Yesterday I encouraged you to ground yourself in God. You’re less likely to get knocked off centre if you’re properly centred. That’s especially important in an uncertain time. One of the ways you do that is to guard your heart. Harken Proverbs 4:23: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from … Continue reading On guard
Author: Matthew Ruttan
Don’t get knocked off centre
It’s a new year. It looks like smooth sailing, doesn’t it? Um, probably not. It’s a year in which uncertainty seems like the only certainty. That’s why we need to remind ourselves that God is always certain and steadfast, even when the things around us aren’t. Psalm 102:27 heralds a reminder: “But you remain the … Continue reading Don’t get knocked off centre
A stampede of fear
After a week’s vacation, The Up Devotional is back. Here’s to a holy and healthy 2022! We are living in a time of upheaval, a stampede of fear. In general, people can fear illness, job loss, environmental collapse, family breakdown and death. More recently, the list seems to be getting longer: germs, other people, the … Continue reading A stampede of fear
Help from an outside source
There was an ad in the New York Times which said: “The meaning of Christmas is that love will triumph and that we will be able to put together a world of unity and peace.”* Did you notice? It said that “we” can put a together a world of unity and peace. But nothing could … Continue reading Help from an outside source
Fear vs. joy and peace
When the shepherds saw the angel, and when God’s glory shone around them, “they were terrified” (Luke 2:9). Literally it says that “they feared a great fear.” No kidding! But then the angel tells them to not be afraid. After all, he’s about to give them good news, not bad: “I bring you good news … Continue reading Fear vs. joy and peace
He cries just like us!
Stephen Seamands recalls a story about a missionary in a faraway land. He went to share and show the good news of Jesus. But he wasn’t making any headway with the locals. It was as if they were closed to who he was and what he had to say because he was simply “not one … Continue reading He cries just like us!
Larry King’s one question
“…before they came together, [Mary] was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:18) T.V. Host Larry King was once asked, if he could interview one person from history who would it be? “Jesus Christ,” he replied. The interviewer went on to ask, “If you could only ask him one question, what would … Continue reading Larry King’s one question
Pay attention to the music
“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance” (Psalm 32:7). December can be a rush. Plus, our world is kind of insane right now. Have you noticed? That’s why we need to stay focused on what and who matters most: Jesus. Something that helps us … Continue reading Pay attention to the music
Pondering the nativity
The season of Advent and Christmas can be such a blur. As a result, we can easily leap-frog the biblical story of Jesus’ birth as we mad-dash to the mall, or attend to a dozen other dizzying responsibilities. 'But don’t we hear that story on Christmas Eve?' Yes, but Christmas Eve sermons tend to be … Continue reading Pondering the nativity
Admitting desperation
Christmas approaches. With it the angel’s announcement: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:11). Let’s zero-in on that word “Saviour.” Yes, Jesus saves. But what does he save us from? Certainly estrangement from God, from death, from the consequences of sin, … Continue reading Admitting desperation
