The truth that we are deeply flawed humans is supremely overshadowed by the truth that we have a triumphant Savior and He has a plan. His presence and our acknowledgment and devotion to Him equips us to overcome every challenge we face as believers. As stumbling creatures, we own nothing more empowering than this strong,…
Author: Matt Tullos
50 Ways to Love Your Pastor
(With apologies to Paul Simon) “The problem is all inside your head” he said to me. The deacon in my life group who thought so logically I’d like to help you to help him, supportively. There must be 50 ways to love your pastor! 1. Shake his hand, Fran. 2. Tell him you loved his…
An Awkward Rite of Passage
Every stage of life has its milestones and ceremonial rites. At 20, it’s a party surrounded by eligible bachelorettes. Turning 30, it’s a birthday lunch with business associates and a rare evening out without changing a diaper. At 40, it’s a surprise birthday party orchestrated by your kids. In your 50s, it’s “Strap on this…
The Peculiar Relationship of C.S. Lewis and Ms. Moore
One of the most peculiar backstories of writer and theologian C.S. Lewis is the unusual 30 year motherly relationship he had with Mrs. Janie Moore. When C.S. Lewis served in World War I, he fought alongside Paddy Moore. Lewis returned wounded and Paddy was killed in action. While in the hospital recovering, C.S. Lewis notified…
See it and Weep
Nehemiah heard the news of Jerusalem. Wars, disaster, fires made the city a disaster. The people in the city were in real and daily danger. The news struck him to the core of his soul and he mourned. When is the last time you’ve been wrecked by the state of your world? Have you felt…
5 Ways to Avoid Becoming Overwhelmed
It had been an especially difficult year for our church. A number of key long-standing members abruptly left our church in protest to the changes we had incorporated in our schedule in the hopes of reaching new people. At our monthly leadership meeting, we were discussing the issue when Carl stood up, grabbed his coat…
The Gift of Hiddenness
One of the greatest, most unappreciated gifts God gives us is hiddenness. Few even recognize it as an actual word. But it’s desperately needed in the evangelical lexicon. Everything in our culture works feverishly against it. So many, (including myself) have felt unseen without truly enjoying the power of this great gift. But it is…
John the Speediest
For some men, it’s all about the race. Just stay on the interstate for any length of time and you’ll see lots of guys who seem to be fanatical about getting to their destinations before you do. At gas stations, I see them hurrying their wives and kids along as they watch cars whizzing down…
Grace on a Family Tree
One of my friends loves Jesus. That sounds commonplace doesn’t it? It becomes less pedestrian when I tell you that his Mom died a drug addict and his father was a devout atheist. My friend was gloriously saved at the age of 10 at a Vacation Bible School event and never looked back. This. Makes….
Stick with the Plan. Keep it Simple Somehow
The high school football coach was being heckled mercilessly in the first quarter by all the player’s dads. He just kept calling the same running plays over and over again. The coach, who happened to be a member of my small group, told me his plan the night before. He was going to run the…