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The Up Devo

Jr A hockey and Luke 14:11

February 25, 2021February 24, 2021 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

In Luke 14:10-11 Jesus says: “But when you are invited [to a wedding feast], take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. For all those who exalt themselves … Continue reading Jr A hockey and Luke 14:11

Humility: Your first thought of the day

February 23, 2021February 23, 2021 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

You'll find it difficult to grow and develop as a disciple of Jesus if you aren’t intentionally cultivating humility. Augustine says: “If you try to build a tall house of virtues you must first of all lay a deep foundation of humility.”* He’s talking about the castle of your character. Without a “deep foundation of … Continue reading Humility: Your first thought of the day

From mouthpiece to mouth-peace

February 22, 2021February 21, 2021 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

Technically speaking, a “mouthpiece” is a spokesperson for someone else. But it can also be used derisively. If someone is called a mouthpiece with a certain tone of voice, it means they’re mouthy—that they are using words that are rude, insensitive or arrogant.  Because we’re sinful creatures it can be easy to backslide and start … Continue reading From mouthpiece to mouth-peace

Seinfeld and the Good Samaritan

February 19, 2021February 15, 2021 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

The story of the Good Samaritan is known for what it teaches about showing mercy to others. Luke 10:36-37 famous reports: “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus … Continue reading Seinfeld and the Good Samaritan

Training… for godliness

February 18, 2021February 17, 2021 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

We are now in Lent—the period of preparation leading up to Easter. Some people “give something up” for Lent. Think of it like spiritual training. Just how an athlete might make certain sacrifices to train for a big event, so too is there a tradition of Christians making certain sacrifices at this time of year … Continue reading Training… for godliness

Labourers or loiterers?

February 17, 2021February 16, 2021 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

Today is Ash Wednesday, the official start of Lent—the 40-day period of preparation (excluding Sundays) leading up to Easter. Some Christians attend services where ashes are put on their foreheads. In a pandemic, these services will either be skipped or modified. Ashes symbolize our mourning and regret for sin. They also symbolize our mortality. Recall … Continue reading Labourers or loiterers?

Pancake vs Shrove Tuesday

February 16, 2021February 15, 2021 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

It is Shrove Tuesday? Or Pancake Tuesday? Let me answer that question with another. Is Christmas about the birth of Christ, or about Santa? Of course, it’s about the birth of Christ. But the headliner tends to get sidelined in an increasingly secular culture. Now, before I sound ornery, it’s not like Shrove Tuesday is a … Continue reading Pancake vs Shrove Tuesday

Showing mercy broadly

February 15, 2021February 14, 2021 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

In the well-known story of the Good Samaritan, two respectful people—a priest and a Levite—pass by a man who has been stripped, beaten, and left half-dead. He needs help, but they don't. Luke 10:33-34 tell us what happens next: “But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, … Continue reading Showing mercy broadly

The poor emperor and rich beggar

February 12, 2021February 11, 2021 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

Maybe it’s human nature to focus more on what we don’t have than on what we do. We turn on our TVs or go online and get bombarded about what we should have (but don’t) or what cool things other people are doing (but we aren’t). And then a pandemic comes—and stays!—and we don’t get … Continue reading The poor emperor and rich beggar

Forgiven people love people

February 11, 2021February 10, 2021 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

In Luke 7:41-42, Jesus told a story about two people who had their debts forgiven. One of them had a particularly big debt erased. As a result, they reeeeeeaaaally loved the person who forgave them. No kidding! In verse 47, Jesus summarized his point like this: “whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” Or, put … Continue reading Forgiven people love people

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Jr A hockey and Luke 14:11⠀
Not old-fashioned, but God-fashioned⠀
Humility: Your first thought of the day⠀
From mouthpiece to mouth-peace⠀

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