Things That Strangle Us

As a communicator, Jesus was nothing short of remarkable. Without the assistance of a public address system or the comfort of beautiful music, soft seats, and air-conditioning, His audiences listened with rapt attention. And most of His teaching occurred outside, amidst the distractions of nature and/or the noise of busy city streets. But none of […]

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The Gathering Storm

Introduction While Jesus was indeed gentle and kind, He also took a bold stand against sin. In fact, when confronting evil dressed in the garb of religion, His formidable anger took many by surprise. He sharply rebuked the religious leaders in Israel for turning their privileged status into an opportunity to gain wealth and power. […]

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Nostalgia

Occasionally, I will hear an old song that resurrects memories in the tender spots of my soul. People and places step out of the shadows and visit with me for a brief moment or two. Does that happen to you, too? If so, you understand what’s hard to put into words. Suddenly, without announcement, nostalgia […]

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Listening to Jesus Beside the Sea

Introduction We can learn a lot about our relationship with God by studying the life of Peter. His journey with Jesus is a study in contradictions. In the midst of a raging storm, he impulsively climbed out of his boat at the invitation of Jesus to walk on water, only to divert his attention and […]

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Jesus Has a Question For You

At the zenith of His career, Jesus pulled away to the secluded area of Caesarea Philippi. On His mind was a crucial question for His disciples—and for us as well. Travel back with me to the scene as it unfolds. The surroundings are impressive. Flowing springs. Lush gardens. Monuments and temples dedicated to the worship […]

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Just Do It

Have you noticed that many of our churches have turned into extended Bible conferences, places where we love to sit and soak in the Word like sponges instead of being challenged and given opportunities to launch ourselves out into the world? Don’t get me wrong, the church is the right place to learn how to […]

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Jesus and Women

When we think of the ministry of Jesus, we immediately recall the “big” moments. His baptism. The Sermon on the Mount. His transfiguration. The miracles He performed. And, of course, His death and resurrection. But Jesus’s ministry was to people. His miracles and messages were for individuals who needed a Saviour . . . not […]

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Deepwater Faith

A funny thing happened in Darlington, Maryland, several years ago. Edith, a mother of eight, was coming home from a neighbour’s house one Saturday afternoon. Things seemed too quiet as she walked across her front garden. Curious, she peered through the door and saw five of her youngest children huddled together, concentrating on something. As […]

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Unearthing Our Walk with Christ

On more than one occasion recently I’ve found myself pondering the words of Socrates: “The unexamined life is not worth living.” That statement rings true because things tend to get complicated over time. We begin our Christian life with utter delight and simplicity. But as tradition, religion, others’ expectations, and too many activities begin to […]

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