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kingdom of God

More than just waiting around

April 30, 2026April 28, 2026 / Matthew Ruttan / Leave a comment

“Life is tough. Heaven is great. I guess we just need to wait it out.”Unfortunately, we can often get caught in this mode of thinking.Having said that, it’s true that life is often difficult. And yes, heaven is also going to be amazing. I appreciate that life includes a lot of waiting—including waiting for heaven—but … Continue reading More than just waiting around

Born again?

April 27, 2026April 21, 2026 / Matthew Ruttan / Leave a comment

The phrase “born again” gets thrown around a lot. But what does it actually mean? The original context was John 3 when Jesus was speaking with Nicodemus: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3).*Nicodemus struggled to understand. How can a person enter into … Continue reading Born again?

When governments and kingdoms let you down

January 23, 2026January 23, 2026 / Matthew Ruttan / Leave a comment

In Daniel 2, the king of Babylon has a puzzling dream. God reveals the meaning to Daniel, who then explains it to the king. In short, the king has seen a big statue made of different materials: gold, silver, bronze, iron, and clay.At the end of the dream, a stone (or rock) hits the image and … Continue reading When governments and kingdoms let you down

I burn my life to make a sunrise

July 8, 2025July 3, 2025 / Matthew Ruttan / Leave a comment

Have you ever questioned whether or not you are making a difference? Have you made sacrifices, tried to help others, stretched yourself to grow in faith…only to doubt whether or not there would ever be any fruit from your labours?If so, you’re not alone.But guess what? God can use your sacrifices, hard work and faith, … Continue reading I burn my life to make a sunrise

In this glitter-obsessed world

July 3, 2025July 2, 2025 / Matthew Ruttan / Leave a comment

[Apologies! - Some of you may have received this on July 2 and July 3. The error has been corrected. This is the devotional for July 3, 2025] In Matthew 6:19-21 Jesus says: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but … Continue reading In this glitter-obsessed world

How will I build my empire?

June 2, 2025May 27, 2025 / Matthew Ruttan / Leave a comment

In Exodus 16 we learn about a group of ex-slaves whom God had led out of Egypt.They needed nourishment. So he provided them with manna, a bready source of food. Each day he would deliver just enough for that day. Since he wanted them to rest on the seventh day he would provide double on … Continue reading How will I build my empire?

The domino effect in the kingdom

January 13, 2025January 7, 2025 / Matthew Ruttan / Leave a comment

“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow” (1 Corinthians 3:6). One of JRR Tolkien’s characters was called Niggle. He spent his entire life trying to paint a picture of a forest. In fact, he envisioned an entire beautiful landscape. But before he could finish, he died. Andy Bannister describes what … Continue reading The domino effect in the kingdom

Whose kingdom?

December 10, 2024December 9, 2024 / Matthew Ruttan / Leave a comment

Herod Antipas decapitated John the Baptist. In short, Herod married his brother’s wife, Herodias. This was contrary to biblical law. John the Baptist criticized him for it and was thrown in jail.  During his birthday party, Herod made a lavish promise to his stepdaughter: “Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my … Continue reading Whose kingdom?

Trust God (and leave the results to him)

November 1, 2024October 29, 2024 / Matthew Ruttan / Leave a comment

Do you ever wonder why God is taking so long in making his kingdom come and his will being done “on earth as it is in heaven”? 'God, why are there still so many problems?''God, why hasn’t A, B or C happened in my life or in the world?' In Mark 4:26-27 Jesus explains a … Continue reading Trust God (and leave the results to him)

Don’t let sensationalism mess with your thinking

September 27, 2024September 24, 2024 / Matthew Ruttan / Leave a comment

We live in a sensationalistic time.  Stories that are sensational make the news. People who do sensational things get noticed. To a degree, that makes sense. I get it.  But we can’t lose sight of the fact that so many of the important and faithful things we do in life are not going to impress … Continue reading Don’t let sensationalism mess with your thinking

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