How Comparison and Blame will Steal Your Peace and Joy
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How Comparison and Blame will Steal Your Peace and Joy

Have you ever heard someone blame Adam and Eve for the pain and problems of this sinful world? It’s what we do, isn’t it? We blame. Eve blamed the “serpent” and Adam blamed “the woman [God] gave [him].” (Genesis 3:12–13) We’re always tempted to play the blame game saying, “I’m not guilty. I’m a victim….

How You Can Find the Balance Between Self-Love & Love for Others
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How You Can Find the Balance Between Self-Love & Love for Others

People seem to be fascinated with the subject of self-love lately. Even in the faith community, we’ve bought into the idea that we can’t love others well until we love ourselves well. After all, Jesus said: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ Matthew 22:39 But I wonder if putting self-love first doesn’t tempt us…

Why It’s Important to Know & Speak the Truth that Helps Eternally
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Why It’s Important to Know & Speak the Truth that Helps Eternally

I often struggle with the amped-up ugly interactions that are so prevalent in our current society. I’ve prayerfully asked God to help me look past my own agitation and choose my words here carefully. And I’d like to ask you a question… What’s most important? Popularity? Recognition? Your opinion? Your friend’s opinions? Or the truth? It’s hard to know…

What Does it Mean that God Works Things Together for Our Good?
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What Does it Mean that God Works Things Together for Our Good?

Fourteen years ago, our friends started calling us a “high maintenance prayer family.” It seemed like we were experiencing one crisis after another. Some of the circumstances were the results of other people’s choices, a few caused by decisions we made, and some were simply health problems allowed by God. As is typical of life,…

5 Helpful Ways to Replace Your Fear with Strength Today
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5 Helpful Ways to Replace Your Fear with Strength Today

I can’t. I know I’m not strong enough to deal with that. I’m afraid! What’s that thing that makes your palms sweat and your heart race? The thing you fear most. The thing you beg God not to allow—telling Him you’re not strong enough. Those who want to motivate and inspire you might say: You’re stronger than…

Courage is God’s Strength Helping You Live One Day at a Time
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Courage is God’s Strength Helping You Live One Day at a Time

Like you, I’ve had times when I needed courage for big problems that delivered big fears. There was the time our first grandson spent months in the NICU. And the one when Rev was sick for over a year with constrictive pericarditis. There have also been losses that changed everything and caused persistent grief.  …

How God Will Help You Do Everything with “Agape” Love
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How God Will Help You Do Everything with “Agape” Love

“Do everything with love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14 Paul wrote these words as part of his final instructions in his first letter to the church in Corinth. The Greek word for love in this verse is “agape” . . . love that is: Unconcerned with the self and concerned with the greatest good of another. Agape isn’t born…

How You Can Know God will Faithfully Keep You Now and Always
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How You Can Know God will Faithfully Keep You Now and Always

Do you have things you consider “keepers”? Things you know you couldn’t leave behind if you were told to evacuate your home or community? I think we all have photos and other treasures we cherish. But I think our greatest treasures are the people we love. Did you know that God considers you a “keeper”? You…

5 Important Things to Do When Difficult People Rob Your Sunshine
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5 Important Things to Do When Difficult People Rob Your Sunshine

Okay, I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not Suzie Sunshine every day. I know, shocking right?! But like you, I have days when I’m… Frustrated. Annoyed. Upset. Tired. Discouraged. _________. And even on a good day, it only takes one or two interactions with difficult people to make my sunny day gloomy. So,…

5 Verses that will Inspire You with Hope and Encouragement
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5 Verses that will Inspire You with Hope and Encouragement

I don’t know about you, but this is the time of year when I really need a bit of encouragement. The fun of the holidays is long past, the anticipation of the new year has fallen into a winter routine, the resolutions I believed would be good habits are sporadic at best, and well, it’s…