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prayer

It determines the day

June 22, 2020June 20, 2020 / Matthew Ruttan / 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 / Matthew Ruttan / 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 / Matthew Ruttan / 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

The weapon of prayer

March 31, 2020March 30, 2020 / Matthew Ruttan / Leave a comment

A lot of people are fighting a war with fear. Fear of illness or unemployment or loneliness or… the list goes on. So over the next several days I’m going to highlight several weapons in the war against fear. They’re not physical weapons, but spiritual weapons. The first is prayer. Simply put, prayer is conversation … Continue reading The weapon of prayer

Praying for ‘little things’

March 12, 2020March 11, 2020 / Matthew Ruttan / Leave a comment

In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul writes: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Sometimes we think that God only wants to hear about … Continue reading Praying for ‘little things’

In our weakness that strength goes viral

January 22, 2020January 21, 2020 / Matthew Ruttan / Leave a comment

There’s an expression that drives me nuts: ‘God helps those who help themselves.’ (No, it’s not from the Bible.) Even though it’s true that God helps those who help themselves, he doesn’t ONLY help those who help themselves. He also helps the down and out and those who are chasing their tails. In Romans 8:26 … Continue reading In our weakness that strength goes viral

Marana Tha

December 11, 2019December 10, 2019 / Matthew Ruttan / Leave a comment

Today I’d love to share a short, special prayer with you so that you can include it in your daily arsenal. -When you’re on your knees, or not. -When you’re driving, or walking. -When you’re calm, or fed up. -When you’re composed, or frazzled. It’s biblical, easy to memorize, and powerful. “Marana Tha.” It’s Aramaic … Continue reading Marana Tha

For when you’re struggling with contentment

October 9, 2019October 8, 2019 / Matthew Ruttan / Leave a comment

Psalm 62:1 is so honest: “From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint…” It reveals total desperation, and a request for help from the only One who can truly give it. Sometimes you just don’t feel great. I get it. Maybe you also feel like you’re … Continue reading For when you’re struggling with contentment

That same God

September 4, 2019September 3, 2019 / Matthew Ruttan / Leave a comment

Check this out: --“And God said, ‘Let there be light’…” (Genesis 1:3) --“The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country…” (Genesis 12:1) --“God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” (Exodus 3:4) --“Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm…” (Job 38:1) --“Then [Isaiah] heard the voice of the … Continue reading That same God

The Triangle of Discernment

September 2, 2019September 1, 2019 / Matthew Ruttan / Leave a comment

Have you ever asked God for sign? After all, life overflows with difficult decisions, ambiguous pathways, and sundry uncertainties. That’s why asking God for some kind of clarity or confirmation can be so enticing! There’s good news: God has already given us direction about how to clarify his will for our lives. Let me suggest … Continue reading The Triangle of Discernment

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