Posted November 25, 2013 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
Jeremiah 24:6 (New Century Version)
I will look after them and bring them back to the land of Judah. I will not tear them down, but I will build them up. I will not pull them up, but I will plant them so they can grow.
Consider
It’s unhealthy and hurtful but we’ve all experienced it—the temptation to build ourselves up by tearing others down, to prove our superiority by exposing another person’s flaws. Sometimes the barbs are subtle—an innocuous comment that nevertheless stings because it feels like an insult. Other attacks are more blatant—
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Posted November 18, 2013 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
Luke 6:27-31 (The Amplified Bible)
But I say to you who are listening now to Me: love your enemies, treat well those who detest you and pursue you with hatred, invoke blessings upon and pray for the happiness of those who curse you, implore God’s blessing upon those who abuse you.
Consider
Intellectually, we may be sold on the idea that forgiveness is good medicine for us and for our troubled relationships. But requiring that we love and bless our enemies may seem a little too much for God to ask.
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Posted November 11, 2013 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
Ecclesiastes 7:29 (The Living Bible)
And I found that though God has made men upright, each has turned away to follow his own downward road.
Consider
The good news for us is, God made men and women to be good, true and upright, virtuous. He did not create us to be sinful and to do evil but to do good works. God designed us to be part of his perfect creation and to be fit companions for his holy and loving presence. But sin interferes. We know firsthand the terrible persuasive power of sin to twist and corrupt what God has set in place.
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Posted November 4, 2013 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
Mark 1:35 (New International Version)
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Consider
How Jesus loved to spend time with his Father! In the wee hours of the morning, it’s as if he heard the Father whisper, “Get up and walk with Me. I have something to show you.” And Jesus would leave his warm bed and follow his Father out into the cold, quiet darkness, anticipating the joy of being together and listening to his Father’s voice.
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