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In: Bible and Theology, God's Character, Idols, Sin and Holiness

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,” (Colossians 3:12) Then tells us we need to ask: why are we, God’s chosen holy and beloved ones to put on compassion, kindness, meekness and patience? What are we missing by not asking why? The answer to that question for this verse, and to the same question regarding an earlier list of  sinful inclinations of our fallen flesh that we’re to put to death, is found in verses 1-4 and 11: If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated atRead More →

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In: Bible and Theology, God's love, Prayer and Devotions

Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David. Isaiah 55:2,3 I think we’ve all found ourselves there, constantly doing, or eating, and never being satisfied, done, or full. We forget what we are really hungry for can’t be found in the rat race, or at the buffet line,  but in a still, quietRead More →

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In: Bible and Theology, Forgiveness, Grace, Prayer and Devotions

Do not hate a fellow Israelite in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in their guilt. Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD. Lev 19:17,18 Quite odd verses to put together. It appears to be saying: Don’t hate your fellow Christian in your heart, but rebuke them openly, for looking the other way at sin makes you complicit in it. Don’t take revenge or bear grudges, but love your neighbor as yourself. It’s odd to us because we have often been led to believe byRead More →

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In: Bible and Theology, Faith, God's Character, God's love, God's promises, Prayer and Devotions

“Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations,” (Deuteronomy 7:9) Why do we know this? Verses 6-8 tells us we are his treasured possession, chosen out of all the world. He reminds us, in choosing the nation of Israel to be his (a nation whom we are joined to through the blood of His son) he choose not a nation great in numbers, but the fewest of all peoples. It doesn’t matter how small and insignificant you are to God. What mattersRead More →

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In: Bible and Theology, God's Character, Prayer and Devotions, Sin and Holiness

“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,” (1 Peter 3:15) Quite a bit packed into this one verse. First,  Peter reminds us Christ isn’t like us. He’s holy, not a sinner, and should be honored as such. If we don’t watch ourselves, we will project our sinful thinking onto Christ to justify our pet sins, since, obviously, Jesus would think that is okay (often we pull out our sinful version of love here.)Read More →