Jesus
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Hard Lessons Can Be Our Greatest Blessings
My mom’s sickness came on in the spring of 2020. It was the same week that my sister was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer. That was a tough week. And it would lead to the most challenging season of my life. Being retired (and my brother being consumed with work at his job), I assumed… Continue reading
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We Are Hopeless Without Jesus!
If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. – James 4:17 I believe Jesus’ parable about The Good Samaritan is a pretty accurate illustration of what James is talking about here. We have the priest who saw the wounded man. Then the Levite saw… Continue reading
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We All Enter Through the Same Gate
For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. – 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5 I was reading 1 Thessalonians 1 this morning, and I found myself lingering over these words: “For… Continue reading
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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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Trusting The Gardener
Roses are some of the most beautiful flowers in a garden, but they require careful attention if they’re going to flourish. If a rosebush is left entirely on its own, the branches will eventually begin to grow inward and crowd one another. The stems then start competing for sunlight, space, and nutrients. As they grow… Continue reading
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If Fig Trees Could Talk
Some thoughts on fruit, faith, and what God is really looking for. If trees could preach sermons, the fig tree would be one of Israel’s best pastors. It grows where life seems unlikely – rocky ground and thin soil. Not exactly prime real estate! And yet the fig tree thrives there. That alone should catch… Continue reading
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Missed Moments to Love Well
If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. – James 4:17 All throughout his letter, James spurs his audience into action. They are to be “doers of the word and not just hearers” (James 1:22). Faith without action is no faith at all. Jesus… Continue reading
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Everybody Wants to Rule Their World
Because man is born a rebel, he is unaware that he is one. His constant assertion of self, as far as he thinks of it at all, appears to him a perfectly normal thing. He is willing to share himself, sometimes even to sacrifice himself for a desired end, but never to dethrone himself. No… Continue reading
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Genesis 4: Eve’s First Words After the Fall
A few days ago I started a new Bible in One Year reading plan for 2026, and yesterday I was reading in Genesis chapter 4. And the very first verse in chapter 4 (where Eve gives birth to Cain) got my attention: “I have gotten a man with the help of the Lord.” Now, the… Continue reading
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What Can We Learn From Two of Peter’s Responses?
I’ve been thinking about the disciples lately, particularly Peter. And although I know what Scripture says about favoritism, I can’t help but admit that of the Twelve – Peter is my favorite. Maybe it’s because in some unique way, Peter makes me feel better about my own faith. (And not that I’m comparing my faith… Continue reading
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Christmas Day Reflection
Christmas greetings to you, dear friends. As this day arrives once again, my hope for each of you is peace in your hearts, joy that runs deeper than circumstances, and good health for the days ahead. I’m grateful for every one of you who reads these words, and I’m mindful that behind each screen is… Continue reading
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They Thought They Were Increasing Their Tax Base
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. – Luke 2:1-3 Luke tells us that just before Jesus was born, Caesar… Continue reading
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Jesus Accomplished What David Couldn’t
Then Joab went to Geshur and brought Absalom back to Jerusalem. But the king said, “He must go to his own house; he must not see my face.” So Absalom went to his own house and did not see the face of the king. – 2 Samuel 14:23-24 I find the story of David and… Continue reading
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The One-Talent Servant
Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. “Master,” he said, “I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs… Continue reading
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Encouragement For the Weary, Clumsy Traveler
The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. – Psalm 37:23-24 These verses remind me of that night in the Upper Room when Jesus prayed what we call “The High Priestly Prayer.” Hours before… Continue reading
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A Hard Truth Followed by an Irrevocable Promise
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33 When someone makes a promise to you, do you take that person at their word and trust that they’ll follow through? Or do you treat them… Continue reading
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While There’s Still Daylight!
They said, “Rabbi, you can’t do that. The Jews are out to kill you, and you’re going back?” Jesus replied, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in daylight doesn’t stumble because there’s plenty of light from the sun. Walking at night, he might very well stumble because he can’t see where… Continue reading
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The Disciples’ Last Question
Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” – Acts 1:6 Right before Jesus went back to heaven, His disciples asked one last question: “Lord, is now the time You’ll restore the kingdom to Israel?” They were still thinking about politics, power,… Continue reading
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Is the World Crucified to You?
May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. – Galatians 6:14 It’s hard for us to realize how strange Paul’s words must have sounded back then. To the people who saw crucifixions, the words cross and… Continue reading
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Heaven’s Chapter 11: How to Go Broke and Get Rich
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. – Matthew 5:3 We live in an age intoxicated with self. Our culture worships confidence, celebrates self-promotion, and urges everyone to “believe in yourself” as the ultimate virtue. Social media is a monument to the human ego, where self-worth is measured in… Continue reading
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But That’s Not Fair!
