The Up Devotional

Victor Frankl recalls an experience he had in a concentration camp. He was serving as a kind of medical assistant, caring for fellow prisoners who were sick or elderly. He would use whatever supplies he could get his hands on to help them.

One day, he was approached by some fellow prisoners. They had made a plan to escape. Would Victor join them? He thought seriously about it. At first, he said Yes. After all, who wouldn’t want to escape a concentration camp!

However, he changed his mind and ended up saying No. Why in the world would he do this? Why on planet earth would he choose to stay in a concentration camp? Here’s the reason. If he left, the people he was caring for would no longer have someone to help them. They would be left on their own. He stayed for them.*

Serving others often comes with a price. In Frankl’s case, it was his physical freedom. However, when he stayed, he found a deep inner peace. He knew he was doing something that helped others and honoured God.

In the parable of the talents, we learn the importance of using our gifts and abilities faithfully. One of the people in the parable is given a compliment. It’s such a powerful statement that we sometimes hear it at funerals as well: “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23). Could any of us hear anything better than that at the end of our lives?

How do you serve others? Do you give of yourself to someone who needs a friend, even though that person is particularly taxing? Do you volunteer at church or at an organization in the community, even though if sometimes fatigues you? Do you give up something that means a lot to you personally so that someone else can benefit? 

Yes, serving others sometimes comes with a price. But it also brings peace and joy. The founder of Habitat for Humanity has said: “The happiest, most satisfied, and must fulfilled people I know are concerned about something bigger than themselves.”

Serve when you can. Rest when you can. Know that you are the hands and feet of Christ. And remember who it’s all for. 

And may each of us, one day, hear those same words from the One who laid down his life us: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Notes:

-*Viktor Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning (Boston: Beacon Press, 2006), 58.
-The Up Devotional is published 5 days a week (Monday-Friday) and returns on May 4, 2026.
-Bible quotes are from the ESV.

“Life is tough. Heaven is great. I guess we just need to wait it out.”

Unfortunately, we can often get caught in this mode of thinking.

Having said that, it’s true that life is often difficult. And yes, heaven is also going to be amazing. I appreciate that life includes a lot of waiting—including waiting for heaven—but that doesn’t mean we need to “check out” while here on earth. 

In Genesis 1:27 we learn that we are made in God’s image: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” 

With this background in mind, Paul says this in Ephesians 4:24: “put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”

We have work to do while here on earth. We are image-bearers of the Creator and Redeemer. A part of our calling is to reflect God in the here-and-now. This shares something of his goodness with the world, it blesses others, and it spreads the love of Christ.

In his book Supernatural, Michael Heiser writes: “We are God’s agents to restore Eden in the here and now, looking forward to the day when Jesus brings that plan to a climax.”*

Fear not—it’s not all up to you or me. The sovereign Lord is working by his Spirit. Plus, we are a part of a vast global community—an army of servants and soldiers—who are engaged in this same work. Paul calls it the “body of Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:27). Peter calls it a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9). Jesus calls it his family (Matthew 12:50).

Yes, we are waiting, but we are also working.

“We are God’s agents to restore Eden in the here and now, looking forward to the day when Jesus brings that plan to a climax.”

Notes:

-*Michael S. Heiser, Supernatural (Bellingham: Lexham: 2015), 33.
-Bible quotes are from the ESV.

Over the past several months we have been spending some time with Daniel. 

When he was captured, he was most likely around 15-years-old. At the end of the book, he was in his late 80’s or early 90’s.

After the Babylonian captivity had formally ended, many of his people were allowed to return to their homeland. We are never told that Daniel returned. Was he still being made to serve? Was he in poor health? We simply don’t know.

Some people could look at everything he endured and wonder if his life had somehow missed the mark. After all, he was captured as a young man, lost most of what he had known and loved, taken to a foreign land, possibly (probably) castrated to serve his captors’ interests, didn’t have any children or grandchildren, experienced pain and disappointment, was tricked and betrayed, and most likely never got to go home.

But does that mean his life was a waste? Absolutely not. Why? Because he spent his entire life pointing to God—and by that, I mean he spent his entire life prioritizing God, honouring God, knowing God, serving God, celebrating God, and reflecting God. That’s the most important thing there is!

