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The nails failed
“The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said’” (Matthew 28:5-6). I hope you are en-joy-ing Easter Monday. The resurrection of Jesus was about… Jesus. But… Listen ⇢
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To redeem a race of rebels
Today is Good Friday. It’s when we gather at the foot of the cross to ponder and give thanks that Jesus gave his life for ours. He paid the price for our sin so that we could be reconciled to God. I sometimes tell the story about a young person… Listen ⇢
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Things are not always as they seem
Today is Maundy Thursday. It begins a series of days sometimes called the Triduum which include Good Friday and Easter Sunday. “The big three.” On Maundy Thursday we remember Jesus’ new commandment to love one another and celebrate the inaugural Lord’s Supper. On Good Friday we gather at the foot… Listen ⇢
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Virtue as we enter the new dark ages
I know, it’s a curious title for a devotional. Perhaps even a bit ominous. Professor Alasdair MacIntyre surveyed how different people have understood virtue throughout history. Morality today, he writes, “is in a state of grave disorder.” Although we are not without hope, he makes a rather stark conclusion that… Listen ⇢
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Details and diligence
“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11). A little while ago a video started circulating online of Bobby Hastings, the head equipment manager for the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey team. During a game, Hastings could be seen on the bench closely watching… Listen ⇢
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Fair-weathered, or all-weather?
Hello everyone! After two weeks away, The Up Devotional is back to your email inboxes, social media feeds, and podcast platforms five mornings a week. We are now in what is often called Holy Week. Yesterday was Palm Sunday. This coming weekend we remember and centre ourselves in the crucifixion… Listen ⇢
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Because that’s what friends do
For the past few devotionals we have been reflecting on God’s providence. That’s his invisible hand, working in the lives of his people even when they can’t see it. Let’s continue with that encouraging theme. In World War One a troupe was engaged in trench warfare. A lieutenant told his… Listen ⇢
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God works in the trenches
God works in the trenches. Consider the story of Esther and how messy it was. Young virgins were summoned for a sort of dark, horrid beauty contest in the Persian court. Because Mordechai refused to bow to the king’s second-in-command, Haman, a plot was hatched to kill not only Mordechai,… Listen ⇢
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God is not put off by the messes
William Perkins was a well-known theologian in the 16th century. He was known for his faithfulness. But it wasn’t always that way. When he was younger he had a reputation for recklessness, profanity and public drunkenness. He was also dabbling in black magic and the occult. One evening he overheard… Listen ⇢
Meet the producer, Matthew Ruttan.
Matthew is a disciple, pastor, husband, and dad of three who lives in the psalms.
