Over the past few devotionals I’ve been helping us reflect on the fact that mature people mature people. Adjective, noun, verb, noun. In other words, people who are mature can help other people become more mature as well. Because of their faithfulness and maturity they can be a positive role model for us. In addition, … Continue reading Eternal things more than temporary things
Author: Matthew Ruttan
Those who live sacrificially
There are times when we’re just not sure what to do. We need some advice and direction. Yesterday I pointed out that in times like these,God puts people in our lives to help us pilot our lives. But how do we know who these people are? Well, Paul tells us. Someone he lifts up as … Continue reading Those who live sacrificially
To help us pilot our lives
Have you ever wanted to some wisdom or direction for something you're dealing with? -You’ve prayed—but still aren’t sure what to do. -You’ve read the Bible—but still aren’t sure what to do. -You’ve fasted—but still aren’t sure what to do. In these situations, God is so merciful to us. He puts people in our lives … Continue reading To help us pilot our lives
What is Ash Wednesday all about?
Today is Ash Wednesday. It’s the official start of Lent, the 40-day period of anticipation and preparation leading up to Easter (excluding Sundays). But what’s it all about? Some Christians attend services where ashes are put on their foreheads. Some, not all; it really just depends on local customs and traditions. Ashes symbolize our mourning … Continue reading What is Ash Wednesday all about?
Shrove Tuesday explained
Today is Shrove Tuesday. But what is it all about? Lent is the time of spiritual preparation leading up to the main event in the Christian faith: Easter. Shrove Tuesday is the day before Lent begins. The name comes from a practice in England to “shrive” on this day: seeking and receiving forgiveness from God … Continue reading Shrove Tuesday explained
What is “success”?
What is "success?" Having a good reputation? Climbing the ladder? Getting the highest marks? Being popular? Making lots of money? I have a dream. It’s that every one of you, one day in the future, when you’re lying on your death bed, can look back on your life and with humble confidence say to yourself, … Continue reading What is “success”?
Mountain Goat Grace
I heard a story about some mountain goats that lived near the top of a rocky mountain. Around one end of the mountain was a narrow ledge. It was only a foot wide. Fortunately, mountain goats can navigate narrow ledges. One goat started to walk around the ledge from one side of the mountain, and … Continue reading Mountain Goat Grace
Applause vs Faithfulness
This week I’m sharing some thoughts about humility. On Monday I talked about the pitfalls of pride. On Tuesday I talked about Jesus’ own example. On Wednesday I talked about some practical ways to “Do nothing out of selfish ambition” (Philippians 2:3). Today let me keep that going. Here are a few more down-to-earth ideas … Continue reading Applause vs Faithfulness
Selfish ambition
Yesterday I said that humility is focusing on someone else more than self. Or, in the words of C.S. Lewis, “Humility isn’t thinking less of yourself, but of yourself less.” Jesus is our ultimate inspiration and example of humility. Since we want to be like him (1 John 2:6), we strive to be humble and … Continue reading Selfish ambition
Someone else more than self
Is it just me, or is humility the virtue that many people admire but few actually want? To the Philippians in the early 60’s, Paul wrote: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests … Continue reading Someone else more than self