This can also be true for you and me. 

‘But Matthew, my life is not turning out like I planned. My life has difficulty and loss. I have so many worries and my future is uncertain. Doesn’t that mean that my life has somehow missed the mark?’ 

Not necessarily. Just because your life isn’t turning out as planned, that doesn’t mean you’re not part of a plan. In Christ, our greatest purpose is to point to the greatness of God. We do that no matter what situation we’re in. This may look differently for different people. It will look different for the office manager and the musician and the grandma who looks after her grandkids four days a week. But what we all have in common is prioritizing God, honouring God, knowing God, serving God, celebrating God, and reflecting God, regardless of our circumstances. 

The point is to point to God. It was true for the 15-year-old Daniel. It was true for the 90-year-old Daniel. And 2500 years later, it’s true for you and me as well.

As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:31: “whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

Notes:

-Bible quotes are from the ESV.

1 Corinthians 10:31 is well-known. That’s where Paul writes: “whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

Several years ago, I was discussing this verse with a group of high school students. One of the students asked: ‘Why does God want us to focus on him so much? Isn’t that kind of selfish? I thought we were supposed to focus on others, not ourselves.’

Great question.

Think of it like this. Let’s say there is a theme park. There are different parts to it. Some aren’t very interesting. Some are uncared for because the maintenance crew hasn’t visited in a while. Some are too expensive. Some have expired food.

However, there’s another part of the park that is exceptional. It’s a place where people find joy and purpose and peace and togetherness and beauty. 

If as a dad I tell my kids to focus on those other parts of the park, am I setting them up for a great day? Of course not. Instead, I would tell them to focus on where there is joy and purpose and peace and togetherness and beauty. 

Every illustration has it’s limits of course, but here’s the connection. God is that glorious part of the park. If he told us to focus on anything other than himself, he would be telling us to make our lives worse, not better. Since he himself is always good, holy, wise, loving and true, centring our lives around anything else would be a disservice. 

Let’s put God at the centre of everything. Despite what you may hear to the contrary, he is where we find joy and purpose and peace and togetherness and beauty. 

Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Notes:

-“What is the point of life? (Daniel Series Summary)” Click here. Sermon.
-Bible quotes are from the ESV.

The phrase “born again” gets thrown around a lot. But what does it actually mean? 

The original context was John 3 when Jesus was speaking with Nicodemus: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3).*

Nicodemus struggled to understand. How can a person enter into his mother’s womb a second time? (Verse 4). Jesus went on to explain that he was speaking figuratively. We must be born of water and the Spirit, he said (Verse 5). 

In the ancient world, your identity, status and purpose were very closely connected to your father, your father’s profession, and the status and reputation of your family. It was rare to ‘break out’ of predetermined circumstances. 

So to be “born again” meant a reorientation of your life and foundational loyalties. Now, in Christ, your identity, status and purpose, would centre around your heavenly Father, not your biological one.

We live in a time when our identity can feel very uncertain, when our status with others can go up and down like a jack-in-the-box, and when our purpose can seen unclear or weak. But it doesn’t need to be that way. We are always well-grounded when grounded in God. If we ground our identity, status or purpose in anything else, we are signing up to be tumbleweed.

To be truly “born again” is to radically reorient your life and your foundational loyalties. It is about centring your identity, status and purpose in the spiritual realities of the gospel. 

“Truly, truly,” Jesus said, “unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Let’s centre our lives on the glory and greatness of the Lord. We are always well-grounded when grounded in God.

Notes:

-*The apostle Peter also uses the phrase twice in 1 Peter 1. We are “born again to a living hope” through the resurrection of Christ (verse 3). We have also been born again “through the living and abiding word of God” (verse 23).
-Bible quotes are from the ESV.

In 1 John 3:23 the apostle writes: “And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another…”

Catherine of Siena was a well-known Christian from the 1300’s. She lived in Italy. She became known for her extreme devotion to God and her unyielding love for others. 

