Jesus brought Mary’s brother Lazarus back to life. Not only did he restore a heartbeat, but he restored hope, joy and the certainty of eternal life. At a dinner in Jesus’ honour, Mary wanted to show her gratitude. She “took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet … Continue reading Costly devotion
Author: Matthew Ruttan
If you follow Jesus you’re different—and that’s okay
If you follow Jesus these days that makes you… different. In 1961, 96% of people in this country identified as Christian. Less than 1% said they had “no religion.” That number is now 25% of the population. “No religion” is now the second highest ‘religious’ category in Canada.* Although 67% of people identified as Christian … Continue reading If you follow Jesus you’re different—and that’s okay
That split second moment
Words have power. We all know it’s true. You can’t see them, but that doesn’t matter. They can still carry more force than a tonne of bricks. Sometimes that force is for good. A wise word, a message of encouragement, and even simply hearing the voice of someone you care about can lift your spirits. … Continue reading That split second moment
Destructive criticism
Constructive criticism is good. After all, it’s constructive. But what is the opposite of constructive criticism? It’s destructive criticism! It’s when you want to tear someone down instead of build them up. Every once in a while a situation emerges when we are invited to provide input, make suggestions, or offer a critique. Since as … Continue reading Destructive criticism
Being Christlike to one another
The great Reformer Martin Luther, wrote: “each person ought to become to the other a kind of Christ, so that we may be Christs to one another…“* One of our goals in life is sanctification. I know, I know, big word. But all it means is to become holy, or to become more like Christ. … Continue reading Being Christlike to one another
Can we earn heaven?
I was recently asked this question: “What Jesus says in Matthew 7:21 unsettles me because it indicates that you can only get into heaven if you do God’s will. I thought we couldn’t earn heaven so this seems a bit confusing to me. I'm also very aware of my many faults and sins! Can you … Continue reading Can we earn heaven?
WWJD? Be humble
W.W.J.D. That acronym has become very well known. It was started in the 1990’s by a youth pastor in Michigan. She made bracelets with those letters on them to encourage the youth in her group to think proactively about how they lived. It stands for “What Would Jesus Do?” Well, what WOULD Jesus do? He … Continue reading WWJD? Be humble
Tears of sadness to gladness
I’ve been reflecting on Jesus’ tears. John 11:35 is the shortest verse in the Bible: “Jesus wept.” But that’s not all he did. After his friend Lazarus had died, and after seeing Mary and Martha crying, Jesus “was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled” (verse 33). The phrase “deeply moved” could also be … Continue reading Tears of sadness to gladness
A little pail of tears
When Vernon Davis was just starting at a new church he went to visit a matriarch in the congregation. She was a lovely woman in her 90’s. She knew so much about the church. She had been there through all the peaks and valleys. They had a great visit and Vernon learned a lot. When … Continue reading A little pail of tears
The community of imperfect believers
In yesterday’s devotional I told you about an interview I was privileged to have with Thom Rainer. It was about the rise of consumerism in the church. In light of that conversation I asked you to think about whether you are in passive mode or active mode when it comes to the local congregation. During … Continue reading The community of imperfect believers