About nine in the morning he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. He told them, “You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.” So they went. – Matthew 20:3-5 I have to admit, my natural instinct bristles at Bible stories like this… Continue reading
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From Battleground to Holy Ground
Jesus therefore no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there to the region near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim, and there he stayed with the disciples. – John 11:54 During Old Testament times, Ephraim was a symbol of rebellion and instability. Situated in the central part of Israel, its territory… Continue reading
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God Doesn’t Offer a Half-Hearted Salvation
I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. – Philippians 1:6 What point would there be if scientists found a cure for cancer, in which the cancer itself was removed, but the symptoms of the cancer were not… Continue reading
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They Didn’t Get Wet
Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you.” – Joshua 3:5 Imagine someone coming up to you today and saying to you, “Get ready and be prepared! Tomorrow the Lord is going to do amazing things right in front of your very eyes!” Well, that’s precisely what… Continue reading
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The People We Overlook
Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. – Rom. 12:16 Isn’t it something how God uses the most unexpected circumstances to teach us the most valuable lessons? I’ll never forget those early days of the pandemic. Life came to a standstill. So much uncertainty and fear. And suddenly,… Continue reading
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Your Past Doesn’t Equal Your Future
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. – Isaiah 43:18-19 Have you ever thought about how God might be using you? If not,… Continue reading
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How’s The Weather?
One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.– Luke 8:22-23… Continue reading
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Are You Being Choked Out by Life?
Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. – Luke 8:7 In his book entitled, “Get Your Life Back: Everyday Practices for a World Gone Mad,” John Eldredge asks a very simple yet profound question: “What does it say that you look like some sort of a nut job… Continue reading
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A Higher Perspective
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. – Colossians 3:2 Not everything earthly is evil. Many aspects of our daily lives, things like our work, our relationships, and even our hobbies can be good and God-honoring. Yet, even the harmless things can become harmful when they overshadow what truly matters: our relationship… Continue reading
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Obedience to God is a Duty, Not a Favor
So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, “We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.” – Luke 17:10 In the modern church, a dangerous notion has crept in: the idea that our obedience to God is some sort of grand gesture, a favor we bestow… Continue reading
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God’s Spiritual Conditioning Program
When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time. – Luke 4:13 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. – 1 Peter 5:8 As we come to Luke 4:13, we find a sobering moment in the life of… Continue reading
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Everyone Wants The Crown
Now Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith, put himself forward and said, “I will be king.” So he got chariots and horses ready, with fifty men to run ahead of him.1 Kings 1:5 In 1st Kings 1, King David is old, nearing the end of his life, and the question of who will succeed him as… Continue reading
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What it Means To Be Included
And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. – Ephesians 1:13 I spent much of my early life trying to fit in somewhere. But for some reason I never had much luck. I was too slow and not athletic enough on the playground to… Continue reading
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An Honest Prayer
Today I learned that a young boy from our community recently underwent a biopsy procedure for what his doctor presumes to be a cancerous tumor in his lung. During that procedure something went terribly wrong, leaving him in a medically-induced coma for a number of days. Thankfully he regained consciousness yesterday and is able to… Continue reading
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What Shall I Render to the Lord?
What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me? – Psalm 116:12 Oh, the weight and wonder of this question! The psalmist stands, as it were, on the precipice of God’s overwhelming goodness, gazing back at a sea of divine benefits – mercies too numerous to count, too vast to comprehend.… Continue reading
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A Faith That Can Be Seen
When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” – Luke 5:20 Have you ever thought about what faith looks like? We often think of faith as something private, tucked away in our hearts… just a quiet and simple trust in God. And sometimes it is. But there are moments when faith… Continue reading
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Fading Grass, Enduring Word
A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?” “All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers… Continue reading
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Love… Lifts Others Up
[Love] does not boast; it is not arrogant or rude. – 1 Corinthians 13:4b (ESV) Love, as Paul describes it, is a force that lifts others up, without lifting itself. It invites us to examine our hearts… do we seek to glorify God and serve others, or are we chasing our own glory? Boasting and… Continue reading
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Bruised Reeds and Smoldering Wicks
“Let your gentleness be evident to all.”– Philippians 4:5a Gentleness isn’t weakness, it’s strength under control. It’s choosing kindness when you could demand your way. It’s responding with patience instead of becoming irritated. Paul’s words remind us that our faith should be visible in how we treat people. The way we speak, how we handle… Continue reading
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A Quiet Example
Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. Then people who are not believers will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others. – 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 (NLT) In his letter to the… Continue reading
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Even on the way to the cross, Jesus stood up for you!
“I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” – John 18:8 Jesus’ words in John 18:8 stands before us as a beacon of hope amid the encircling gloom of our trials. In that moment of divine confrontation, when the accusers and persecutors pressed in like… Continue reading
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Not Even One
But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” – John 8:6b-7 The Pharisees dragged a woman before Jesus,… Continue reading
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A Personal Savior
While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” he said. “Don’t bother the teacher anymore.” Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.” – Luke 8:49-50 As I read this passage this evening, the thought occurred… Continue reading
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For What Shall it Profit a Man?
Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” – Matt. 19:21 A lot has happened in my faith journey since accepting Jesus in my heart. I’ve gotten to know a lot of people and I’m… Continue reading
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“Did God Really Say…?”
