We’ve been talking about Colossians 3:15. That’s where Paul told his readers to “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…” One of the ways we welcome and cooperate with that rule is to imitate Jesus. Paul gave some great wisdom about how to do that in verses 12-17. Not only did he tell … Continue reading Not only what you do, but what you don’t do
Author: Matthew Ruttan
Training for the reign of Christ’s peace
In yesterday’s devotional we talked about Colossians 3:15: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…” I encouraged us to think through what this means. First, in the Bible your “heart” often refers to your place of deepest convictions and commitments; this includes not just feelings but thoughts. Second, the “peace of Christ” is … Continue reading Training for the reign of Christ’s peace
Let the peace of Christ rule
We use a lot of metaphorical language in our faith. As a result, some things can be confusing. “Inviting Jesus into your heart.”“Washed in the blood of the Lamb.” These are all good, biblical ideas, but they can also be confusing if you don’t know the theological backstory. Here’s another example: “Let the peace of … Continue reading Let the peace of Christ rule
Photo-shopped Jesus?
When a picture has been “photo shopped” that means it has been manipulated. Some sort of program has been used to change the image. Are there times when we are tempted to photo shop Jesus? I’m not referring to physical pictures. I’m referring to the parts of Jesus we like, and the parts we would … Continue reading Photo-shopped Jesus?
Unless you go forward
There are times when we struggle with our faith. Perhaps we have an unanswered question. Perhaps we’ve experienced something that makes us doubt. Whatever it is, it can make us feel… Stuck. When that happens you should definitely pray, learn and talk to others. But there’s something else, and it’s today’s focus: don’t stop moving. … Continue reading Unless you go forward
Whoever loses their life for me
This is what Jesus says in Mark 8:34-35: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.” Following Jesus means denying yourself, taking … Continue reading Whoever loses their life for me
Mesus and McJesus
Kyle Idleman came up with the term “Mesus.”* It’s when we project the things we like about ourselves onto Jesus---and only those things. If we like acts of mercy and adventure, we focus on those things in Jesus (while neglecting everything else). We think we’re honouring Jesus, but we’re really just honouring what we like … Continue reading Mesus and McJesus
Triumphant (over evil)
"Don't be afraid." That's easier to say than it is to live. Generally speaking, people need a reason to be unafraid. For example, if I'm an 8-year old and I see a bully on the playground, I might be afraid. But if I then see my big brother come onto the playground---who just so happens … Continue reading Triumphant (over evil)
Partialness or fullness?
In Colossians 1:25 Paul says that God has given him a specific mission: “to present to you the word of God in its fullness…” This important theme comes up elsewhere too. When speaking to the elders of Ephesus he said: “For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God” (Acts … Continue reading Partialness or fullness?
Cooperating with God’s forward motion
In yesterday’s devotional I shared an anonymous saying: “God meets you where you’re at, not where you should be at.” It’s a reminder that God doesn’t require you to be in tip-top moral shape or a top-notch theologian to come to you and intervene in your life. But when that happens, what happens next? Cooperate … Continue reading Cooperating with God’s forward motion
