Category: Christian Faith & Life
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Do You Believe This?
Note: The first half of this post draws directly from John 11:17-27,38-45, at times quoting it word for word. By all outward appearances, Jesus arrived too late. Mary and Martha’s brother, Lazarus, had succumbed to the debilitating sickness, the one that caused his sisters to send an urgent message to Jesus: “Lord, the one you…
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Everyday Encouragement
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for…
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He Gives Us What We Really Need
“Will you give me a drink?” With that simple question, Jesus turned societal and cultural expectations upside down. Culturally, Jewish men did not talk to women they weren’t related to. It wasn’t proper or right. Nor did Jewish men ask Samaritan women for water from wells. They didn’t ask them for anything—Jews and Samaritans hated…
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Look Past the Mountains
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you—the…
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Be Still and Know
“‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’ The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress” (Psalm 46:10-11). It’s hard for me to be still when all I want is to do something, anything, to fix…
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Why Do Christians Give Up Things for Lent?
Lent started yesterday with Ash Wednesday. As I was reading through Northwestern Publishing House’s infographic on Lent to brush up on the traditions and significance of the season, I came across this question: “Do you have to give something up for Lent?” That’s the common thought, isn’t it? So often, people think that Lent is…
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What Actually Happens in Church?
“‘Who of you is left who saw this house in its former glory? How does it look to you now? Does it not seem to you like nothing? But now be strong, . . . and work. For I am with you,’ declares the Lord Almighty. ‘This is what I covenanted with you when you…
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What Are Your Priorities in Life?
This is what the Lord Almighty says: “These people say, ‘The time has not yet come to rebuild the Lord’s house.’” Then the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai: “Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?” This is what…