Tag: Jesus Christ
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Beware of the Green-eyed Monster!
The creature is hard to see, slithering unaware and whispering deceptions. Those who are susceptible listen to its riveting voice and are mesmerized by its words. Much like the original serpent who lured Eve into doubting the Creator’s instructions, it cleverly plants seeds of discontent. They grow into fields of resentment with sharp burs that…
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Easter Every Day
“Happy Birthday, Easter!” my two-year-old grandson proudly exclaimed. He had tuned in to the excitement of the day without having a clue what it was about. He repeated it with assurance, happy to be a part of the party. My grandson got it right. We celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus every year. He doesn’t yet…
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Remember Your Identity
It’s time for me to come out. I am a woman, and I am a pastor. I lead a church, and I teach men and women alike. I love Jesus with all my heart, and I have no doubt that He has called me. But, not everyone agrees. Not everyone understands. They interpret certain passages…
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Working Together with Jesus
I called Aimee* to check on her. As the newly appointed pastor of a church, I like to connect with my congregation and see how they’re doing. Toward the end of the call, I asked if there was anything I could pray about. Aimee asked me to pray for God to heal her eye. Several…
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God Calls Unexpected People
The women fled from the tomb, trembling and bewildered, and they said nothing to anyone because they were too frightened. Mark 16:8 NLT This is the shorter ending of the Gospel of Mark based on the most ancient manuscripts. Does this surprise you? It lacks faith and falls short of what we’d expect of people…
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Seven Tips for Restoring Relationships
When God saves us, He never leaves us where He finds us. He provides for our transformation and healing by the Holy Spirit. Often it is a messy process. Full disclosure: My healing process has been messy, and I have hurt others dear to me in my attempt to find wholeness. The last ten years…
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Walk in Faith, Not Fear
It was a perfect day for a hike. My husband picked out the trail, a 31-minute drive from our house. The rock pathway stretched out before us, inviting us to enjoy the beauty of nature. The sheered basalt cliffs framed the area on both sides. The trees, bushes, and flowers burst forth with the colors…
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The Trust that Gets God’s Attention
His name was Jonathan. We were in the same first grade class. One day I made him angry by winning a race in PE, dethroning him as the fastest runner in first grade. Jonathan threatened to beat me up after school. Every day as soon as the dismissal bell rang, I shot out of the…
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The Beauty of Diversity
For the last few weeks, I have been listening to a fabulous sermon series on diversity. It has expressed what I have experienced throughout my lifetime. Yes, diversity is important, but it is deeper than making sure that we are politically and socially correct. This goes beyond hiring different ethnicities and genders to ensure there…
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Mental Health & Jesus
The month of May has been designated for Mental Health Awareness since 1949. I am grateful that the subject of mental health is increasingly part of the public conversation. According to the National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI), one in five adults and one in six youth (ages six to seventeen) experience mental illness. These…
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