The Up Devo

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Feeling gross and dense The "Up!" Devo for May 22 At some point or another, all of us struggle with guilt. We do something wrong, we act poorly toward another person, we disobey one (or many) of God’s commands, we make a bad decision that results in many negative consequences. And that weighs heavily on us. Have you ever fell into the water with all your clothes on and then tried to walk around on dry land afterwards? You can do it; but you feel gross and dense. That experience is like the guilt we carry around in our souls. We know we should pray to God to ask for forgiveness. But other than “I’m sorry,” we’re not sure what to say. If that’s you, you should look at Psalm 51. Historically, it’s one of the seven “penitential” (or confession) psalms. It’s David’s prayer of confession after he committed adultery. He asks for mercy, and that God cleanse and correct him. “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (v.10). He also asks that God not take his presence away from him. So read through Psalm 51 and make those prayers your own. Add in specific details about your own situation. Heaviness of spirit doesn’t have to be your modus operandi. Make David’s prayer your own, and ask God to renew you: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” By Matthew Ruttan #dailydevotional #prayer #honesty #faith #inspiration #guilt #forgiveness

Drinking Culture’s Kool-Aid? The “Up!” Devo for May 21 James 4:4 (CSB) says: “Don’t you know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God?” Let’s think about that much-neglected passage for a moment. First, “friendship with the world” means just thoughtlessly approving and going along with the values of the society around us. Second, James teaches that when we do that, we are being hostile toward God. In other words, when we just simply agree with the values of our society we might be demonstrating hostility toward God and what he teaches. I say “might” because there are of course some areas of positive overlap—values that are deemed to be good by both our society and by God. For example, being kind to others and respecting the environment are good all around. But what James means is that we shouldn’t just uncritically bow to societal pressure about what is right or wrong. In particular, he’s arguing that we shouldn’t take a highly individualistic and me-first approach to life; that would sideline God’s role in our lives. That’s a faulty outlook which contaminates how we approach things. So instead of just drinking the cultural Kool-Aid about what is right and wrong, and about what our priorities should be, we should ensure our perspective, morals, and decisions are consistent with biblical teachings. Be diligent. Be loving to our world and the people around us. And be faithful to God first. “Don’t you know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God?” By Matthew Ruttan ---My UPDATED WEBSITE is now ready! Check out blogs, some of my music, info on my book and devotional, an updated bio, sermons, videos, resources and more. www.MatthewRuttan.com. Enjoy! #dailydevotional #society #values #culture #faith #inspiration #Godfirst

I love you The "Up!" Devo for May 20 When you’re proud of someone, you tell them. When you miss someone, you tell them. When you’re thankful for someone, you tell them. And when you love someone, you tell them. That’s what I love about Psalm 18:1. It starts with David’s simple statement of love: “I love you, Lord, my strength.” If you feel and think something positive toward someone, expressing it enriches and deepens the relationship. So my advice to you today is really simple. Do you love God? I mean, really love him? If so, when you pray, tell him. By Matthew Ruttan #dailydevotional #love #loveGod #faith #inspiration #prayer

Mitten mindset The "Up!" Devo for May 17 What I’m about to say is a very simple concept. It’s an illustration I’ve heard from various sources. I think it’s very profound. And biblical. When it’s cold outside and you put on a pair of gloves, it helps your hands stay warm. But sometimes you fingers get cold because they are separated from each other. But if you put on a pair of mittens, your fingers stay warmer. Why? Because your fingers warm each other. That’s like God’s people. We may not make each other physically warmer—you know, unless the thermostat is set too high or unless you’re one of those super-huggy types. But you (a) are better together, and (b) contribute to each other’s well-being so that you’re in better working condition. 1 Peter 4:10 says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” It implies not only serving others, but serving others alongside others. Have you ever tried to use your fine motor skills with frozen fingers? It doesn’t go very well. You need warmth. In a similar way, God's people (a) are better together, and (b) contribute to each other’s well-being when they serve others alongside others. As a result we’re in better at being the hands and feet of Christ in a world that needs him so desperately much. Today, adopt a mitten mindset. As God’s people we are better together. By Matthew Ruttan --“Up!” is published 5 days a week (Monday to Friday) and returns on May 20th. --Bible quote are from the NIV. #dailydevotional #faith #community #church #together

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