Early in her life she said she had a vision from God. It was about the importance of keeping the greatest commandment to love God and others. Her biographer used these poetic words to describe it: “You must walk, in fact, with both feet, not one, and with two wings fly to heaven!”*

The imagery suggests that if we love God but not others it is as if we are not using both of our feet to walk. In that scenario we would be lop-sided. The imagery also suggests that doing one but not the other (i.e. loving God but not other people, or loving people but not God) is like a bird who refuses to use both wings. 

The point is clear. With the help of God’s Spirit, we should strive to do both. 

Many people have an inclination towards one or the other. Some people have a deep devotional life, but shy away from showing love toward others. Others show great kindness, but neglect spiritual practices that draw them closer to God and root them in his will. 

Which one are you? 

Let’s strive for balance. Let’s love God and others, and with both wings, fly to heaven.

Notes:

–A request: I’m looking for individuals who could give one-time support of $25, $50 or $100 to help with upgrades and the expanding reach of this devotional and my podcast. Click here to learn more. In a world that feels increasingly chaotic and unstable, the people of God need not fear, worry or give up. With thanks! 

-*Raymond of Capua, The Life of St. Catherine of Siena, trans. George Lamb (Charlotte: TAN Books, 1960), 89. 

-The Up Devotional is published 5 days a week and returns on April 27, 2026.

-Bible quotes are from the ESV.

[Request in footnotes]

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In these devotionals not only have we been spending time with Daniel, but we have been spending time thinking about the big picture hope we have as the people of God.

The Bible tells us the large-scale narrative arc of human history. Although there are many problems in the world, and although sin and brokenness are a part of our lives, we know that they have an end date. One day everything will be made right. Sin and evil will be judged and the Lord will bring his people into his everlasting peace and joy.

Here’s one of the implications of this. Your life isn’t just confined to your lifetime. How many of us have seen tombstones with someone’s dates written on them? However, those dates are a big misleading. We most certainly have a start date, but not an end date.

But hold on, there’s more.

Not only is your life not confined to your lifetime, but your life isn’t just defined by your lifetime. You are a part of a much bigger story. This bigger story is a story that has none other than Jesus at the centre.

So, if you’ve suffered disappointment or injustice or loss or pain or hardship, those things don’t define you. Your life is defined by the big picture victory of God. 

Daniel’s life was full of unimaginable hardship and pain. And yet, as a senior citizen, he was given this promise: “you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days” (Daniel 12:13). 

I believe that the message to Daniel then is also a message to us today. 

When it all just seems too much, and when the bad news keeps piling up, keep believing and keep going. “And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days.”

When things are not turning out like you planned, and when you think the pain is all there is, keep believing and keep going. “And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days.”

When you feel like giving up, keep believing and keep going. “And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days.”

Brothers and sisters, your life is not just confined to your lifetime. And your life is not just defined by your lifetime. You are a part of a much bigger story—a story of hope. Keep believing and keep going. And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days.

Notes:

–A request: I’m looking for individuals who could give one-time support of $25, $50 or $100 to help with upgrades and the expanding reach of this devotional and my podcast. Click here to learn more. In a world that feels increasingly chaotic and unstable, the people of God need not fear, worry or give up. With thanks! 

-“An honest prayer to the Lord who is forever faithful.” Click here, or find it on ‘The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan’ wherever you listen (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.)

-Bible quotes are from the ESV.

[Request in footnotes]

~

Hope is the underrated weapon of our faith. Even if it’s not underrated, it’s certainly underappreciated. 

Since the Bible is the very word of God, we know how human history is going to unfold and turn out since various biblical passages speak about it. For example, we know that Jesus will return. All people will stand before him as Judge and Saviour. Sin and evil will be punished and faithfulness will be rewarded (Matthew 25:31-46). 

We also know that God will bring to fulfilment something called the new heavens and the new earth. This is a part of the renewal and renovation of all things. In essence, Eden will be restored. The apostle Peter says that “according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13).

So, how is any of this the underrated weapon of our faith? 

Knowing what will happen helps us get through what is happening. Think of a soldier lying wounded on a field. He might be tempted to give up hope. But if he knows there is a helicopter coming specifically to his coordinates, he will most likely be given fresh strength and courage to hold on. 

