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The Reality of Being in the Family of God
The family of God. Brothers and sisters in Christ. To some, those are inviting and amazing phrases. To those of us who have experienced less than wholesome family life or real siblings, those phrases can be a mixed bag. But then again, so is the church. God extends His grace through Christ to anyone, even …[ read more ]
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The Uncomfortable Comfort of God
Have you ever received comfort that wasn’t really comforting? It happens all the time, right? At funerals, during illness, or during trials, we offer one another what we hope is comfort, but it doesn’t translate that way. And, sometimes, we receive false comfort. Like when my husband tells me my outfit is flattering but then …[ read more ]
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The Bible Verse None of Us Believes – at First
Some days you feel like the warrior you are because of Jesus. Your armor glints in the sun. Your soul senses the power of the risen Christ within you and you itch for a front-line assignment. The enemy is before you, ever at work, but greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world i s the motto emblazoned on your shield and you sink …[ read more ]
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God Just Can’t Leave Well Enough Alone
The apostle Paul stretched out, waterlogged, on an unfamiliar beach blinking in the white sun surrounded by pieces of ship and others not fortunate enough to open their eyes again on this shore. Peter caught by Paul, red-faced and ashamed, facing correction for spurning the Gentile Christians around the Jewish Christians who might judge him, facing something worse now – the …[ read more ]
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Blowhard for God or Voice in the Wind
Wind is making big headlines these days. Hurricane forces, tornado touchdowns, wind-driven snow, gale-force battery. And we strive, don’t we?, to predict the behavior of the wind. Entire channels, websites, news stations dedicated to the weather and still when the wind blows, we are at its mercy. Storms arise that defy prediction. Winds change direction. …[ read more ]