Christians all over the world just celebrated the resurrection of Jesus. As I was preparing to lead services this year one of the details in the story that struck me was the description of the women outside the tomb who had just learned about the resurrection: “So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid … Continue reading Fear doesn’t define us
Author: Matthew Ruttan
Why it’s called ‘good’ Friday
There’s a marine training facility called Parris Island. A young man signed up who was a bit out of step with the others. He was nice enough—but he just didn’t fit in. As a result he got picked on. A lot. In his barracks there were guys who were particularly mean. One of them came … Continue reading Why it’s called ‘good’ Friday
Today is Maundy Thursday. Here’s why
Maundy Thursday is one of those days that leaves a lot of people scratching their heads. What does the name mean? Why do some churches hold special services? The word “Maundy” comes from Jesus’ words in John 13:34. Although he spoke Aramaic, the oldest records of his words are in Greek. Those words have been translated … Continue reading Today is Maundy Thursday. Here’s why
A crisis creates clarity
A crisis tends to create clarity about what’s important. Many of the things we were really concerned about even two months ago are now way down the priority list. We’re now dealing with essentials. And what is essential? Our hope in God. And the people around us. Sure, there are other things. But those are … Continue reading A crisis creates clarity
Through him who gives me strength
In a society that celebrates volume, vanity and rivalry, it is tempting to just think that it’s all up to us, and that when things go well in our lives, that it must be the result of our own strength and unparalleled intelligence. But Paul models a different attitude. In Philippians 4:13 he writes, “I … Continue reading Through him who gives me strength
What you expose yourself to
Christian Keysers has an article about “mirror neurons” in a book called What’s Next? Dispatches From the Future of Science. He’s a super-smart guy with a Ph.D. in neuroscience. In it he highlights findings about how our brains operate. Do you ever feel happy when you see someone else laugh? Or hurt when someone’s in … Continue reading What you expose yourself to
His power at work within us
This week I’ve been highlighting some tools you can use in the war against fear, whether it be fear of the unknown, illness, or financial problems. But I’m calling them weapons. These aren’t physical weapons, but spiritual ones. There are many weapons we could use. But here I’m highlighting what I think we can pick … Continue reading His power at work within us
The sword of the Spirit
I sometimes hear struggling Christians say that they know the Bible is important, but that they don’t read it as much as they should. Here’s some motivation. The Bible is a weapon in the war against fear. Why? Because fear feeds on uncertainty and untruth. When we’re experiencing something challenging on a global scale, our … Continue reading The sword of the Spirit
Fear feeds on forgetfulness
This week I’m highlighting several weapons in the war against fear. They’re not physical weapons, but spiritual weapons. Some people are afraid of getting sick, or a loss of income, or the unknown… the list goes on. Yesterday I wrote about the weapon of prayer. [If you missed it click here.] Today is about memorizing … Continue reading Fear feeds on forgetfulness
The weapon of prayer
A lot of people are fighting a war with fear. Fear of illness or unemployment or loneliness or… the list goes on. So over the next several days I’m going to highlight several weapons in the war against fear. They’re not physical weapons, but spiritual weapons. The first is prayer. Simply put, prayer is conversation … Continue reading The weapon of prayer
