I recently read this verse: “Pray without ceasing…”1 Thessalonian 5:16 The hamster on the wheel in my brain started its spin. What does it look like to pray without ceasing? Is it even possible? A medium dive into this took me down several paths. Namely–– Why do we pray? How do we pray? Who enables us to pray? What makes prayer powerful? Years ago, a portion...
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In recent years, Jesus has liberated me from thinking I'm responsible for outcomes. So today, I hold outcomes far more loosely. I think I was trying to play God in those early years (without meaning to). If I reach out to this person, I bet this may happen! If I help this family member, I bet this will be the result! If/Then...
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Context is everything as is perception. Both can be game changers when it comes to giving thanks. The book of Thessalonians was written to people who were being persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul, its author, wanted his readers to know they could live (or die) with HOPE. Jesus rose from the grave and they could look...
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“Humility is the perfect quietness of heart. It is to expect nothing, to wonder at nothing that is done to me, to feel nothing done against me. It is to be at rest when nobody praises me, and when I am blamed or despised. It is to have a blessed home in the Lord, where I can go in and...
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This week we get to unpack what Jennie Allen called “the transforming power of awe.” She says, “Delight in God and His goodness tears down our walls and allows hope, trust, and worship to flood in.” Cynicism is the direct opposite of this. The cynic is always waiting for the rug to get pulled out from under them. Cynics may call themselves...
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They say that to be an expert at something, you need 10,000 hours of experience. Turns out I’m an expert at worrying and being anxious. Ten thousand hours throughout my lifetime translates into roughly 30 minutes of anxious/worrisome daily thoughts. I’m embarrassed to admit that that number is a cakewalk for me. Jennie Allen says that one of the greatest tools the...
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Years ago, I was volunteering with the Wednesday night kids ministry. I and another gal were keeping an eye on the older elementary kids as they burned off some steam by throwing balls and chasing one another. It was chaos. The other woman looked at me and said, "You know, when Pastor talked about the need for help in the...
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A passing thunderstorm had not been kind. A sentimental tree did not survive, outdoor items were long lost, and the porch took a hit. The cherry on top was a sick puppy. At the risk of sharing too much information, I'll just say that the little shaver had more going out of his body than what was going in. I was...
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Obedience and faith are something that believers are called to pursue. The reward is great for both. But there can be a fine line between obedience which leads to peace, and obedience rooted in legalism. I've witnessed people I love leave the church (or other Christian communities) because legalism superseded grace. There is no hurt quite like "church hurt." Most of...
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In recent weeks I found myself in a prayer "funk." It’s a gift to be able to pray without ceasing––while we drive, do dishes, or walk the dog. Because we can pray while we simultaneously move through life, we get to be in constant communication with God. While we’re “chatting” we also have the privilege of offering intercessory prayers. Scripture is...
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