The Up Devotional

  • They brought in pets. And everything changed.

    Revelation 22:9 “Worship God!” (NIV) Today’s Thought Maybe it’s because we’re so used to shopping through all the stores at the mall or picking and choosing whatever we want from restaurant menus. Whatever the reason, in today’s society, it’s hard not to be… Consumers. Even when it comes to worship.… Listen ⇢

  • Your litmus test

    2 Corinthians 5:17 “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation” (NRSV) Today’s Thought The purpose of a “litmus test” is to see what something is really made of, to see what it really is on the inside. This happens in science with different substances, of course.… Listen ⇢

  • Amazing grace for a telemarketer?

    John 1:16 “And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” (ESV) Today’s Thought Amazing Grace is one of the best-known hymns. And for a lot of us it conjures up special memories. When I hear it on the bagpipes I think of my Grandpa Ruttan. He was… Listen ⇢

  • What a 4-year-old saw changed her life

    1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances…” (ESV) Today’s Thought Ann Voskamp’s earliest memory is when she was four years old. She witnessed her 18-month old sister being run over by a truck in their farmyard. Horror. Ever since she’s struggled in her relationship with God. With this memory… Listen ⇢

  • Step out of the traffic

    Psalm 46:10 “Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God.” (MSG) Today’s Thought I just spent a week in Myrtle Beach. It was… Awesome! Every time I go on vacation I learn something new. For example, last week I learned that… Cheap socks… Listen ⇢

  • A great investment opportunity

    Titus 2:7 “In everything set them an example by doing what is good.” (NIV) Today’s Thought Most of us probably have a role model. A role model is someone you look up to, someone who provides you with a good example—something to aspire to in life. For years I would… Listen ⇢

  • The opposite of faith isn’t doubt

    1 Corinthians 2:5 “That your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” (ESV) Today’s Thought I’ve been a pastor for almost 9 years. And one of the things that happens over time is that you start to see patterns. You start to… Listen ⇢

  • The mixed messages of Jesus?

    Matthew 11:30 “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (NIV) Today’s Thought To be honest, I sometimes feel that living a life of faith is a contradiction. On one hand, Jesus says, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross… Listen ⇢

  • Excuses or progress?

    Proverbs 4:25 “Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you.” (NIV) Today’s Thought Sometimes, I think we’re our own worst enemy. We want to be closer to God, but don’t do anything to cultivate the relationship. Or we want to lose 10 pounds but can’t stay… 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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