The Up Devotional

  • Death bed perspective

    I’ve had the privilege of talking with many people in their last days on earth.  As people look back on their life, there are moments of reflection. Do you want to know what people never say? They never say, “I wish I had earned more money. I wish I had… Listen ⇢

  • Ships don’t sink because of water around them

    Recently during a Sunday message Jeff Walther shared one of those quotes that makes you think, think again, and then think some more: “Ships don’t sink because of water around them. Ships sink because of water that gets in them. Don’t let what’s happening around you get inside you and… Listen ⇢

  • Genuine beliefs have hands and feet

    In Acts 16, Paul and Silas were in prison. Instead of bemoaning their fate they were praying and singing to God!  The jailer was captivated, not only by their words but by their behaviour (see verses 25 to 30). He wanted to know what to do to be saved. They… Listen ⇢

  • Perpetual change and controversy?

    Change is everywhere. That was true prior to the pandemic. But that was nothing compared to now. In the past year and a half we’ve experienced (and are experiencing) massive change as we try to adapt to ever-evolving social realities and upheavals. Spinning is not a way to see clearly.… Listen ⇢

  • Motives, prayer and invisible momentum

    Hello! After four weeks of vacation The Up Devotional is back with your one-minute daily shot of soul espresso! In the fictional movie Bruce Almighty, Bruce is played by actor Jim Carrey. He has the unique opportunity to do God’s job for a while. He wants to be nice to… Listen ⇢

  • With humility comes wisdom

    [Last devotional until September 6th, 2021. See note below.] Proverbs 11:2 says: “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Have you ever wondered why that is? It’s because pride wants to take the wheel and be in control. Humility, on the other hand, is about kicking… Listen ⇢

  • Hide Self View

    The novelty of Zoom meetings has worn off. No offense Zoom, you’ve been a big help! Technology can do a lot of things, but not everything. For example, you can’t hug someone through a screen.  Recently on Zoom I discovered a feature called “Hide Self View.” If you select that… Listen ⇢

  • The awesomeness of his uniqueness

    Jesus is different. And if you belong to him, you’ll most likely be considered different or strange as well. So let’s buttress ourselves and take a closer look at the awesomeness of his uniqueness. First, Jesus is God-with-us. He is the very fullness of God in human form (Colossians 2:9).… Listen ⇢

  • The difference being different makes

    Have you ever felt strange because of your faith? What if that wasn’t a bad thing? And what if there was a purpose in it? Paul’s teaching about the risen Jesus to the philosophers of Athens provoked accusations of strangeness: “May we know what this new teaching is that you… Listen ⇢

Meet the producer, Matthew Ruttan.

Matthew is a disciple, pastor, husband, and dad of three who lives in the psalms.

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The Up Devotional

Your 1-minute shot of soul espresso

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