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Posts by Dave Patterson

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Let’s Get to Work!

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you.Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you knowthat your labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15: 58). Before diving into this study on 1 Corinthians 15, I felt like I already had a handle on the Good News of Jesus. Jesus died for our sins. He was buried, and three...

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Metaphorically Speaking

So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body (1 Corinthians 15: 42-44). I love using metaphors. Metaphors are amazing springboards for helping us simplify ...

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Being Hungry Doesn’t Have to Stink

But the king will rejoice in God; all who swear by God will glory in him,while the mouths of liars will be silenced (Psalm 62: 11). Spring is just around the corner. If you're like me, you enjoy opening your eyes to see a little more sunlight coming through the windows. The birds are singing. Flowers are blooming. However, facing an otherwise wonderful morning, you remem...

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Did God Just Hand Me a Donut?

"And the Lord said, "I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion." (Exodus 33: 19) In this chapter of Exodus, Moses is speaking directly with God. He's walking with God. He's even, on behalf of all God's ...

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Simple Prayers. Powerful Purpose.

And she made a vow, saying, "Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant's misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head" (1 Samuel 1:11). When we sit down as a family to eat, we always say the same blessing. Dear God, Thank you fo...

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The Most Important Part of a Balanced Life Diet

Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. (Acts 4:29) When I was younger, I could eat as much of anything I wanted, and get away with it. As I've gotten older, I learned to be more careful about what goes from my plate to my mouth. Unfortunately, the same can't be said for my work/life balance. I've always been hun...

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You Were Created for a Purpose! Perfection Not Required.

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."(Matthew 28: 19-20) I'm in sales, and a couple of weeks ago I was working with a retail partner to set up a new display in their store. While building the display one of my co-workers wa...

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Is it Really Life That Gets in the Way?

"But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."" (Luke 7:7-8). Life just got in the way. I've used that phrase a lot. I was excited to get together with friends this week, but life just g...

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Who Is the Bright Center of Your Universe?

Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach. Mark 3:13-14 I used to live by keeping all the different parts of my life in their separate worlds. I had my work, family, and faith worlds, as well as numerous others. I invented my own univers...

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A Perfect Nativity Scene for a Scene That Was Everything but Perfect

Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church (Colossians 1:24). My neighborhood does a wonderful job decorating for Christmas. And beyond the lights, snowmen, Santas, penguins, and trees, there are a lot of nativity scenes set up. It's beautifu...

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With Jesus, I’m Not Just Sorry. I’m Changed.

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your mindsbecause of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physicalbody through death to present you holy in his sight (Colossians 1:21-22). Apologizing for something is a very tough thing to do. I'm not talking about the "oops, sorry" when we accidentally collide with someone else's shopping ca...

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Pivot Towards Jesus

For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together (Colossians 1: 16-17). Pivot is a word that gets thrown around a lot at work. When we pivot away from something, it m...

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Jesus Loves Small Potatoes

The Spirit of the Lord will rest on himthe Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord and he will delight in the fear of the Lord. (Isaiah 11: 2-3) I had this problem I've been dealing with for a while. I've kept it to myself, trying to work through it. As I've tried, and failed, the pain cau...

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The Hot Mess Express

"This is what the Lord says: Do not go up to fight against your brothers, the Israelites.Go home, every one of you, for this is my doing." So they obeyed the word of the Lordand went home again, as the Lord had ordered (1 Kings 12: 24). My wife has a saying for when things start to go poorly. She calls it a "hot mess." And when things get crazy, she describes it as a "hot...

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Transcending What is Set in Stone

"I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments." (Exodus 20: 5) In an old Mel Brooks movie, the comedian offers his take on history. In one scene, Brooks is playing Moses. The scene en...

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Start with a Generous Heart

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work (2 Corinthians 9: 7-8) [Editor's Note: As we prepare for Chatham Serves this Sunday, our CD writer...

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People-Serving Leads to Problem-Solving

Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles' feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need (Acts 4: 34-35). [Editor's note: This week, as part of our Inner Strength series, we're exploring generously hearted,the fourth of o...

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You’re an Ambassador! Run with It!

We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5: 21). Martinus Evans started running after his doctor told him he needed to lose weight or face serious health consequences. He started running, but nearly quit after a spectator at a race yelled that he was too f...

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His Way, Not Your Way

So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ,who was I to think that I could stand in God's way? (Acts 11:17) In this chapter of Acts, Peter is returning to Jerusalem after the Holy Spirit has directed him to visit a group of Gentiles. Peter is confronted by a group of Jewish Christians who are challenging his decision to spend time w...

