Pride
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A Parable of the Haves and Have Nots
Jenny, a single mother of two, leaves her young children with her mother each day to work two grueling jobs. Her life is a constant juggle – paying rent, buying groceries, and stretching every dollar. Yet, when asked how she’s holding up, she responds with a weary but genuine smile: “Could life be easier? Sure.… 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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Because You Say So
Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” – Luke 5:5 In yesterday morning’s devotional in Luke 4, we read about Jesus being tested in the wilderness prior to beginning His earthly ministry. And we may remember that the devil… Continue reading
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Has Someone Ever Stolen Your Thunder?
But when David’s oldest brother, Eliab, heard David talking to the men, he was angry. “What are you doing around here anyway?” he demanded “What about those few sheep you’re supposed to be taking care of? I know about your pride and deceit. You just want to see the battle!” “What have I done now?”… 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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Beware, My Prideful Heart…
“Do not imagine that if you meet a really humble man he will be what most people call ‘humble’ nowadays: he will not be a sort of greasy, smarmy person, who is always telling you that, of course, he is a nobody. Probably all you will think about him is that he seemed a cheerful,… Continue reading
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Can’t We All Just Get Along?
Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time. – Titus 3:9 (NLT) One evening after Bible study, two men found themselves in the church lobby engaged in a spirited conversation regarding something they had… Continue reading
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A Good (But Dangerous) Prayer
Search me, God, and know my heart;test me and know my anxious thoughts.See if there is any offensive way in me,and lead me in the way everlasting.– Psalm 139:23-24 David was a man after God’s own heart, yet he knew his own heart was not always pure. He was committed to following God’s ways, but… Continue reading
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The Greatest in the Kingdom
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of… 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 