The Up Devotional

Your 1-minute shot of soul espresso

Skip to content
  • Home
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • Podcast
  • Social Media
  • The Book
  • On Radio
  • Contact
Search

theupdevo

Mountain Goat Grace

February 21, 2020February 20, 2020 / Matthew Ruttan / Leave a comment

I heard a story about some mountain goats that lived near the top of a rocky mountain. Around one end of the mountain was a narrow ledge. It was only a foot wide. Fortunately, mountain goats can navigate narrow ledges. One goat started to walk around the ledge from one side of the mountain, and … Continue reading Mountain Goat Grace

Applause vs Faithfulness

February 20, 2020February 19, 2020 / Matthew Ruttan / Leave a comment

This week I’m sharing some thoughts about humility. On Monday I talked about the pitfalls of pride. On Tuesday I talked about Jesus’ own example. On Wednesday I talked about some practical ways to “Do nothing out of selfish ambition” (Philippians 2:3). Today let me keep that going. Here are a few more down-to-earth ideas … Continue reading Applause vs Faithfulness

Selfish ambition

February 19, 2020February 18, 2020 / Matthew Ruttan / Leave a comment

Yesterday I said that humility is focusing on someone else more than self. Or, in the words of C.S. Lewis, “Humility isn’t thinking less of yourself, but of yourself less.” Jesus is our ultimate inspiration and example of humility. Since we want to be like him (1 John 2:6), we strive to be humble and … Continue reading Selfish ambition

Someone else more than self

February 18, 2020February 17, 2020 / Matthew Ruttan / Leave a comment

Is it just me, or is humility the virtue that many people admire but few actually want? To the Philippians in the early 60’s, Paul wrote: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests … Continue reading Someone else more than self

Your (media) diet

February 13, 2020February 12, 2020 / Matthew Ruttan / Leave a comment

Watch your diet. Have you ever tried to do that? Have you ever tried to tell someone else to do that? It’s just so easy to get into the habit of eating things that taste good—but are really bad for your health. Today I want to encourage you to watch your media diet. All of … Continue reading Your (media) diet

Do you EXPECT to hear from God?

February 10, 2020February 3, 2020 / Matthew Ruttan / Leave a comment

Do you want to hear from God? With some help to make a decision, or for encouragement? If so, consider this.

The word she wrote across her chest

January 31, 2020January 30, 2020 / Matthew Ruttan / Leave a comment

Here is one of Paul’s prayers for the Ephesians: “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe” (Ephesians 1:18-19). … Continue reading The word she wrote across her chest

Slaughter untrue thoughts with truth

January 30, 2020January 29, 2020 / Matthew Ruttan / Leave a comment

Many of us face battles. More often than we’d like. And many of those battles begin in the mind. But you can respond swiftly and firmly by slaughtering untrue thoughts with truth as soon as they enter your brain. That truth is, in the words of Paul in Romans 8:37, that “in all these things … Continue reading Slaughter untrue thoughts with truth

More precious than gold

January 29, 2020January 28, 2020 / Matthew Ruttan / Leave a comment

Understanding certain biblical passages can be difficult. Sure, some are straightforward. But others, not so much. So I want to encourage you to keep at it, and to consider this. Panning for gold is work. Picture someone knee-high in a river, with a gold pan or some kind of filter. They work through the soil, … Continue reading More precious than gold

Super-conquerors

January 28, 2020January 27, 2020 / Matthew Ruttan / Leave a comment

If you’re a follower of Christ you’re a “super-conqueror.” Did you know that? Do you feel like it? (Need some convincing?) In Romans 8:37 Paul writes: “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” The words “we are more than conquerors” translate a Greek word meaning, quite literally, … Continue reading Super-conquerors

Posts navigation

← Older posts
Newer posts →

Enter your email address to get this devo 5 mornings a week!

Past Devos

Follow me on Twitter

My Tweets

Enter your email address to follow Up and receive notifications of new posts 5 days a week.

Up’s Facebook Page

Up’s Facebook Page
Create a website or blog at WordPress.com

 

Loading Comments...