Trust
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Deer Hunting With God in My Honda
I’ve owned many different makes and models of automobiles over the years, and most of them had one thing in common: they seemed to have an uncanny appetite for innocent deer. One in Georgia, two in Kentucky, and two in Pennsylvania. Five deer in total! Instead of clear-coat sealant, perhaps I should ask if the… Continue reading
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The Spiritual Danger of Hurried Living
Saul stayed at Gilgal, and his men were trembling with fear. Saul waited there seven days for Samuel, as Samuel had instructed him earlier, but Samuel still didn’t come. Saul realized that his troops were rapidly slipping away. So he demanded, “Bring me the burnt offering and the peace offerings!” And Saul sacrificed the burnt… Continue reading
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Did I Not Tell You?
Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”– John 11:40 How often we stand where Martha stood. Surrounded by difficult situations and circumstances, we are so stubborn to trust the wisdom of our Lord’s ways, aren’t we? The stone set before her brother’s tomb… Continue reading
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The God Who Knows Me
O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say… Continue reading
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Not Available in Stores
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. – John 15:11 Recipe for Joy Preparation Time: A lifetimeServes: Anyone hungry for something deeper than fleeting happiness Ingredients Instructions Begin by emptying your heart of yesterday’s burdens. They don’t improve the recipe, and carrying them… Continue reading
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What’s Your Definition of “Enough”?
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”Hebrews 13:5 “Do we really need all of those wooden spoons?” she asked. I was very direct in my reply. “‘We’ don’t need any of them,… Continue reading
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A Model of Consistency
And Daniel remained there until the first year of King Cyrus.Daniel 1:21 I was reading the story of Daniel in the Old Testament last evening, and a verse from the New Testament came to life for me. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.… Continue reading
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The Wisdom to Say Nothing
I’ve noticed over the years that one of the hardest things is stay quiet when we feel misunderstood. Or when someone questions our motives, or we’re criticized unfairly. When part of the story gets told, but not the whole thing. Something in us rises up and says, I need to fix this. I need to… Continue reading
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What Moves You?
As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!” – Mark 13:1 Just moments before this scene in Mark 13:1, Jesus and His disciples were inside the temple. While there, He drew their attention to something that no one else noticed but Him.… Continue reading
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In The Midst of Our Doubts…
“God always gives us light in the midst of our doubts when we have no other purpose but to please Him.” – Brother Lawrence, Fourth Conversation That quote above by Brother Lawrence speaks to something that most of us know by experience, even if we don’t always recognize it in the moment. God’s light doesn’t… Continue reading
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Thoughts on Hebrews 10:14
For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. – Hebrews 10:14 When a child is adopted, there is a moment – usually marked by a court decision – when everything becomes legally and permanently true. From that day on, the child belongs to the family. The last name… Continue reading
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A Faith Strong Enough to Carry Someone Else
When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”– Luke 5:20 There’s something important in this verse that’s easy to miss if we’re not paying attention. Jesus didn’t respond to the faith of the lame man. Scripture never mentions if he had any. What Jesus saw was the faith of his friends.… Continue reading
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The Divine Usefulness of Trouble
“…We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.” – 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 As Paul begins his second letter… Continue reading
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Delightful Obedience
[Saul said] “Tell David that all I want for the bride price is 100 Philistine foreskins! Vengeance on my enemies is all I really want.” But what Saul had in mind was that David would be killed in the fight. David was delighted to accept the offer. – 1 Samuel 18:25-26a (NLT) This account in… Continue reading
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Choose Your Wisdom Wisely
“Who is wise and understanding among you?…” (James 3:13) It’s one thing to admit being wrong – we all make the occasional mistake. But who wants to admit to lacking wisdom? Not me. And probably not you either. So when James transitions into the topic of wisdom in James 3, he does so with what… Continue reading
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God Can Work Even Through Family Dysfunction
“Your brother was here, and he tricked me. He has taken away your blessing.” – Genesis 27:35 Let’s be honest – this story is a real mess! Isaac can’t see, won’t really listen, and seems determined to do things his own way. Rebekah plays favorites and cooks up a scheme that belongs in a bad… Continue reading
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Finding Hope in a Place You Didn’t Choose
So I was reading Jeremiah 29 the other night, and something jumped out at me almost immediately. Despite Israel being under God’s judgment – despite Jerusalem falling, the temple being destroyed, and people forcibly carried off into Babylon – God tells the exiles to… enjoy life. Go ahead and build houses. Plant your gardens. Get married and have… Continue reading
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Do You Worry About Your Anxiety?
Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down,but a good word makes him glad. – Proverbs 12:25 Anxiety doesn’t announce itself with a parade and a marching band. There’s no welcoming party. It just settles in and presses against us, draining the joy out of ordinary moments until suddenly everything seems a whole lot heaver… 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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There’s No App for Righteousness
No man knows how bad he is till he has tried very hard to be good.– C.S. Lewis Recently my auto insurance company sent me an email with the subject title, “Want to save up to 30% on your auto insurance premium? Look inside.” I figured it was probably a gimmick, perhaps something about referring… Continue reading
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God Shows Up Unannounced
[The angel said to Zechariah] “Behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.”– Luke 1:20 An angel appears to Zechariah, a priest who has been faithful for years, and tells him his… Continue reading
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The Good Shepherd’s Prayer
[Jesus said] I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. – John 17:9 His work was almost finished. With the cross only hours away and the weight of the world pressing in on Him, Jesus wasn’t thinking about Himself – He… 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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For Such a Time as This
When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s… Continue reading
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Borrowed, Not Owned
It is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.– 1 Cor. 4:2 When we think about stewardship, many of us immediately think of money: namely tithes, offerings, and charitable giving. But the Bible presents us with a far bigger picture of stewardship. It really begins with one simple truth: God owns… 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 Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25)
Consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you; each of you is to return to your family property and to your own clan. The fiftieth year shall be a jubilee for you; do not sow and do not reap what grows of… Continue reading
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The Comfort of Covenant Love
May your unfailing love be my comfort,according to your promise to your servant. – Psalm 119:76 There are days when God feels silent, when prayers seem to echo off the ceiling and peace feels just out of reach. In those moments, comfort can feel like a distant dream. We want relief. We want clarity. We… Continue reading
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Grace Reverses Our Stories
Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. Acts 9:19b-20 “Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus.” It would be easy for us to read that and think nothing of it. But those few words say… Continue reading
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The Power of a Desperate Prayer
Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. – 1 Samuel 1:13 In the ancient world, a woman’s ability to have children, and especially to provide her husband with a son, was considered an expression of God’s favor and blessing. But a woman’s inability to have… Continue reading
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A Season for Everything
There is a time for everything,and a season for every activity under the heavens: – Ecc. 3:1 Life doesn’t stay the same. We might want it to sometimes, but it doesn’t. There are seasons we’d love to hold onto forever, and there are others we’d erase if we could. Ecclesiastes 3 reminds us that God… Continue reading
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God Will Never Forget About You
Pharaoh’s chief cup-bearer, however, forgot all about Joseph, never giving him another thought. – Genesis 40:23 Have you ever had somebody promise to do something for you, and then – just like that – they forgot all about it? That’s exactly what happened to Joseph. The chief cup bearer, thrilled to be released from prison,… Continue reading
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Made for More
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. – Philippians 3:20 C.S. Lewis once said that if we find in ourselves a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, then maybe the reason is that we were made for another world. That hits home… Continue reading
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God’s Work, Done God’s Way, Requires God’s Spirit
“Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty.– Zechariah 4:6 There have been many times in my life when I thought, “I can handle this. I’ve got the skills, the experience, and the determination.” And sometimes, I did manage to get things done – at least to a point.… Continue reading
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God’s Morning Notes by the Coffee Pot
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.– Proverbs 16:9 Scott, while you were sleeping (quite loudly, I might add… might wanna schedule a sleep study soon!), I went ahead and reviewed your schedule for today. Now, a few quick updates. Notice I changed some things: You’re welcome. Have some… Continue reading
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What if We Considered Our Suffering a Privilege?
You have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. – Philippians 1:29 Have you ever considered that trusting God and suffering for Christ can go hand in hand? This question challenges us to look beyond our pain and see God’s purpose in it. As… Continue reading
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I’m Thankful Jesus Picked ‘The Twelve’ He Did
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” – Matthew 19:26 There are times when I’m reading my Bible and I think to myself, “What’s the point? I’m not smart enough, I’m not brave enough, I’m not disciplined enough, and I’m not good enough. What use… 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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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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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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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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Tent Living
So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the body of this earthly tent, because I know that I will soon put it aside,… Continue reading
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Fixing Our Eyes on What is Unseen
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since… Continue reading
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What Has Jesus Done For You?
