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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

Getting unstuck

October 14, 2017October 13, 2017 / Matthew Ruttan / Leave a comment

Do you ever feel like you’re stuck? Like what you’re doing on a day-to-day basis isn’t getting you closer to your goals? If so, you’re not alone. But don’t fear. There’s hope! Consider Moses. After he led the Hebrews out of slavery in Egypt he found himself stuck. He was serving as a leader and … Continue reading Getting unstuck

Cheap Diversity vs Rich Diversity

October 13, 2017October 12, 2017 / Matthew Ruttan / Leave a comment

“Diversity” is a big deal these days. It’s the idea that we should be accepting of people from different cultures, backgrounds and beliefs. For me, it brings to mind Psalm 133:1 where it says, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!” But there are two kinds of diversity. There’s cheap … Continue reading Cheap Diversity vs Rich Diversity

If you glorify the past

October 12, 2017October 11, 2017 / Matthew Ruttan / Leave a comment

I’m no stranger to nostalgia. I like looking back and remembering the good ole days. But is there a point when looking back too much is harmful? I believe that if you glorify the past you handcuff the present. In other words, if you put too much stock in what has happened in the past, … Continue reading If you glorify the past

Three tips to go deeper

October 11, 2017October 10, 2017 / Matthew Ruttan / Leave a comment

Yesterday I shared the powerful story of Corrie ten Boom and her ability to be thankful even in hellish experiences. Following the lead of 1 Thessalonians 5:18 where Paul says to “give thank in all circumstances,” she was even able to thank God for the fleas in a World War Two concentration camp. It might … Continue reading Three tips to go deeper

Thankful in a hellish experience

October 10, 2017October 9, 2017 / Matthew Ruttan / Leave a comment

During World War Two, Corrie ten Boom and her family sheltered many Jews who were fleeing the Nazis. In 1944 the Nazi police seized Corrie, her sister Betsie, and their father. They ended up in a concentration camp, all the while holding firm to the promises of God. One day they moved into Barracks 28. … Continue reading Thankful in a hellish experience

The faith of Indiana Jones

October 7, 2017October 6, 2017 / Matthew Ruttan / 1 Comment

In the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Harrison Ford plays Indiana, the adventure-prone professor of archaeology. At one point he comes to the edge of a massive cliff and needs to cross the huge gorge in front of him. But there’s no bridge! It’s definitely too far to jump across. So he checks … Continue reading The faith of Indiana Jones

At risk of contamination

October 6, 2017October 5, 2017 / Matthew Ruttan / Leave a comment

Last year I overheard a child ask his mother this question: “What is Easter about?” The mom paused for a moment and said, “It’s about family and fun and chocolate and spring.” A part of me wanted to whip out my Bible and say, “Actually, it’s about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ!” But … Continue reading At risk of contamination

Annoying people

October 5, 2017October 4, 2017 / Matthew Ruttan / Leave a comment

People can be really… annoying! Who knows, maybe you think I’M annoying. (Maybe people think YOU’RE annoying!) Either way, you and I live our days with other people—many of whom rub us the wrong way. You know who I’m talking about! It could be someone at work, school or church. It could be someone on … Continue reading Annoying people

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