“For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen” (Matthew 6:13, KJV). Several years ago I led an online study. During one of the sessions, I invited participants to share a time when they experienced the powerful presence of God in the midst of a difficult situation. Liz Brown subscribes … Continue reading The power and the glory
Author: Matthew Ruttan
Right thinking and right living
I sometimes hear people talking (arguing?) about what they think is more important: to agree with the right doctrines, or to be a loving person. Actually, they go hand in hand. But it needs to be stressed that right thinking results in right living. How we live our lives—including how we love and care for … Continue reading Right thinking and right living
Peace through music
In these past few devotionals I’ve been talking about rooting yourself in the peace of Christ as discussed by Paul in Colossians 3:15. Peace. It’s a good idea, isn’t it? When we’re surrounded by so much change, challenge, stress, and strain, peace feels like water-in-the-dessert! Notice what Paul says in the next verse in Colossians 3:16: … Continue reading Peace through music
Even though you can’t have everything
A lot of people are experiencing a sense of loss right now. -Many have lost jobs, money or mental calm. -Many have lost experiences or opportunities. -And many have lost a sense of control or composure. Today I’m here to tell you that you can’t always have everything that matters, but you can have everything … Continue reading Even though you can’t have everything
What rules you?
What rules you? No, seriously. What RULES you? Fear? The pursuit of success? An unquenchable desire to be liked? In Colossians 3:15 Paul writes: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.” As “members of one body” (i.e. the church), we should seek peace … Continue reading What rules you?
Speaking truthfully about God
The Ten Commandments are among the best known biblical teachings all over the world. Many of us know them. But do we know them? For example, Exodus 20: 7 says: “You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.” The older … Continue reading Speaking truthfully about God
Humility holds a mirror
Jesus’ half-brother James was known for his wisdom and faithfulness. In fact, his nickname was “camel knees” because he apparently spent so much time on his knees in prayer that they swelled and became calloused and huge! He wrote: “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is … Continue reading Humility holds a mirror
Default reaction
In Romans 2:1, Paul offers a warning to those who have been passing judgment on others when they themselves are doing the same things: “You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same … Continue reading Default reaction
The plank in your own eye
The fundamental no-no in contemporary society is “being judgmental.” Unfortunately some people accuse others of “being judgmental” as a way of silencing what they have to say (no matter what they have to say), or as a way of shaming them into submission about what is happening. It can be a way of saying, ‘You’re … Continue reading The plank in your own eye
The measure you use will be measured to you
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” That’s what Jesus says in Matthew 7:1. If you judge, then you will also be judged by God. He goes on to explain further in verse 2: “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it … Continue reading The measure you use will be measured to you
