Hebrews 4:9-16 Most little kids have an item they are partial towards. Usually, it’s a blanket or a stuffed friend. Such items represent security and peace. They calm and they soothe. When that item disappears, trouble is most definitely in the forecast. That need for security and peace doesn’t end with childhood. While most grownups […]

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Luke 11:37-46 Do you know any serious list makers? Lists have their place in our busy society. Whether it’s recorded physically, digitally, or mentally, most people have a series of boxes that need to be checked at any given time. Checking all the boxes is important. That’s how finish lines are crossed. However, it’s easy […]

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1 Peter 5:6-11 Ever feel like a worn out sponge after a sink full of dirty dishes? A worn sponge might be discolored from multiple dips into hot, soapy water. It might be torn from intense scrubbing. The sponge’s fibers may look distorted because of constant wringing. As the last soapy drop scurries away, the […]

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1 Peter 4:1-11 I came to a realization recently. My God doesn’t just know me, He knows me very well. He not only knows my favorite this and that, but He knows my preferences, how I feel about change, and what makes me anxious. I believe that God takes these things into consideration when He […]

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James 4:13-17 There’s conflict in the world at any given time. Sometimes, it might be something small and in your own backyard. Those things usually resolve themselves quickly, the audience is meager, and life goes on as planned. However, sometimes it’s something big and on the world’s main stage for all to see. Those things […]

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James 4:7-12 Have you ever known anyone that was so humble that they almost seemed proud of their humility? They seem to be the head of their own advertising agency; they skillfully shine the spotlight on their own accomplishments. The glory, unfortunately, is only bestowed upon the performer and no appreciation is given to the […]

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James 4:1-6 My third grader once told me that something made her “jelly.” I confess my first thought was what kind, apple or grape? However, she went on to explain that “jelly” was simply the cool way to express being “jealous.” Either way, it sounds sticky. Often, jealously is an unflattering garment that really doesn’t […]

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1 Corinthians 2:7-13 Have you ever looked at someone and wondered what in the world they’re thinking about? Paul’s words may sound familiar to us as we hear them two millennia after they were penned, but they are still incredibly powerful when we consider he’s telling us that no one knows the thoughts of God […]

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1 Corinthians 2:1-6 When the apostle Paul told the people of Corinth about the world-altering, good news of Jesus Christ, he did so in humility and fear, yet with a confidence that was beyond himself. Paul’s life transformation was the result of the risen Christ meeting Paul right where he was on that road to […]

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Colossians 3:12-17 What specifically strikes me in Colossians 3 is Paul’s command to “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts” (v. 15). That sounds like a no-brainer! Yes, of course I want the peace of Christ to rule in my heart! But then I think, how does that happen? It happens as I […]

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