"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 the play. When a player … Continue reading Details and diligence
Author: Matthew Ruttan
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 and resurrection of Christ. It … Continue reading Fair-weathered, or all-weather?
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 men to sneak across a … Continue reading Because that’s what friends do
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, but all of the Jewish … Continue reading God works in the trenches
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 a mother correcting her child … Continue reading God is not put off by the messes
God’s timeline and your deadline
You’re doing your best to trust God. You want him to act. You want him to help. You’ve been waiting. And waiting some more. So you start to think to yourself: “I’ll give God to the end of the year to do something about this situation. If he doesn’t do anything it must be because … Continue reading God’s timeline and your deadline
God is more committed to my ultimate joy than I am
In 1 Corinthians 1 Paul doubles down to make a point. God is waaaaay smarter than any of us: “Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?... For the foolishness of God is wiser … Continue reading God is more committed to my ultimate joy than I am
Bread… but more than bread
Things are not always as they seem. A simple word of encouragement can bring someone back from the brink. A hug can be the reassurance someone needs that they are not alone. This Sunday many Christians will celebrate the Lord’s Supper, also called “Communion.” Some churches do this weekly, some monthly, and some four or … Continue reading Bread… but more than bread
Arrogance beside the cross?
Two wise and faithful men were being interviewed after years of exemplary teaching and service. They were both humble, despite their many accolades and awards. The interviewer asked how they were able to resist pride and stay humble? One of the men replied: “How on earth can anyone be arrogant when standing beside the cross?”* … Continue reading Arrogance beside the cross?
Grow greater by growing smaller
Theologian J.I. Packer said that “Christians… grow greater by growing smaller.”* That’s a helpful reminder. People talk about “greatness.” Sometimes they simply think about it. And yes, they might use different words, but the idea is the same. In the book of Esther, Haman seemed to be concerned with a certain understanding of greatness. With … Continue reading Grow greater by growing smaller