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what… Continue reading
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You Can’t Take It With You
Then [Jesus] said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ Then he said,… Continue reading
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The God Who Knows and Sees
When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.” “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.” Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you… Continue reading
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Stepping Out of the Boat
Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”“Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out… Continue reading
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Living Water > Stirred Water
Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades. In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been… Continue reading
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Is The Lord With You?
“Let us find a good musician to play the harp whenever the tormenting spirit troubles you. He will play soothing music, and you will soon be well again.” “All right,” Saul said. “Find me someone who plays well, and bring him here.” One of the servants said to Saul, “One of Jesse’s sons from Bethlehem… Continue reading
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The Poison of Unbelief
Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.– Mark 6:4-5 Jesus, the Son… Continue reading
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A Lasting Impact
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. – Ephesians 2:10 Today marks the 95th anniversary of the death of Elisha Hoffman. Very few would recognize his name, but many Christians today still enjoy the fruit of his work all these… Continue reading
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A Message From Jesus To The Lone Christian Family Member: You’re Not Alone!
Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him. They stood outside and sent word for him to come out and talk with them. There was a crowd sitting around Jesus, and someone said, “Your mother and your brothers are outside asking for you.” Jesus replied, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” Then… Continue reading
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What’s Your Attraction?
Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves.” – John 6:26 Picture this: you’re trapped in a dull, generic office. Across from you, a salesman is talking a mile a minute, pitching the idea that you… Continue reading
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You Can’t Out-Give God
Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God… Continue reading
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The Joyful, Humble Heart of a True Servant
When a servant comes in from plowing or taking care of sheep, does his master say, “Come in and eat with me?” No, he says, “Prepare my meal, put on your apron, and serve me while I eat. Then you can eat later.” And does the master thank the servant for doing what he was… Continue reading
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Just Visiting
For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. – 2 Corinthians 4:18b (NLT) This morning I spent a few moments reflecting on the two years my family and I lived in London. I remember we were all so excited to be able to experience… Continue reading
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Is It True?
Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up?” – Dan. 3:14 Reading Daniel this morning and coming across this verse, I couldn’t help but think about that same question that was asked of Peter the… Continue reading
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The Danger of Criticism
Don’t speak evil against each other, dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize and judge each other, then you are criticizing and judging God’s law. But your job is to obey the law, not to judge whether it applies to you. God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power… Continue reading
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A Debt He Did Not Owe
After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma temple tax came to Peter and asked, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?” “Yes, he does,” he replied. When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. “What do you think, Simon?” he asked. “From whom do the… Continue reading
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How About Your Self-Confidence?
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” Jesus answered, “I tell you,… Continue reading
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We Have Heard it From His Own Lips!
At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and the teachers of the law, met together, and Jesus was led before them. “If you are the Messiah,” they said, “tell us.” Jesus answered, “If I tell you, you will not believe me, and if I asked you, you would… Continue reading
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Are There Cracks in the Foundation?
Solomon brought Pharaoh’s daughter up from the City of David to the palace he had built for her, for he said, “My wife must not live in the palace of David king of Israel, because the places the ark of the Lord has entered are holy.” – 2 Chronicles 8:11 Solomon was know for his… Continue reading
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New Losses, New Gains
But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in… Continue reading
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A Promising Future Awaits!
For in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you. – 2 Peter 1:11 (NASB) Have you ever thought about the kind of welcome you’ll receive when you enter heaven? Sometimes we might wonder if we’ll just barely make it in, as… Continue reading
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I’m Sorry, But Not Really…
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. – 2 Corinthians 7:10 Sometimes we feel sorry for our mistakes, but there’s a big difference between the kind of sorrow that leads us closer to God and the kind that pulls us away. In his second letter… Continue reading
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What Defines You?
For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. – Colossians 3:3-4 When people describe someone, we often hear phrases like, “Sports is his life,” or “Music is her life.” We naturally connect people with… Continue reading
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One Thing You Lack
“Teacher,” he declared, “all these [Commandments] I have kept since I was a boy.” Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this the man’s face fell. He… Continue reading
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A Sojourner’s Uncompromising Resolve
But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. – Daniel 1:8 Daniel could have easily compromised. He was in a foreign land, living under the rule of King Nebuchadnezzar, and had been chosen to undergo training… Continue reading
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Have You Been With Jesus?
