John 10:7-11 read by Ben Ruttan, and my opening prayer in worship based on the same text: The Good Shepherd and abundant life.
Tag: prayer
Suffering from small thoughts about God no more [Sermon]
What is puzzling to you is a puzzle piece to God. When things seem just too much, maybe you need to ponder the hugeness of God. That’s what this sermon on Ephesians 3:14-21 explores.
You go to who you know [Sermon]
When you’re in over your head, you go to who you know for help. When we don’t take our most urgent pleas to God, it might be a symptom of not knowing his heart. This sermon on Hebrews 4:14 – 5:10 shows how when you know God’s heart, you’re more likely to open yours.
Urgent: Approach God’s throne with boldness (Growing Deeper with Hebrews 4:14 – 5:10)
If we don’t know God’s heart, we’re less likely to go to him when times get tough. But if we do, we can find grace and help in our urgent times of need. That’s what this sermon explores on Hebrews 4:14 – 5:10.
Despite Our Circumstances [Sermon]
What does it look like to obey God no matter what, and to trust God’s control no matter what? And what kinds of things should we pray for in threatening circumstances? This is what I explore in this sermon on Acts 4:1-31.
Courage and holy boldness no matter what (Growing Deeper with Acts 4:1-31)
In this episode of The Pulse Podcast I give an in-depth look at Acts 4:1-31, a story about the disciples faith in the face of threat as a part of the young church; I stress 3 takeaways for our situation today.
Load-bearing walls—for your life [Sermon]
What if we were like houses, and what if we needed to safeguard certain load-bearing walls to avoid collapse? In this sermon on Acts 2:42-47 I explore 4 critical and sustaining practices for disciples (then and now).
Four indispensable priorities, radical generosity, and singular sincerity (Growing Deeper with Acts 2:42-47)
In this episode of The Pulse Podcast I give an in-depth look at Acts 2:42-47, an inspiring text about the on-fire life of those first disciples devoted to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer… practices that continue to sustain us today.
Should we say ‘If it’s your will’ when praying for someone to recover from illness?
When praying for someone to recover from illness, some people say, “If it’s your will.” Why? And isn’t that always his will? That’s was a question from a Q & A Forum that I answer here.
A Troubling Week for the World—Specific things to pray (and work) for from January 17-23
From the Inauguration to forgotten tragedies, enemies and echo chambers, here are 6 ideas. Listening option available.
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.
Suggestions for a more robust prayer life
Prayer is important — and sometimes difficult. Okay, maybe often? Here are 8 practical suggestions to help you with “the sweetest work of the soul.”
Pray—as a first resort [Sermon]
We know prayer is important, right? But let’s be honest. It’s easy to get in a rut. Here are three helps from Luke 18:1-8 and some practical tips.
Your weapons in the war against fear [Sermon]
Because of COVID-19 there’s a lot of change and uncertainty out there—and with it an invisible enemy: Fear. But how can we be victorious over
I know prayer is important, but it’s a constant battle. Can you give some tips? [Video]
In this video from Westminster’s Q & A Forum, I offer 7 points in response to this very honest (and important) question.
Why going to a worship service reduces your stress
Do you have stress in your life? Want less of it? If so, a new study has some advice. This short blog tells you what it is and the difference it makes.
A Prayer for Justin Trudeau
Lord, you know what it’s like to lead. The rest of us can only imagine the cacophony of personalities and competing priorities, the stress and
Something Better Than “Giving Something Up” For Lent?
Ash Wednesday kicks off Lent — the 40-day period leading up to Easter (excluding Sundays). During that time, a lot of people “give something up.”
A New Prayer for a New Year and a New Start
God of now, of this moment: You know what this year has been like—those awesome soul-smiling moments, and also those dark parts. Through it all
What Did Jesus Actually Say About Prayer?
I heard an expression that “There are no atheists in foxholes”—meaning that when people are in trouble they call out to God, no matter who
MatthewRuttan.com 