Simply let your Yes be Yes, and your No, No; anything beyond this comes from the evil one. Matthew 5:37
So I watched a presidential political debate recently (and, no, I wont tell you which party............though I have seen debates of both parties so far). What struck me was the lack of clarity on virtually any issue by any candidate (except a couple who are really outspoken and deeply positioned). But then I remembered that it is the nature of the political beast.
Right now, the presidential race in America is up for grabs. All candidates…
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You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. Galatians 3:26-27
I still remember the year and the feeling. 1984, beginning of the school year, and I was sportin some superflycharcoal gray parachute pants, with this smokin no collar, layered, lay open break dance shirt. First day of school, new clothes,feelin good. I remember wanting to wear those clothes the moment my mom bought them for me about two weeks before school ever started. I tried them on…
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..for whoever is not against you is for you. Luke 9:50
He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me, scatters. Luke 11:23
It doesnt appear that these two phrases from Jesus add up do they? They come within two small chapters of one another in the gospel of Luke, yet they seem to contradict each other. Dont worry - they dont. Jesus is the most brilliant teacher the world has ever known, and as very God and very man, He was (and is)incapable of contradicting Himself regarding truth. With that said, it still doesnt make…
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When he came to his senses, he said, How many of my fathers hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!........So he got up and went to his father. Luke 15:17,20
You know the story - the parable of the prodigal son as some call it. I like to call it The Portrait of the Fathers Love. Either way, you know the story.
Young man gets itchy for his coming inheritance. Dad gives it to him. Young man goes out partying, in the words of Prince, like its 1999. Young man blows everything and is living on the bottom side of life (dont…
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My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. Psalm 45:1
I am scattered in mind today, but that is not too unordinary for me. Though I am scattered, I am hopeful that my mind is racing to themes of nobility - themes that are worth the energy of my thought.
I know this will seem relatively random, but here is where, today, I am exercising some of my mental energy:
* Why is it that in South America there are nearly 50,000 people coming to Christ per week, 140,000 per week in…
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However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven. Luke 10:20
Have you ever had a good day? I mean a really good day?
They are the days when you have trouble going to sleep at night because you cant wind down. They are the days that you just cant stop talking, and you have an energy that seems to be indiffusable. They are funny days arent they? They really do have the capacity to make us feel like we are sitting on top of the world with a cool breeze blowing us along. I love those days,…
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The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest. Mark 6:30-31
Vacations can be tough.
Im on one right now, and I am having a great time........but it is because I have learned some secrets along the way. First, the idea of vacation really is somewhat odious as a concept. The idea is that you vacate a place/job/life/reality for a period…
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Praise the LORD. Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands..... Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever. He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes. Psalm 112:1;6-8
I hate bad news. Always have.
I remember one of the first times that bad news really hit me. I dont remember how old I was, but I was young (maybe 8 or 9). My mom and dad had to let me…
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Be still, and know that I am God Psalm 46:10a
Ive been away a little while working on some doctoral work at Gordon-Conwell Seminary (www.gcts.edu). While there studying in my last residency, we were addressing the issue of the spiritual formation of the leader/pastor. As a result, we spent a three day retreat at a satellite monastary/Retreat house where some brothers from the Society of Saint John the Evangelist live in community. I think that their faith background is Episcopalian/Anglican (or some hybrid thereof), and though there are…
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His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness......For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith... 2 Peter 1:3,5
It doesnt sound right to tell someone that they have everything they need and then turn around and tell them they need something. That seems to be what Peter is saying in the verse above................you have everything you need for life and godliness, so, forthis reason, add to your faith.....
So, what is it, do I…
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