When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. – Acts 4:13 When we make time to be in the presence of Jesus, it leaves a mark. Not just on our hearts, but… Continue reading
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Trusting God in The Silence
“Do not be deceived, Wormwood. Our cause is never more in danger than when a human, no longer desiring, but still intending, to do our Enemy’s will, looks round upon a universe from which every trace of Him seems to have vanished, and asks why he has been forsaken, and still obeys.” – C.S. Lewis,… Continue reading
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Jesus Commands Us to Stop Worrying
So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. –… Continue reading
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The Apple of His Eye
“Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings.” — Psalm 17:8 (NIV) You are the apple of God’s eye—cherished, protected, and seen. When David wrote this verse, he was asking God to keep him close and safe, like something precious. And God promises the same for you.… Continue reading
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Finding Hidden Treasure
I seek you with all my heart;do not let me stray from your commands.I have hidden your word in my heartthat I might not sin against you. – Ps. 119:10-11 Reading these passages challenges me to think about whether I’m truly giving God my everything. They cause me to consider if I’m truly pursuing Him… Continue reading
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Playing Second Fiddle
Saul was very angry… “They have credited David with tens of thousands,” he thought, “but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom? ” And from that time on Saul kept a close eye on David. – 1 Samuel 18:8-9 It can destroy a marriage. It can end a friendship. It… Continue reading
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God’s Unseen Hand
Esther was taken to King Xerxes at the royal palace in early winter of the seventh year of his reign. And the king loved Esther more than any of the other young women. He was so delighted with her that he set the royal crown on her head and declared her queen instead of Vashti.… Continue reading
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If Jesus Had Been a Football Star…
Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. He was amazed at their lack of faith. – Mark 6:4-6 (NIV) When… Continue reading
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More Than Roadside Assistance
Ask me, and I will do whatever you ask. This way the Son will bring honor to the Father. – John 14:13 (CEV) Perhaps you’re one of the 61 million card-carrying members of the largest automobile club in America – AAA. Or maybe your automobile insurance company has the exclusive policy perk of being there… Continue reading
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Enormous Grief to Enormous Compassion
“As soon as he heard the news….” – Matt. 13:14 NLT I was sober for a number of years and had been through a lot of ups and downs during that time. But nothing would prepare me for what I would be forced to do on the afternoon of June 28th of last year. As… Continue reading
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You Get What You Give
“Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” – Luke 6:38 (NLT) The first time I heard the song You Get What You Give… Continue reading
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Winning it All
The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. – Romans 8:34 (The MSG) Imagine that your favorite sports team won the championship last year. You recorded every game, and now you’re going back and replaying the entire season… Continue reading
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Wounded Trees and Forgiveness
“Forgiveness is a beautiful word, until you have something to forgive.” – C.S. Lewis Shortly after the Civil War, General Robert E. Lee ran into a woman in Virginia who complained to him that Yankee artillery had severely damaged a beautiful tree that was in her yard. She was so livid about it that she… Continue reading
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Tested and Approved
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.“- James 1:12 Immediately after a passenger airplane comes off the assembly line, it goes through dozens of detailed inspections and performance tests. But the… Continue reading
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Promises Kept
Early the next morning they arose and worshiped before the LORD and then went back to their home at Ramah. Elkanah made love to his wife Hannah, and the LORD remembered her. So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I asked… Continue reading
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With Truth and With Love
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. – Prov. 15:1 While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, the teachers of the law appeared and brought a woman before him. “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery,” they said to him. “In the Law, Moses commanded… Continue reading
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The Power of Positive Shrinking
Legendary golfer Ben Hogan was once asked by a newspaper reporter, “Ben, what do you look for when you’re looking to hire a new caddie?” Ben took a draw from his trademark Chesterfield cigarette and tersely replied, “Three things: Show up, keep up, and shut up.” Although Hogan had a reputation in the media for… Continue reading
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When “We Had Hoped” Becomes “We Have Hope”
Sometimes things don’t work out the way we want them to. My wife realized this back in 2019 when her employer suddenly informed her that she was no longer needed after 28 years of faithful service to them. Perhaps this would’ve been much easier for her to accept had she not loved her job and… Continue reading
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Life is More than Just Fish and Chips
“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” – John 10:10 This past week, John Alfred Tinniswood, from Northwest England, was confirmed by the Guinness Book of World Records as being the oldest living man in the world at 111 years. The man who previously held the record, Juan… Continue reading
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What Does it Mean to Grieve the Holy Spirit?
Did you know that the third Person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, has a personality? He has the ability to feel joy, sorrow, and anger just like we do. Given that God sees each Christian as His holy temple and has given them His Spirit to dwell inside them, we believers are to live… Continue reading
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Are You a Name Dropper?
“Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.” “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against… Continue reading
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Becoming Hard to Hate
“When people’s lives please the Lord, even their enemies are at peace with them.” Proverbs 16:7 Isn’t life so much more enjoyable when we’re at peace with God? We’re not in such a hurry. We don’t have nearly as much stress. We ignore the little things that normally bother us. We’re much more patient with… Continue reading
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The Truth Never Sleeps!
