“I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish” (Ezekiel 17:24). Generally speaking, we do not like hardship. We try to avoid it. But if we’re being honest, I think that most of us can look back on certain hardships from our past and see how some good was able to come … Continue reading Barrenness of soul
Author: Matthew Ruttan
Your light and the coming dark
Jesus is going to come back. He said that he would. The early church said that he would. Christians have looked forward to this powerful day ever since. There are two unhealthy extremes when it comes to this topic. One is to never think about it, or to downplay it. The other is to obsess … Continue reading Your light and the coming dark
Brothers and sisters
A soldier was in Nagasaki, a long way from home. On Sunday morning he saw what looked like a church. He went inside. There were about twenty people there. The soldier wasn’t sure how it was going to go since he only knew one word: brother. But that’s the word he heard: “Brother.” As you … Continue reading Brothers and sisters
Right and almost right
When it comes to journeying through life—and to making decisions in general—discernment is important. It involves sifting through information, figuring out right from wrong, and going forward based on what you’ve discovered. If someone is “discerning,” it usually means that they are deliberate and proactive about their choices. When Solomon prayed to God to be … Continue reading Right and almost right
Being FOR things
“Be devoted to one another in love” (Romans 12:10). Let me start by asking you a question. Would you rather be known for what you’re FOR, or what you’re AGAINST? In other words, would you rather be known for beliefs, causes or issues that you are FOR, or would you rather be known for beliefs, … Continue reading Being FOR things
For the peace of Jerusalem
By now you have surely heard about (or seen footage of) the terrorist attacks by Hamas in Israel. It is so very horrifying to learn about innocent people—including women and children—being torn from homes, assaulted, and killed and/or taken prisoner. When I hear about the bodies of innocent victims being paraded through the streets while … Continue reading For the peace of Jerusalem
The 24-hour rule
Proverbs 15:1 says: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Wow, talk about practical. Let’s say someone says something harsh to you. Perhaps it happens in person, but maybe it happens online. Either way, your instinct is to react. You want to say some things that are probably not … Continue reading The 24-hour rule
The crown of splendour
None of us are getting any younger. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but it’s true! Despite what our culture might tell you, aging in and of itself is not a bad thing. It’s a part of life. It may be difficult, but it’s not a disaster, and it can even be a … Continue reading The crown of splendour
Look for the good
I read about a psychology experiment. Some of the participants were sad. Others were happy. The entire group was asked to descramble messages. There were a variety of phrases which could be made. Here’s what happened. The people who were already sad created more sad messages, even though happier ones were possible. And people who … Continue reading Look for the good
Giving the Spirit the scope to do his work
Jesus said: “’Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.’ By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive” (John 7:38-39). What are the “means of grace”? Historically, these are practices which God puts into our lives and which … Continue reading Giving the Spirit the scope to do his work
