Despair. Disappointment. God, where are you? I’m at the end of my rope! This sermon takes us through Psalm 88, the darkest of the psalms, and suggests four responses for when things get dark.
Author: MatthewRuttan
All for one, one for all. Soul, home & church for King Jesus. I write The Up Daily Devotional (theupdevo.com), host The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan, and pastor Westminster Church. Pancakes, hockey, campfires & song. VDM. Online homebase: MatthewRuttan.com
Darkness is my closest friend (Growing Deeper with Psalm 88)
Psalm 88 is known for his darkness and desperation. Why is God when it hurts? If you want happy-go-lucky, look elsewhere. But it can still give us guidance when the floodwaters threaten. This episode is a Bible study on Psalm 88.
45 Quotes by Tim Keller
He had towering influence but was also down-to-earth. Tim Keller died on May 19, 2023. He had a genuine, biblical faith undergirded by a robust intelligence. Here are 45 of his quotes, presented as both a blog and podcast.
True Repentance: Create in me a Clean Heart [Sermon]
King David sinned. Big time. He pleaded to God for mercy and forgiveness. This sermon explores David’s story, Psalm 51, and how we too might engage in true repentance. It’s wanting your heart to follow your tongue.
Be still, and know that I am God [Sermon]
It’s easy to lose perspective when facing uncertainty or fear. Enter Psalm 46 which is often read during times of national or personal crisis. It helps us re-gain perspective. This sermon unpacks Psalm 46, considers the bigness of God, and the “inner stillness” that faith can foster.
God is our refuge, strength and fortress (Growing Deeper with Psalm 46)
Psalm 46 is often read during times of crises — both national and personal. It was also the inspiration for the hymn “A mighty fortress.” This episode is a Bible study on Psalm 46.
The LORD is my Shepherd. What does Psalm 23 mean for us today? [Sermon]
It’s the world’s most famous psalm. It is said at funerals, memorized, tattooed on bodies, and underlined in Bibles. Our Shepherd provides for us and restores our souls. But this is no naive optimism. He does so through the valley of the shadow of death. This sermon explores Psalm 23 and zeroes in on one major application for our lives today.
Growing Deeper with the Twenty-Third Psalm
It is said at funerals, tattooed on arms, and underlined. Psalm 23 is the most famous of all the psalms. It is eternally comforting — but this is no naive optimism. It is about the shepherding God in the midst of the valley of the shadow of death. This episode is a Bible study on Psalm 23.
The Two Ways [Sermon]
We live in a world of choices. But Psalm 1 foregrounds a big one. Will we choose the way of the righteous, or the way of the wicked? This sermon introduces a series on the most famous psalms, and explores Psalm 1, the “gateway” to the psalsm.
Like a tree planted by streams of water (Growing Deeper with Psalm 1)
Psalm 1 is the “gateway to the psalms.” It is a wisdom psalm which outlines the path of righteousness vs the path of righteousness. This podcast is a Bible Study on Psalm 1.
An introduction to the Psalms
The psalms are much-quoted and much-beloved. Jesus quoted from them more than any other book in the Bible. This short podcast (and video) provides a general introduction to the Psalms as I prepare to teach through ‘the most famous psalms.’
Failure doesn’t disqualify you [Sermon]
Jesus was about to physically leave them. Could they continue his message and mission even though they were deeply flawed? Yes. And so can you. This sermon on John 21 explains why and how.
Peter’s redemption, past mistakes, and 153 fish (Growing Deeper with John 21)
Do you love me? That’s the question the resurrected Jesus asked Peter. It was not insignificant, especially in light of Peter’s past denials. This episode is a Bible study on John 21, our final chapter in the Gospel.
Ordinary Missionary [Sermon]
When we think of a missionary we usually think of someone going to serve in another country. But we all have a commission, even here in our own neighbourhoods. This sermon explores a lesser-known commission in John 20:19-31 and also looks at the story of ‘doubting Thomas.’
Put your finger in my side, receive the Holy Spirit, and go! (Growing Deeper with John 20:19-31)
Jesus’ followers were locked in a room, afraid. He appeared… alive with nail marks in his hands! This episode is a Bible study on John 20:19-31 and includes the story of doubting (believing) Thomas, the giving of the Holy Spirit, and a lesser-known commission.
Hope Over the Long Haul – a talk with Winston Newman
Hope. We like it. We could even say we NEED it. But what is it and how do you sustain it over the long haul? This episode is an Easter morning talk with retired pastor and friend, Winston Newman.
His Pain, Your Gain [Good Friday Sermon]
We are in a covenant relationship with God. But what happens when we don’t live up to our end of the relationship? The answer has to do with why Good Friday is called “good.” This sermon and episode from Good Friday looks at John 14:15, and two of the life-changing facets of Jesus’ saving work. His pain, our gain.
Tradition or Traditionalism [Sermon]
Healthy traditions give life. Unhealthy traditionalism doesn’t. One is the “living faith of the dead,” the other is the “dead faith of the living.” This sermon from Palm Sunday on Psalm 118 explores the difference and how God-honouring traditions can stabilize us in a world that feels increasingly chaotic.
His steadfast love endures forever (Growing Deeper with Psalm 118)
Psalm 118 was on people’s minds as Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. They had sung it’s words and now quote its verses. This episode is a Bible study which explores why, and also the central theme that God’s steadfast love endures forever.
An interview at Life 100.3FM about The Up Devotional, Christian radio, music, and God’s work at church
I was recently interviewed on Life 100.3FM as a part of Sharathon. We talked about the daily devotional that I write, Christian radio, music and God’s work at church. Here is our talk in podcast form.
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