Many of us grew up playing team sports—whether soccer, baseball, football, hockey or something else. Early in the game you tend to identify the strongest players on the other team. You pay special attention. You check them more closely. They’re the ones who can really sting you if you’re not careful. In this I see … Continue reading Expect opposition
Author: Matthew Ruttan
Help for January
January can be tough. If you think it’s just you, think again. December bills are rolling in, the Christmas tree is (probably) put away, it still gets dark fairly early in the evenings, and it’s cold. Oh, and seasonal affective disorder is a real thing (especially in colder climates), and the world seems to be … Continue reading Help for January
If we are unkind, our pants are on fire
Spiritual growth is a good thing. We like progress. It reassures us that we’re heading in the right direction. There is, however, a danger. Something can creep in. It’s a sense of spiritual superiority. “I can’t believe so-and-so didn’t know what book of the Bible that story was from.” “That person should have done such-and-such … Continue reading If we are unkind, our pants are on fire
It’s probably a problem if other people are always the problem
It’s probably a problem if other people are always the problem. Let me explain. Have you ever had one of those days where other people are always a problem? They say the wrong thing. They get on your nerves. They just don’t “get” you. They just seem so… annoying! Granted, there are times when people … Continue reading It’s probably a problem if other people are always the problem
What if God was providing for you in advance?
In the previous devotional I said that it’s sometimes hard to see how God is working in your life, especially when you’re going through a time that is particularly head-scratching or uncertain. But just because you can’t see how God is working, that doesn’t mean he isn’t. Let me build on a related theme. There … Continue reading What if God was providing for you in advance?
Where is God when things seem crazy?
It’s sometimes hard to see how God is working in your life, especially when you’re going through a time that is particularly head-scratching or uncertain. Consider the events that took place after Jesus was born. King Herod was feared for his brutality. He drowned his brother-in-law, executed his sister’s husband, decapitated his wife’s grandfather, murdered … Continue reading Where is God when things seem crazy?
Mid-course corrections and moving forward
In yesterday’s devotional I highlighted a Chinese proverb: “A millimeter discrepancy leads to a thousand mile loss.” To explain it, Christopher Yuan tells the tragic story of Korean Airlines flight 007 which veered off course. A problem had occurred with the autopilot. At first, a few degrees wasn’t such a big deal. But after a … Continue reading Mid-course corrections and moving forward
A millimeter discrepancy leads to a thousand mile loss
Christopher Yuan’s mother taught him a Chinese proverb: “A millimeter discrepancy leads to a thousand mile loss.” To explain its meaning he tells the story of Korean Airlines flight 007. It departed from New York City for South Korea in 1983. After refueling in Alaska, something went wrong with the autopilot. It was off by … Continue reading A millimeter discrepancy leads to a thousand mile loss
Spirituality: always lived from below
“As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead” (James 2:26). Tim Peeters wrote a book about the Carthusian order. The Carthusians were founded in the 11th century. They are monks who live a life of solitude, prayer and contemplation. Many consider their way of life to be austere. Reflecting … Continue reading Spirituality: always lived from below
Courage is humility plus muscle
When facing a new or difficult challenge what do people ask for? Among other things, courage. Let’s look at the word itself. “Corage” is an old word which means “heart.” To have courage is to have an enlarged heart (metaphorically speaking, of course). It is to do good even when facing adversity or uncertainty. Here’s … Continue reading Courage is humility plus muscle
