“Through history,” writes Mark Clark, “virtually every society has sought to teach people how to deal with pain and suffering. Sadly, our current culture has largely neglected this task. Why? Because for generations we’ve embraced a secular worldview that assumes that the material world is all there is, and that, thus, pain has no meaningful … Continue reading Thinking constructively about hardship
Author: MatthewRuttan
He had no legs. And he bought some shoes.
Some days you just need to be inspired by somebody. Well, today is one of those days. Nick Vujicic was born without arms or legs. If you think it’s hard to have your arm in a cast for eight weeks, just imagine what Nick had to deal with on a daily basis with no arms … Continue reading He had no legs. And he bought some shoes.
Is God punishing me?
Do you ever go through something really difficult and wonder if God is punishing you? In John 9:2-3 we come across a man who was born blind. The disciples saw him and asked Jesus: “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said … Continue reading Is God punishing me?
What God can do through you is greater
There was a man who was born blind. He was also a beggar. The disciples saw him and asked Jesus: “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus replied: “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in … Continue reading What God can do through you is greater
A cord of three strands
Ecclesiastes 4:12 says: “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” True. One cord is more easily broken than a braid with three strands of that same cord. But like so many other things in the Bible, it’s a concept that can be applied more widely. Let’s say you are one strand. By yourself, … Continue reading A cord of three strands
The formula that blesses anyone
In the Star Wars movie ‘The Force Awakens’ a new generation of fighters has taken centre stage. The battles of Luke, Leia, Han and Chewbacca are fading memories. New heroes named Finn and Rey are having a conversation with Han Solo. But at first they don’t realize it is THAT Han Solo. They wonder if … Continue reading The formula that blesses anyone
Which captain?
In an argument with some opponents, Jesus said, “before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58). Jesus was teaching them about his divinity and pre-existence. When Jesus used the phrase “I am” (present tense, here and elsewhere), he was consciously using the name of God which was revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14 and applying it … Continue reading Which captain?
What Jesus prayed for you
Do you know that Jesus prayed for you while he was still on earth? In John 17, he prayed these words for his disciples, and also for those who would come to believe in him through their message. If you are a believer, that means you! Here is a small sample of what he prayed: … Continue reading What Jesus prayed for you
2 minutes every day
Thom Rainer is the CEO of Church Answers. He was also the president of LifeWay Christian Resources and has authored over 30 books. In a recent article he highlighted eleven signs you might be becoming a church consumer instead of a committed church member. Here is number ten: “You don’t pray for your church regularly.” … Continue reading 2 minutes every day
When we cannot trace his hand
As we continually tweak (or renovate) the trajectory of our lives, we need reminders that God is in charge and that he knows what he’s doing. If we forget, we tend to panic, over-function, stress out (or fizzle out) and try to play God. And that never turns out very well. Here’s a corrective. After … Continue reading When we cannot trace his hand
The Up Devotional 