Posted September 22, 2014 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
Romans 8:26-27 (New International Version)
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
Consider
When we feel angry and hurt over someone’s unfair treatment of us, the idea of praying for the good of this person may seem an impossible task. It’s probably way down on our list of things to do, right behind forgiveness.
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Posted September 15, 2014 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
John 12:36 (The Message)
As you have the light, believe in the light. Then the light will be within you, and shining through your lives. You’ll be children of light.
Matthew 5:16 (New Century Version)
In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and will praise your Father in heaven.
Consider
The apostle John states clearly in his letter to first-century Christians, “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.” Jesus came to us as Immanuel—the God-Light incarnate among us.
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Posted September 8, 2014 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
Matthew 6:20-21 (New Century Version)
“Store your treasures in heaven where they cannot be destroyed by moths or rust and where thieves cannot break in and steal them. Your heart will be where your treasure is.”
Consider
Whom do you treasure most in your life? You’ll find your heart invested in that relationship.
Loving is risky business. We invest ourselves in love relationships hoping for a high rate of return. In looking to others to fulfill our needs, however, we expose our soft underbelly and open ourselves to the possibility of being disappointed and hurt.
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Posted August 25, 2014 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
Hebrews 13:16 (The Living Bible)
Don’t forget to do good and to share what you have with those in need, for such sacrifices are very pleasing to [God].
Consider
It’s an interesting statement: Don’t forget to do good. In other words, remind yourself to follow God’s ways. Don’t get caught up in your own agenda, but consider what good and right and helpful action you might take in every situation and relationship.
This advice can be difficult to heed, especially when others treat us badly.
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Posted August 18, 2014 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
Matthew 15:10-11,18-19 (Good News Bible)
Then Jesus called the crowd to him and said to them, “Listen and understand! It is not what goes into your mouth that makes you ritually unclean; rather, what comes out of it makes you unclean.…the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these are the things that make you ritually unclean. For from your heart come the evil ideas which lead you to kill, commit adultery, and do other immoral things: to rob, lie, and slander others.”
Consider
Can a relationship make you unclean?
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