The Up Devotional Matthew Ruttan
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- Religion & Spirituality
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In a minute or two, start your day with a shot of soul espresso—biblical and down-to-earth. It's written and read by disciple, pastor, and author, Matthew Ruttan. www.TheUpDevo.com
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Cooperating with God’s forward motion
In yesterday’s devotional I shared an anonymous saying: “God meets you where you’re at, not where you should be at.” It’s a reminder that God doesn’t require you to be in tip-top moral shape or a top-notch theologian to come to you and intervene in your life. But when that happens, what happens next? Cooperate … Continue reading Cooperating with God’s forward motion
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Where you’re at, not where you should be at
Johnny Cash is known as the “man in black.” Early in his music career he got into some pretty bad things. His life was not going well. At all. “I never wanted to see another dawn. I had wasted my life. I had drifted so far from God and every stabilizing force in my life … Continue reading Where you’re at, not where you should be at
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Is something “off”?
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen…” (James 1:19) Something still seems “off.” I’ve sensed it. Have you? Maybe not for everyone, but for more people than you realize. I’m talking about life after the pandemic. Have you said (or felt) these things? Or has someone you … Continue reading Is something “off”?
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Praying as a unit
Colossians 4:2: “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Different families have different temptations. Matthew Henry wrote: "Busy families are in temptation to wordliness, and neglect of religious duties; mixed families are in temptation to discord, and mutual jealousies; decaying families are in temptation to distrust, discontent, and indirect courses to help themselves.”* If … Continue reading Praying as a unit
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You never see a U-Haul behind a hearse
There’s a saying from an old pastor: “You never see a U-Haul behind a hearse.” I don’t know his name. But I’m sure it came from years of experience. We pastors see a lot of things. We follow hearses to cemeteries and lead prayers. We spend time at hospital beds. We see tears and family … Continue reading You never see a U-Haul behind a hearse
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Identity and purpose
In yesterday's devotional, I told you about a formula which is used by pastor Jay Strother: Jesus + ___________ = a false gospel.* If we add anything to what Jesus has accomplished for us, we are diminishing his achievement. That’s what Strother’s formula is meant to show. We are made right with God based on … Continue reading Identity and purpose