual and casualty sound so much the same. Let me explain what I’m getting at. Casual … Continue reading Casual and casualty sound so much the same
11-04-2024
Too honest not to tell the truth
This week we’re talking about having confidence in the resurrection. More specifically, we’re talking about how to defend against conspiracy theories that say it never really happened. When we understand these—and know how to defend against them—we grow in confidence. A modern popular theory is that the early church must have made up resurrection stories … Continue reading Too honest not to tell the truth
10-04-2024
There exists such overwhelming evidence
This week’s devotionals have been focusing on the resurrection. It is foundational to our faith. Yet people continue to come up with conspiracy theories which try to deny it. When we understand these—and know how to defend against them—we grow in confidence. One conspiracy theory is that Jesus’ dead body was simply stolen. But that … Continue reading There exists such overwhelming evidence
09-04-2024
Out of the cross
The physical resurrection of Jesus is foundational to our faith. Without it, Paul says your faith is “futile” (1 Corinthians 15:17). It is of “first importance” (verse 3). Jesus predicted it. It is one of the reasons he now reigns as Lord. But some people challenge the idea. They say that Jesus never really died. … Continue reading Out of the cross
08-04-2024
Putting some sand on the bridge
Indiana Jones was played by Harrison Ford. There’s a scene in one of the movies where he had to get across a huge gorge, but couldn’t jump that far. His map indicated that he could walk across, but he couldn’t see a bridge. He was in a hurry because people were chasing him and he … Continue reading Putting some sand on the bridge
05-04-2024
God entrusts us with certain potential
“There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord” (1 Corinthians 12: 5). If you had the ability to give someone a special talent or gift—like, for example, the ability to fly—wouldn’t you expect them to use it? I’m sure you would. Well, God gives us special talents or gifts. And I’m sure he … Continue reading God entrusts us with certain potential
04-04-2024
Though it be but words
“Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me…” (Psalm 43:3, ESV). Anthony lived in the fourth century. He has had a massive influence on Christians. He fasted, prayed, shunned wealth and praise, memorized Scripture, and lived a life of focused simplicity. Even though he would go into the desert to be alone, … Continue reading Though it be but words
03-04-2024
Take the relationship seriously
Relationships can be a source of great joy in our lives. They can also be a source of pain. Quite often they are somewhere in between. Sometimes they are life-giving, and sometimes they are draining. We modern westerners are at risk of treating people like commodities. Since there is so much individualism and consumerism in … Continue reading Take the relationship seriously
02-04-2024
Trading crosses for crowns
The resurrection of Christ was about one man, but it was about more than one man. It is the inauguration of God’s renewed world. I’m thankful to historian and scholar Tom Wright for highlighting the following points in his research. First, God began the work of creation on a Sunday. Well, the work of God’s … Continue reading Trading crosses for crowns
01-04-2024
The nails failed
“The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said’” (Matthew 28:5-6). I hope you are en-joy-ing Easter Monday. The resurrection of Jesus was about… Jesus. But it wasn’t only about Jesus. … Continue reading The nails failed
29-03-2024
To redeem a race of rebels
Today is Good Friday. It’s when we gather at the foot of the cross to ponder and give thanks that Jesus gave his life for ours. He paid the price for our sin so that we could be reconciled to God. I sometimes tell the story about a young person who asked me why Good … Continue reading To redeem a race of rebels
28-03-2024
Things are not always as they seem
Today is Maundy Thursday. It begins a series of days sometimes called the Triduum which include Good Friday and Easter Sunday. “The big three.” On Maundy Thursday we remember Jesus’ new commandment to love one another and celebrate the inaugural Lord’s Supper. On Good Friday we gather at the foot of the cross to ponder … Continue reading Things are not always as they seem