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Stop striving
“You must deny yourselves and not do any work because on this day atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you. Then, before the LORD, you will be clean from all your sins” (Leviticus 16:29-30). Do you ever feel like a…
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Faith or phobia?
Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save…
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Get out of your comfort zone!
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. (Matthew 14:28-29) Many of us think that the call of Christ is a call to play it safe, but the reality is much…
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The empty pursuit of safety
“Risk your life and get more than you ever dreamed of. Play it safe and end up holding the bag” (Matthew 19:26, Message). I think Americans are becoming too safety conscious. We’ve become the most risk-adverse generation in history. We’ve…
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Of gratitude, generosity and firewood
“Your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God” (2 Corinthians 9:11). Have you noticed how gratitude and generosity are connected? People who see their possessions as a gift from God show gratitude. They are full of thanks. Since they recognize…
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Paperwork vs. Peoplework
“Jesus stopped and called them. ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ he asked” (Matthew 20:32 NIV). Jesus was always “stopping.” His ministry was marked as much by its singular focus on the cross as it was on its…
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Help from Canada
“Those who are far away will come and help to build the temple of the LORD, and you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to you. This will happen if you diligently obey the LORD your God”…
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Simplify life
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19 NIV). Are your hands too full to enjoy life? Do you ever feel overwhelmed and almost dizzy with the busyness and urgency of the day?…
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Study break
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV). I started taking an annual study break at the end of the year over 10…
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Where is this Prince of Peace?
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6 NIV). “Peace, peace,…