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Worry Dethroned
I’m a natural worrier. The twist of my gut, the contortions of my mind intended to untwist the gut, the acceptance of my good plan, then the knowing there is no good plan, not really. The twist of my gut, the contortions of my mind intended . . . around and around. Minutes, sometimes hours. A few mornings ago, a truth came to me through that little portal, the one we all possess. The one where the Spirit whispers, “Look!” “W.O.R.R.Y. doesn’t work. You know it doesn’t, even when you think it does. It’s entirely backwards: Y.R.R.O.W” I jotted down the letters on a piece of paper and the acrostic…
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The Fringes of Victory, John G. Paton
Does loss haunt you? Does it cause you to be insecure about your relationship to God? John G. Paton (1824-1907) suffered losses beyond the experience of most. A month after establishing a mission station in the heart of the warring and human flesh eating people of the islands of Vanuatu, his wife died from complications of malaria. Two weeks after his wife’s death, his newborn son also died. Alone but for native helpers, Paton suffered great losses for the next three years: bouts of malaria, constant death threats, frequent native wars, a serious outbreak of measles purposely brought by a sandalwood trader to the islands to wipe out the natives,…
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Submitting to Sadness, Romans 8:28
“Real pain can alone cure us of imaginary ills.” Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) Please follow and like us:
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When God Unbuilds You
I feel your bad time. I’ve been there. The there that feels ragged and gut wrenching. You feel at times like your life is over. You need comfort. May I offer some? You can only lose that which wasn’t eternal. Seems harsh, right? Seems like you will forever have to live in a world undone, washed away, blown away, stolen. What is left? When all is taken down is there anything left? Yes! Your foundation which is Christ. He is enough. Trust this for now. He IS enough. And when He becomes enough you will find He is rebuilding a new structure, a glorious one; one you never dreamed you…
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Between Two Minds: Romans 12:1-2
Are you afraid or confused or discouraged? What an excellent time to give honor to the Mind of Christ. This is not the knowledge of good and evil which brought you to your present distress. No, this is the mind which is rooted in Life Himself and only brings life to those who honor His mind’s unearthly glory and power. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you…
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Taking the “I” Out of 2013’s New Years Resolutions
A New Years Prayer: Have Your way with me Lord no matter what I think Give me the year You desire and give me the grace to let go Lead me into the paths You have planned even when I am afraid Heal me of the lies which bind me and set me free every day by Your truth I love You and thank You Lord, Your child Please follow and like us:
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Being Led by God
“There is only one basis for really enjoying life, and that is, to walk in the way in which God leads you. Then you are prepared to find delight in all sorts of wayward incidents….When a man is drifting through life, seeking nothing outside of self-gratification, the world must become increasingly a barren and forbidding wilderness. But it is wonderful how many delights fall to the lot of him who is led by God. For such a one the clasp of a friend’s hand, a cool drink in the heat of noon, a merry salutation from a passing traveler, a glimpse of beauty by the road, a quiet resting place…
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Collosians 1:24, A Secret About Why You Suffer
Yes, it’s a big secret but not the kind of secret that is known and kept hidden. No, this is a secret of the deeper life in Christ. It’s kept hidden because it is generally unknown. But listen! When you enter this kind of suffering it is a glorious time! I know you don’t feel it or see it but it is important for you to chronicle every spectrum of God’s glory, His heart, poured into you. No matter how horrible you feel about yourself, the problem, the betrayal, the loss, your experience, this piece of His glory is vital for the health of His body. “Who now rejoice in…
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“Do this in memory of me.” Breaking Your Bread
What a glorious gift you have, Beloved! “And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” That piece, the broken Christ, is yours, particularly yours. And your sharing of this life-giving morsel, feeds His Beloved and gives them life. Cast off fear. Resist shame and unworthiness. Your piece is a glorious vessel-like responsibility! Feed Him forward. Binsey Please follow and like us:
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Favoring the Fig Leaf
In the beginning, when great innocence reigned, and fellowship with God was constant and normal, good and evil didn’t have residence in dust-made human flesh. Without an ear to listen to that loudest of deadly sounds, the knowledge of good and evil didn’t have a voice. But when that moment came, that moment of large enough doubt to tempt Eve to believe that God was holding out something desirable, something to “make one wise,” it happened: the knowledge of good and evil found an ear. An ear where its powerful and loud voice would lead to death by shame. Shame requires a cover and cover, we do. Most of us,…
