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When Following Jesus Takes an Ugly Turn
There are days when we all wonder if other Christians have even met the same Jesus we know. While we know there are a variety of Bible translations, it can feel as though some Christians received a Bible full of Jesus smiles, children laughing, and Kum Ba Yah, while others cherish one full of thorns, …[ read more ]
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Why the Church Loves so Badly
Once, I did something badly until I achieved success. In my early forties, after several years of intense training, I earned my first-degree black belt. I was last in my class from start to finish. It never stopped being a surprise to everyone, including me, that I’d managed this feat. I was driven, at the …[ read more ]
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God Bless the Wrestlers!
There’s an odd story in Genesis 32 about a night when Jacob camped out alone and wrestled with God. I love this story but I can’t say I understand it. There’s an air of mystery surrounding the exchange but it’s an important window into the heart of God. The late night wrestling match was a …[ read more ]
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Stop Being a Baby and Grow Up, Already!
One practice I appreciate at our karate studio is that of upper belts teaching lower belts. All students begin their martial arts careers as white belts and proceed through a progression of colors until, eventually, they achieve their black belts. At our karate school, or dojo, as soon as you move up in rank, you …[ read more ]
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Just Do It!
I was speaking with a woman in the fitness room about a weight loss/exercise plan she’d decided to follow. “I heard about it last year and it seemed very effective so I decided to do it. I went right out and bought the book.” She remarked. “That’s great. How’s it going?” “Well, so far, not …[ read more ]