Psalm 91:3-4 says this: “Surely [God] will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” [A rampart is a protecting wall.] Save you. Cover you. Refuge. Shield. Rampart. These … Continue reading Coming to him with the greatest freedom
Author: Matthew Ruttan
Drowning in the oceans of pleasure?
This week many people are mourning the death of Ravi Zacharias. He was a well-known apologist. An apologist is someone who is skilled at making a reasoned defense of something—in this case, Christianity. He had a sharp mind and a compassionate heart. Although I never met him, I’ve watched several of his videos and read … Continue reading Drowning in the oceans of pleasure?
You + Jesus = Compassion
I have a theory: When you think you’re better than other people, you tend to look down on other people. But here’s the flip side. Your compassion towards others increases when you take seriously the extent of your own need. As humans, we don’t tend to want to acknowledge our own flaws. And don’t get … Continue reading You + Jesus = Compassion
A merciful reset
In an article for The Gospel Coalition Canada called “Better Than Before,” Darryl Dash quotes a prayer that was once handed to a pastor: “Pray that God uses these days as a merciful reset of our lives.” What a powerful perspective and prayer for us as well. That these days—as difficult and uncertain as they … Continue reading A merciful reset
Independent or Inter-dependent?
Something a lot of people want to be is independent—not having to rely on other people for anything. It goes along with being “self-made” or “self-reliant.” But one of the things COVID-19 has taught us is how inter-dependent we are. This point was made in a recent conversation I had with a friend and colleague … Continue reading Independent or Inter-dependent?
The moments you already have
Things are different. Including your routines. As a result, your spiritual habits have probably taken a hit. Do you find it harder to carve out time to read the Bible, or pray, or worship, or connect with your small group, or do family devotions, or serve others, or _______? If so, you’re not alone. Last … Continue reading The moments you already have
Not some cheap substitute
I recently read that the real reason the Titanic sank wasn’t because it hit an iceberg. Well, sure, that’s the main reason, but it wasn’t the only reason. Apparently, there was a shortage of good quality bolts when it was being built. So the builders settled for cheap rivets as replacements. Rivets held the steel … Continue reading Not some cheap substitute
The prudent give thought to their… clicks
This week I wrote an article for The Gospel Coalition Canada titled: “God Cares About Your Well-Being, Even Now.” [If you want to read it, click the link below.] It highlights several ways you can be proactive about your well-being in this crazy time, including this: Adopt a realistic approach to social media. Here’s why … Continue reading The prudent give thought to their… clicks
The battle of the mind
The battle many people are fighting right now is the battle of the mind. Franticness. Failure. Fear. Loneliness. Loss. Lethargy. Distress. Disappointment. Doubt. So how do you win the battle of the mind? In 2 Corinthians 10:5 Paul writes: “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and … Continue reading The battle of the mind
True beauty
Our world is often messed up when it comes to what it thinks is beautiful. That’s why I think the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty is such a success. People know—deep within—that we’re paying attention to the wrong things when it comes to beauty. Well, do you want to know who is TRULY beautiful? God. … Continue reading True beauty
