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faith

Temptation in the age of the quick fix

November 9, 2017November 8, 2017 / Matthew Ruttan / Leave a comment

Because you’re human, you get tempted. Like many other people you get tempted to do or pursue something that seems good at the time, but will immediately or eventually lead to harm in your own life or in the lives of the people around you. Some temptations are obvious. Like the temptation to steal something, … Continue reading Temptation in the age of the quick fix

Actively looking for opportunities

November 4, 2017November 3, 2017 / Matthew Ruttan / Leave a comment

All week we’ve been exploring how we can be wealthy (regardless of how much money we have). Our main verse has been 1 Timothy 6:18. Paul says: “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” So far I’ve asked you some critical gut-check questions. … Continue reading Actively looking for opportunities

Leaving a legacy of wealth

November 3, 2017November 2, 2017 / Matthew Ruttan / Leave a comment

This week we’re probing the idea of how to be wealthy (without any money). In 1 Timothy 6:18 Paul writes, “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” Connected to this, on Wednesday we talked about having a real relationship with God. And on … Continue reading Leaving a legacy of wealth

When “More! More! More!” isn’t the answer

November 2, 2017November 1, 2017 / Matthew Ruttan / 2 Comments

In yesterday’s devotional I talked about how to be wealthy (without any money). If you missed it click here. For the next few days, I’m going to push us further on that same theme. Why? Because thinking this stuff through helps us live more abundant lives. In 1 Timothy 6:6 Paul says that “godliness with … Continue reading When “More! More! More!” isn’t the answer

Hallowhat?

October 31, 2017October 30, 2017 / Matthew Ruttan / Leave a comment

When I was little I didn’t really know anything about Halloween. It was just a time to put on weird costumes, forego our don’t-talk-to-strangers rule, and pile in more chocolate than Augustus Gloop from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. But as time went on I found out more. I learned that a fair amount of … Continue reading Hallowhat?

The Almighty Kill-Joy?

October 26, 2017October 25, 2017 / Matthew Ruttan / Leave a comment

A lot of people think of God as an Almighty Kill-Joy. As if he never wants you to have any fun. As if he wants you to continually flagellate yourself and stick a pin in the balloon of your excitement and happiness. This is a radical misunderstanding of God. Does God think you should do … Continue reading The Almighty Kill-Joy?

Getting your head in the game

October 21, 2017October 20, 2017 / Matthew Ruttan / Leave a comment

When I was small my Little League team would say a cheer right before we ran onto the field. It was a way to rally ourselves and focus on what we were about to do. Maybe it seems strange, but it can be good practice to have a ritual before you read your Bible too. … Continue reading Getting your head in the game

Living in the time of God’s patience

October 19, 2017October 18, 2017 / Matthew Ruttan / Leave a comment

Every day a woman I know wakes up, looks out her window, and says, “One more day, Lord, one more day.” She’s referring to the fact that Jesus hasn’t returned yet. As a result, we have—at least—one more day. There’s a lot of speculation about when Jesus will victoriously return to judge the world and make … Continue reading Living in the time of God’s patience

Abstract faith dies

October 18, 2017October 17, 2017 / Matthew Ruttan / 3 Comments

I live close to an amusement park called Canada’s Wonderland. It has roller coasters, rides, and sugary-foods galore. I first learned about it in T.V. commercials when I was small. I could even tell you where it was, what the sign looked like, and the names of some of the big rides. But it wasn’t … Continue reading Abstract faith dies

Life’s golden sweet spot

October 17, 2017October 16, 2017 / Matthew Ruttan / Leave a comment

In high school I loved to sit around and play guitar and sing with my friends. Sometimes the best part was coming up with harmonies. When we hit the right notes it was like sliding into a golden sweet spot. But since we were pretty new at it, our guitar chords would occasionally be out … Continue reading Life’s golden sweet spot

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