If you’re a follower of Jesus you listen to a lot of sermons. Would you rather squander that time or benefit from something God might be saying to you? I’m a preacher, so this topic is a bit awkward! The reason I share this isn’t because I’m fantastic (I’m not), but because God has set … Continue reading God’s book
Author: MatthewRuttan
An eternal anchor
In a prayer to his Father in John 17:3 Jesus provides a definition of eternal life: “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” John Knox was a well-known Scottish theologian who had a big impact on the church. When he was on … Continue reading An eternal anchor
The bride whose life was changed
Martin Luther provided an illustration about who we are as God’s people. Imagine a king marrying a poor girl who was also a prostitute, he said. Her life had been filled with poverty, regret, sin and shame. But all of a sudden, things are different because of the marriage. Her status is now changed—she is … Continue reading The bride whose life was changed
An unshakable kingdom
[Note: I'm on vacation next week so the devotional will go on pause after today and will return on March 20th.] Certain events and experiences can shake and unsettle us. A world war can do that. So can events like September 11, 2001. I still remember the day. When terrorists flew planes into the World … Continue reading An unshakable kingdom
The other-worldly kingdom
In John 18:36 when standing before the Roman governor, Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world.” Let me note a few things. First, his kingdom isn’t just about heaven. It includes heaven but is not limited to heaven. He teaches us to pray that God’s kingdom comes and his will is done “on … Continue reading The other-worldly kingdom
Live like royalty
Abraham Heschel tells a story about a man who was a prince. However, he was taken away to live in captivity in another country. He was now surrounded by crude and illiterate people. Over time something can happen. You start to blend in to the people around you—even if they were very different from you … Continue reading Live like royalty
Deeply rooted joy
Did you know that Jesus prayed for you? In John 17 he prayed for his apostles. But then in verse 20 he said this: “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message…” That means us! A little while ago I went through and … Continue reading Deeply rooted joy
Hello Glow Stick
When I was young we would go camping. I loved it. We would set up tents, ride our bikes, go waterskiing and cook marshmallows around the fire. When it got dark my parents would bring out some glow sticks. They were plastic tubes with liquid in them. When you bent them something broke inside. That … Continue reading Hello Glow Stick
In a tight spot
You learn a lot from someone by watching them under pressure. Do they stay true to themselves? Do they buckle? I can’t imagine the pressure and intensity Jesus must have felt in the Garden of Gethsemane. His betrayal was at hand. He was about to be tortured and crucified (and he knew it). Soldiers arrived … Continue reading In a tight spot
God’s will and God’s word
“Follow your heart. Go with your gut. Trust you feelings.” These are popular statements. And before I sound too negative, let me just say there are times when your heart, gut and feelings have important things to teach you. But they’re not God. It follows, therefore, that if your heart, gut, or feelings urge you … Continue reading God’s will and God’s word
The Up Devotional 