David begins Psalm 103 like this: “Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.” Have you ever noticed that David is speaking… to himself? That’s right. He’s speaking to his own soul. Seems strange, right? Why would he do that? We can learn a lot of things in a single … Continue reading Talking to your own soul
Author: Matthew Ruttan
Not one extreme, but both
In the previous devotional I encouraged you to pray for “anti-lukewarm-ness” in North America. We need less apathy and more commitment. That sentiment was based on Jesus’ words to the church in Laodicea from Revelation 3:16: “because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” Yikes! Today I … Continue reading Not one extreme, but both
Comforts can have casualties
Open Doors Canada raises awareness about persecuted Christians and provides support. In 2020 one of their workers posted this statement on Instagram: “I remember visiting the believers in China. They didn’t have a building to worship in, so a few of them would gather in their homes instead. Sometimes they would travel across the mountains … Continue reading Comforts can have casualties
Confessing sins: Life, hope, freedom
When you think about friendship, what comes to mind? Similar interests, laughter, or support? Those are all good things. How about confessing your sins? If you think that sounds like a downer, I hear you. But when it comes to supporting one another, speaking openly and honestly about sin can be very helpful. One psychology … Continue reading Confessing sins: Life, hope, freedom
Well done, good and faithful servant
In Matthew 25 Jesus tells a parable about some people who were entrusted with some wealth by their master. Those who invested it well were greeted with a compliment: “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (verse 23). This statement is sometimes quoted at funerals. When someone has tried to live faithfully toward God and as … Continue reading Well done, good and faithful servant
Success is servanthood
“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands” (Psalm 90:17). That was a prayer of Moses, the great man of God. But what did he mean when he asked God to “establish the work of our hands”? It’s … Continue reading Success is servanthood
Teach us to number our days
Moses went through tough times. He made mistakes. He spoke with God. He accumulated wisdom. He led others. In Psalm 90:12 he offered this prayer: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” His meaning is this: Remind us that life is short so that we live our lives … Continue reading Teach us to number our days
Divine deliverance
Psalm 91 is sometimes called The Soldier’s Psalm. We hear stories of soldiers putting its words on small pieces of paper or cardboard and tucking them in a pocket in their uniform. Through history others have put its words in small lockets as if to ward off evil. Although Psalm 91 most certainly speaks about … Continue reading Divine deliverance
Do you talk AT God or WITH God?
In Psalm 91:15 God says: “When he calls to me, I will answer him…” What does it mean to call out to God? It means to speak with him honestly in prayer. It also means so trusting in him that you expect some sort of response. With that in mind let me ask you a … Continue reading Do you talk AT God or WITH God?
Holding fast
“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him…” (Psalm 91:14, ESV). What (or who) do you “hold fast” to? What (or who) do you “cling” to? If someone you care about is about to go away on a long trip, that last hug good bye is often a long one. That’s … Continue reading Holding fast
