“I trust in you, Lord; I say, “You are my God” (Psalm 31:14). By spending time with someone you quite often learn to trust them. Why? Because you start to know what makes them tick. You become more familiar with their words and ways. You appreciate the mutual investment of time—and that can build trust. So it … Continue reading Time and trust
Author: Matthew Ruttan
A great cloud of witnesses
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2). In 1534 Thomas More … Continue reading A great cloud of witnesses
The dawn of God
Glimmers of hope are handles to hold when you fear you might topple over in the turbulence of life. One of those glimmers of hope is found in Psalm 130:5-6: “I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. I wait for the Lord more than watchmen … Continue reading The dawn of God
Engage in S.S.T.
Do you ever see things online that really upset you? And have you wanted to go into attack mode, jump down someone’s throat, or log on with guns-a-blazin’? Speaking to the church in Ephesians 4:2-3, Paul writes, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep … Continue reading Engage in S.S.T.
Can you imagine the sun with no heat?
The apostle John had a very simple and direct way of saying things: “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:8). He’s saying that if you don’t love, then you don’t know God. Love is so central to who God is, that we can’t neglect it in our … Continue reading Can you imagine the sun with no heat?
The big picture
There’s something that people I admire have in common. They have the ability to see the big picture even when times are hard, and even when they’re under pressure. As a result, they don’t get thrown off course. They’re more likely to hold to their principles. And they’re less likely to say or do something … Continue reading The big picture
Not a prop
The Bible. How do we use it? How do we treat it? Like fancy family china that stays in a box somewhere? Or maybe like a prop? I loathe the Bible being used as a prop. Loathe. It is the Lord Almighty’s sacred word to his people through all time and through all generations. Speaking about … Continue reading Not a prop
Made in the image of God
Hello again! As you know, “Up!” has been on pause for a week while I’ve been away for some dedicated study time. As of today, the devotional returns to your feed or email inbox five days a week—Monday to Friday! A lot has happened in the past seven days. There is a lot of hurt. … Continue reading Made in the image of God
How do you acknowledge him?
Have you ever done something really nice for someone but they didn’t even acknowledge you? Maybe you can hear yourself saying something like this: “They didn’t even acknowledge what I did!”
Fear can’t rule over you if
What makes some people afraid, and others unafraid? Imagine two men with a similar past, personality and personal life. When hardship comes, the first one loses sleep, perspective and peace. But the other usually sleeps well, maintains perspective, and feels at peace—even though life is sometimes a struggle. The first doesn’t trust that God is … Continue reading Fear can’t rule over you if