They said to him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” – John 9:26 When the topic was about Jesus, nothing good came out of the mouths of the Pharisees. But despite their flawed, self-righteous religiosity, they were the authors of two of the most wonderfully profound questions that would… Continue reading
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The Peril of Compromise with Evil
Nahash the Ammonite went up and besieged Jabesh Gilead. And all the men of Jabesh said to him, “Make a treaty with us, and we will be subject to you.” But Nahash the Ammonite replied, “I will make a treaty with you only on the condition that I gouge out the right eye of every… 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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I’ve Got a Peaceful, Easy Feeling…
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. – Romans 5:1 Friend, let me tell you something: there’s a big difference between being happy and having peace. Happiness? It comes and goes. It depends on whether the sun’s shining, the bills are paid, or the… 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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The Things You Refuse to Leave Behind Can Leave You Left Behind
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.– Matthew 4:19-20 A lot of people come to Jesus. And along with them they bring their worries, their concerns, their problems, their aches and pains, their sorrows and frustrations. Coming to… Continue reading
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Small Things, Big Reminders
Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin… – Zechariah 4:10 (NLT) The old woman chuckled softly, “Have you been snooping around in my purse, young lady?” Her granddaughter looked up, wide-eyed, holding a tiny, rusted nail in her hand. “I just wanted a piece of gum.” The… Continue reading
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Resting in the Sovereign Hand of God
To know that nothing happens in God’s world apart from God’s will may frighten the godless, but it stabilizes the saints. – J. I. Packer, in Knowing God For those who don’t know God, the idea that nothing – nothing – happens outside His will is a most dreadful thought. It’s unsettling, isn’t it, to… Continue reading
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The Parable of the Three Travelers
In a distant land, there was a great city known as Haven, ruled by a wise and merciful king. The road to Haven was long and winding, and many travelers sought its gates, for it was said that those who entered would find peace and purpose. But the path was narrow, and the king required… Continue reading
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Strength in Waiting
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. – Psalm 27:14 We live in a world that hates to wait. We have fast food, same-day delivery, and instant downloads. If something isn’t available right now, we find a way to get it faster. Patience feels like such an outdated… Continue reading
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Refuge and Redemption
“May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.” – Ruth 2:12 Ruth had every reason to give up. A foreigner in a strange land, widowed and poor, she could have chosen an… Continue reading
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Calm Seas Don’t Make Skillful Sailors
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. – 1 Cor. 16:13 It’s easy to be bold when there’s no cost. It’s easy to stand tall when the crowd is with you, when the waters are calm, and when doing the right thing doesn’t demand much. But life isn’t always… Continue reading
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A Call to Holiness
“You must destroy all the peoples the Lord your God gives over to you. Do not look on them with pity and do not serve their gods, for that will be a snare to you. – Deuteronomy 7:16 This verse can be difficult to understand, especially when viewed through modern sensibilities. Why would a loving… Continue reading
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God Won’t Share His Throne
“Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you; for the Lord your God, who is among you, is a jealous God and his anger will burn against you, and he will destroy you from the face of the land.” – Deut. 6:14-15 God isn’t casual about your loyalty. He’s not okay… Continue reading
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The Lord Remembers
Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, saying, “May the Lord give you children by this woman to take the place of the one she prayed for and gave to the Lord.” Then they would go home. And the Lord was gracious to Hannah; she gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the… Continue reading
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Keep Striking
Elisha said, “Get a bow and some arrows,” and he did so. “Take the bow in your hands,” he said to the king of Israel. When he had taken it, Elisha put his hands on the king’s hands. “Open the east window,” he said, and he opened it. “Shoot!” Elisha said, and he shot. “The… Continue reading
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God Sees, God Knows, God Acts
During that long period, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried out, and their cry for help because of their slavery went up to God. God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob. So God looked on the Israelites and was… Continue reading
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Trusting the Potter’s Hands
“You turn things upside down! Shall the potter be regarded as the clay, that the thing made should say of its maker, ‘He did not make me’; or the thing formed say of him who formed it, ‘He has no understanding‘?” – Isaiah 29:16 (ESV) The people of Judah had a major problem: outwardly they… Continue reading
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The Farmer’s Trade
They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen. – Romans 1:25 Old Henry had worked the land his whole life. From the time he was a boy, he knew that if he wanted something, he had to earn it. His… 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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It Was Definitely a Buyer’s Market
Jeremiah said, “The word of the LORD came to me: Behold, Hanamel the son of Shallum your uncle will come to you and say, Buy my field that is at Anathoth, for the right of redemption by purchase is yours.’ Then Hanamel my cousin came to me in the court of the guard, in accordance… Continue reading
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Daily Bread for Today
When the dew was gone, thin flakes like frost on the ground appeared on the desert floor. When the Israelites saw it, they said to each other, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread the LORD has given you to eat. – Exodus… Continue reading
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He Was Thinking of You and Me!
