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“Don’t You Care?”
The refugees were fatigued and distressed. Now trapped, they could not escape. Impassible mountains surrounded them on one side and impenetrable forts on the other. In front stretched the Red Sea, preventing their advance. Closely behind marched the enemy, preventing their retreat. There stood millions of Israelites in shock, unable to understand why God had paraded them like royalty out of Egypt and now guided them straight into a watery grave. Fear drowned their souls in despair. Many cried out to God, “Don’t you care that we are dying?” The disciples were fatigued and distressed. Now trapped, they could not escape. Towering mountains surrounded them to the east and hills to…
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Back to School Prayers
It’s been a little over 3 weeks since my firstborn started Kindergarten. I am happy to report that for the most part, things are going great. Of course, there were a few meltdowns at first about bringing a lunch from home versus buying food in the cafeteria, but I am thinking this just goes with the territory, right? Life transitions can be tricky to navigate. And, sometimes we get so busy navigating them that it’s easy to forget one of the most important things—prayer. A year ago, I did a “Back to School Prayer Challenge” for the ministry where I work. Looking back on the posts, they’ve felt timely and…
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Ministry and Mission and Mental Illness
In the United States, May is Mental Health Awareness Month. It's the time when advocacy agencies and support groups draw our attention to the indicators, treatments and challenges for the nearly 20 percent of the population impacted by mental disorders. For one month a year we are exposed to stories, facts, figures and fundraisers with the hope that we will care. However, for many families, the stories don't surface just once a year. They are written every day in desperate hearts coping with the confusion, isolation and stigma of mental illness. And many authors of these stories are sitting in the pews of your church. Did you know that? While…
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The Tale of a Traitor
There are many wonderful heroes and traitorous foes in the pages of the Bible. Both good and bad share in the human frailties that come from being made of dust. Noble heroes of faith surrounded by their unbelieving, accusing and deadly opponents are found in every book. However, tucked in the corner of a bigger story we find some who pose in the OT as worshipers of Jehovah or in the NT as Christ followers. They would fade into the background of the story if not for the amazing crossroads where their half-hearted faith meets their whole-hearted greed or hatred. Judas Iscariot was just such a man. Speaking of Judas,…
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A Morning Prayer
Soul care requires us to realize our utter dependence on Christ who said, “Apart from me, you can do nothing,” (John 15:5). Today I read this morning prayer by John Baillie (1886-1960) and felt its message was perfect to share with you: O God my Creator and Redeemer, I may not go forth today except You accompany me with Your blessing. Let not the vigor and freshness of the morning, or the glow of good health, or the present prosperity of my undertakings, deceive me into a false reliance upon my own strength. All these good gifts have come to me from You. They were Yours to give and they…
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Pray and Pedal On: An Allegory of Faith
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A Morning Prayer
Soul care requires us to realize our utter dependence on Christ, who said, “Apart from me, you can do nothing,” (John 15:5). A couple of years ago I read this morning prayer by John Baillie (1886-1960) and posted it on my blog. Its message seemed perfect to share with you today: O God my Creator and Redeemer, I may not go forth today except You accompany me with Your blessing. Let not the vigor and freshness of the morning, or the glow of good health, or the present prosperity of my undertakings, deceive me into a false reliance upon my own strength. All these good gifts have come to me…
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How Does Your Garden Grow?
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When You’re Feeling Stressed about this Election
“Why are you concerned about this presidential primary?” I ask. “Because," a friend said over dinner, "someone I don't trust may gain control of our military might, our nuclear codes–someone who seems easily offended and vengeful.” “Because," another said, "I’m afraid I’m losing my homeland. It’s changing right under my feet.” “I wonder,” said another, “what are people thinking?! They don’t appear to care about issues and substance. They seem charmed by the personality of a Pied Piper.” Yesterday I was speaking to another friend who confided that it was getting to the point where she didn’t even want to let her thoughts go to the…
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Praying for America with Franklin Graham in SC: Frustrated but Hopeful
Undeterred by the 40° weather, we stand in front of the South Carolina capitol, thousands of us, joining Franklin Graham to pray for our nation. It's the fifth stop on his Decision America Tour to all fifty capitols. No other speakers. No political endorsements. The only piece of campaign literature I see is underfoot. The head of Samaritan’s Purse relief agency and the son of Billy Graham says, “I don’t have any hope for the Democratic Party.” And as Republicans begin to high-five each other he continues, “I don’t have any hope for the Republican Party. Or the Tea Party. Or any party. I don’t see…