How many of you face invisible giants on a daily basis? I’m guessing a lot of you. Here are a few examples of what I mean by “invisible giants”: stress at home, a persecutor, a financial worry, loneliness, an addiction… Here’s a helpful word from Max Lucado: “Focus on giants you stumble. Focus on God … Continue reading Your giants tumble
Author: Matthew Ruttan
The hedge of protection
As a pastor, I’ve had many people pray for a “hedge of protection” around me. I’ve also prayed it for other people. Maybe you have too. But what is it? And where does the idea come from? As far as I can tell it comes from the biblical book of Job. Job was a faithful … Continue reading The hedge of protection
Jesus in the back of the canoe
In my neck of the woods there is a coming-of-age experience that many young people go through: Learning how to paddle a canoe. I remember my dad telling me to get into the back. He got into the front and off we went. It didn’t go very well! He paddled as he normally would, but … Continue reading Jesus in the back of the canoe
Something we GET to do (because we’re not slaves)
Hi everyone! After a month of vacation, the “Up!” devotional is back! One of the good things about getting away is regaining some perspective. One of the things I regained some perspective about was REST. We all need it. We all want it. But not all of us get it as much as we should. … Continue reading Something we GET to do (because we’re not slaves)
Physical rest without mental rest? (1 1-day invitation)
[Note: After today, the Up! devotional is going on pause for August while I’m on vacation. Full announcement below.] Many people are experiencing what I call “soul fatigue.” An article from the University of California describes the situation well: “We’re tired of being cooped up, tired of being careful, tired of being scared… ‘This is … Continue reading Physical rest without mental rest? (1 1-day invitation)
Be a California Redwood
The California Redwoods are massive trees, apparently the biggest living things on earth. Some are higher than 360 feet, and some are more than 60 feet around. Many are over 100 years old, and some are even over a thousand years old. Some of them have even been somewhat burned in forest fires—but they still … Continue reading Be a California Redwood
An erosion, not an explosion
It’s no surprise that I highly value—and consistently teach about—the importance of daily, spiritual practices. As I’m fond of saying, at first you make your habits, and then your habits make you. Spiritual practices are things you do on a daily basis (habits) which help you know and walk with God. But they serve another … Continue reading An erosion, not an explosion
Even after you have disappeared from the earth
There is a famous poem by Shelley called “Ozymandias” which describes the remains of a statue found in the desert. The pedestal of the statue has this inscription: “My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings: Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!”* Wow, he must have been a very impressive ruler! But hold on. … Continue reading Even after you have disappeared from the earth
Knocking on a locked door, knuckles bleeding
Yesterday I encouraged you to pray as a first resort—not just as a last resort. Today I want to encourage you to not give up. To be persistent in prayer. Why? Because of Jesus. In Luke 18:1-8 he tells the parable of a persistent widow. The point of the parable is to teach his disciples … Continue reading Knocking on a locked door, knuckles bleeding
Attack them first!
“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16). There’s a story about Ethelfrith, the Saxon king of Northumbria in the 600’s. He had invaded Wales and was on the verge of battle. The Welsh people who were about to be attacked were Christians. Ethelfrith looked out upon the Welsh as he … Continue reading Attack them first!
