Strength
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Are You Running on Empty?
Have you ever found yourself stranded on the side of the road because of your car breaking down? It’s not a good feeling! This happened to me many years ago. I was on active duty at the time and heading home for a week of military leave. I had just fueled up with only an… Continue reading
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God Can Use Your Weakness
Is it possible that the very limitations and handicaps in my life are the key to usefulness in the service of God? – Alistair Begg I was reading this afternoon and this quote jumped off the page at me. I’ve often looked at my struggles – my physical limitations or things I’m not good at… 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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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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Holding On Until the Blessing Comes
So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob… 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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The Fruit of Gentleness
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”-Matt 11:28-30 The Old Testament… 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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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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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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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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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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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
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Faith Doesn’t Grow in the Comfort Zone
“Lord, if it is you,” Peter replied, “Tell me to come to you on the water.” Matthew 14:28 Recently while I was away on a trip with a good friend, we were looking for a place to eat. I casually mentioned to him (according to Google Maps) that there was a chain restaurant about 30… Continue reading
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From something to Someone
There is only one key, and it is called Willingness. Once unlocked by willingness, the door opens almost of itself, and looking through it, we shall see a pathway beside which is an inscription. It reads: “This is the way to a faith that works.” ~ AA, 12 Steps and 12 Traditions p.34 Step Three… Continue reading
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The Greatest Window of Opportunity
“Helping others is the foundation stone of your recovery. A kindly act once in a while isn’t enough. You have to act the Good Samaritan every day, if need be.” ~ Page 97, Alcoholics Anonymous When I share my recovery story with someone who genuinely wants to get sober, I’m effectively opening a window of… Continue reading
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Don’t Squander Your Mulligan!
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights.” ~ James 1:17 It’s been quite a while (for me at least) since I had my last drink, and I’ve been required to deal with a lot of life challenges during this time. Since my last drink…… 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 