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Discipline in the Downturn

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11 Downturns in life happen, often with unsettling regularity. Our reaction to these events often resemble the animal kingdom. Like an ostrich, we bury our heads in theContinue reading “Discipline in the Downturn”

Ambassadors

“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20 Recently, our Pastor challenged the church to become influencers for Christ. This year-long focus by our congregation rests upon prayer by members for individuals who areContinue reading “Ambassadors”

The Resurrected Branch

“And the Lord said unto Moses, Bring Aaron’s rod again before the testimony, to be kept for a token against the rebels.” Numbers 17:10 A tree branch seems an unlikely topic. A branch, by itself, has no life. Often, without a discerning eye, a branch cannot be identified as belonging to a particular type ofContinue reading “The Resurrected Branch”

Trust Him as Your Shield

“But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; My glory, and the lifter up of mine head.” Psalm 3:3 When you read the ingredient label for medication, you will often see the words “active ingredient” next to a particular substance. Often, the active ingredient is less than five percent of the total ingredients inContinue reading “Trust Him as Your Shield”

Long Obedience

“…choose you this day whom ye will serve;…but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”Joshua 24:15 When I was in seminary, I remember reading a paper titled “Planting Mushrooms or Growing Oak Trees?” At the time, I did not fully understand the impact of that statement, but the analogy was simple. Continue reading “Long Obedience”

Hope, Help, & Happiness

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11 I am claustrophobic. Not elevator claustrophobic, but MRI machine claustrophobic. If I find myself restrained and unable to move or shift my position, I become anxious, especiallyContinue reading “Hope, Help, & Happiness”