In 1932 the baseball World Series was between the New York Yankees and the Chicago Cubs.

The story goes that there were two outs, and who should step to the plate for the Yankees, but the famous big-hitting batter, Babe Ruth.

The first pitch hurled over the plate. Strike one! The second did the same. Strike two!

At that, Ruth pointed his bat over the centre field fence, indicating that he was going to hit a home run off the next pitch! What confidence!

The pitcher threw the ball, Ruth swung with gusto and made contact. The ball flew up and over the pitchers head and out of the park. It was a home run!

Why would Babe Ruth make such a bold bold prediction? Well, because he believed he could do it.

As I hinted at yesterday, belief gives birth to behaviour. Your (true) beliefs impact how you act. In John 14:12 (NIV) Jesus says, “whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing…” In other words, if we truly believe in Jesus, we will do the kinds of things he did.

Loving others unrelentingly, glorifying God fully, speaking truth honestly…

Don’t beat yourself up if you mess up. Just make sure your car is headed in the right direction.

This week, use this question as a guide: “How does the Lord Jesus influence what I’m going to say and do?”

Carry it into how you set your priorities and use your time. Carry it into the classroom or boardroom. Carry it into your home and relationships.

Belief gives birth to behaviour. So, ask yourself this:

How does the Lord Jesus influence what I’m going to say and do?

Matthew Ruttan

• Today’s “Up!” is partly based on my latest podcast: “Belief gives birth to behaviour.” You can listen in here. Enjoy!
• Yup, it’s true! As of now, the “Up!” daily devotional is on radio for listeners in Central Ontario through the Life Radio Network! An audio version of the devotional comes on at 8:10am (ish) from Monday to Friday on 100.3FM in Barrie, 89.3FM in Peterborough, 98.9FM in Huntsville, and 90.1FM in Owen Sound. If you’re in Central Ontario, listen in and be lifted Up!