My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent… Continue reading
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What Year That Was!
Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established. – Proverbs 16:3 Well… I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to stepping into a brand new year. And not because 2024 was a year to forget. It was, however, a year of dramatic change for me and my family. My… Continue reading
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Knowledge Alone Ain’t Enough
You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life. – John 5:39-40 Have you ever been so close to something that you couldn’t actually see it? Back in the early… Continue reading
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How Big is Your God?
My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare. Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Relieve the troubles of my heart and free me from my anguish. – Psalms 25:15-17 This sweet, comforting psalm came from a season of… Continue reading
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Do Not Be Afraid!
One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.” So Paul stayed there for the next year and a half, teaching… 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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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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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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Faithful Stewardship: Living to Please God
Now, a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful. As for me, it matters very little how I might be evaluated by you or by any human authority. I don’t even trust my own judgment on this point. My conscience is clear, but that doesn’t prove I’m right. It is… 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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Only One Came Back
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 17:17-19 (NLT) It’s really easy for me to spot an ungrateful attitude. My problem… 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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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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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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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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The Problem with Human Perspective
But Caleb tried to quiet the people as they stood before Moses. “Let’s go at once to take the land,” he said. “We can certainly conquer it!” But the other men who had explored the land with him disagreed. “We can’t go up against them! They are stronger than we are!” So they spread this… 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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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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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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Wrestling With The Truth
Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the… Continue reading
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The Danger of a Heart Unchecked
As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night. – John 13:30 Judas Iscariot walked with Jesus for three years. He saw the greatest life ever lived, up close and personal. He witnessed miracles that many could only dream of seeing – Jesus calming the storm, feeding the thousands,… Continue reading
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No Prior Experience Required
“God chooses the humble, the lowly, the meek, and the weak so that there’s never any question about the source of power when their lives change the world. It’s not the man; it’s the truth of God and the power of God in the man.” – John MacArthur, Twelve Ordinary Men When Jesus chose 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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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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Grace Over Perfection
Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. – Romans 3:20 One of the most frustrating jobs I ever had was back when I worked in construction many years ago. And it wasn’t because it was physically… Continue reading
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Desperate Faith to Deliberate Faith
The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” “Go,” Jesus replied, “your son will live.” The man took Jesus at his word and departed.– John 4:49-50 “God, if you’ll do this for me, I promise that I’ll (fill in the blank).” Sound familiar? It does for me. Before I came to saving… 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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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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We Can’t Blame the Devil for Everything
“But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.” – James 1:14 We often misunderstand temptation as an external force that overpowers us. But James 1:14 makes it clear that temptation begins within us. It is the enticement that arises from our own selfish desires, a lure… 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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Where is God in Our Hardship?
Then the angel of the LORD came and sat beneath the great tree at Ophrah, which belonged to Joash of the clan of Abiezer. Gideon son of Joash was threshing wheat at the bottom of a winepress to hide the grain from the Midianites. The angel of the LORD appeared to him and said, “Mighty… Continue reading
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Fear, Pride, And Deadly Schemes
Then Saul told his men to say to David, “The king really likes you, and so do we. Why don’t you accept the king’s offer and become his son-in-law?” When Saul’s men said these things to David, he replied, “How can a poor man from a humble family afford the bride price for the daughter… Continue reading
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What About Him?
Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” – John 21:22 In this passage, Peter is concerned about the future of another disciple, namely John. But Jesus responds with a simple, yet profound directive: “What is that to you? You must follow… Continue reading
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A Little Faith Can Go a Long Way
“Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” – John 6:9 When the crowd of 5000 came, the disciples saw a major problem. They needed an army of caterers, not a small basket of bread and fish. The situation seemed hopeless.… Continue reading
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An Unpalatable Truth
Samuel said to Saul, “I am the one the LORD sent to anoint you king over his people Israel; so listen now to the message from the LORD. This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘I will punish the Amalekites for what they did to Israel when they waylaid them as they came up from… Continue reading
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Beyond Any Earthly Price
When Simon saw that the Spirit was given when the apostles laid their hands on people, he offered them money to buy this power. “Let me have this power, too,” he exclaimed, “so that when I lay my hands on people, they will receive the Holy Spirit!” But Peter replied, “May your money be destroyed… Continue reading
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Deaf Ears and Detestable Prayers
If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable.Proverbs 28:9 The Lord desires a relationship with us that is rooted in love and obedience. When we seek to understand and follow His law, our prayers reflect a heart that is in tune with His will. It’s not about perfection, but… 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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Be Careful What You Wish For
As Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons to be judges over Israel. Joel and Abijah, his oldest sons, held court in Beersheba. But they were not like their father, for they were greedy for money. They accepted bribes and perverted justice. Finally, all the elders of Israel met at Ramah to discuss the matter… Continue reading
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Do They See God’s Love to You?
“Is it true that God is love to me as a Christian? And does the love of God mean all that has been said? If so, certain questions arise. Why do I ever grumble and show discontent and resentment at the circumstances in which God has placed me? Why am I ever distrustful, fearful, or… 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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Just Say Yes
Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.” – John 4:10 There were a lot of reasons why I justified my alcoholism. Anxiety, depression, fear, failure, loneliness, insecurity, unworthiness… alcohol just seemed to be… Continue reading
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Outward Signs of Inward Faith
“What makes you think I want all your sacrifices?” says the LORD. “I am sick of your burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fattened cattle. I get no pleasure from the blood of bulls and lambs and goats. When you come to worship me, who asked you to parade through my courts with… 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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A Transformed Perspective
I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ.… Continue reading
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The Lord of Deliverance
LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him. ” But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy mountain. I… 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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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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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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A Courageous Response
“But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God.” – Daniel 6:10 (NLT) When he won the gold medal… 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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That Which Draws Us Nearer
“There is a deep peace that grows out of illness and loneliness and a sense of failure. God cannot get close when everything is delightful. He seems to need these darker hours, these empty-hearted hours, to mean the most to people.” American Missionary, Frank Laubach How can someone seem so close to us one minute,… Continue reading
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Teach Your Children Well
Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died at the age of a hundred and ten. And they buried him in the land of his inheritance, at Timnath Heres in the hill country of Ephraim, north of Mount Gaash. After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up… Continue reading
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Do You Ever Feel Forgotten?
“The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.” – Gen. 40:23 Do you sometimes go through periods in your life where you feel unappreciated, perhaps even unnoticed? Like everything you do seems to matter to no one? Maybe sometimes even wondering if perhaps even God has completely forgotten about you? Maybe you’re… Continue reading
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Are You Willing?
52 When Abraham’s servant heard what they said, he bowed down to the ground before the Lord. 53 Then the servant brought out gold and silver jewelry and articles of clothing and gave them to Rebekah; he also gave costly gifts to her brother and to her mother. 54 Then he and the men who… 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 Replacement
Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” So they nominated… Continue reading
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The Income of Dependence Produces the Outcome of Trust
The Lord gave David victory wherever he went. – 1st Chronicles 18:13 David’s life was marked by an unwavering trust in God; a trust not born in the palaces or battlefields, but in the quiet pastures as a young shepherd tending his father’s sheep. It was there, in his early encounters with God, that David… 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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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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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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Godly Inspiration
One of the most important things a head coach will ever do for his team is pick the right player from his roster to be the team captain. As he looks through his list, he’s not only considering each player’s level of skill. He’s also looking for a player with experience, who is fearless, who… 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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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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Reruns and Breadcrumbs
As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! Now… Continue reading
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Just keep holding on. It’s worth it.
