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In: Bible and Theology, Lament, Prayer and Devotions, Suffering

“ And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” (Luke 9:23-24) In a classic putting of the cart before the horse, the rabbi’s words are delivered to us as the verse of the day the day after his disciple Peter expounded on it. In context, this speech is recorded right after  Peter confesses Jesus is not simply another John the Baptist, Elijah, or some other prophet, but the Christ,Read More →

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In: Bible and Theology, Fear and Anxiety, Prayer and Devotions

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” When we’re feeling so discouraged, frightened and dismayed is saying the least, this verse can feel like more expectations we can’t possibly live up to. But there’s a difference between God and Man. When the Lord commands someone to do the impossible, a miracle bringing his word to pass usually accompanies the person’s faithful obedience. Not surprising, then, that the context of this verse is both another promise he will never leave us nor forsake us,Read More →

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In: Bible and Theology, Faith, Lament, Prayer and Devotions

“But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside.” (Job 23:10-11) In Job 22, Eliaz told Job, that to have suffered so greatly, he must have done something horribly wrong and accuses him of a whole list of wicked deeds. He tells him to agree with God who had judged him, repent, and he will be at peace and good will come to him. (Which would be good advice, if Job was actually suffering the wages ofRead More →

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In: Dreams and Spiritual Warfare

I’ve been attacked in my dreams for the last two nights. I wake up but can’t move, I see the room and there are dark shadowy figures moving around me. There are flashes of lights swirling around the room. Last night, I kept feeling a hand on my shoulder and I realized it was not my husband’s, the first thought that jumped in my head was that it was my father’s. He had a very strange suicide almost two years ago which has affected me in ways unimaginable. But I’ve grown and felt like I was letting it go. I recently sent off a packageRead More →