If you focus your mind on good and godly things, your mind will be focused on good and godly things. Makes sense, right? But if you focus your mind on negative and ungodly things, your mind will be focused on negative and ungodly things! To the Philippians, Paul says: “whatever is true, whatever is noble, … Continue reading Focusing on good and godly things (a tip)
Author: Matthew Ruttan
A consolation AND a demand
There is a lot in the Christian faith that is comforting and consoling, things like the promise of forgiveness, love and eternal life, and like the power and presence of God in your daily life. But we also need to hike up our britches and remember that our faith isn’t just about receiving, but giving. … Continue reading A consolation AND a demand
Faithfulness FLOWS
“Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James … Continue reading Faithfulness FLOWS
A faith that is dead, or alive?
“As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” So said an influential leader in Jerusalem named James in chapter 2, verse 26 of the biblical book that bears his name. When he talks about “faith” in this context he’s referring to a partial understanding of faith. He’s referring to … Continue reading A faith that is dead, or alive?
Contributors, not just receivers
Here in Canada it’s Thanksgiving Monday. Even though it’s a tough time, there’s a lot to be thankful for. I’ve got a gratitude list the length of the Great Wall of China. But today I want to think about thankfulness from another angle. There was a time when the ancient Israelites were exiled from their … Continue reading Contributors, not just receivers
Greater than your grip on him
Last year I wrote a devotional called “God’s grip on you.” I don’t normally do repeats, but as I was thinking about what to share with you today, it struck me that there might be some people who need to hear this message again. Perhaps a global pandemic has given you a shake and you … Continue reading Greater than your grip on him
Soft edges and firm centres
Barry Corey is the president of Biola University. In an interview he said that Christians should have “soft edges and firm centres.”* Kind of like a peach! The firm centre is our firm beliefs. We are strong and confident in the resurrected Jesus and God’s word. The soft edges refer to our loving and compassionate … Continue reading Soft edges and firm centres
Imitate God, disappoint Satan
In Luke 6 Jesus is teaching the masses about God’s kingdom and love. He says: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36). Yup, it’s a tough time. For you, but also for others. That’s why we should show mercy proactively. Is there someone who has said something to you in haste? Is … Continue reading Imitate God, disappoint Satan
Playing Favourites
James 2:1 makes it clear: “believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.” But what is favouritism? It’s showing preferential treatment to someone based on status or outward appearances. James gives the example of two men coming into a meeting. One has fancy clothes and the other has “filthy old clothes.” If … Continue reading Playing Favourites
Powerless and vulnerable
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world” (James 1:27). This is a teaching by James, an influential leader in the early church. Last week I highlighted what he meant by being … Continue reading Powerless and vulnerable
