The Up Devotional Matthew Ruttan

The Bible is teaching us more than we think.  Sometimes we learn things because they are told to us directly. “Love your neighbour” is just one of many examples.  We also learn things that are less obvious. We have to look a bit more closely to find them. Paul’s letters are an example. Let’s take … Continue reading Discipleship isn’t a competition

I’m captivated by Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:13-14. In fact, I’ve started to recite them as a part of my devotional time every morning:  “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow … Continue reading People on the narrow path need this

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). These words of Jesus are quite famous. At first, they … Continue reading Narrow, not broad and wide

John Climacus wrote a book in the early 7th century that became very influential among Christians. It was called The Ladder of Divine Ascent. Among other things it was a book about becoming more like Jesus. In it he wrote: "Demons fear concentration as thieves fear dogs."* He put a high value on concentration. He was … Continue reading They fear concentration

In her book No Greater Love, Rebecca McLaughlin writes: “I thoroughly believe that God directs my life, but rarely does He let me see the script.”* Can I get an Amen?! Like McLaughlin, I thoroughly believe that God directs my life. Perhaps you also agree that God directs your life. When she says that God … Continue reading Rarely does he let me see the script

When did you last wrestle someone? Perhaps it's been a while. Perhaps you never have!  I'm not a professional. I'm a father (which, for the record, includes a good deal of wrestling). You need to have your feet firmly planted on the ground. If you don't, you get taken down pretty quickly. Today's devotional is … Continue reading Feet firmly planted