I attended a conference where Don Carson was talking about faith. In the New Testament faith is about its object. In other words, faith is about trusting IN someone—namely God. This turns the focus from us to him! Let’s consider a few of the implications. Faith isn’t about knowing everything, but trusting in the one … Continue reading Knowing everything, being perfect and solving every problem
Author: Matthew Ruttan
A puzzle piece to God
It was Max Lucado who said: “Most people suffer from small thoughts about God.”* In other words, when we underestimate the sovereignty, wisdom, love and power of God, we do ourselves a radical disservice. Time for a perspective corrective. The world has a lot of problems. Your life has challenges too. But what is puzzling … Continue reading A puzzle piece to God
Over-functioning and under-believing
Summer is upon us. It’s a time to change gears. A lot of us are still working, but most of us will probably have a bit of vacation time here or there. Kids are out of school and teens are meandering to the beach. But many people still find it hard to rest. And when … Continue reading Over-functioning and under-believing
A recipe for national happiness?
Generally speaking, people want to be happy. But what is happiness, anyway? Is it related to status, money, or an all-expenses paid vacation? What about a lollipop while watching the sunset? I want to briefly share four “ingredients of true happiness” according to John Calvin, a theologian from the 1500’s. I value his insight not … Continue reading A recipe for national happiness?
Playing the part, neglecting the heart
This week I’ve been talking about when we try to satisfy our deepest spiritual appetites with things or people who aren’t God. Today let me share one last idea. This is something people do to satisfy their spiritual cravings, but in so doing miss the point. It’s religion. Wait, isn’t religion good? Yes it is. … Continue reading Playing the part, neglecting the heart
Dark power
This week I’ve been talking about when we try to satisfy our deepest spiritual appetites with things or people who aren’t God. Jesus is the “bread of life” (John 6:35). He is our ultimate source of nourishment and satisfaction. So if we try to totally organize our lives around feel-good pleasures, experiences and escapes, or … Continue reading Dark power
When a relationship becomes TOO central to your soul
“I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another…” (Isaiah 42:8). I’ve been writing about your soul’s appetite. Fill it with the wrong thing and be eternally corroded; fill it with the right thing and be eternally contented. We’re spending a few days on “wrong things,” contrasted with … Continue reading When a relationship becomes TOO central to your soul
When nice things become ultimate things
Jesus said: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21). Last week we spent time talking about your soul and about how your soul has an appetite. Fill it with the wrong thing … Continue reading When nice things become ultimate things
Gorging on the right things, or the wrong things?
This week we’ve been talking about your soul and about spiritual appetites. A man goes to a fast food restaurant. He has twenty five dollars in his pocket and nowhere to be. He orders his favourite combo and supersizes it. He stuffs himself to the brim, refills his coke, and goes back for a vanilla … Continue reading Gorging on the right things, or the wrong things?
Hearing a ‘still small voice’ over the roar of your appetites
In his book, A Hunger for God, John Piper writes: “we are less sensitive to spiritual appetites when we are in bondage to physical ones.”* Fair enough. Here’s where I want to focus us. Some of your physical appetites can be good. But they’re not your boss. Previous generations were much more used to denying … Continue reading Hearing a ‘still small voice’ over the roar of your appetites
