Category: Devotions
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A Hard Lesson
This talk of weaponry and tactical support leads to our final discussion. We’ve saved this lesson for last because the concept is just so difficult to buy into. (Had we introduced it earlier, we might have lost some readers.) To make the point, consider one of the many war narratives in Scripture. This one describes…
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The Sunset Principle
The Bible tells us there is an urgency to resolving disputes. Paul wrote, “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold” (Ephesians 4:26,27). In other words, deal with it quickly. Today, if possible. In this way, a…
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A City of Peace
It had been a busy day for Peter and John. The responsibility to prepare for the Passover celebration had fallen to them. Jesus had asked them personally. They had been honored by his request. This would be their little group’s last Pesach (Passover) together. Every detail had to be just right. Their tasks involved securing…
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Riders Attached to Forgiveness
The perfect intervention strategy does not exist. We can expect failures, setbacks, and disappointments, even as Jesus did. Sometimes the intervention takes more time than we first anticipated. The fact that a few individuals are unable to see their way toward reconciliation should not surprise us. When someone has hurt us deeply, forgiveness does not…
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The Lesson
Jesus asked the master of the house to send his youngest child into the room. He wanted his followers to think about the unique qualities of childhood. It was a good way to focus their attention. Childhood is a universal human experience. But Jesus also understood that adults quickly forget what childhood is like. His…
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The Peacemaker’s Calling, Part 3
In preparation for our peacemaking service, we’ve been washed and purified in the Lamb’s innocent blood. The good news of our forgiveness (washing) in Christ is our hope—the very air that we breathe. But that same gospel is also our purpose for having an ongoing conversation with the world in which we live. We are…
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The Peacemaker’s Calling, Part 2
Peacemaker is yet another facet of our new identity in Christ Jesus. It is actually the title Jesus wants us to proudly carry with us everywhere we go. We are his peacemakers—people who are committed to carrying out the “ministry of reconciliation” that Paul wrote about. David Valleskey writes, “‘The ministry of reconciliation’ is the…
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The Peacemaker’s Calling, Part 1
There is a section of verses that appears early in Matthew’s gospel known as the Beatitudes or the Blessed Ares. They are part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. These poetic thoughts are unmatched for their comfort and encouragement. Jesus addresses them to believers like you and me. His message is profoundly intimate and personal.…