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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Because that’s what friends do
For the past few devotionals we have been reflecting on God’s providence. That’s his invisible hand, working in the lives of his people even when they can’t see it. Let’s continue with that encouraging theme. In World War One a troupe was engaged in trench warfare. A lieutenant told his men to sneak across a … Continue reading Because that’s what friends do
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God works in the trenches
God works in the trenches. Consider the story of Esther and how messy it was. Young virgins were summoned for a sort of dark, horrid beauty contest in the Persian court. Because Mordechai refused to bow to the king’s second-in-command, Haman, a plot was hatched to kill not only Mordechai, but all of the Jewish … Continue reading God works in the trenches
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God is not put off by the messes
William Perkins was a well-known theologian in the 16th century. He was known for his faithfulness. But it wasn’t always that way. When he was younger he had a reputation for recklessness, profanity and public drunkenness. He was also dabbling in black magic and the occult. One evening he overheard a mother correcting her child … Continue reading God is not put off by the messes
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God’s timeline and your deadline
You’re doing your best to trust God. You want him to act. You want him to help. You’ve been waiting. And waiting some more. So you start to think to yourself: “I’ll give God to the end of the year to do something about this situation. If he doesn’t do anything it must be because … Continue reading God’s timeline and your deadline
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God is more committed to my ultimate joy than I am
In 1 Corinthians 1 Paul doubles down to make a point. God is waaaaay smarter than any of us: “Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?... For the foolishness of God is wiser … Continue reading God is more committed to my ultimate joy than I am
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Bread… but more than bread
Things are not always as they seem. A simple word of encouragement can bring someone back from the brink. A hug can be the reassurance someone needs that they are not alone. This Sunday many Christians will celebrate the Lord’s Supper, also called “Communion.” Some churches do this weekly, some monthly, and some four or … Continue reading Bread… but more than bread