Hello! 

This is just a quick reminder that The Up Daily Devotional is on pause this week. It returns in full on March 23, 2026 to your email inboxes, social media feeds, and podcast platforms.

But since you’re here, let me offer a quick word of help and hope.

In James 4:7-8, Jesus’ half-brother provided these instructions: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”

James’ listeners—both then and now—are instructed to do three specific things: (a) submit to God, (b) resist the devil, and (c) draw near to God. 

Let’s look at those instructions one by one. Are you submitting to God, or are you pretending you know better than he does? Are you resisting the devil, or are you pretending he doesn’t exist, thereby making your life more vulnerable to his schemes? Are you drawing near to God, or are you content to keep him at a distance?

All of us have continual work to do. However, in his grace, God moves us forward. When that happens, the devil will flee, God will draw closer, and his purpose for us will more clearly shine in our daily lives.

So, have a great week. See you again on March 23rd. Until then, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”

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Notes:

-“3 Prayers Married Christian Men Should Say.” Click here, or find it on ‘The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan’ (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.)

-“Welcome to the War (Daniel 10)” Click here. Sermon.

-Bible quotes are from the ESV.