This week I’ve been answering some questions about the Holy Spirit. On Monday we explored whether the Spirit is an “it” or a “who.” On Tuesday we asked if the Spirit makes you “feel” differently? Here’s today’s question: What does it matter to you that the Spirit is “holy”? First, we need to understand what … Continue reading Earmarked for God’s purposes
Author: Matthew Ruttan
Does the Spirit make you “feel” different?
This week I’m addressing some of the questions people have about the Holy Spirit. I think it will help clarify our thinking, and encourage us for living. The Holy Spirit is the third Person in the Trinity. He is the Person, power and presence of God active and alive in the world today. In Acts … Continue reading Does the Spirit make you “feel” different?
Your future in the Spirit
A lot of people have questions about the Holy Spirit. And I’m going to address some of them for you over the next few days. I think it will help clarify our thinking, and encourage us for living. First, is the Holy Spirit an “it” or a “who”? The Holy Spirit is not some random … Continue reading Your future in the Spirit
The burden shifts to Christ
Do you carry around a burden? Some invisible thing with difficulty or obligation? -Maybe it’s a draining responsibility that only falls to you. -Maybe it’s an internal and unhealthy drive to continually prove yourself to others. -Or maybe it’s a pile of problems you think only you can solve. Psalm 55:22 (ESV) says, “Cast your … Continue reading The burden shifts to Christ
Don’t pretend to be perfect
Okay, let’s be honest. Some people who believe in Christ can fall into a trap: Pretending to be perfect. You’re right: It’s not always true! But it’s sometimes true, isn’t it? Speaking to the believers in Corinth, Paul said, “we are ambassadors for Christ.” (2 Corinthians 5:20). And who doesn’t want to be a good … Continue reading Don’t pretend to be perfect
Fear not, do
Someone recently brought something to my attention. When you reverse the words “Do not fear” you get “Fear not, do.” Here’s why I like it. Some people get paralyzed with fear. They sense (or create) something to be afraid of in their minds—something invisible and possibly destructive—and, as a result, cease living their lives. What … Continue reading Fear not, do
You’ve ALREADY forgiven them, right?
Many of us have memorized the Lord’s Prayer, including this line: “And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” The original Greek word for “trespasses” is epheilemata which could also be translated as debt, or sin. But what I want to emphasize today is how the entire sentence should actually … Continue reading You’ve ALREADY forgiven them, right?
Youth isn’t tethered to your age
A lot of people are concerned about looking young, staying young, or being youthful. This can be true for teenagers, middle-agers, or seniors—and for both women and men. And wow, there sure are a lot of books and blogs about it! I’m sure that, to a certain degree, people have always wanted to be at … Continue reading Youth isn’t tethered to your age
Confidence is contagious
Recently I was listening to a radio program called Hockey Central at Noon on 590 The Fan. Speaking about an athlete, one of the announcers said that “confidence is contagious.” It was a good point. When one person on a team is confident—not only in themselves but in the team—that attitude spreads to the other … Continue reading Confidence is contagious
Why it matters that God is good
Right now I’m in the midst of a jam-packed, high-energy Vacation Bible Camp. Our key verse is Psalm 106:1: “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” The main idea of the Camp is that God is good! Day 1: When life is unfair… God is good. Day 2: When … Continue reading Why it matters that God is good
