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Tag: love one another

Who stole my purpose? [Video]

September 22, 2019 MatthewRuttan

A lot of people struggle with their purpose in life. This message explores 2 biblical texts for an answer in a down-to-earth and applicable way. Oh, and it will make you more content too!

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Like a wounded coyote backed into a corner? Um, no. The “Up!” Devo for October 17 This week I’ve been sharing some thoughts about facing trouble and persecution for your faith. Maybe this idea is new to you, maybe even bothersome. But even though we usually think of persecuted Christians as people in desperate situations on the other side of the world, it’s going to be an increasing issue here in our society too. So how do you respond? Like a wounded coyote backed into a corner? No. First, we need to remain true to Jesus and his teachings, even though it’s tempting to fall away. His words are eternal, fixed, and trustworthy. As he says in Mark 13:31, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Second, we need to respond in a way that is consistent with the “fruit of the Spirit” that God works through us: “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). After his “trial,” Jesus was spat on, blindfolded, punched, and beaten (Mark 14:65). And that was before they crucified and stabbed him! And yet, what happened to Jesus couldn’t kill the love working through Jesus. And so it is with us. Your faith often makes you stand out. And if you start to experience the overt persecution that our ancestors in the faith experienced, you may be tempted to offer someone a fist instead of turning the other cheek. It’s not easy! I know. Our job is to be true to Jesus, and to love. Remember that what happened to Jesus couldn’t kill the love working through Jesus. And so it is with you. By Matthew Ruttan #persecution #trouble #hardship #faith #different #beingdifferent #inspiration #JesusChrist #dailydevotional #turntheothercheek #love #loveyourneighbor #fruitofthespirit

Prepare to be persecuted? The “Up!” Devo for October 16 This week I’m sharing some thoughts about facing trouble and persecution for your faith. When you look at the New Testament, it was expected that Christians would experience this. An example is 2 Thessalonians 1:4-5. Paul writes, “Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.” He continues, “All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.” That’s why you need to prepare to be persecuted. I realize that “persecuted” is a heavy word. Usually it makes us think of people in dire situations overseas. Maybe you’re not used to applying it to yourself. Maybe you haven’t had to. Yet. I'm not fear-mongering. As our society shifts further and further away from a biblical worldview and set of values, we need to shed some naiveté and live with our eyes open. Maybe you lose a job. Certain friends fall away. Maybe you’ll be like a local family who claims they were denied adopting a baby because of their religion. Maybe you’ll be called a hater. Maybe you’ll be increasingly stripped of your religious freedoms. That’s why we need to prepare. Not fear. Prepare. The way you do that is to deepen your spiritual roots. Think of a plant. Roots go deep into the soil to nourish, solidify and strengthen the plant. That’s what Bible-reading, prayer, encouragement with other Christians, service projects, and worship do. They deepen your roots. Deepening your spiritual roots isn’t just about growth, but ensuring you don’t get ripped out of the ground. By Matthew Ruttan #persecution #trouble #hardship #faith #different #beingdifferent #inspiration #JesusChrist #dailydevotional

Expect to be different The “Up!” Devo for October 15 In Mark 4:16-17 Jesus says that some people will fall away from their faith because of the trouble and persecution they will experience because of it. Since they have “no root” he says, “they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.” In the New Testament, trouble and persecution are ASSUMED. As Christianity became more popular, it wasn’t as common for people to experience this. But in our own day, and as it becomes increasingly unpopular to follow Jesus again, it will happen more and more. But what Jesus says about trouble and persecution isn’t to scare you but to prepare you. So over the next few days we’re going to talk about what you can do. The first is quite simply this: EXPECT to be different. With a few exceptions, we don’t usually like being different. It’s easier to fit in and just go with the flow. I once heard it said like this—that being different is like a nail that sticks out… it ends up getting hammered! But we are different for God. Different for love. Different for truth. Different for good. Different for all the ways Jesus is bringing heaven to earth. Expect it. Get used to it. Consider it a blessing. When it comes to following Jesus, what makes you different is what makes you special. By Matthew Ruttan #persecution #trouble #hardship #faith #different #beingdifferent #inspiration #JesusChrist #dailydevotional

A simple “Thank you, Lord” – from Little House to yours The “Up!” Devo for October 14 Here in Canada it’s Thanksgiving Monday. I remember an episode of the iconic Little House on the Prairie. The dad and farmer in the family was Charles Ingalls, played by Michael Landon. It was harvest time. He walked through his bountiful field, swaying his hands through his beautiful crop. As he did so he looked up and said a simple, “Thank you, Lord.” Even though Charles planted the seed and did the back-breaking work, it was an acknowledgement that the harvest was really a gift from God. Today, if you’re here in Canada, and even if you’re not, go through your day offering up little “Thank you, Lords” every time you see, hear or experience the blessings around you. An encouraging conversation… “Thank you, Lord” A beautiful tree… “Thank you, Lord” A moment of rest… “Thank you, Lord” A laugh… “Thank you, Lord” A mouthful of turkey… “Thank you, Lord” A breath of fresh air… “Thank you, Lord” A happy memory… “Thank you, Lord” A safe drive… “Thank you, Lord” A word from the Bible… “Thank you, Lord” A helping hand… “Thank you, Lord” James 1:17 says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” EVERY good and perfect gift… is from above. Maybe that’s why the ever-insightful Max Lucado says, “To reflect on your blessings is to rehearse God’s accomplishments.” Today, be thankful. Frequently. “Thank you, Lord.” By Matthew Ruttan #thanksgiving #thanksgiving2019 #canadianthanksgiving #thankyou #gratitude #thankful #littlehouseontheprairie #charlesingalls #faith #inspiration @maxlucado

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