As the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and told the leading priests what had happened. A meeting with the elders was called, and they decided to give the soldiers a large bribe. They told the soldiers, “You must say, ‘Jesus’ disciples came during the night while we… Continue reading
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Life in the Between
Although Jesus was in the tomb on Holy Saturday, life continued to go on. And if you’re like me, you’re left wondering what that must’ve looked like. The only Biblical reference to what occurred on Holy Saturday is recorded in Matthew 27. Aside from the religious leaders wanting to ensure that Jesus’ body remained secured… Continue reading
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Lasting Impressions
Some of his disciples began talking about the majestic stonework of the Temple and the memorial decorations on the walls. But Jesus said, “The time is coming when all these things will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!” – Luke 21:5-6 (NLT) Prior to the fire that nearly… Continue reading
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A Warning from Chloe
I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. – 1 Corinthians 1:10 As a new member of a church that I had… Continue reading
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The Fruit of Self-Control
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23 Over the past few weeks we’ve reflected on the fruit that Paul says the Holy Spirit can produce inside of us as we grow and mature as followers… Continue reading
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The Fruit of Goodness
A certain ruler asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone.“– Luke 18:18-19 Today’s meditation is on the fruit of Goodness. And I think it’s important for us to look at this fruit from two different perspectives:… Continue reading
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The Fruit of Kindness
While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said,… Continue reading
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The Fruit of Peace
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7 As we continue our meditations this week on the fruit of the… Continue reading
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The Fruit of Joy
“The ultimate ground of our rejoicing can never be our circumstances, even though we as Christians recognize that our circumstances are providentially arranged. If our joy derives primarily from our circumstances, then when our circumstances change, we will be miserable. Our delight must be in the Lord himself. That is what enables us to live… Continue reading
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The Fruit of the Spirit
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23 At a recent checkup with my doctor, she recommended that I add more fruit to my daily diet. “Some of these dietary supplements you’re taking are naturally found… Continue reading
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In His Own Good Time
As I was reading the account of Jesus bringing his friend Lazarus back to life in John 11, I was reminded once again that Jesus waited two full days to make the journey back to Bethany after hearing the news that Lazarus was gravely ill. Of course, Jesus knew that Lazarus was already dead by… Continue reading
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A Thirst Forever Quenched
“Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” – John 4:28-29 Something remarkable happens when Jesus enters a person’s heart and they become filled with the Holy Spirit. Their attitudes… Continue reading
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Letting Go of Things That are Hard to Let Go Of
Every kid I grew up with in the 70’s had two things that he valued more than anything else: an old basketball, and a hoop nailed to a nearby telephone pole. Basketball truly was a religion in Kentucky. Years later, Gene Hackman would play the head coach of a high school team in Indiana, the… Continue reading
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Do You Have Friends Like These?
When Jesus returned to Capernaum several days later, the news spread quickly that he was back home. Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door. While he was preaching God’s word to them, four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on… Continue reading
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New Mercies Each Morning
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness! – Lamentations 3:22-23 Most of us wake up each morning with thoughts of what awaits us for the day ahead. The first order of business is getting a cup of coffee.… Continue reading
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Are You Thankful for the Thorns?
“God uses chronic pain and weakness, along with other afflictions, as his chisel for sculpting our lives. Felt weakness deepens dependence on Christ for strength each day. The weaker we feel, the harder we lean. And the harder we lean, the stronger we grow spiritually, even while our bodies waste away. To live with your… Continue reading
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A Sight For Sore Eyes
One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful. – 2 Samuel 11:2 Reading the tragic story of David’s affair with Bathsheba, the Bible reveals something remarkable about temptation: seldom does it ever present… Continue reading
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A Deeper Look at the 2 Greatest Commandments
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” – Jesus, Mark 12:30-31 Sometimes we become so familiar with certain passages in Scripture that… Continue reading
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The Kingdom Value of Two Small Coins
Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out… Continue reading
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The Chasm Between “Can You?” and “You Can.”
When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy.… Continue reading
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The Kingdom Belongs to Them
People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly… Continue reading
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First Came the Law, Then Came the Love
“If someone has a stubborn and rebellious son who does not obey his father and mother and will not listen to them when they discipline him, his father and mother shall take hold of him and bring him to the elders at the gate of his town. They shall say to the elders, “This son… Continue reading
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Redemption and Forgiveness
In his book, “Winning the War in Your Mind,” bestselling Christian author Craig Groeschel says, “A lie believed as truth will affect your life as if it were true.” Few people would live out this profound truth more personally in the Old Testament than Jacob. For over two decades, Jacob had believed the lie that… Continue reading
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The Greater of Two Miracles
“And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And… Continue reading
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I’m a lot like Jonah.
“But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord. Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent… Continue reading
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Three is better than two; two is better than one.
So Joshua did what Moses had commanded and fought the army of Amalek. Meanwhile, Moses, Aaron, and Hur climbed to the top of a nearby hill. As long as Moses held up the staff in his hand, the Israelites had the advantage. But whenever he dropped his hand, the Amalekites gained the advantage. Moses’ arms… Continue reading
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Character over Comforts
“Believers who are poor have something to boast about, for God has honored them. And those who are rich should boast that God has humbled them. They will fade away like a little flower in the field. The hot sun rises and the grass withers; the little flower droops and falls, and its beauty fades… Continue reading
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Count it All Joy
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. – James 1: 2-4 What if something we consider good is actually bad?… Continue reading
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Don’t Hoard Your Experience
“He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”2 Corinthians 1:4 When difficult situations and circumstances come our way, our human tendency is to automatically assume that God is disciplining us for some… Continue reading
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A Daughter’s Desperate Faith
But Jesus said, “Someone deliberately touched me, for I felt healing power go out from me.” ~ Luke 8:46 (NLT) We can only imagine how isolated and depressed this woman was. She had been dealing with constant menstrual bleeding for twelve years. According to the law, anyone who touched a menstruating woman immediately became ceremonially… Continue reading
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Blessed Assurance
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just… Continue reading
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He’s Still Performing Miracles Today
Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you.” – Luke 17: 17-18 If you’re like me, reading Luke’s account of Jesus healing the ten… Continue reading
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What Does it Mean to be Poor in Spirit?
