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Here Is The Truth About Trying To Imitate Jesus
Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!—Romans 7:25a (NIV) It had been a day. Instead of being patient and charitable toward a loved one, I snapped with frustration and said things—unkind things—in anger. I know better. Giving voice to my angry thoughts never makes me feel better. It only makes… -
Finding Security When You Feel Shaken By Change
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”—Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)Change is in the air—literally. Here in Virginia the vibrant, colorful leaves have already marked the arrival of autumn. Now as they swirl and fall… -
A Longing Fulfilled: The Beautiful Upside To Deferred Hope
But a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.—Proverbs 13:12b (NIV)Dumbfounded, I watched my friend burst into tears as she read the email. “Can you believe this?” she asked.“Yes,” I replied, trying to understand her confusion. “This is what I’ve been praying for. Haven’t you?”She hesitated a moment and then answered, “Yes, but I thought… -
What Will God’s New And Improved Creation Look Like?
“See, I will create new heavens and a new earth.”—Isaiah 65:17a (NIV)Sighing with resignation, I deleted the paragraph I had just written. The words just didn’t reflect my idea. Writing can be exhilarating—and frustrating. Sometimes the words flow easily. But most of the time it’s a process of writing, rewriting, and then rewriting some more…. -
When Called To Wait, Surrender Actually Brings Powerful Peace
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.—Philippians 4:5-7 (NIV)My anxious eyes… -
Jesus Is The Truth We Need To Free Ourselves
But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.—1 Timothy 1:16 (NIV)Are you acquainted with mountain top experiences? The term comes from times when God interacted… -
Surprised By Suffering? Let It Be A Great Gift
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.—1 Peter 4:12-13 (NIV)The road sign immediately caught… -
How To Experience Perfect Peace In An Imperfect World
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.—Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)Walking across the gangplank, I breathed a sigh of pure contentment. My husband and I had waited for months to start this much-needed vacation. Cruising, unlike other forms of travel, feels stress free. We pay for everything in… -
Better To Know Others Well Than To Be Well Known
In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. Acts 9:36 (NIV)Caught off guard, I turned away so she couldn’t see my face. My friend didn’t mean to be malicious, but her careless words left me seething.What did she mean by…
