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Navigating Hard Conversations Over Turkey
Brace yourselves. All across the land, we’ll gather in small groups this week to re-enact the most overlooked aspect of the first Thanksgiving. Feasting on seafood (which was likely served along with turkey)? No, that’s not it. Thanking our Creator? No, that’s close and will be neglected at many a table but that’s not it. …[ read more ]
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Jesus Loves Martha (And blesses her on this Thanksgiving day)
Today I wish to bestow a blessing on Martha. Because, if there is now no condemnation in Jesus Christ, then we all owe Martha a huge apology. Martha was a real woman. A Jesus lover who welcomed Him and His followers into her home. She took care of her household – her brother, Lazarus and …[ read more ]
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On Being Thankful for the Jerk at Your Table
What? Think my title’s harsh? It drew you here, didn’t it? So you have one – you know – a jerk who will be at your Thanksgiving table. Maybe an uncle who drones on about your lifestyle or your politics A brother who can’t get over himself A sister-in-law with issues, who causes strife at …[ read more ]
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Be the One Grateful Leper
One of God’s chief complaints against the Israelites, besides their unfaithfulness in serving idols, was their ingratitude. Listing things for which we’re grateful in the days leading up to Thanksgiving has become part tradition, part cliché. It’s not hard to make a list what’s hard is cultivating a grateful heart full of contentment that can …[ read more ]
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Don’t Just Say Grace – Extend Grace
Imagine this scene for just a moment. One of your relatives or friends stands before a judge having just received an irrevocable sentence of death. The judge looks out on the courtroom and asks if anyone has any words before the condemned is sent to death row. Several of you ask to speak and here …[ read more ]