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Inseparable
In the parable of the sower, Jesus talks about a farmer sowing seed. Some of the seed is snatched away, some lands on rocky soil and doesn’t take deep root, and some starts to grow but is choked out by thorns. In verse 15 he says: “But the seed on… Listen ⇢
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Choked by pleasure
Choking is a very powerful and disturbing metaphor. Imagine strong, angry hands wrapped around your neck. With that in mind, listen to how Jesus describes a group of people in Luke 8:14. They hear God’s word, “but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches… Listen ⇢
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Rich in virtues
In the Bible, money and riches are repeatedly listed as a barrier to genuine faith. In Luke 16:13, Jesus spells it out for us: “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise… Listen ⇢
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The usefulness of weakness
It’s eye-opening and useful to thank God in our weaknesses. I’m not saying that we should thank God FOR our weaknesses. After all, there are many weaknesses which lead to very bad things. Thanking God IN your weakness is something else. It is a humble reminder that we are not… Listen ⇢
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Being alert with God
When a pilot gets into the cockpit I think it’s important that he or she isn’t drunk, dizzy or dozy. There are times when alertness is very important! Imagine writing a final exam, suiting up for a playoff game, or making a big presentation at work and being asleep at… Listen ⇢
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Liberal and conservative fundamentalisms
In my experience, when someone calls someone else a “fundamentalist,” they don’t usually seem to know what they’re saying. It’s become a kind of shorthand for “ultra conservative.” But since many people think that being a “fundamentalist” in our wealthy, western, liberal society is a very bad thing, name-calling in… Listen ⇢
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When God shows up at the end of your rope
When someone says they are at the “end of their rope,” they usually mean that they’ve come to the end of themselves—that they are out of strength, out of options, and maybe even hope. However you define it, it’s clearly not a good place to be. And you don’t know where… Listen ⇢
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What do you want me to do for you?
In Luke 18 a blind beggar cries out to Jesus for mercy. “When he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” (verses 40-41) In response, the man asks for his sight—and gets it! He believed in who Jesus was, and trusted in his… Listen ⇢
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Healthy venting
There’s a difference between grumbling and healthy venting. My name isn’t Funk & Wagnalls but here’s how I would define the difference. “Grumbling” is reactionary, undisciplined, and envelops others in the cloud of your verbal fumes. It’s common in an era of quick clicks, posts, and chronic noise. But in… Listen ⇢
Meet the producer, Matthew Ruttan.
Matthew is a disciple, pastor, husband, and dad of three who lives in the psalms.
