• Don’t beat yourself up

    Today I’m here to tell you to cut yourself some slack. Here’s why. We’re living through a global pandemic. Has buying groceries ever been this complicated? More people are working from home (or adjusting to a new work situation), homeschooling their kids, trying to think through extracurricular (if even possible),… Listen ⇢

  • The Righteous for the rebel

    In the book of Isaiah there are four “servant songs” which include prophecies about a future Messiah who is also a servant who suffers on behalf of his people. This Messiah and servant is Jesus. Isaiah 53:12 (CSB) says that “he bore the sin of many and interceded for the… Listen ⇢

  • Imperfect

    After his resurrection, Jesus gave his followers the great commission: to make disciples of all people (see Matthew 28:18-20). But just before he did that, we’re told something very telling: “When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted” (Matthew 28:17). Some worshiped Jesus—but some doubted! But he tells… Listen ⇢

  • Joy has a job to do

    Joy has a job to do. Let me explain. Imagine seeing Jesus crucified—and then alive again! The disciples did. Talk about an emotional roller coaster. And what did Jesus tell them to do afterward? To get in touch with their feelings for ten years and then come back for some… Listen ⇢

  • In a world where resurrection is possible

    The resurrection is central to Christian faith. Paul says that if Jesus has not been raised then your faith is “useless” (1 Corinthians 15:14). It changes how we see and experience the world. Why? Because in a world where resurrection is possible, anything is possible! The New Testament writers continually… Listen ⇢

  • Fear doesn’t define us

    Christians all over the world just celebrated the resurrection of Jesus. As I was preparing to lead services this year one of the details in the story that struck me was the description of the women outside the tomb who had just learned about the resurrection: “So the women hurried… Listen ⇢

  • Why it’s called ‘good’ Friday

    There’s a marine training facility called Parris Island. A young man signed up who was a bit out of step with the others. He was nice enough—but he just didn’t fit in. As a result he got picked on. A lot. In his barracks there were guys who were particularly… Listen ⇢

  • Today is Maundy Thursday. Here’s why

    Maundy Thursday is one of those days that leaves a lot of people scratching their heads. What does the name mean? Why do some churches hold special services? The word “Maundy” comes from Jesus’ words in John 13:34. Although he spoke Aramaic, the oldest records of his words are in Greek.… Listen ⇢

  • A crisis creates clarity

    A crisis tends to create clarity about what’s important. Many of the things we were really concerned about even two months ago are now way down the priority list. We’re now dealing with essentials. And what is essential? Our hope in God. And the people around us. Sure, there are… Listen ⇢

Meet the producer, Matthew Ruttan.

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

The Up Devotional

Your 1-minute shot of soul espresso

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