Posted October 27, 2014 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
1 Peter 5:12b (New Living Translation)
My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God’s grace for you. Stand firm in this grace.
Consider
God’s wisdom teaches us to look for his grace in every circumstance, even the most difficult and painful ones.
It’s easy to recognize God’s loving care in the blessings we receive, in circumstances that make us feel happy and secure and fortunate. But what about when disaster hits or when systems beyond our control threaten us?
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Posted October 20, 2014 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
Exodus 23:4-5 (New Living Translation)
If you come across your enemy’s ox or donkey that has strayed away, take it back to its owner. If you see that the donkey of someone who hates you has collapsed under its load, do not walk by. Instead, stop and help.
Consider
God’s way of retaliating for a harm suffered is to extend compassion and kindness to the offender. How radical is that! Even more astounding, Jesus told us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us.
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Posted October 13, 2014 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
Matthew 6:22-23 (New International Version)
The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
Consider
A familiar 16th century proverb tells us that “the eyes are the window to the soul.” It’s true: Our eyes give away clues about our moods and emotions, whether we are telling the truth or lying, whether we are excited or bored or confused.
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Posted October 6, 2014 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
Job 40:6, 8 (New Living Translation)
Then the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind.…”Will you discredit my justice and condemn me just to prove you are right?”
Consider
Why is being right so important to us? How many times have we distanced ourselves from God and from other people because we couldn’t admit to being wrong or flawed?
Too often we plan our lives and make decisions but then blame God when things don’t go our way.
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Posted September 29, 2014 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
Matthew 10:37-38 (New Century Version)
“Those who love their father or mother more than they love me are not worthy to be my followers. Those who love their son or daughter more than they love me are not worthy to be my followers. Whoever is not willing to carry the cross and follow me is not worthy of me.”
Consider
The challenge Jesus raises in his statement is as much about loyalty as it is about love. He warns us that following him may put us at odds with those we love best, and when we are forced to choose, we must be clear about where to take our stand.
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