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In: Bible and Theology, God's Character, Gospel, Grace, Lament, Prayer and Devotions

What keeps us from praying and abiding with God? Sometimes, we like to claim we’re simply busy, but we make time in our busy schedules for the things and people we love, don’t we? So why do we avoid God? What are we afraid of? What are we hiding? Is it just God, or do we draw back from close, intimate relationship with others for fear of being exposed? Even the Lord Himself did not entrust himself to men, for he knew what was in the hearts of men, but we were created for fellowship and communion with God and our brothers and sisters inRead More →

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

Lord, in Zephaniah, chapter 3, you told the daughter of Zion to rejoice for you had taken away the judgments against her, and we know, through your death and resurrection, we also who were strangers afar off are now included in your promises and blessings to your people Israel. I pray that you, our king, would be in our midst, and that we shall never again fear evil. Let our hands not grow weak, but let us thank you, the mighty one who has saved us. Rejoice over us with gladness and quiet us with your love. Exult over us with loud singing. Gather those ofRead More →

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

Abba Father, Sorrow comes, you are God. Happiness comes, you are God. Anger comes, you are God. Peace comes, you are God. Poverty comes, you are God. Riches come, you are God. Pain comes, you are God. Pleasure comes, you are God. Whatever our physical or emotional condition, you are God, and we are your children, the sheep of your pasture, and you hold us in your hand. Nothing can separate us from your love. May we love you and serve you, and pour our hearts out to you today, whether we have joy or sorrow to lift up to you. May we trust inRead More →

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Yesterday, we considered that, what the world tells us are weaknesses that disqualify us for ministry, and should be hidden in shame, God declares, through these weaknesses, he can do a perfect work so mighty, we ought to “boast” about these things. Today, on Christmas Eve, my mind turns along these same lines to a group of lowly shepherds keeping watch over their sheep by night. What were their great ministry qualifications? None. They were poor shepherds, ordinary people, and hardly in an impressive occupation. Shepherding was a grueling, 24/7 occupation that left little time for participating in the religious life of ancient Israel. TheyRead More →

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In: Bible and Theology

What prevents us from following God’s call? For a number of us, it is a simple question, “who am I?” The world demands an answer from us. Often, we’re pressured to be the best, to excel, to prove our worth, and, in this economy especially, “why should I hire you over the thousands of others? What sets you apart?” If you find yourself answering, “You shouldn’t. I am nothing special,” you are not alone in your self doubt. I and a tragic thousands other struggle with that inner-critic. Too often, we end up telling god that also. “Lord, I’ve never been the worst of sinners, norRead More →