“Think about Jesus’ example. He held on while wicked people were doing evil things to him. So do not get tired and stop trying.” – Hebrews 12:3 (NCV) Many of them would die at the hands of Nero in AD 64. But up until that point they had largely avoided execution. Still, life was not… Continue reading
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Perfect Peace
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” – Isaiah 26:3 (ESV) When we worry, we’re essentially telling God, “Lord, I’ve got this situation going on and the truth is that I really can’t trust you to take care of it.” And God gives us that… 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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Don’t Let Others Define Who You Are
Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are – John Wooden As Jesus was preparing to go back to Bethany to see Martha and Mary and raise Lazarus from the dead, his disciples said, “But Rabbi, a… Continue reading
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Taking the Waiting out of Wanting
“Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” – John 11:21 When it comes to having to wait, we humans are naturally inclined to complain. “What? Our flight was delayed? You can’t be serious!” Or, “Why has my item not arrived? I ordered it three days ago!”… 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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A Man on the Run
The sea was getting rougher and rougher. So they asked Jonah, “What should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?” He replied, “Pick me up and throw me into the sea and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon… Continue reading
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The God Who Sees and Hears Us
“The angel of the Lord found Hagar beside a spring of water in the wilderness, along the road to Shur. The angel said to her, “Hagar, Sarai’s servant, where have you come from, and where are you going?” Hagar replied, “I’m running away from my mistress, Sarai.” The angel of the Lord said to her,… Continue reading
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Complaining without Grumbling
“I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble.” – Psalm 142:1-2 (NIV) When David was fleeing from Saul, he would often cry out to the Lord in desperation. Tired of being on the run,… 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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When Your Mind Goes On a Test-Drive
“Now Joseph was well-built and handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph and said, “Come to bed with me!”” – Genesis 39:7 It’s not a sin to be beautiful, nor is it a sin to be wealthy. But arguably no two attributes known to man can make him more vulnerable… 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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When You’re Faced With a Battle Before the Big Battle
“Now Eliab his eldest brother heard when [David] spoke to the men. And Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, “Why have you come down? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.” And David said,… Continue reading
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When you realize that what you desired and received isn’t what you needed
“Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, “Why do you come out and line up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not the servants of Saul? Choose a man and have him come down to me.” – 1 Samuel 17:8 The Israelites were often referred to as “stiff-necked” people… Continue reading
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Better than Deer Park and Poland Springs
Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.” – John 4:10 It was just another day for her. Off to the well she goes, pail in hand, to draw some water for the cooking… Continue reading
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Drawing the Line: Obeying God in a Culture that Rejects Him
“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 I’ve been reading the book of Daniel this week, and I must say that the parallels between the events occurring over two-and-a-half millennia ago compared… 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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Believing is Seeing
“Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.” – John 21:4 I love this verse, as it speaks to me in so many ways. The disciples had been fishing most of the night, caught nothing, and decided to cut their losses and come back… Continue reading
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Transparency to Transformation: Growing your Men’s Bible Study
“One way to get men to be honest is to model it. Be honest yourself. Be honest about the things you struggle with, as well as some of your victories. This will inspire others to follow suit.” – Vince Miller I used to think that the biggest hurdle that challenged most men’s group leaders was… Continue reading
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Trusting in the Silence
Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” – John 11:40 Years ago when my daughter was doing an internship in Colorado, she called me one afternoon weeping uncontrollably. “Dad, I’m at a store right now and I’m okay. But I can’t talk right now. I just want… Continue reading
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When We Don’t Like What God Wants Us To Do
“But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the Lord…” Jonah 1:3 If you were God and were searching for a potential candidate to become one of your prophets, you would probably have a list of good qualities that you would require for the position. You’d want someone who… Continue reading
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Naughty? Or Nice?
“If God is for us, who can be against us?” – Romans 8:31 For many years I somehow had this idea that God was against me. Perhaps it had a lot to do with my misunderstanding as a small child, sitting in a pew at church one Sunday morning and listening to our pastor preach… Continue reading
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When the Going Gets Tough
“Men,” [Paul said], “I believe there is trouble ahead if we go on – shipwreck, loss of cargo, and danger to our lives as well.” But the officer in charge of the prisoners listened more to the ship’s captain and the owner than to Paul.” – Acts 27:10-11 Although not a sailor himself, the Apostle… 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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God can use our setbacks to set us up for something bigger
“For I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.” Philippians 1:19 Paul reminds us of the power of prayer and the provision of the Holy Spirit in our lives. When we face difficult situations, we can take… Continue reading
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Can’t Have the Testimony Without the Testing
Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and… Continue reading
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A Faith that Pleases
“Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” – Hebrews 11:6 Believing God exists is only the beginning; even the demons believe that much (James 2:19-20). God will not settle for mere acknowledgement of his… 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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Prayers Overcome Prisons
“Peter finally came to his senses. “It’s really true!” he said. “The Lord has sent his angel and saved me from Herod and from what the Jewish leaders had planned to do to me!” – Acts 12:11 (NLT) King Herod had arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. (v.1) He had… 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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Look No Further
“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field.” – Matthew 13:44 “I have climbed highest mountains, I have run through the fields, only to be with you;… 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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When Your Family Thinks You’re Crazy
“For even his own brothers did not believe in him.” – John 7:5 “I had an uncle who one time…” We all have that crazy uncle. But we often forget that the crazy uncle is the brother to either our mother or father. So before he became a crazy uncle, indeed he was a crazy… 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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Fearless Living is a Choice
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.” – Philippians 4:6 A recent study revealed that 86 percent of those surveyed described themselves as worriers. The study then went on to conclude that the average person spends one hour and fifty minutes… 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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There May Be A Few Speed Bumps Along the Way…
… but in the end, it all works out the way it’s supposed to. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28 Joseph experienced a lot of bad things. He was rejected by his brothers,… Continue reading
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Defining Moments
“But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works. – Psalm 77: 11-12 My hands were shaking, and I instinctively backed away. “You can do this,” I said under my breath. “You’ve… Continue reading
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Counting the Days
“When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf….” ~ Genesis 8:11 After Noah gathered the animals and his family inside the ark that the Lord commanded him to build, the sky turned into a torrential waterfall for the next 40 days. Moses records that… Continue reading
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There’s Value in Not Knowing Everything
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11 Jeremiah 29:11 is one of the most beloved passages of Scripture in all of the Old Testament. And for good reason! Don’t we take… Continue reading
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Keep Moving Forward
“I, Daniel, was worn out. I lay exhausted for several days. Then I got up and went about the king’s business. I was appalled by the vision; it was beyond understanding. ~ Daniel 8:27 Are you tired and weary from the busyness of life? Have you been besieged, day after day, by problems and bad… Continue reading
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Pain Management
As a sober, recovering alcoholic, I have found incredible value in going back in my life and recalling the day that my life hit bottom. I was all but dead. I had just lost my father; I had lost all but a remnant of my sanity; and I was on the verge of losing every… Continue reading
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Don’t Get Ahead of God
“There are known knowns; things we know that we know. There are known unknowns; things we know that we don’t know. But there are also unknown unknowns – things we do not know that we don’t know.” ~ Donald Rumsfeld It didn’t happen overnight. But slowly and gradually, God’s freedom poured over me. It went… Continue reading
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What Does God See?
“God sees us as we are, loves us as we are, and accepts us as we are. But by His grace, He doesn’t leave us as we are.” ~ Tim Keller I had suspected something was going on for a while. I kept trying to convince myself that maybe I was just imagining things; that… Continue reading
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God Lets us Fail Sometimes
When the soldiers returned to camp, the elders of Israel asked, “Why did the Lord bring defeat on us today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the Lord’s covenant from Shiloh, so that he may go with us and save us from the hands of our enemies.” ~ 1 Samuel 4:3 “Whose… Continue reading
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A Limitless Attitude
“Then Daniel (Belteshazzar) was greatly perplexed for a time, and his thoughts terrified him. So the king said, “Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its meaning alarm you.” Daniel answered, “My lord, if only the dream applied to your adversaries!” ~ Daniel 4:19 As I read this passage in the book of Daniel, I… Continue reading
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Unwanted
“Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close.” ~Psalm 27:10 Fear can be a powerfully destructive emotion. It can drive us to think things, say things, and do things that create irrational responses to otherwise normal situations. But one of the most destructive fears we all experience in life… Continue reading
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Faith Comes Before the Solution
“He asked the king’s officer, “Why did the king issue such a harsh decree?” Arioch then explained the matter to Daniel. At this, Daniel went in to see the king and asked for time, so that he might interpret the dream for him.” ~Daniel 2:15-16 The temperature of the atmosphere was well over 200 degrees,… Continue reading
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The Candle in a Cave
“How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? ~ Psalm 13:1-2 Have you ever experienced a season in your life when… Continue reading
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The Thing About Sin…
“And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left – and also many animals?” ~ Jonah 4:11 Have you ever felt God urging you to do something that you were so… Continue reading
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Who is ‘That’ Friend?
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” ~ Proverbs 17:17 Friends will come and go, but somewhere in our inner circle is that one person who we trust more than all the rest… our go-to, that person who God has put in our lives to share… Continue reading
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The Best Advice
“Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.” ~ Proverbs 13:10 I wouldn’t do that if I were you. As children, most of us probably heard that sentence hundreds of times growing up. And again, as children, most of us probably disregarded that suggestion more times than… 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 