When I was small my Little League team would say a cheer right before we ran onto the field. It was a way to rally ourselves and focus on what we were about to do. Maybe it seems strange, but it can be good practice to have a ritual before you read your Bible too. … Continue reading Getting your head in the game
Author: MatthewRuttan
Jerked up by the collar
What do you expect when you worship God? Some of us expect to give something—whether it be our time, talent, money, voice, or prayers. But many of us expect to get something too—whether it be teaching, or friendship, or inspiration, or even comfort. Today I want to focus on the idea of comfort. Don’t get … Continue reading Jerked up by the collar
Living in the time of God’s patience
Every day a woman I know wakes up, looks out her window, and says, “One more day, Lord, one more day.” She’s referring to the fact that Jesus hasn’t returned yet. As a result, we have—at least—one more day. There’s a lot of speculation about when Jesus will victoriously return to judge the world and make … Continue reading Living in the time of God’s patience
Abstract faith dies
I live close to an amusement park called Canada’s Wonderland. It has roller coasters, rides, and sugary-foods galore. I first learned about it in T.V. commercials when I was small. I could even tell you where it was, what the sign looked like, and the names of some of the big rides. But it wasn’t … Continue reading Abstract faith dies
Life’s golden sweet spot
In high school I loved to sit around and play guitar and sing with my friends. Sometimes the best part was coming up with harmonies. When we hit the right notes it was like sliding into a golden sweet spot. But since we were pretty new at it, our guitar chords would occasionally be out … Continue reading Life’s golden sweet spot
Getting unstuck
Do you ever feel like you’re stuck? Like what you’re doing on a day-to-day basis isn’t getting you closer to your goals? If so, you’re not alone. But don’t fear. There’s hope! Consider Moses. After he led the Hebrews out of slavery in Egypt he found himself stuck. He was serving as a leader and … Continue reading Getting unstuck
Cheap Diversity vs Rich Diversity
“Diversity” is a big deal these days. It’s the idea that we should be accepting of people from different cultures, backgrounds and beliefs. For me, it brings to mind Psalm 133:1 where it says, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!” But there are two kinds of diversity. There’s cheap … Continue reading Cheap Diversity vs Rich Diversity
If you glorify the past
I’m no stranger to nostalgia. I like looking back and remembering the good ole days. But is there a point when looking back too much is harmful? I believe that if you glorify the past you handcuff the present. In other words, if you put too much stock in what has happened in the past, … Continue reading If you glorify the past
Three tips to go deeper
Yesterday I shared the powerful story of Corrie ten Boom and her ability to be thankful even in hellish experiences. Following the lead of 1 Thessalonians 5:18 where Paul says to “give thank in all circumstances,” she was even able to thank God for the fleas in a World War Two concentration camp. It might … Continue reading Three tips to go deeper
Thankful in a hellish experience
During World War Two, Corrie ten Boom and her family sheltered many Jews who were fleeing the Nazis. In 1944 the Nazi police seized Corrie, her sister Betsie, and their father. They ended up in a concentration camp, all the while holding firm to the promises of God. One day they moved into Barracks 28. … Continue reading Thankful in a hellish experience