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Jesus, Matthew 5:3 Poverty of spirit does not mean financial poverty. It has nothing to do with how many stocks and shares I have or how fat my wallet is. Nor does it have anything to do with being poor in… Continue reading
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From Rejection to Rejoicing
And the LORD said to Samuel, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them. – 1 Samuel 8:7 NKJV The prophet Samuel deeply cared about his people. So when the Israelites confronted… Continue reading
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Grace Changes Everything
“For some days [Saul] was with the disciples at Damascus. And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon his name? And has he not… Continue reading
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Avoiding the Drift to Enmity Toward God
Just as a boat without an anchor becomes subjected to the laws of the sea, so too is the unanchored soul who subjects himself to the whims of the world. And yet as Christians we are called to live and serve God in a fallen world where corruption and sin abounds. The apostle James issued… Continue reading
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A Proud Mother’s Awkward Request
Being a good parent isn’t easy. Sometimes our children do and say things that frustrate us and cause us to question our parental abilities. But sometimes they make us proud, too. And when they do, there’s a natural feeling of pride and joy that overcomes us. The day that Jesus was baptized by John the… Continue reading
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A Hard Day for a King
Being a strong leader requires God’s wisdom, courage, and the willingness to take necessary action. But what happens when the necessary action that is required puts someone you love in the crosshairs? This morning’s Scripture reading is from 2nd Samuel 19: 1-8. Word soon reached Joab that the king was weeping and mourning for Absalom.… Continue reading
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The Pharisee Who Prayed to Himself
Jesus said: Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: “I thank you, God, that I am not like other people – cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice… Continue reading
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That Time Jacob Gave an Angel All He Could Handle
Back in the late 1980’s they were called the Bad Boys of the NBA. They were the most hated team in the league, and no player, not even the great Michael Jordan, looked forward to playing against the Detroit Pistons. Their reputation was fed in large part by their three most physical henchmen: Rick Mahorn,… Continue reading
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Christian Zeal, by J. C. Ryle: Part 1
(If you have not read the Intro to Christian Zeal, click HERE) I. First of all, I want us to consider this question. What is zeal in Christianity? Zeal in Christianity is a burning desire to please God, to do His will, and to advance His glory in the world in every possible way. It… Continue reading
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Christian Zeal, by J. C. Ryle: Intro
It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you. – Galatians 4:18 Zeal is a subject, like many others in religion, which is sadly misunderstood. Many would be ashamed to be thought zealous Christians. Many are ready to say of zealous… Continue reading
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A Little Faith Can Lead to Bigger Faith
From the Treasury of Charles H. Spurgeon: The Importance of Faith “Faith is sometimes weak and comparable only to a very slender thread; but it is a very precious thing for all that, for it is the beginning of great things. Years ago they were wanting to throw a suspension bridge across a mighty chasm,… Continue reading
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Doing Little Things Well
I’ve noticed something profound over the years: whether or not I’ve made my bed first thing in the morning has a greater influence on my attitude for the day than choosing which side of the bed to get out of. There’s just something about having already done something productive that gives me a sense of… Continue reading
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Put God in Charge of Your Planning Committee
“Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:6 NLT Solomon tells us in the text above that if we are to know which path to take, we are to seek God’s will in all that we do; to turn every area of our life over… Continue reading
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Getting Better Requires a Change of Diet
They make a lot of recovery meetings. They may even sign up to make coffee for the group or greet members at the door once in a while. And some of them may abstain from drinking for several months, perhaps even a few years. But they still have the same problems that they had when… Continue reading
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The Gap Between Knowing and Doing
“What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”… Continue reading
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How Clean Are Your Dishes?
