The Up Devotional

  • For ALL people (Epiphany)

    Today is Epiphany. Um, what?  “Epiphany” means “manifestation.” Historically, it’s a day when Christians mark the manifestation (or appearing, or showing-forth) of Jesus to the gentiles—in other words, to ALL people (not just Jews). It’s associated with the visit of the wise men who came from a faraway country: “When they… Listen ⇢

  • Stand firm in things eternal

    At the start of a new year some people make resolutions. They resolve to improve something in their lives. Maybe it’s getting in shape, getting out of debt, or quitting smoking. Personally, I’m not too keen on making resolutions. But what I am keen on is developing practices and routines… Listen ⇢

  • 2021: In the arms of an certain God

    Welcome to 2021! After a week off, the “Up!” daily devotional is back. And welcome to those who have newly subscribed over the past week. In 2008 there was a College softball game. Sara Tucholsky came to the plate. She only had three hits all season. But she smashed the… Listen ⇢

  • The darkness has not overcome it

    Merry Christmas!  Well, it’s an understatement to say that 2020 has been a year like no other. Who would have guessed that a global pandemic would sweep over and through our daily lives as it has? Not me. It has been challenging, frustrating, tiring and eye-opening. Can I get an… Listen ⇢

  • The origins of Santa

    It’s Christmas Eve! Millions of children from all around the world are anticipating a visit from Santa Claus—who is probably going to be wearing a mask and washing his hands a few billion times, but that’s a discussion for another day. A quick look at his origins is kind of… Listen ⇢

  • Pray attention

    “pray continually…” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) “Pray attention” is a phrase coined by Ross Lockhart in his book Beyond Snakes and Shamrocks.* Ross is the intelligent, energetic, and mission-focused Dean of St. Andrew’s Hall at the Vancouver School of Theology. Plus, he can rock a bowtie like nobody else I know!… Listen ⇢

  • Full of yourself, or the Spirit?

    “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them…” (Luke 2:8-9) Have you ever wondered, “Why shepherds?” Why did the angel come to them of all people while they were actively watching against thieves… Listen ⇢

  • When we hear it so much we stop hearing it

    It’s one of the most famous stories ever told: The birth of Jesus. We’re about to celebrate it in a few days. Shepherds, angels, and hostile Inn-keepers have appeared in thousands of Christmas pageants for hundreds of years. But when we hear something so much, we stop hearing it. Instead… Listen ⇢

  • An idea to draw closer to God

    A few months ago our church memorized James 4:8: “Come near to God and he will come near to you.” It’s one of my favourites, and I’ve quoted it many times. Writing about this very verse, biblical commentator Matthew Henry said: “If there be not a close communion between God… 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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