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Jesus Loves Running Alongside Me

"My son," the father said, "you are always with me, and everything I have is yours" (Luke 15: 31). For those of us who run, fall is often known as "Racing Season". Or, for the more ambitious, "Marathon Season". Preparing for fall races starts in the summer. Runners trade a little extra sleep for early morning long runs or prioritize the evening workout at night, instead o...

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Click Here to Reveal This One Simple Trick!

He offered them money and said, "Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit" (Acts 8:19). Clickbait. Hopefully most of us know what that is. It's those little messages, pictures, or stories that pop up, promising some amazing story or miraculous tip. Just click here and all will be revealed. Clickbait seems like a problem...

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Nothing but the Truth

"Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked. (Acts 8:30) A couple months ago, I was involved in a conversation about birthdays with a few people much younger than myself. All of them were under 20 years old. When I told them I was born in 1979, one of them exclaimed, "Wow! You were born in the 1900's?" Nothing makes a guy feel old like being told he's from the...

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Not All Heroes Wear Capes

He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind,to set at liberty those who are oppressed (Luke 4: 18). The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a collection of movies and television shows that follow groups of superheroes as they face all sorts of potential world-ending or universe-destroying cataclysms. These heroes are gifted with amazin...

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Listening Is More than Waiting to Speak

Zechariah asked the angel, "How can I be sure of this?" (Luke 1: 18) Have you ever been in a conversation with someone and realized the other person wasn't so much listening to you as waiting for their turn to speak? When I first read through this passage, I felt bad for Zechariah. He had just received some incredible news from an angel, and then seconds later he is stru...

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Good News for All of Us! Yes, Even You!

"Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the peoplea Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. (Luke 2: 10-11)" Sometimes I like to think "what if?" when reading passages from the Bible. Imagine this: The heavenly host has given great tidings of joy to the shepherds outside Bethlehem. Amazed by the news, the shepherds dec...

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Red Light? Green Light? Where do I turn?!

The rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness to guide our feet into the path of peace (Luke 1: 78-79). The red and green colors of Christmas often feel like they share more in common with traffic lights. Red means wait. I'm waiting for my vacation to start. I'm waiting for the Christmas parade. Maybe I'm even waiting for a Christmas mira...

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Herod Seeks to Steal Our Joy

"When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him." (Matthew 2: 10-11) Every Christmas, we celebrate the joy of Jesus. But at the first Christmas, King Herod stepped in to steal that joy. Like the magi, we might be challenged by a Herod this season. A Herod can be anything w...

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The Common Thread is Jesus

"Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah." (Matthew 1: 17) 'Tis the season! Holiday catalogs and advertisements bombard us daily. Awesomely decorated houses, amazing holiday cookies, and the perfect present dominate my mail, television, email, and web browser...

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On Your Feet!

"How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" (Romans 10: 15) I believe running makes the world a better place. In a world where the siren song of technology is demanding that we spend more time sitting with our phones, in front of computers, or checking our online status, championing the outdoors is hard. Suggesting that going outside, getting sweaty, and st...

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Aligned

See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame (1 Peter 2:6). In ancient times, cornerstones were critical to correctly orienting a structure. Today we have all the tools and technologies needed to build structure without the need for cornerstones. If a modern building has a cornerstone, it's purely ...

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When “Win/Win” Doesn’t Feel Like Winning

Who, being in the very nature Godby taking the very nature of a servantAnd being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself (Philippians 2: 6-8). Our culture loves a good "win/win" scenario. You get what you want, and I get something I want. To get someone to do something, you must give them something. It's the contract our culture expects. On the surface this sound...

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The Power is “Always On” With Jesus

"Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." (Romans 16-17). The severe weather this season reminded me how important having electricity is for my daily life. When I get up in the morning, I'm dependent on the light of my lamp. I need hot water for ...

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Joyful Serving Reaps an Eternal Reward

"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows" (Galatians 6:7). Sometimes my best insights into Jesus come from my kids. As they've gotten older, my wife and I have been giving them more responsibility around the house. Otherwise known as "chores". We try to impart not just the value of hard work, but the feeling of accomplishment and ownership that...

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Yes, I Love You!

Again, Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" (John 21: 16). Peter is an ordinary man brought into an extraordinary situation with Jesus. What connects me more deeply to Peter is how bumpy his journey with Jesus can be. When he meets Jesus, he literally drops everything to follow him. Ultimately, on the night Jesus was betrayed, Peter denies Jesus three times. A...

