Welcome to The Up Devotional!
This is a devotional that comes out five mornings a week (Monday to Friday) at 5am. It is written by Pastor Ruttan.
Think of it as your 1-minute shot of daily soul espresso—biblical and down-to-earth.
You read back issues here and also find it on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
It is also available as a podcast through Apple Podcasts (iTunes), Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher.
Enjoy!
The Up Devotional
- A time is coming when men will go mad December 3, 2024Anthony 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 […]Matthew Ruttan
- Visual reminders December 2, 2024In 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” […]Matthew Ruttan
- God’s pure medicine for your soul November 29, 2024The 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. […]Matthew Ruttan
- Being knocked down and knocked out are different things November 28, 2024Some 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 […]Matthew Ruttan
- Save Your November 27, 2024When 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 […]Matthew Ruttan
- Not just eventually, but presently November 26, 2024Forever 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 […]Matthew Ruttan
- You need to sift November 25, 2024People 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 […]Matthew Ruttan
- People grow better together November 22, 2024Acts 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 […]Matthew Ruttan
- Loyalty, love and a lifestyle November 21, 2024Mark 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 […]Matthew Ruttan
- They hate anything that reminds them of hope November 20, 2024There 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 […]Matthew Ruttan
- You are like a house November 19, 2024You 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 […]Matthew Ruttan
- If you want to actually be like Jesus November 18, 2024[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 […]Matthew Ruttan
- Rejoice—always? November 15, 2024It’s one of the most frequently-quoted verses in the letter. Philippians 4:4 says: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” It’s a frequent theme throughout the letter. In fact, a form of this word is used 9 times in 4 short chapters. Seems fairly positive, doesn’t it? But can we really […]Matthew Ruttan
- Gobble gobble gobble November 14, 2024We’ve been spending some time with Philippians 4:8-9. That’s where Paul says this: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen […]Matthew Ruttan
- Fear and panic, or the peace of God? November 13, 2024The God of peace can be with you. That’s pretty great, isn’t it? And this isn’t just some vague sentiment. Paul tells us this directly in Philippians 4:8-9. What he says is built on the assumption that we trust in the almighty and gracious God as revealed in Christ. With that in mind, he tells […]Matthew Ruttan
- If you want it out there, you need it in here November 12, 2024World peace. We all want it. But how do we get it? Let’s be honest. There is a lot going on in the world around us that is simply beyond our control. We can, however, influence what is happening inside of us. When you think about it, what happens inside of us is our foundational […]Matthew Ruttan
- Sung from the trenches November 11, 2024Today is Remembrance Day, also called Veterans Day or Armistice Day in other countries. We remember and give thanks for those who lost their lives in the miseries of war. In so doing we wear poppies. We read In Flanders Fields. We thank veterans. We pray for peace. We consider the value of our freedoms. […]Matthew Ruttan
- The future you November 8, 2024In Chase the Lion, Mark Batterson talks about a special sermon by Dr. Halverson called the “old man speech.” Here’s the gist of what he says: You’re going to meet an old man one day down the road. He will be you. He is the composite of everything you are thinking, saying and doing right […]Matthew Ruttan
- Suffering can produce perseverance November 7, 2024I recently learned about a bird in the Australian rainforest called the Cassowary. If you google a picture you’ll see that it is not to be messed with. It can fight off large predators, and even humans! A little known fact is that it plays a part in germinating the seeds of the rare Ryparosa […]Matthew Ruttan
- Your “calling” November 6, 2024What are you “called” to do? The word “calling” can be intimidating. It makes us think of being a missionary, starting a homeless shelter, or coordinating an after-school program for inner city kids. But all of us have a calling, even if we don’t do those sorts of things. First, we’re called to be disciples […]Matthew Ruttan