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How a Stroke Saved an Ornery Old Farmer
So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For our slight, momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen, for what… Continue reading
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What is More Important, Love or Right Beliefs?
In his book, “The Wounded Healer,” Henri Nouwen tells the story of a young fugitive who was taken in by people of a small village and given a place to stay. Eventually, however, enemy soldiers came and demanded to be told where the young man was hiding. When the people hesitated, the soldiers threatened to… Continue reading
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Sweet after Bitter, a Personal Story
Our daughter, Sara, married a wonderful man. As it was a second marriage for both her and Mark, you know there were past difficult circumstances. Here is Mark’s description, in his own words, of the violent storm he was forced to weather: In 2020 my world was turned upside down with the news that my… Continue reading
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Like Helen Keller—“A Misty Consciousness Returning!”
In her autobiography, Helen Keller explains a mystery that has puzzled me since childhood—how could a blind and deaf person come to understand language? She says that after experiencing only frustration and anger as Ann Sullivan tried to teach her the meaning of words, the “aha moment” came while they strolled together in the yard.… Continue reading
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Quick Hits: Who Sustains You?
God’s presence sustains us, but so too does the presence of others. In order to be emotionally and spiritually healthy, we need family or friends whose face tells us, “It is good that you exist. I like being with you. You belong.” In other words, we need love and we need it in the same… Continue reading
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What Do You Think, are Angels Present in Church?
In a perplexing passage, Paul says that in worship services a woman “ought to have a symbol of authority over her head, because of the angels.” He is speaking about head coverings concerning which various interpretations have been given–a shawl, a veil, long hair or long hair not let down. Apparently he’s referencing some first… Continue reading
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What Wild Animals Come Rushing at You?
The real problem of the Christian life comes where people do not usually look for it . . . the very moment you wake up each morning. All your wishes and hopes for the day rush at you like wild animals. And the first job each morning consists simply in shoving them all back; in… Continue reading
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A Nagging Question that Prevents Us from Fully Giving Our Hearts to God
Even those of us who have firmly decided to follow Jesus often don’t trust him unconditionally because of one big problem–pain and suffering. We can only trust someone to the extent we believe they are good and therefore have our best interests at heart. We will hold back from fully giving our hearts to God… Continue reading