Endurance
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The Artist and the Windows
We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. – Rom. 6:3-4 There’s an old story about an artist who traveled to Europe – sometimes to Rome, sometimes to France – to study the stained glass in some of the world’s greatest cathedrals. He wanted to… Continue reading
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Ain’t It Good to Know You’ve Got a Friend?
I was listening to this song today while driving. It’s an old James Taylor song – one of those songs with beautiful lyrics that cause you to think of someone special in your life: When you’re down and troubledAnd you need a helping handAnd nothing, nothing is going rightClose your eyes and think of meAnd… Continue reading
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What if We Considered Our Suffering a Privilege?
You have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. – Philippians 1:29 Have you ever considered that trusting God and suffering for Christ can go hand in hand? This question challenges us to look beyond our pain and see God’s purpose in it. As… Continue reading
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The Journey Can Feel Lonesome Sometimes
Help, Lord, for no one is faithful anymore; those who are loyal have vanished from the human race. – Psalm 12:1 The exact context of Psalm 12 is uncertain, as it could’ve been written during any number of moments in David’s life. But it’s evident that David felt isolated, surrounded by untrustworthy people. Maybe you… Continue reading
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A Glory That Far Outweighs Any Temporary Pain
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. – Romans 8:18 The apostle Paul knew a thing or two about pain. Before meeting Christ, he dished out suffering as Saul, persecuting believers. Then later, as a follower of Jesus, he endured beatings, imprisonment, and… Continue reading
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Boredom Can Have a Spiritual Purpose
Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian… Exodus 3:1 Some seasons feel like a spiritual standstill. No big revelations. No burning bushes. Just quiet, repetitive days – emails, chores, appointments, kids’ soccer games, sleep, repeat. We don’t talk much about boredom in the Christian life. But it’s there.… Continue reading
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Resting in the Sovereign Hand of God
To know that nothing happens in God’s world apart from God’s will may frighten the godless, but it stabilizes the saints. – J. I. Packer, in Knowing God For those who don’t know God, the idea that nothing – nothing – happens outside His will is a most dreadful thought. It’s unsettling, isn’t it, to… Continue reading
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Love… Endures a Lot
Love is patient and kind… – 1 Corinthians 13:4a Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13:4 cut through the haze of emotions we often associate with love. He isn’t describing how love feels… he’s showing us how it acts. True love is not a fleeting sentiment, but rather a deliberate choice, always revealed through action. It’s… Continue reading
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Do You Embrace God’s Discipline?
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.– Hebrews 12:11 Recently I began a new journey to improve my health. I’ve slowly started swapping out junk foods for more vegetables, sugary drinks for water, and… Continue reading
About Me
Welcome! I’m Scott (aka Former Blackout Artist), and I’m so happy you decided to drop in! I hope you find the content here spiritually enlightening and uplifting. Most of all, I hope that my love of Christ is revealed through my writing and that it encourages you in some way today. Thanks for stopping by!