Tag Archives: church

Great Stuff to Pray for your Children and Others you Love

Ever worry about your kids or someone you’ve invested in spiritually? Maybe you’ve experienced the nagging feeling of nervousness about their decision-making and choices? I have (and to be honest, will continue to wrestle with it as our kids get … Continue reading

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3 Ways to Check Level in a Tilted World

This past weekend I worked on a fence project and as I checked the level of a trim board, I discovered a curious thing (yeah, I notice the odd stuff). After adjusting to “level”, it actually appeared to be “un-level”. … Continue reading

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Memo: A Little Known Fact about Prayer

Prayer is an incredible gift. As followers of Christ, we have the amazing privilege of personal conversation with the King of creation. The Bible contains many truths about prayer and three of them I was recently reminded of. These two … Continue reading

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Life is What Happens While You’re Making Plans

That quote grabbed my attention recently and I caught myself daydreaming right in front of the person who said it (not unusual for me). How true though, life really is happening…every moment…of every day.” It was one of those reminders … Continue reading

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A Little Solid Ground in the Shifting Marriage Debate

In the past couple of years, the conversation about gay marriage has taken several turns. First there was mass criticism of Kirk Cameron and Dan Cathy of Chick-fil-A, followed by a string of dust-ups and legal battles. With the steady stream of … Continue reading

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3 Quick Reminders from the Seed Parable

One of the cool things about the seed parable is that Jesus explained it. Found in Luke 8:4-15, it describes 4 different results of seed falling onto the ground. A combining of the story & explanation produces these pictures: The Hard Soil-no fruit … Continue reading

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Women’s Liberation and Jesus’ Ministry

Bible stories are unvarnished. Heroes of the faith are presented as they really were, including their struggles. Instead of glossing over faults, we get the true picture. When considering the Gospel narratives of Jesus’ ministry, we should take note of … Continue reading

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Just in case you ever wonder if Jesus cares…

Jesus was busy. There’s no doubt about it, the gospels show Jesus’ ministry years to be very demanding. With daily ministering and traveling, there was little down time. If we’re not careful, we can let that mental image influence our view … Continue reading

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“Aw man, I was just about to say Amen too!”

Growing up, the good old-fashioned “Amen!” was common place in our church and others.  You can imagine the scene…strong preaching and sturdy words of affirmation working together in harmony. I guess it’s more a part of me than I realize, … Continue reading

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Dealing with Political Correctness

Bullies are a fact of life. We’ve all encountered people who use intimidation as a method for getting what they want. An easy one-size-fits-all answer would be handy (like the good ole “5 across the lip”), but unfortunately it isn’t … Continue reading

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How big is your God?

One of the earliest names for God in the Bible is God Most High (Genesis 14:18-20). It’s such an awesome description. No matter what we can see or imagine…He’s higher, bigger, and stronger. By the time of the first century, the … Continue reading

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Before Slicing the Turkey…

As we gather with family and friends for Thanksgiving, the first 4 verses of Psalm 105 is a great help in preparing our thoughts…  “Give thanks to the LORD. Call on His name; make known among the nations what He … Continue reading

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The One Post-Election Thought I’m Moving Forward With

After 1,000 different post-election thoughts, here’s the one I’m moving forward with:  “I press toward the goal of the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind…” … Continue reading

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The Sarcastic Post I Almost Wrote

There are days when my concerns manifest themselves in ways less than God’s best; such was the case recently. It was a sarcastic post I was writing called “How to be a Mediocre Christian”. At the time it seemed like … Continue reading

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An Everyday Kind of Joy

I’m often blessed by men and women with the attitude described below by Oswald Chambers. From time to time I return to his writings and today these words seem especially applicable. Choose today not to settle for what the world describes … Continue reading

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We Can Trust Our Guide

I remember being dropped in an unfamiliar location with only a map and compass, along with instructions to find my way back to the assembly area. Needless to say, it was a challenge, but all part of the learning experience. I … Continue reading

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Jesus on Facebook, Twitter and Blogs

Recently, while reading a Christian leader’s blog, I couldn’t help but wonder, “What kind of posts would Jesus write?” Would He be direct? Sarcastic? Critical? Hmmm…I wonder. Obviously social media wasn’t around then, but there was social-networking, and His ministry … Continue reading

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Avoiding Heartburn this Election

*WARNING-the following has not been evaluated by the FDA  Like many of you, I’m concerned about our nation. This year’s election is important, but hope for political solutions often results in personal heartburn. It’s been a long journey for me … Continue reading

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Reflections on Father’s Day 2012

Is Father’s Day just a gimmick to sell cards and gifts? Some would say yes, but it’s really a great reminder of the unique role of Dad. It can also bring a wide variety of emotions, depending on circumstances. Personally, … Continue reading

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Finishing Strong

Rambling speakers bore me. I know, I probably should say that nicer, but it’s true. Perhaps you’re the same way. If so, then you’ll like Solomon’s masterful summary of the big question, “What’s the point of life anyway?” Take a look:  “Let … Continue reading

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