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prayer

Pray attention

December 23, 2020December 22, 2020 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

“pray continually…” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) “Pray attention” is a phrase coined by Ross Lockhart in his book Beyond Snakes and Shamrocks.* Ross is the intelligent, energetic, and mission-focused Dean of St. Andrew’s Hall at the Vancouver School of Theology. Plus, he can rock a bowtie like nobody else I know! Here’s how he explains it: … Continue reading Pray attention

The prayer of a righteous person

December 4, 2020December 3, 2020 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

James offers a bold word: “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (James 5:16 ESV). Wow. Let’s unpack that a bit. First, what does it mean to be “righteous”? In the New Testament, that word can have different nuances based on the context. Here it most likely refers to … Continue reading The prayer of a righteous person

Breathe the Name

October 30, 2020October 29, 2020 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

Do you ever find it hard to pray? If so, you’re not alone. There are times when we’re so tired or frazzled that we just can’t muster the energy for a talk with the Almighty. Maybe those are the times when we need to talk to him most. But depending on the day and on … Continue reading Breathe the Name

Prepare to worship

October 29, 2020October 28, 2020 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

Prepare to worship The “Up!” Devo for October 29 Worship is a big part of what we do as God’s people. First and foremost, God deserves it. He’s THAT good. No wonder Psalm 96:9 encourages us to worship God “in all his holy splendor. Let all the earth tremble before him.” Worship also nourishes us … Continue reading Prepare to worship

The hedge of protection

September 3, 2020September 2, 2020 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

As a pastor, I’ve had many people pray for a “hedge of protection” around me. I’ve also prayed it for other people. Maybe you have too. But what is it? And where does the idea come from? As far as I can tell it comes from the biblical book of Job. Job was a faithful … Continue reading The hedge of protection

Knocking on a locked door, knuckles bleeding

July 28, 2020July 27, 2020 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

Yesterday I encouraged you to pray as a first resort—not just as a last resort. Today I want to encourage you to not give up. To be persistent in prayer. Why? Because of Jesus. In Luke 18:1-8 he tells the parable of a persistent widow. The point of the parable is to teach his disciples … Continue reading Knocking on a locked door, knuckles bleeding

Attack them first!

July 27, 2020July 26, 2020 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16). There’s a story about Ethelfrith, the Saxon king of Northumbria in the 600’s. He had invaded Wales and was on the verge of battle. The Welsh people who were about to be attacked were Christians. Ethelfrith looked out upon the Welsh as he … Continue reading Attack them first!

It determines the day

June 22, 2020June 20, 2020 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

Good morning! Many of you are opening this in the morning, whatever your time zone happens to be. If you fall into this category, I hope your sleep was refreshing, long enough, and didn’t include any creepy dreams. Let me get right to it. Even when times are tough—and especially when times are tough—your morning … Continue reading It determines the day

Not a prop

June 4, 2020June 3, 2020 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

The Bible. How do we use it? How do we treat it? Like fancy family china that stays in a box somewhere? Or maybe like a prop? I loathe the Bible being used as a prop. Loathe. It is the Lord Almighty’s sacred word to his people through all time and through all generations. Speaking about … Continue reading Not a prop

Coming to him with the greatest freedom

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

Psalm 91:3-4 says this: “Surely [God] will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” [A rampart is a protecting wall.] Save you. Cover you. Refuge. Shield. Rampart. These … Continue reading Coming to him with the greatest freedom

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