When Jesus had finished speaking, a Pharisee invited him to eat with him; so he went and reclined at the table. But the Pharisee was surprised when he noticed that Jesus did not first wash before the meal. Then the Lord said to him, “Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and… Continue reading
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The Treasure of Truth
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.” – Matthew 13:44 His neighbors are peering through their windows. “What on earth? There’s a swarm of people coming in… Continue reading
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Jesus Never Canceled Anybody
“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” – Ephesians 5:1-2 One of the hardest things for any of us is to experience genuine empathy for someone; to put… Continue reading
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There Will Be Opposition
When Satan sees the advancement of God’s plans, he responds by immediately going on the offensive. He actively searches for willing instruments to discourage, distract, and disrupt God’s will from being carried out. If we’re not careful, we can fall right into the enemy’s trap. After the Exile, Nehemiah had tasked the remaining Jews in… Continue reading
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Isaac’s Example
Devotional for August 15th, 2023 Isaac went out to meditate in the field toward evening. And he lifted up his eyes and saw, and behold, there were camels coming. And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she dismounted from the camel and said to the servant, “Who is that man, walking… Continue reading
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So there was this pool…
When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else… Continue reading
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Remember How the Story Ends
“This life will not be easy, because there is raging around us ‘a continual and irreconcilable war,’ and neutrality is not an option. Life may get harder. Society may get unfriendlier. Faith in Christ may become still more unacceptable and obedience to Christ still more costly. But … Jesus reigns, and Jesus will return. We… Continue reading
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Making Good Use of Our Gifts
“There was a believer in Joppa named Tabitha (which in Greek is Dorcas). She was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor. About this time she became ill and died. Her body was washed for burial and laid in an upstairs room. But the believers had heard that Peter was nearby in… Continue reading
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When Belated Rewards are the Greatest Rewards
That night the king had trouble sleeping, so he ordered an attendant to bring the book of the history of his reign so it could be read to him. In those records he discovered an account of how Mordecai had exposed the plot of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the eunuchs who guarded the door… Continue reading
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When it Hurts to Give
[Jesus said] “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.” Luke 21:6 “Would you look at this! It’s magnificent! I wonder how much it cost to build this thing?” They were in complete awe, like little… Continue reading
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When You Can’t Escape God’s Favor
“Potiphar was furious when he heard his wife’s story about how Joseph had treated her. So he took Joseph and threw him into the prison where the king’s prisoners were held, and there he remained. But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him his faithful love. The Lord made Joseph a… Continue reading
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Standing Out? Or Blending In?
Jesus said, “By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” – John 13:35 (NIV) There are a few people in my life whose attitudes make it really challenging for me to love them. They all have the same things in common: they’re always playing the victim; everything bad… Continue reading
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A Freedom that Shines
“It goes back to what I said about Andy wearing his freedom like an invisible coat, about how he never really developed a prison mentality. His eyes never got that dull look.” – Red, from Shawshank Redemption A few times per month I’m given the privilege of going to a place where most people have… Continue reading
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The “Cheat Code” for Answered Prayers
“And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” – Luke… Continue reading
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Why Forgiveness Isn’t Optional
“The moment I start hating a man, I become his slave. He even controls my thoughts. I can’t escape his tyrannical grasp on my mind. When the waiter serves me steak, it might as well be stale bread and water. The man I hate will not permit me to enjoy it.” – S.I. McMillen, None… Continue reading
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Has God given America over to a depraved mind?
In a little over three weeks, our country will celebrate 247 years of sovereignty. We the People have elected 46 men to lead our nation during this enormous span. But there has never been a single US president during this time who has worked so passionately to completely erase the Christian values that have ultimately… Continue reading
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The Man Who Had Been There The Longest
“Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going, another steps down before me.” – John 5:7 (ESV) One day, Jesus went to the pool in Bethesda to see a man who had been crippled in one of his legs for most… Continue reading
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A Pastor Resigns
Acts 20:20-21 – “I never shrank back from telling you what you needed to hear, either publicly or in your homes. I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike – the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus.” We finished singing the hymns… Continue reading
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Stop Signs and Chameleons
“All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” – James 3:7-8 It’s one thing to not notice a stop sign and mistakenly drive right on through the intersection… Continue reading
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To Thine Own Self Be Leery
Psalm 139: 23-24 –“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. David was aware that he couldn’t recognize all of his own sin. Some of it went much deeper than he… Continue reading
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Admitted to God, Ourselves, and Another Human Being
“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. – James 5:16 (NLT) There is nothing easy about the 5th Step in Alcoholics Anonymous. But if we wish to remain sober, we know… Continue reading
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We Are Tools in the Hand of God
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10 Samuel Brengle, who was an early Salvation Army official, was once introduced as the, “Great Dr. Brengle.” He later wrote in his diary, “If I appear great in their eyes,… Continue reading
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The Only Things Beneath Us Are Graves
“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” – Philippians 2:5-7 (ESV) A large group… Continue reading
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Thinking of Ourselves Less
“Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others.… Continue reading
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All Gain, No Vain
“For to me, living means Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be better for me. But for your sakes, it… Continue reading
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Where Credit is Due
“It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me… Continue reading
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Reprogramming Our Minds
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” – Phil. 4:8 I knew I had really stepped in it big time. I said something to my wife… Continue reading
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The Value of a True Friend