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Time is a Gift. Give it!

"All these people gave their gifts out of wealth, but she out of her povertyput in all she had to live on" (Luke 21:4). My time on this earth is a precious gift to me. But I often feel like I never have enough time. There's so much I want to do if I could only find the time. Time feels like the one thing that's always in the shortest supply. If I could have more of anythi...

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Creating A Masterpiece Starts with a Small Stroke

See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills. Exodus 31: 2-3 I don't consider myself a creative person. I'll confess that when preparing to write, I Googled "creativity". But when I read this passage about God gifting ...

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Stop Thinking Big. Or Small. It All Matters.

"So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill." Exodus 17:10 The story of how the Israelites overcame the Amalekites is not just about remembering the power of God. It demonstrates how we can all soar and succeed when we're united in our actions alongside God. After reading the passage, I thought deeply about ...

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Let us Pray…Like You Mean It!

Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops (James 5: 17-18). I went to Catholic schools from elementary through high school. I heard the phrase, "Let us pray" a lot. In elementary school, we pra...

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Speak His Name as You Chart a Course

"Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go." James 2: 8-9 When James uses the metaphor of a ship at sea being steered by a small rudder, it immediately resonates with me. At work I recently gave a mentee advice using the metaphor of a navigator steering a s...

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But What's in It for Me?

If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers (James 2: 8-9). Chatham Serves is coming up in June. It's an awesome day where we get to go out and perform service projects as part of our mission to engage with our local community. I...

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Being Complete Through Complete Faith

"You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did." (James 2:22) Please take a moment and read this week's entire passage! I'll admit I'm still somewhat new to studying the Bible more deeply as part of my faith journey. Had you asked me a few weeks ago about the book of James, I'm sure I would've asked, "which J...

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God Moves in Very I’m-Sitting-Right-Here Ways!

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him (James 1:12). Please take a moment to read this week's entire passage! NIV Please take a moment to read this week's entire passage! MSG Sometimes God moves in a mysterious way. Other times you find him ...

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A Friend of Sinners

Dave Patterson "But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, 'Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?'" Luke 5: 30" Please take a moment to read this week's entire passage! When I read the Bible, I often default to seeing myself on the side of Jesus. I like to imagine I'm part of his crowd, takin...

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It’s Better to Serve AND Be Served

As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears.Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them (Luke 7: 38). Here's a link to the entire passage! When I think about Jesus, I tend to focus on how he's always serving other people. I model my own service after him. I enjoy volunteering and serving others, but ...

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Traveling the World Wide Web

"When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, "We want to hear you again on this subject." At that, Paul left the Council. Some of the people became followers of Paul and believed." Acts 17: 32-34 Here's a link to the entire passage! There's so much going on in our world today, and hot topics range from war to immigration, id...

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Big Love, Small Acts

Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came tremblingand fell at his feethe said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace" (Luke 8: 47,48). Jesus is on his way to perform a very important action. Jairus's daughter is sick and dying. Jairus pleads with Jesus to help him, and Jesus agrees. But on the way he encounters another woman who need...

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Love Like Jesus. Then Do Good.

"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him" (Luke 10: 36-37). Have you ever read, seen, or heard something you think you've heard a thousand times before and just realized you missed something important? I've read the parable of the Good Samaritan dozens of ...

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Fully Human

Editor's Note: this week, a very different set of Connect Devotionals because this week is unlike all others. Each writer this week will invite you to explore a different passage: the "cleansing of the Temple" (Monday), the argument about paying taxes to Caesar (Tuesday), the "great commandment" (Wednesday), the Last Supper and Gethsemane (Thursday), and the culmination of...

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When Faith Goes Flat

You are my God, and I will praise you; you are my God, and I will exalt you.Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever (Psalm 118: 26-27). I've had my share of ups and downs when it comes to my faith journey. A couple decades ago I thought my relationship with Jesus was in a good spot. But then I had a rough day while visiting a friend in Atlanta. I...

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Veggie Tales

"There was never anyone like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the eyes of the LordHe behaved in the vilest manner" 1 Kings 21: 26, 27 There's one detail in the story of Ahab and Naboth that I just can't get out of my mind. Ahab said to Naboth, "Let me have your vineyard to use for a vegetable garden since it is close to my palace." A story filled with so much sin bega...

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Teaching Yourself to Fly

After the time of mourning was over, David had her brought to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing David had done displeased the Lord (2 Samuel 11: 27). In his goofy science-fiction book, "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy", author Douglas Adams talks about learning to fly. You simply throw yourself at the ground and miss. It's just that...

