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I was playing cards with my parents, and my dad had the option to pick a card up off the discard pile or draw another card. He couldn't decide quickly, and ended up drawing a new card. Ironically, it was the exact same card he would have received if he had just picked up the one on the discard pile. 

The small moment reminded me of a difficult concept many struggle with: understanding the relationship between God's sovreingty and our free will. Both exist in perfect harmony. While we might not understand it, we must have enough faith to trust it. 

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I started physical therapy this week for SI dysfunction in my pelvis & low back. The therapist stated he doesn't want me to rely on him. It's his job to equip me, and to equip me to learn how to correct it as well as strengthen the surrounding muscles. 

This is exactly what we are called to do as the church. Leadership is to equip the saints, not only to correct that which is out of place in our lives, but to strengthen one another so as not to fall away. 

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This morning came with a special surprise: an impromptu coffee date with my dad. We have not sat down together just the two of us over a cup of coffee in a long time. We talked about a little bit of everything, but especially spiritual things, and finished with prayer. 

The most important spiritual moments and instruction in our lives don't just come in a formal setting of worship, they happen in the most ordinary of places - like sitting down over coffee. It's how God has designed it to be from the beginning. 

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I got absolutely bit up by chigers last week, resulting in 250 bites that won't stop itching. I didn't go out to put up deer stands in the right clothes and without bug spray. Dumb me. Now I'm paying the consequences. 

Just as you cannot see chigers, we are in a battle against an unseen enemy. We must be clothed with the armor of God if we are to not be devoured by the enemy. 

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A good friend called me over at the coffee shop and shared the following saying with me: Patience with yourself is hope. Patience with others is love. Patience toward God is faith. 

These are all biblical truths and important for us to consider in the way that we exercise patience in our lives! 

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I received a random message from someone I did not know at all on social media. They saw a picture of a hat I owned, and asked where I purchased it in Yosemite National Park because they were there right now. Their sole mission on this trip was to get that hat. 

You have to admire the drive. Do we have that same drive with our faith? Is our mission above all else in this life to seek first the kingdom of heaven? Will we search high and low for it? 

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This last week was the "Field of Dreams" game in the MLB, played next to the iconic movie field set. The famous line from the movie comes from the question, "Is this heaven?" to which is responded, "No, it's Iowa!" 

We often compare things to being like heaven, or "heaven on earth" here in this life. But they are far from it. Heaven will be far better than anything we could possible imagine. 

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My intern for this past summer, Caden Bercik, shares a story about pulling off on the side of the road late at night because it was too dangerous for him to keep going. He needed to rest. 

Spiritually, we must learn the need for rest - as modeled by the Lord, and how important it is for our walk with Christ. 

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We started reading the kids the Chronicles of Narnia, starting off with book 2 - the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Reading is so important in our household, and a lost art in many families. We want our kids to learn and read the timeless classics. 

However, while that is a good thing to do, it's not a necessity. What is necessary is opening up Scripture with our children. That is of eternal value, and we must ensure that all of us in our homes are practicing that holy habit of teaching our children to stories of old about the works of God! 

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My son lost two teeth in two days, and received $5 for each tooth. He decided all on his own he didn't need both $5 bills, he wanted to give one of them to God. So he did, and yet right after doing so, was given another $5 from someone else. 

God is a generous God, and he wants his people to be generous too. But here is the kicker - those who are will be the ones that God blesses. God loves a cheerful giver, and he will continue to bless those who will honor him with these blessings. 

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