Revelation 22:20 "Come, Lord Jesus" (NIV) Today's Thought Joy to the world! the Lord is come... Those are the opening words to one of the most popular Christmas hymns ever. They were written by Isaac Watts, the English hymn-writer, and were inspired by Psalm 98: “Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth…” But … Continue reading The story-behind-the-song (and some help from) Joy to the World
The Up Devo
Walk out of your jail cell
Mark 1:15 "The kingdom of God is near. Repent..." (NIV) Today's Thought 2016 is coming to an end. It’s hard to believe. It felt like just yesterday I was swimming in Lake Muskoka. But today there’s two feet of snow outside my window! (For those of you who don’t know me I live in Canada. … Continue reading Walk out of your jail cell
Mr or Miss Unexpectedly Generous
Psalm 86:15 “But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger…” (NIV) Today's Thought One of the inevitabilities of this time of year is get-togethers. It happens in families, with friends, at work parties, semi-formals, church and volunteering events. For some people, it’s something to look forward to. But for others, … Continue reading Mr or Miss Unexpectedly Generous
You’re incredible. Except when you do this
Matthew 6:27 "And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?" (ESV) Today's Thought Humans are incredible creatures. On average we have 37 trillion cells in our body. And our eyes can distinguish between 2 and 7 million colours. Million! But do you want to know something … Continue reading You’re incredible. Except when you do this
Merry or Meaningful?
Ephesians 2:10 "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works..." (ESV) Today's Thought According to the ads you see on TV, Christmas should make everyone happy. Plus, with all the stories and songs we hear in church and on the radio about peace and joy, you’d think it’d be a slam-dunk … Continue reading Merry or Meaningful?
Who you are in private
Hebrews 13:18 "Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things..." (ESV) Today's Thought Sometimes I like to imagine I’m hanging out with Jesus and his disciples. But not when there were impressive things happening like healings, huge crowds, and dramatic speeches. I wonder … Continue reading Who you are in private
What would YOU say?
1 Peter 3:15 “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…” (NIV) Today's Thought I’ve had a bit of a burden on my soul since Easter. That was when—just days prior to the biggest … Continue reading What would YOU say?
A label you cannot lose
John 1:12 "But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God." (NLT) Today's Thought One of the keepsakes my mom kept for me from the day I was born was the little hospital wrist bracelet. It’s so tiny! “Ruttan. Male.” As soon as I entered the world, there were … Continue reading A label you cannot lose
Stop it
1 Peter 5:8 "Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." (ESV) Today's Thought Stop beating yourself up. The Devil doesn’t need another ally. By Matthew Ruttan
A noose God has already loosed
1 Peter 2:24 "[Jesus] himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness…” (NIV) Today's Thought In 1829 George Wilson robbed a mail carrier. For a crime “against the peace and dignity of the United States of America” and endangering the mailman he … Continue reading A noose God has already loosed
