In yesterday’s devotional I said that times like these are a good time to re-evaluate our understanding of success. Today I’m going to encourage us to re-evaluate the role of the Bible in our lives. Moses reminded the ancient Hebrews that God was a God who kept his word. That’s why he fed them manna: … Continue reading Like a life-sustaining feast—or occasional snack?
Author: Matthew Ruttan
A time to re-evaluate success
What if you had a faulty understanding of success? If so, you’d probably have the wrong goals. And each day you’d probably miss the mark. In Deuteronomy 8:2 Moses was speaking to the Hebrews after they had wandered through the wilderness for forty years: “Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way … Continue reading A time to re-evaluate success
Only 15 feet at a time
There’s an old saying for travelers: The headlights in your car only light up the road in front of you 15 feet at a time—but those 15 feet will get you all the way to your destination. When you think about it, it’s profound. Miles and miles of darkness stretch out before you. You need … Continue reading Only 15 feet at a time
Shouts in your pain
What I’m about to say might be difficult to hear. But God can grow you through what you go through. Even when it’s difficult. In Romans, Paul explains that when we are given eternal peace with God through Christ, it changes our perspective about everything else. “And we boast in the hope of the glory … Continue reading Shouts in your pain
Your mental health—now more than ever
The phrase “mental health” doesn’t come up in the Bible. But that doesn’t mean God isn’t interested in our mental health. God loves and cares about us, and that clearly includes our minds. The Bible is full of stories about people who struggled. Job, David, Jesus and Paul come to mind. Psalm 88 ends like … Continue reading Your mental health—now more than ever
In your pain
In the first century, one of the reasons many people rejected the idea that Jesus was the Messiah was because he suffered and experienced pain. We humans can often think that the presence of pain means the absence of God—back then or now. Some people continue to think that suffering—whether it be at the hands … Continue reading In your pain
Christ cannot be quarantined
Where is God in a pandemic? It’s a big question. I addressed it more fully this past Sunday. [Link below.] But for today, let me just say two things. First, God is always on his throne. Nothing ever changes that. He is our sovereign and eternal ruler and king. Second, God is in YOU and … Continue reading Christ cannot be quarantined
Don’t beat yourself up
Today I’m here to tell you to cut yourself some slack. Here’s why. We’re living through a global pandemic. Has buying groceries ever been this complicated? More people are working from home (or adjusting to a new work situation), homeschooling their kids, trying to think through extracurricular (if even possible), dealing with limited access to … Continue reading Don’t beat yourself up
The Righteous for the rebel
In the book of Isaiah there are four “servant songs” which include prophecies about a future Messiah who is also a servant who suffers on behalf of his people. This Messiah and servant is Jesus. Isaiah 53:12 (CSB) says that “he bore the sin of many and interceded for the rebels.” At first glance, this … Continue reading The Righteous for the rebel
Imperfect
After his resurrection, Jesus gave his followers the great commission: to make disciples of all people (see Matthew 28:18-20). But just before he did that, we’re told something very telling: “When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted” (Matthew 28:17). Some worshiped Jesus—but some doubted! But he tells the group to make disciples … Continue reading Imperfect