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And Then What?

*Join in CCC's Season of Prayer! CLICK HERE for the prayer guide.* "Then they said, 'Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a towerthat reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves;otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth'" (Genesis 11: 4). I'm very career-focused, sometimes to a fault. I don't want to just be good at my job,...

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Extraordinarily Ordinary

*Join in CCC's Season of Prayer! CLICK HERE for the prayer guide.* "God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear." Acts 2: 33-34 As I traveled this week, I passed an advertisement in the airport that challenged me t...

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God's Love is Greater Than Just Packing Snacks

"For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds;and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened" (Luke 11:10). When my wife and I took our three young children on their first airplane flight, we fretted over the trip. We packed extra bags with candy, snacks, pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, books, video games, and movies. Our goal was to anticipate every ne...

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We Don't Talk About...Jesus

"We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood." 1 John 4: 6 Last year I was traveling with a work colleague. We were sitting together in an airport lounge while waiting for our separate flights home. We shared a table, and had our laptops ou...

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The Gift of Jesus is Not a Gold Medal

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you (John 16:12-14). Been watching any Winter Olympics lately? If writing devotionals was an Olympic sport, I wouldn't make the team. If ...

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Won't Fix Your Life in 5 Easy Steps

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8) The Christian singer and songwriter Matt Maher's beautiful song about love is on my running workout mix. It always gets me fired up, especially the beginning: It don't have a job, don't pay your ...

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Light Up the World

Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce (Jeremiah 29: 4-7). One of my favorite pastimes is playing Minecraft with my three kids. Minecraft is a video game where players adventure in a very blocky, low-resolution world with the freedom to build, create, and interact with anything in the world. The game is mostly peaceful and cooperative. But w...

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Don't Just Know. DO!

"Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them" (John 13:16-17). There once was a Church that met in a very old building. One year, heavy rains damaged part of the building, and temporary hoses were installed outside to help properly man...

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Extraordinary Motivation

I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law,Christ died for nothing! (Galatians 2:21) I'm a runner. These days I run recreationally because I just love to run. But I used to be very competitive. Looking back on those years, I reflect on what motivated me to compete: the pressure from my coach to win races and championships; th...

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"Always On" Worship

I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lipsGlorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together (Psalm 34: 1,3). Years ago, I would go to church not to worship God, but because someone else wanted me to be there. I would go to a very nice building and congregate with some very nice people. But I was always in the back row. I would stand up...

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Boom! Jesus!

His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you" (John 2:5). I love a good Hollywood blockbuster. The kind of movie that's heavy on the action, and light on the acting. A movie where the special effects and explosions take center stage. I especially enjoy when the camera zooms in for close-up of the heroes and they utter a witty one-liner as they face certain d...

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Opening Your Home to Jesus

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through himHe came to that which was his own (John 1: 9-11). John opens his Gospel by talking about the true light of the world. This true light is Jesus, and he's coming into the world he created for us. He's not a visitor, coming only temporarily for...

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I Love It When a Plan Comes Together

"I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God...Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people" (Revelations 21:2-3). A few weeks ago, my youngest son was playing with his construction toys and built a flying tank. His older brothers made fun of him, insisting that flying tanks are impossible. Being the good father that I am, I intervened...

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Love Actually

If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have keptmy Father's commands and remain in his love. II have told you this so thatmy joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete (John 15 1-11). One of my wife's favorite Christmas movies is "Love Actually". In the opening monologue, the Prime Minister of England, played by Hugh Grant, speaks about ho...

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Keep Showing Up

Birds of every kind will nest in it; they will find shelter in the shade of its branches (Ezekiel 17:23).[Editor's Note: We started writing this week's Connect Devotionals when it appeared that we'd be in our new building on December 5. We had decided to take a small break from our current sermon theme and re-visit our church's "noble cedar" vision from Ezekiel 17. As you ...

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Key Performance Indicators

His love endures foreverHis love endures foreverHis love endures forever Psalm 136 This is the time of year when my company asks its employees to reflect on our performance. One popular acronym that gets throw around a lot is KPI: Key Performance Indicator. Business has its ups and downs, but if the KPI's we're measuring are going in the right direction, typically up and ...

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When You're Here, You're Family

"Now if we are children, then we are heirsheirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." Romans 8:16-17 In college, I had a running joke with friends about the Olive Garden. "When you're here, you're familybut if we catch you eating next door at Red Lobster, you're dead to us." When you go to the ...

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Don't Just Like, Follow, or Subscribe. Believe!

Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God" (John 6 68-69). If social media had been around in the time of Jesus, do you think Jesus would want you to friend Him on Facebook? Would he ask you to subscribe to His YouTube channel, or like His post on Instagram?...

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Big "buts"...

"Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirstyAll those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away." John 6: 35,37 While out on my runs, I've been listening to a 90's music mix a lot. One song reminds me about this crowd in chapter 6 of John. The crowd likes big "buts." Jesus continues ...

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Jesus Isn't Calling about an Extended Warranty

"Jesus answered, 'Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.'" John 6: 26 I'll confess, I may have missed out on an amazing dealto extend the warranty on my car. The twenty-seven voicemails I received over the course of a few months made it clear that this was my last chance an...

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Jesus! Just Get in the Boat!

"But He said to them, 'It is I; don't be afraid.' Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading." John 6: 20-21 There is a lot of disruption in the world today. We are all being impacted by the global supply chain crisis. Whether it's the company you work for, or one you depend on for your favorite thi...

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Do You Want to Build a Snowman?

Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seatedas much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish (John 6: 11). A couple years ago, when we got enough snow in North Carolina to build a snowman, I really impressed my kids. They were busy trying to pack and stack snow as I started rolling a small snowball in my hands. Then I started roll...

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He Is Still With Us

"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28: 20). We've spent the last few weeks talking about some of the great heroes of the Bible. Esther, Josiah, Gideon, and many others all had their "Let's Go!" moment when God calls them to take great actions to help God's people. They did great things, lived great lives, and their stories came to aweso...

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Running Towards God

The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypthad told them to do; they let the boys live (Exodus 1: 17). It seems that so much of our culture is fear-based these days. Bad news is all around us. If you read the headlines on your phone or newspaper, you'll find that we're just steps away from catastrophe: Another existential threat is looming! And...

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Jesus! Always in the Right Place at the Right Time!

He saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. (Luke 5: 2-3) "It was luck. I was just the right person in the right place at the right time!" I'm sure we've all heard people say that when asked about a success in their li...

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Relationship Restoration

"Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I have spokenI will gather you to your ancestors and you will be buried in peace" (2 Kings 22:19, 20). A few years ago, going to church was a challenge for me. I told myself it wasn't a faith thing. I had lots of excuses. It was a long drive. I had to get up too early. I was ti...

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Inspired Movement

Then the Spirit of the Lord came on Gideon, and he blew a trumpet,summoning the Abiezrites to follow him (Judges 6: 34-35). When we look at all the amazing heroes God has inspired in the Bible, it's easy to stop with admiration. I challenge you to look deeper. God isn't just inspiring heroes, he's inspiring movements. And in all those movements, everyone plays a role. Whe...

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Blessings Are a Call to Action

"For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another placewho knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?" Esther 4:14 Recently, I was talking to a friend about all the great things we would do if we won the lottery. With all that money and influence, what blessings we could bring to the commu...

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What Did You REALLY Do This Weekend?

"If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lameand are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel:It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth." (Acts 4: 8-10) On any given weekend, I do things connected to our Church. My family joins others for a small group Bible study on Friday. I might ...

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Conversation Starters

Whenever the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entranceto the tent, they all stood and worshiped, each at the entrance to their tent.The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend (Exodus 33: 10-11). How are you doing? Let's catch up! Do you want to grab a cup of coffee? Mind if I join you? Can we go for a walk? We should grab lunch! He...

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Stepping into the Gap

"I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one." Ezekiel 22: 30 Ezekiel is a dark chapter in the Bible and is difficult to work through, but since it is summertime let us start with Jimmy Buffett. Please indulge me. In one of his biggest hits Jimmy Buff...

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That Sinking Feeling

When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy templeBut I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, "Salvation comes from the Lord!" (Jonah 2: 7, 9) I do not know a lot about marine biology. My education comes from either watching Shark Week or Hollywood movies. Wh...

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Check Your Notification Settings

Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws. Great peace have those who love your laws, and nothing can make them stumble. I wait for your salvation, Lord, and I follow your commands. Psalm 119: 164-166 I have a confession to share. When I first read through these verses, I thought to myself, "Seven times a day? Ain't nobody got time for that!". While contempla...

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More Nourishing Than a Hot Dog?

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry (Matthew 4: 1-2). When I was recently at a cookout, my eldest son, Liam, kept coming up to me. "When is dinner going to be ready?" Then, "I'm hungry!". And finally, "I'm starving!" Luckily for him, it only took me a few minutes to...

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