A lot of people “give up” things for Lent. The biblical—and therefore, accurate—word for this is fasting. If you’re going to fast it’s important to know the reason. Going through the motions is of limited value if you don’t know why you’re doing it. One example of fasting is found in Ezra 8:21: “I proclaimed … Continue reading Fasting in a world of self-indulgence
Author: Matthew Ruttan
Prepare to meet thy God
Today is Ash Wednesday. It’s the official start of Lent, the forty day period (excluding Sundays) leading up to Good Friday and Easter. [It’s also Valentine’s Day. If you’re curious about who Valentine was, see the link at the bottom of this devotional for a short explanation.] Back to Ash Wednesday. Some Christians put ashes … Continue reading Prepare to meet thy God
God is working, behind the scenes
[For a short post which explains the meaning of Shrove Tuesday, see the link at the end of this post.] “Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown … Continue reading God is working, behind the scenes
Doctrine and action aren’t opposities
The word “doctrine” has received a bad name. I once saw a social media comment which captured something of the spirit of the age: “People should spend less time thinking about doctrine and more time actually loving like Jesus did.” I get where that person is coming from. If people spend all their time debating … Continue reading Doctrine and action aren’t opposities
Being where you need to be (a tip from Walter Gretzky)
Right from the start, Wayne Gretzky was a hockey genius. He had a rink in his backyard. He also had an overflow of natural talent. But he also had supportive, smart parents. There’s a story about something Wayne’s father Walter did which gave his son an added advantage. While watching some games, Walter took a … Continue reading Being where you need to be (a tip from Walter Gretzky)
Surprise adoptions?
I recently saw a video of a boy named Carter.* It was Christmas morning and he was at the home of the Kipharts. Carter needed a family. The video shows them giving him a gift which included a letter. In it they told him that they were going to adopt him. The video is quite … Continue reading Surprise adoptions?
When you’re frustrated at your lack of progress
Do you ever get frustrated at your lack of spiritual progress? If so, you’re not alone. I recently came across a cartoon from an account on Instagram called BestChristianMemes. It quoted 1 Corinthians 11:1 (ESV): “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” In effect, Paul was saying to the Corinthians that since they … Continue reading When you’re frustrated at your lack of progress
I will in no wise cast you out
According to Jesus, Satan is a liar. In fact, he calls him the “father of lies” (John 8:44). Here is a doozie he loves to tell God’s people. “You are not enough!” “Do you see yourself in the mirror? How in the world can you think that a backsliding sinner like you could ever be … Continue reading I will in no wise cast you out
Sowing, reaping and decision-making
Harold Kushner tells a cautionary story about the man who invented the transistor radio. He was headed to a convention and stopped at a restaurant to have something to eat. There was another family there. He noticed that each one of them had one of his inventions. As a result, no one was talking to … Continue reading Sowing, reaping and decision-making
All hands on deck
There’s an expression: All hands on deck. It comes from the world of ships. When there is trouble, all hands (i.e. people) are needed to pitch in and help. A storm isn’t a time to stargaze or to nap in a hammock somewhere. You’re needed! With that in mind, one of the historic metaphors for … Continue reading All hands on deck
