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hope

There is hope for you too

April 8, 2021April 7, 2021 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

After looking in the tomb where Jesus’ body had been (and not finding it), Luke 24:12 tells us that Peter “went away, wondering to himself what had happened.” The word for “wondering” could also be translated as “marveling.” He was marveling at the events. At this point in the story I get the sense that … Continue reading There is hope for you too

Real hardship and real hope

April 7, 2021April 6, 2021 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

The resurrection of Jesus transformed the apostles.  Initially, they were sad and dejected after the crucifixion. They were probably also traumatized from what they had seen, and perhaps even ashamed since some of them had denied or abandoned Jesus. But then they saw him alive again. It turned them into lions of courage and hope. … Continue reading Real hardship and real hope

Fighting forgetfulness: God’s power then and now

April 6, 2021April 5, 2021 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

A friend of mine was clearly upset. We were classmates. He was no stranger to life’s troubles, and was also very insightful. It was as if he could perceive the meaning of things on multiple levels at the same time. He was sitting in a study carol in the library reading his Bible. I came … Continue reading Fighting forgetfulness: God’s power then and now

Celebrating resurrection! (when you don’t feel like it)

April 5, 2021April 4, 2021 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

Last week my wife, Laura, was talking to a man in the grocery story about Easter. At the end of their conversation she said, “Happy Easter!” He replied, “I doubt it.”

Defined by a Saviour, not sin [Plus, ANNOUNCEMENT!]

February 8, 2021February 7, 2021 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

She had lived a sinful life. And everyone knew it. But Jesus was coming to town. He was the One. He IS the One. The Messiah. The rescuer. The forgiver. The one who makes new. Luke 7:38 paints the scene: “As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet … Continue reading Defined by a Saviour, not sin [Plus, ANNOUNCEMENT!]

Hope is a… pillow?

January 28, 2021January 27, 2021 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

I realize that equating hope to a pillow sounds a bit too cutesy, so just hear me out. William Gurnall lived in the 1600’s and wrote about the relationship between hope and patience. If we have reasons to hope we are more likely to be patient: “patience is the back where the Christian carries his … Continue reading Hope is a… pillow?

Sinicism

November 30, 2020November 27, 2020 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

Sinicism.  You’re right. It’s actually spelled with a C. Cynicism. But lately I’ve been thinking that an overly cynical view of the world is sin—hence, sin-icism. Let me explain. When it comes to plain old cynicism, I get it. There is a lot we could be cynical about. I mean, a lot. Have you watched … Continue reading Sinicism

Patience follows hope

November 25, 2020November 24, 2020 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

It’s good to be patient. My Louw-Nida Greek dictionary defines patience like this: “a state of emotional calm in the face of provocation or misfortune and without complaint or irritation.” In James 5:7-8, we learn WHY we can be patient. As his readers face hardship, he says this: “Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until … Continue reading Patience follows hope

Washing your mouth out with hope?

October 19, 2020October 18, 2020 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

Have you ever heard of someone getting their mouth washed out with soap? I’m guessing it’s not something that happens very much anymore, if ever. And that’s a good thing. But have you ever wondered why people did that? Among other things, it was a symbolic act meant to teach a child that their words … Continue reading Washing your mouth out with hope?

Our strength every morning

June 29, 2020June 26, 2020 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

Dick and Rick are members of Team Hoyt. Together they’ve competed in sixty-four marathons, two hundred and six triathlons at Ironman distance, and two hundred and four 10K runs. In total, that’s over six thousand kilometres! But get this. Dick, the father, can run. But Rick, the son, isn’t able to run or speak. It’s … Continue reading Our strength every morning

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Walking in the presence of God, then and now⠀
Not what you have, but who⠀
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There is hope for you too⠀

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