Promise
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How A List of Names Helped Build a Manger
When Christmas comes around, most of us jump straight to the manger. The straw, the animals, the wise men, the baby wrapped tight, Mary and Joseph looking tired and stunned… It brings familiarity and gentleness. Maybe that’s why we like to start there. But the Gospels don’t rush us to the manger quite as fast… 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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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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From Enemies to Family
“That day Herod and Pilate became friends – before this they had been enemies.” – Luke 23:12 It’s striking that the trial and crucifixion of Jesus became the event that turned Herod and Pilate, former enemies, into allies. They came together over their shared role in condemning an innocent man. It’s interesting how common goals… Continue reading
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The Wind of the Holy Spirit
In the spiritual life, not to advance is to retreat. Those who have the wind of the Holy Spirit go forward even in sleep. If the ship of our soul is still tossed with winds and storms, let us awake the Lord, who sleeps in it, and He will quickly calm the sea. The Fifth… 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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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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The Fruit of Faithfulness
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 (ESV) Over the past week we’ve been working our way through the Fruit of the Spirit, and we’ve looked at Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, and Goodness. This… 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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Half the Size, but Twice the Man
“Today the Lord will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel! And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord… 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!