Honesty
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A Biblical Response to Stress
All of us deal with pressure. I deal with it, you deal with it – it’s just part of human life. And it shows up in all kinds of ways, and it doesn’t ask for permission before it does. Sometimes it comes from things outside of us, like a boss at work who’s difficult to… Continue reading
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The Essence of Worship
There is a powerful moment in Exodus 15 after Israel had just crossed the Red Sea. They realized they were standing somewhere that only God could have brought them. Because of that, silence couldn’t define that moment. No one instructed them to sing… Moses didn’t call a worship service. The song simply happened. Miriam grabbed… Continue reading
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In These Times, Being Wise Means Being Radical
Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but wise. – Ephesians 5:15 You don’t have to look very hard to see that we’re living in evil times. It’s as though the world has gone upside down and decided to stay that way! The things that once seemed sacred – faith, family,… Continue reading
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A Warning About Pretending
But there was a certain man named Ananias who, with his wife, Sapphira, sold some property. He brought part of the money to the apostles, claiming it was the full amount. With his wife’s consent, he kept the rest. – Acts 5:1-2 After witnessing the selfless generosity of Barnabas, Ananias and Sapphira found themselves longing… Continue reading
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The Problem with “Just Follow Your Heart”
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?Jeremiah 17:9 Have you ever stood at a crossroads in life, feeling a strong pull in your heart to go one way, certain that it was the right choice? Maybe it was a decision about a job, a relationship, or perhaps even… Continue reading
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Tread Carefully
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.… Continue reading
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They Couldn’t Find Fault
Then the other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling government affairs, but they couldn’t find anything to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy. – Daniel 6:4-5 (NLT) As I was reading this passage yesterday evening, I couldn’t help but think of… Continue reading
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Hard Conversations Taste Better When Seasoned with Salt
“Speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” – Ephesians 4:15 To speak the truth without love can wound deeply, but love without truth lacks substance and direction. When we blend the two – truth and love –… Continue reading
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Ain’t You Tired?
If you’re looking for an easy and enlightening read this summer, I highly recommend Brant Hansen’s book Unoffendable. Today’s devotional is an excerpt from one of the stories in his book, (p.59-60). Brant writes: “[God] wants to know us, and he wants us to know Him. He wants us to want Him. Not ideas or… 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!
Former Blackout Artist 