The same principle applies to us as the people of God. Rescue is coming, not just for us personally, but to the world globally. Although we experience (and will continue to experience) hardship, the end destination of our lives personally and of the world globally is a place of faithfulness, righteousness, joy and peace. 

There may be days when you feel as if you’re a soldier wounded on the battlefield, but remember the big picture goodness of God and receive fresh strength and courage.

Knowing what will happen helps us get through what is happening. One day because of the never-failing grace of God, we will take our place in the new heavens and the new earth where righteousness dwells.

Notes:

–A request: I’m looking for individuals who could give one-time support of $25, $50 or $100 to help with upgrades and the expanding reach of this devotional and my podcast. Click here to learn more. In a world that feels increasingly chaotic and unstable, the people of God need not fear, worry or give up. With thanks! 

-“An honest prayer to the Lord who is forever faithful.” Click here, or find it on ‘The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan’ wherever you listen (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.)

-“And you shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days.” Click here. Sermon.

-Bible quotes are from the ESV.

When you know the end of the story it can change your experience as you live through the middle of the story. Let me provide a small analogy from the world of baseball. 

I cheer for the Toronto Blue Jays, but I don’t watch all the games. They play most days, and a lot of games go over three hours. I watch some live, but not all.

So here’s what I do. I record them. Then I watch a few of them after the fact.

Now, let’s say I come home after a long day and want to relax before bed by watching a game. Here’s my confession. Since the game is already done, I’ll check the score. If they lost, I won’t watch it, but if they won, I will! 

It totally changes your experience while watching the game. If they’re down by three runs in the sixth inning, am I going to be stressed out? Of course not. Why? Because I know they’re going to make a comeback! I’ve seen the final score! 

Let me make the connection obvious. As the people of God, we know how the story plays out in the end. And we’ve seen the final score—we win!

Revelation 21:4 gives us a glimpse into what awaits the people of God: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” In the words of Daniel 12:2 and John 3:16, we will inherit everlasting life!

This isn’t meant to downplay or dismiss your current problems. It’s simply meant to lift your eyes yet again to our horizon of hope. 

Though they are twists, turns, valleys and hardships, we know where everything is headed. We’ve turned on the ball game and know that the final score is going to be good for the people of God, including you, even though you might be struggling through the sixth inning.

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Notes:

-“And you shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days.” Click here. Sermon.
-Bible quotes are from the ESV.

Recently, my wife Laura heard something on the radio. She shared it with me, and now I’d like to share it with you. 

It was about Chris Tomlin, the well-known singer of songs like How Great is our God, Glorious Day, and Whom Shall I Fear? 

When he was young, he got mononucleosis. As a result, he was sick and in bed for a long time. To pass the days, his dad bought him a guitar. That was the start of a journey that would eventually inspire millions. 

Let’s think back, however, to him lying in bed as a boy. How many prayers were said to get better right away? It surely must have seemed unfair that a boy was sick like this—and for so long. 

However, if that didn’t happen, he most likely would not have learned how to play guitar. I wonder how many people in dozens and dozens of countries have since been helped and uplifted by Tomlin’s songs. 

‘It’s as if he knows what I’m going through.’ 
‘He draws me closer to God.’ 
‘His songs gave me hope when I was in such a dark place.’

Today’s devotional is a simple reminder to trust God through the difficulty and darkness. My meaning is not that these things are good. However, God can bring good out of bad, even when we can’t see it at the time. Paul Scherer said that the joy of his faith is “trusting God in the presence of some great darkness and waiting for the light to break.”*

Trusting. Darkness. Waiting.

Proverbs 3:5 is among the most famous: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” That verse isn’t just about acknowledging that God is smarter than you are. It’s also about acknowledging that he is capable of bringing something good out of your situation even when you have no idea about how or when it will happen.

Let’s trust God in the presence of darkness, and wait for his light to break. Because it will.

Notes:

-*Paul Scherer, For We Have This Treasure (New York: Harper & Brothers, 1944), 131.
-Bible quotes are from the ESV.