• Newsflash: Things WILL go wrong

    When I was young I dreamed about the perfect day. Pancakes in the morning, no school, road hockey all day… Such is the imagination of a 7-year old boy. When we grow up we still dream about what a perfect day might be like. But, of course, it rarely happens.… Listen ⇢

  • Someone who needs to know they matter

    When most people hear the word “hospitality” they think of the “hospitality industry” where guests of some sort are treated well. But hospitality comes up in the Bible too. Romans 12:13 (NLT) says, “When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.”… Listen ⇢

  • Doing something “beneath” you

    There are two kinds of pride. The first is simply being proud of your country or a child. I get that. It’s pretty innocent. But the second kind of pride is problematic and has to do with ego. It’s an over-inflated sense of self. It’s having a puffed-up attitude, never… Listen ⇢

  • Thought-life springboard

    In Matthew 5:8 Jesus says, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” This line has always captured me. I sometimes say it to myself quietly as I go about my day, usually when I feel like I’m mentally wandering or unsure. Not only is it a… Listen ⇢

  • When the feeling of love is lacking

    I think I’m a pretty loving person. Usually. As long as I’m well-rested, un-rushed, and not feeling overwhelmed by my life! But as soon as I’m tired, rushed, and overwhelmed, I’m a lot less loving! But even in those moments we are called to be the hands and feet of… Listen ⇢

  • The right things or the wrong things?

    We all want things. But what kinds of things do you spend your time and energy wanting? Exodus 20:17 says, “You shall not covet…” It’s a command against obsessing about things you don’t have. After all, if you keep mentally drooling after other people’s things, it undermines your belief that… Listen ⇢

  • You don’t die for a lie

    The famous mathematician and physicist Blaise Pascal said: “I [believe] those witnesses that get their throats cut.” He meant that people who are willing to die for their beliefs are more likely to be telling the truth. In other words, people don’t tend to die for a lie. People will,… Listen ⇢

  • Reasons for the resurrection

    The resurrection of Jesus is central to the Christian faith. It’s not in the outfield somewhere picking at ant hills. It’s home plate. So whether or not you take it seriously is VERY important. In fact, in 1 Corinthians 15:17 Paul said that “if Christ has not been raised, your… Listen ⇢

  • For Humboldt

    Last Friday, a Junior hockey team in Saskatchewan, Canada called the Humboldt Broncos got into a massive bus accident. 15 people died, 13 of them were players. When I heard about it, I was shocked, and then sad—for the horror of it all, for the loss of life, and for… 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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