being the church
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Are You Dull?
One becomes dull and apathetic when life is consumed with self comfort and entertainment. Step out. Reach out. Volunteering and service warms the heart and grows the person. Put others first without expecting anything in return. Surprise is awaiting…
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We Can’t Force a Person to Grow
Yesterday I meditated on some Henri Nouwen and came away with this… Just as we cannot force a plant to grow but can take away the weeds and stones which prevent its development, so we cannot force anyone to grow, but we can offer the space for such a change can take place. We can…
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Giving Thanks
“Each day that we live, he provides for our needs and gives us the strength of a young eagle. For all who are mistreated, the [Lord] brings justice. The [Lord] is merciful! He is kind and patient, and his love never fails. The [Lord] won’t always be angry and point out our sins; he doesn’t…
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My Morning Worship (Day of Prayer)
I am meditating on this passage this morning in my day of prayer… “Let the name of the [Lord] be praised now and forever. From dawn until sunset the name of the [Lord] deserves to be praised. The [Lord] is far above all of the nations; he is more glorious than the heavens. No one…
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Simply Be Present
“Never underestimate the importance of simply being physically present in the place God wants you. You may not be asked to perform some dramatic ministry, but simply being there is a ministry.” – Warren W. Wiersbe
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From Anxious Planning to Peaceful Trust
I was awake today at 5am anxious about the Fall planning and my long list of things to do and people to care for. I prayed and fell back asleep. When I awoke to read the Word at 6:30am, I read this… Psalm 37:5-7 NIRV “Commit your life to the Lord. Here is what he…
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Helping the Hurting
I’m realizing as we head home from a week vacation… My list of those who are ill, hurting, dying or who are walking loved ones through terminal illness seems to be growing. I’m reminded of when Jesus wept over Lazarus. When I get home and out of this can of (loving and adorable) sardines, first…
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Our Response
“Worship is the believer’s response of all that he is – mind, emotions, will, and body – to all that God is and says and does. This response has its mystical side in subjective experience, and its practical side in objective obedience to God’s revealed truth. It is a loving response that is balanced by…
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Praising God in The Midst of Trials
“Every time we experience a trial, the world watches to see the substance of our faith – watches to see if we maintain our love and devotion; watches to see if God will see us through this difficult time. There may often be no better way to minister to others than to simply praise God…
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Afflictions We Can’t Understand
“Even to ourselves come afflictions that we cannot understand, and Satan seems so busy in the matter that it is hard to trace the hand of the Lord in it at all. But His hand is in it nevertheless, and He overrules everything. No trial comes except by His permission and for some wise and…
Following and Trusting : Encountering God Out of the Box 