Christians believe in certain things. One of those things isn’t luck. Luck is the idea that everything unfolds according to chance. According to that line of thinking, God is neither almighty nor active. Granted, someone might say “What luck!” when it’s sunny on the same day they decide to go for a picnic. But any … Continue reading We don’t believe in luck
Author: Matthew Ruttan
God continues to speak to his people
One of the most popular movies of all time is The Sound of Music. Toward the end there is a dramatic scene where the von Trapp family is trying to flee from danger. They are being pursued by the sinister authorities. Maria von Trapp is played by Julie Andrews. She speaks briefly with the Reverend … Continue reading God continues to speak to his people
Where can I flee from your presence?
One of the most famous verses in Psalm 103 is number 19: “The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.” God’s throne is in heaven. And his kingdom rules over all. Note the word “all.” About this Matthew Henry writes: “there is no exempt jurisdiction.”* Therefore, his throne rules … Continue reading Where can I flee from your presence?
The rain was God’s tears
Before I was ordained as a pastor, I served for a summer as a student at a church called St. David’s. We held a Vacation Bible Camp. On one of the days we taught about Noah and the flood. We often think about it as a children’s story. After all it has a bunch of … Continue reading The rain was God’s tears
Don’t be careless, but don’t be too careful either
I’m a planner. I like being organized. The good thing about being a planner is that things tend to get done. You map out how to use your time and organize that time so that it moves you toward your goals. I don’t always get it right—far from it!—but being a planner has benefits. It … Continue reading Don’t be careless, but don’t be too careful either
Praying for strangers right then and there
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests” (Ephesians 6:18). Have you ever seen someone walking down the street and been prompted to pray for them? I have. I bet you have too. Perhaps you discounted the feeling as just a fleeting thought. But what if that was … Continue reading Praying for strangers right then and there
Jesus’ disciples, Scripture’s pupils
This week I’m leading a Bible story centre at our church’s Vacation Bible Camp. It’s always a lot of energy, music and laughter! I consider it a profound and meaningful privilege to teach the Bible. Within its Spirit-inspired pages, people of all ages start to know more about God, his promises, and his loving plans … Continue reading Jesus’ disciples, Scripture’s pupils
Go out of your way to say it
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Go out of your way to say, “Way to go!” You’re right. Seems a bit gimmicky, doesn’t it? Perhaps. But hear me out. Jesus often taught about the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is where and when God rules as King … Continue reading Go out of your way to say it
Blessing God and bending the knee
God blesses us in many ways. But in Psalm 103:1 (ESV) we are encouraged to bless him back: “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!” But what does that mean? The Hebrew word for bless is “barach.” It is sometimes translated as “praise.” So blessing God … Continue reading Blessing God and bending the knee
Follow your… head
“Follow your heart!” We hear that a lot. I’m sure it’s well-intentioned: our instincts and feelings are important. But our hearts can often lead us astray since (a) we are sinful by nature, and (b) our hearts are heavily influenced by the non-stop negativity around us. Wouldn’t it be better to “follow your head” insofar … Continue reading Follow your… head
