matt tullos: writer
I grew up under the theology of scarcity. It centered around the hear-tell rumours that I didn’t have what it took to be a “really good” Christian. There were those repetitive voices outside and inside my head that said, “try harder, do more, get better.” I gazed up at the impossible bar and counted myself out. My inadequacy […]
Actor #1: “The Lord is my shepherd,” David writes. Actor #2: But what kind of shepherd is God? Through the years we have asked this question. Actor #1: The deceiver has painted many portraits of God as shepherd. Perhaps you have one hidden away in the gallery of your psyche. Here are a few: Actor #2: Imposter #1— […]
While churning away on the eliptical Saturday at Planet Fitness, I saw the very beginning of Sandra Bullock movie called “The Proposal.” As the movie opens, a busy office is on high alert because their oppressive, driven boss is walking through the door. “It’s Here!” they message each other in the on their bulky 2008 computers. (See clip below) […]
Jesus invites us to ask (and keep on asking), to seek (and keep on seeking) to knock (and keep on knocking). See Matthew 7:7 In this passage, I sense that Jesus is challenging us to pray continually in three different paradigms. 1: To Ask– This is the practice of vocalization. So often my prayers are scattered […]
I just finished reading Joanna and Chip Gaines, The Magnolia Story. By the way, it’s a great read, even for guys like me that end up as accidental HGTV viewers. In the book, the Gaines share amazing stories of how their lives intersected and through courage, faith and perseverance God began to build things in their […]
This book contains Lion hunts Giant death matches Angel wrestling Honeymoon Bride Mix-ups Blazing Chariots Talking Mules Sorcerers Sword fights Fire-walking Streakers Supernatural apparitions Shipwrecks Exorcisms Romance Nights afloat Blues songs Bear attacks Ambushes Snake pits Man-eating fish This book cannot be tamed. It’s not a comedy of manners complete with tea and crumpets. It’s […]
As I wait for my prodigal to return, I am learning. I’m learning about family dynamics, addiction, and culture. I am learning about nights awake, bargaining, denial and anything to forget. I’m learning about doubt and all those things never spoken on “Christian” television. I am learning about how deep in the bones we are connected […]
Frankly, I’m tired of hearing about fake news. Fake news draws in the gullible at an alarming rate. You’ve certainly had friends on social media post links about all sorts of deliberately crafted lies in order to press an agenda. And It’s not just the world outside the church. We see incredulous, hyperbolic news to support the […]
A hymn or worship reading. #1:The gospel is the story that pierces, #3: molds, #1: feeds, #2: reveals, #3: penetrates, #1: sanctifies, #3: heals, #1: humbles, #2: and saves. #3: “Tell me the story,” we sing,
The second chapter of Joel reminds us to not only live for today. We must live for THE DAY. It’s a constant struggle to keep our focus on the fact that everything around us that we can touch with our hands will all be gone, leaving only our relationships and connection with our Source, Jesus. So […]