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I pray that out of his glorious riches, he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, (Ephesians 3:16) My mom is very fond of the band DC Talk. She likes their music, but she also enjoyed feeling like a rebel as a teenager, because her mom disapproved of the music. A completely different rollercoaster from the oldies and gospel music my grandma ...
Keep ReadingBut in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. (Hebrews 1:2) I don't know about you, but in the middle of the Christmas season, I find myself constantly reminded of the beauty that encapsulates this time of year. It's a season marked by new hope, waiting, and patient expectation. We ...
Keep ReadingWhen they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. (Luke 2:17-18) The shepherds were not the obvious choice to be the first evangelists. They were marginal, overlooked by society, and lived on the edges of the community, taking care of their sheep. But on th...
Keep ReadingBut what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess ...
Keep ReadingBeing strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. (Colossians 1:11-12) With all the current pandemonium, do you find yourself longing and praying for peace? Stress, anxiety,...
Keep ReadingLive such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us (1 Peter 2:9-17). Bansky's Girl with Balloon depicts a black-and-white girl letting go of a conspicuous, bright red balloon. It's been one of my favorite pieces because of its simplicity and intriguing history. Bansky util...
Keep ReadingNot so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Mark 10:35-45) In our scripture this week, Jesus dramatically redefines greatness. The disciples James and John approached Hi...
Keep ReadingAll the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had (Acts 4:32). When I was younger, my brothers and I each had a glass jar with our name on it sitting on the counter. The jars had lines on them, each line labeled something like "get ice cream," "see a movie," or "go to McDonald's." ...
Keep ReadingHe fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" "Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked. "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," he replied. "Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do" (Acts 9:4-6). In Acts 9, we find the incredible story of Saul's transformationa moment that changed the course of his life an...
Keep ReadingThey saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them, (Acts 2:3-4). Tongues of fire! As someone fond of poetry and art, I love that vivid imagery. Our scripture this week references the Spirit's gift of tongues. I think it's b...
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