January is bad, even in a good year! Maybe 1 of these ideas will help. Maybe it’s reverse inertia, stepping back from the Frenemy, or standing firm. Listening option available.
Author: MatthewRuttan
All for one, one for all. Soul, home & church for King Jesus. I write The Up Daily Devotional (theupdevo.com), host The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan, and pastor Westminster Church. Pancakes, hockey, campfires & song. VDM. Online homebase: MatthewRuttan.com
Did Jesus Say He Was God?
Just a great human teacher, or God-in-the-flesh? This post looks at 2 categories of passages: clear statements by Jesus himself, and things he did that only God could do. Listening option available.
Playing Hurt [Christmas Eve Sermon]
After a brutal 2020, many of us feel like we’re playing hurt; maybe not physically, but in other ways. This message offers perspective and hope as we lick our wounds and peer into an uncertain 2021.
The Nativity You Never Knew? An in-depth, historical look at Jesus’ birth in Luke 2:1-20
When we hear something so much, we stop hearing it. Instead of paying more attention, we pay less. So here’s an in-depth look at Jesus’ birth in Luke 2. [Audio version included.] Christmas is different, but still meaningful.
Not Limited By Your Limitations [Sermon]
This message is a high-level review of James and the Down-to-Earth series. We consider God’s wisdom we grow in Christlikeness, and find encouragement that God still God (no matter how much we fail) and is not limited by our limitations.
Tradition Vs. Traditionalism
A word for my fellow Jesus-followers. Traditions? Yes. Traditionalism? No. Here’s the difference and some suggestions.
Believers Live Like Believers [sermon]
Here are 5 ways believers live like believers (based on James 5:13-20). Oh, and this: The more you live like a believer, the more you start to look like the one in whom you believe.
Hitched To Hope [Sermon]
Are you carrying heavy burdens? This message talks about the role hope plays in perseverance.
In But Not Of The World [Sermon]
What does it mean to be “in” but not “of” the world? This message on James 4 explains it and offers some help.
Wisdom Is More Than Stuff You Know [Sermon]
Wisdom. Who has it? Those with degrees or those who can win arguments or those with lots of followers? This sermon on James 3:13-18 explores not only the what of wisdom, but the HOW.
A Motto For A Pandemic
Written alongside Richard Topping, this post suggests a short motto for navigating a pandemic as God’s people.
Washing your mouth out with hope [Sermon]
Words have the power to bring hurt, help, hope, or healing. This message on James 3:1-12 explains why and how.
Faithfulness Flows From Faith [Sermon]
James 2;26 says “faith without deeds is dead.” Yikes! Do you want a faith that is dead, or alive? This message is Part 4 in the Down-to-Earth series and helps us know more about a living faith.
Coping with our broken illusion of control
We like to be in control. But these days, we don’t have as much of it as we’d like. Here’s why, and some coping strategies for a brand new world.
Soft Edges and Firm Centres [Sermon]
Love. It’s a big concept. That’s why practical direction about HOW would be helpful. Enter the book of James and his wisdom about showing mercy proactively and not showing favouritism.
Do The Word [Sermon]
Invisible beliefs make a visible difference in your life — or, at least, they should. This message is Part 2 in the Down-To-Earth teaching series and is based on James 1:19-27.
The Trials That Refine You [Sermon]
What if your trials had a way of refining you? This message from James 1:1-18 explores this very idea. It’s Part 1 in a series called Down-To-Earth.
Forging ahead when you feel like a failure [Sermon]
Do you ever feel like a failure, especially these days? Join the club. This message about Elijah and God unpacks four encouraging helps for the road ahead.
Race and the Kingdom of God [Sermon]
The spotlight is shining brightly on the problem of racial injustice. This sermon explores two texts for a faith-based response.
Soul Fatigue—A Response [Sermon]
Soul fatigue is a deep, inner exhaustion many people are feeling in the midst of COVID-19. This sermon explores what is going on, and some relief from Jesus.
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