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Let My Life Be A Song of Thanksgiving
“What will be the first thing you say to God when you get to heaven?” I remember my pastor asking this thought-provoking question during one his sermons. My inward response was quick. “Thank You.” Such inadequate words, but what else could there be to say? “Thank You for creating me. Thank You for loving me. Thank You for laying down Your life for me. Thank You for tasting death for me. Thank You for being with me every step of the way. Thank You for giving me a life more wonderful than I could ever deserve. Thank You for answered prayer. Thank You for the privilege of knowing You.” But…
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That’s My God ~ Psalm 65
Each year I try to read through the Psalms at least once. Laden with truth and rich in expression, I find that so often the cry of the Psalmist’s heart is also mine. Prayers abound that we may echo. Feelings which we often struggle to articulate are given words. But best of all, the constant theme of trust and praise reminds me to look up and hope in the Lord. One of the things I have come to love about the Psalms is how gloriously they present the character of our God. I’m learning that when I face anxiety, fear, or overwhelm—whether it be about the future or some stressor…
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Our Help and Shield
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Dear Graduate
I’ve been thinking about you this time of the year, and remembering how it felt to be just on the edge of adulthood and anticipating a new season of life. (It’s been five years, so I’m entitled to a sentimental sigh or two, right?) The excitement, the uncertainty, the unique mixture of sadness over leaving the past and the thrill of finally being done with school and ready to conquer the world! I also think about the struggles you’re going to face over the next few years, and I want to try and make the way just a little smoother for you by sharing some things I’ve learned. In fact,…
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My Favorite Devotional Books and Practical Tips for Quiet Time
Hey friends! I love a good devotional book, so I thought I’d share with you a few of my all-time favorites through the years. Of course, devotional books are never a substitute for actually reading the Bible; nor are they God’s word, so you do have to use discernment as you read them. While I didn’t agree with everything in the books I’ve listed below, yet these have all been a help and blessing to me in my Christian life. Morning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon. If you are looking for a really “meaty” devotional, this classic would be the one. It contains daily devotions for your mornings and evenings,…
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Yes, Jesus Loves Me
Ah, the favorite children’s song! At our church, we have a tradition that if your birthday falls on a service day, you get to pick your favorite hymn as part of the congregational singing. And this is the most chosen song by the little ones! As a child, you don’t doubt that Jesus loves you—it’s just a simple truth that you accept and rest in. But sometimes, as you get older, life hits. You realize what a big and broken world you live in. It’s easy to begin to wonder, With all the wars and the crime and the big things going on, how can such a great God take…
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Great and Precious Promises
Promise of love that will never forsake us, Nothing in heaven or earth can divide Those who believe and the Savior Who loves them; He intercedes Who has suffered and died. Promise of hope in a sure expectation, For He has risen and lives evermore. Confidence swelling in anticipation, Watching each day for our soon-coming Lord. Promise of grace for today's tribulation, Grace for this moment and grace for this need; Given in measure sufficient, exceeding, When at the mercy seat boldly we plead. Promise of peace that the world cannot give us, Peace which endures though the mountains remove; Peace that will keep heart and mind in the turmoil,…
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The Thoughts of God
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My Favorite Reads in 2023
Hey friends! How is it possible that we have only a few days left in this year? I like to take time during this space between Christmas and New Year’s to reflect on the goodness of God over the past months; His faithfulness in the good and the bad times. Remembering His love and provision gives me hope as we enter an uncertain year ahead. We can’t know what it will contain, but what a blessing to walk into it holding tightly to the One Who declares the end from the beginning and Who has promised to always be with us. I have been looking forward to writing this post…
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Emmanuel
Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see, Hail the incarnate Deity, Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel! Hark, the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King." Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us (Matt. 1:23). God, manifest in the flesh, with us in a sin-sick world. Almighty Lord and Creator of heaven and earth, left His glory and took on human flesh. God, inside a human body. He did not stop being God; rather, He became fully God and fully man. One night in Bethlehem, the…
