bible
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Read John 21 At first glance, the fishing story in John 21 may seem out of place after Jesus’ final instructions, arrest, crucifixion, and resurrection in the seven previous chapters. Yet it sets the scene for Peter’s restoration and offers a beautiful picture of the Savior’s redemption. After fishing all night, the disciples were exhausted…
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Luke 4:16 has always helped my restlessness. “Jesus went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read…” Did you catch that? Jesus went home. He returned to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. He went…
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Has the Lord ever woken you up at 3am and convicted you of sin? He did me! I didn’t realize that something I said today about a brother was connected to an offense I was harboring in my heart. But the Lord did, and in his grace, he lovingly brought it to mind, led me…
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“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength…” (Isaiah 30:15). That has been my “theme verse” during my sabbatical this past month. Repentance, rest, salvation, quietness, trust, strength…all topics I asked the Lord to teach me during this gracious gift from my wonderful church. My, how I’ve missed them! I received so…
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My dad always planted a big garden. At least 5 acres! We had everything from potatoes to peanuts. I worked that garden and then sold produce at the farmer’s market on Saturdays my whole childhood. So, when I went to college, I vowed to never plant another garden. Then, in our first year of marriage,…
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One of the worst hurts is church hurt. This is true for at least two ways. First, it distorts our view of God. He is a loving Father, a caring Shepherd, a just King, a gracious Savior, and infinitely more. When we experience hurt or disappointment from those meant to represent Him, it can feel…
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I love fruit. My favorite is cold watermelon (no salt), especially after a run. I also love vegetables. Recently, I prepared and planted two raised garden beds with strawberries, tomatoes, okra, spinach, and more. So far, I’ve eaten strawberries, spinach, and mixed salad while waiting for the rest to produce. A pro tip my dad…
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As I read Acts 9 earlier this week, a phrase leapt off the page. “Brother Saul…” Those words reminded me of how fast Jesus can change someone’s life and how we are then to see them as He does. A lot happened in a few verses. At the beginning of Acts 8, Saul was present…
