Tag: perspective
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Pure Heart [1-minute read]
11One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend.–Proverbs 22 I was verbally bullied in middle school and high school, and I never fought back. Inside I was devising words to say and responses to give. With my friends we would have verbal sparring sessions where…
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Just and Right [1-minute read]
3To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.–Proverbs 21 The tension here: This misses the point of the holy life that God expects of me. I used to be this way when I was younger and journeying with addiction. I would live however I wanted and then pray the same…
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Dive Deep [1-minute read]
5The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.–Proverbs 20 I DO WHAT I DO, BECAUSE I WANT WHAT I WANT. That statement describes everyone’s story. Many people claim that they have a struggle, but they don’t struggle. Why? Because they want what they want.…
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Jerry and Terry [1-minute read]
20Listen to advice and accept instruction,that you may gain wisdom in the future.–Proverbs 19 Many years ago, I was in the early days of youth ministry. An intern in Racine, Wisconsin. The youth group and I had planned a fun event that we hoped would become a repeatable thing they could invite their friends to.…
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The End [1-minute read]
6For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on…
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Lovers [1-minute read]
1But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good,4treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5having the appearance of…
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Discipline [1-minute read]
1You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. 3Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim…
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Lois and Eunice
5I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.–2 Timothy 1 I am a parent. And like most Christian parents, I pray over and for my kids each day. My wife loves to pray…
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Fight or Flight
10For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. 11But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 12Fight the good fight of the…
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Paid? [1-minute read]
17Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 18For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.”–1 Timothy 5 I have met people who think that pastors should work other jobs and…