Category: Uncategorized
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Us and Them?
People love the labels, don’t they? I am not talking about the labels in our clothing but rather the labels we hang on others as a way to differentiate ourselves. Think of all the ways we divide ourselves – race, ethnicity, religion, wealth, politics, gender – just to name a few. There is a kind…
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When blessings turn to a curse
We love our ‘blessings,’ don’t we? I spent the weekend with friends and family and saw the many ways that their lives are overflowing with good things. I rejoiced that God has given them such favor, so many opportunities in life to enjoy the ‘fatness’ of the land, so to speak. I, too, am beyond…
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Angry … with God?
Bev became ill 9 years ago. In March, 2014, we learned that her diagnosis was grim. I remained hopeful, prayerful, expecting that God would reveal Himself in a miracle. A year passed and she seemed to be getting better, regaining strength until that awful day in April 2015 when the oncologist’s words brought our world…
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What is repentance?
Who among us has not felt the ache of guilt, the realization that what we have done is wrong? In a moment of clarity we wonder, why don’t I want to forgive that person, or why did I allow such anger to overwhelm me, or why do I make the same hurtful choice again and…
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God Almighty!
Is your world neatly divided into ‘things God cares about’ and those that do not concern Him? Do you engage the Lord on Sunday morning or in your prayers before you drift off to sleep but leave Him out of the other hours of your life? Eugene Peterson, pastor and author, points out a common…
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The graves of the craving
Americans like to have ‘more!’ One example is the size of a ‘fast food’ meal – hamburger, fries, and beverage – which is now two times larger than it was in 1975. Our waste disposals overflow with stuff no longer wanted or needed, things once treasured, now junk. Consumer debt is growing once again as…
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Let’s Have Dinner!
“Let’s have breakfast!” The invitation is more than about eating some eggs and toast together. We laugh, tell stories, and grow a friendship! There is something about sitting down over a meal that bonds people. Family dinnertimes are among my most cherished memories. 5 pm drew the Scott family to a shared meal and to…
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Saved Completely!
Just a few days ago in Jerusalem the Communion elements were prepared for us in a room steps away from a Tomb where some believe the body of Jesus was laid. Our voices raised in song, “In Christ alone, my hope is found …” We took the Bread and Cup and the sweet Presence of…
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Who’s in charge?
Who’s boss in your life? We all have many different ‘bosses,’ people who make demands of us, who require us to act in specified ways. Most deal with a manager at work. A healthy marriage includes moments when one spouse or the other requires a reasonable effort from the other. Every social relationship involves mutual…
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A well-lighted pathway
The sites, sounds, and ideas that I gathered during the days spent in Israel are still sorting themselves out in my mind. The place of the Bible in shaping my life, understanding what God says through His word, became even more important to me. Our visit to the Israeli Museum (photo from the Shrine of…
CoffeeBreak With The Word 