“A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts who you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow.” William Shakespeare Jonathan and David were the closest of friends, despite the fact that they were from different families and had different destinies. They made a covenant between… Continue reading
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Joshua’s Example
“When the people heard the sound of the rams’ horns, they shouted as loud as they could. Suddenly, the walls of Jericho collapsed, and the Israelites charged straight into the town and captured it.” – Joshua 6:20 Sometimes God will intentionally put you in a situation that requires you to come face-to-face with your need… Continue reading
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When God Does Some of His Best Work
“Do not be deceived, Wormwood. Our cause is never more in danger than when a human, no longer desiring, but still intending, to do our Enemy’s will, looks round upon a universe, from which every trace of Him seems to have vanished, and asks why he has been forsaken, and still obeys.” – C.S. Lewis… Continue reading
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Holy Week: Maundy Thursday
“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. – John 13:34 To love others was not a new commandment (Lev. 19-18), but to love others as much as Christ loved others was revolutionary. Now Jesus is telling us to “up… Continue reading
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Holy Tuesday: Faith that Produces Good Fruit
“The next morning as they passed by the fig tree he had cursed, the disciples noticed it had withered from the roots up. Peter remembered what Jesus had said to the tree on the previous day and exclaimed, “Look, Rabbi! The fig tree you cursed has withered and died!” – Mark 11:20-21 Fig trees were… Continue reading
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Had They Only Known
“At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him.” – John 12:16 As Jesus made his way into Jerusalem, his disciples had yet to understand that this journey was ultimately… Continue reading
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Remaining Faithful in the Midst of Hostility
“The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.” – John 15:19 In John 15, Jesus reminds us that we are called to live in a world… Continue reading
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The Catch of a Lifetime
“When Jesus had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.” “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” – Luke 5:4-5 Peter’s livelihood… Continue reading
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Following and Sometimes Failing > Failing to Follow
“If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise.” – Proverbs 15:31 He was often impulsive, brash, and overly confident. Sometimes he spoke without thinking. And during three key moments in his life when his faith would be put to the strongest test, he was overcome with fear and stumbled… Continue reading
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A Case of Unmistaken Identity
“Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me.” – John 12:44-45 One was named Joe, the other was Mike. They often wore the same clothes, they had the same voice, displayed the same… Continue reading
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When God Stops Listening
“Pray no more for these people, Jeremiah. Do not weep or pray for them, for I will not listen to them when they cry out to me in distress.” – Jeremiah 11:14 No matter how rebellious and disobedient an adolescent becomes, the responsible parent never stops loving, caring, and praying for their child’s wellbeing. But… Continue reading
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Raised in Glory
“So it will be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there… Continue reading
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Discovering God’s Purpose: Identify and Use Your Gifts
“In His grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is… Continue reading
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Discovering God’s Purpose: Be a Humble Servant!
“Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.” – Romans 12:3 (NLT) Paul recognized the importance of a healthy self-esteem, and… Continue reading
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Having Had a Spiritual Awakening…
“… as a result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs”. ~ Step 12, AA “Don’t leave before the miracle happens.” I heard this early on in recovery and pondered the meaning. What was this miracle that some people kept talking about?… Continue reading
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Avoid Dabbling
“What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” ~ Mark 8:36 Ahab was considered the worst king ever in Israel’s history. 1st Kings 16:30 reminds us, “Ahab son of Omri did more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any of those before him.” He repeatedly disobeyed… Continue reading
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Do I Truly Hate My Sin?
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. ~ Romans 12:9 There are few things more frustrating to me than watching a highly competitive sporting event between two teams that ultimately ends in a tie. Perhaps this is why I’ve found it impossible to develop more than a mere casual… Continue reading
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Clean Hands Won’t Help an Unclean Tongue.
“Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen and understand. What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.” ~ Matthew 15:10-11 The Pharisees confronted Jesus one afternoon to complain about his disciples. v2 “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the… Continue reading
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What’s In It For Me?
“Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?” ~ Matthew 19:27 Earlier this week while reading my morning devotionals, I came across the parable of the Vineyard Workers in Matthew, chapter 20. Of course, there’s a reason why Jesus tells this story, a vital reason. But… Continue reading
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Love Doesn’t Keep Score
“I, yes I alone, will blot our your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again.“ ~ Isaiah 43:25 NLT I reached for my wallet to pay for dinner. “Put that away,” he said. “You paid the last time. Today it’s on me.” For many, paying for someone’s dinner may seem… Continue reading
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Don’t Click Send
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13 I was upset. A friend I’d known for many years said something incredibly hurtful. Immediately we became involved in a heated discussion and the both of us began making a… Continue reading
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Encouraging Words in Difficult Times
“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” ~ Isaiah 41:13 My life was in shambles. Every single day for the past several years, I sat alone in my house and sought my escape through a bottle that… Continue reading
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A Woman with a Jar
One of the organizations I’m actively involved with recently held a business meeting to go over our annual budget. As we looked over the numbers, it became quite evident that we were well below the expected revenue that we generally rely on to pay the operational expenses and still be able to serve the community… Continue reading
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A Quiet Place
“Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” ~ Luke 5: 15-16 A day before leaving for the men’s ministry weekend retreat, I received the following message in an… Continue reading
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Hate is the Enemy
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” ~ Matthew 5: 43-44 The world can often be a cruel and bitter place. It has always been this way, but in the past we didn’t have… Continue reading
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Not Paroled, but Pardoned!
“Neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” ~ John 8:11 She had been caught in the act. The Pharisees apprehended her and brought her before Jesus, exclaiming, “Teacher, we caught her red-handed! This woman is guilty of adultery! The Law says that she is to be stoned… 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 