If They Keep Silent

As he rode along, the crowds spread out their garments on the road ahead of him. When he reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of his followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen. “Blessings on…

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They Are Not All the Same

And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives. Jude 22–23 (NLT) Our mission field is filled with great opportunities while simultaneously confronting us with…

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Expectations

  She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem. Luke 2:38 (NLT) Expectations are funny things. At times, we have “great expectations,” while we only anticipate disappointment or dread…

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Got Hope?

Where then is my hope? Can anyone find it? Job 17:15 (NLT) The Associated Press reported last week that the number of suicides last year in the United States reached an all-time high of 49,500 people. While other factors may be involved, hopelessness was undoubtedly a significant factor. Is there anything that we can do…

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No Excuses

Don’t excuse yourself by saying, “Look, we didn’t know.” For God understands all hearts, and he sees you. He who guards your soul knows you knew. He will repay all people as their actions deserve. Proverbs 24:12 (NLT) Humanity has been making excuses from the very beginning. It has almost become an art form. Adam…

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Do Not Be Afraid

“O Most High, when I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” (Psalm 56:2–3, NRSV) You may have heard the claim that there are 365 references in the Bible to “fear not” or “do not be afraid.” However, a check of popular translations does not support this claim or is it a meme? I…

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An Ounce of Prevention?

Masks on young people

“They will be in despair, and all the workers will be sick at heart.” (Isaiah 19:10, NLT) It was Benjamin Franklin who said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Few people would dispute the wisdom of this advice, recognizing that if you can prevent a problem with a little effort in…

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