“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow” (1 Corinthians 3:6). One of JRR Tolkien’s characters was called Niggle. He spent his entire life trying to paint a picture of a forest. In fact, he envisioned an entire beautiful landscape. But before he could finish, he died. Andy Bannister describes what … Continue reading The domino effect in the kingdom
Author: Matthew Ruttan
Be still. Breathe. God is God.
Blaise Pascal once said: “All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly alone in a room.”* To be honest, it’s a bit simplistic. But there’s something to it. When we can’t calm down, zip our lips, sit quietly, and take time to reflect, we’re probably going to create more problems than we … Continue reading Be still. Breathe. God is God.
When God speaks through other people
Some people hear directly from God. It happened in the Bible (with people like Saul, for example). And it sometimes happens today. But more often than not, we need to discern God’s will in our lives without the benefit of an audible voice from above. Primarily, he speaks to us through the Bible. It is … Continue reading When God speaks through other people
A leader above all leaders
There’s often more happening in Bible stories than we realize. Take, for example, when Jesus fed 5000 men in the wilderness. Yes, it shows us that Jesus can do miraculous things. But it also demonstrates that he is the new and greater Moses. Here’s what I mean, and why it matters. Moses led God’s people … Continue reading A leader above all leaders
When you feel unqualified
“…continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:12-13). If only. If only I had fewer problems in my past… If only I was a better speaker… If only I had more … Continue reading When you feel unqualified
From observation to participation
In Mark 6 Jesus fed a crowd of 5,000 men with only five loaves and two fish. Before he did so, the disciples had wanted to send the people away so they could get some food. That’s when Jesus looked at them and said, “You give them something to eat” (verse 37). In the Greek, … Continue reading From observation to participation
Never out of hope
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13). Going to a resort is really nice. But why? First, it’s a break from your usual routines and stresses. If you’re employed, … Continue reading Never out of hope
In Christ you are already new
Happy New Year! After a week of vacation, The Up Daily Devotional is back. The start of a new year tends to make us reflect on our goals for the coming 12 months. I’d like to put a bit of a different spin on this trend. If you are in Christ, you are already new, … Continue reading In Christ you are already new
What will life be like in 100 years from now?
Merry Christmas! “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11). Think of everything that has happened in the past 100 years. 100 years ago … Continue reading What will life be like in 100 years from now?
And there were shepherds…
[Pause warning below.] “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night” (Luke 2:8). On that now-famous night the angels appeared to shepherds to announce the Messiah’s birth. Why shepherds? You sometimes hear it said that shepherding was looked down upon. Generally speaking, the reason is because … Continue reading And there were shepherds…
