Posted April 6, 2015 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
Psalm 5:8 (New Living Translation)
Lead me in the right path, O LORD, or my enemies will conquer me. Make your way plain for me to follow.
Consider
If I believe that someone who injures me in a relationship conflict is my enemy, then my thinking is too small.
Our enemies are the rebellious spirits who hate God and oppose his rule. They attack him by attacking what he loves—us—and they target our relationships because we are vulnerable in our need for love and connection with other people.
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Posted March 30, 2015 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
Philippians 4:11-13 (Phillips)
Nor do I mean that I have been in actual need, for I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances may be. I know now how to live when things are difficult and I know how to live when things are prosperous. In general and in particular I have learned the secret of facing either poverty or plenty. I am ready for anything through the strength of the one who lives in me.
Consider
It is a testimony to his faith that Paul could write so optimistically while chained in a Roman prison. The secret, he says, is relying on the strength of Christ.
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Posted March 23, 2015 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
Hosea 6:6-7 (New Living Translation)
“I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings. But like Adam, you broke my covenant and betrayed my trust.”
Consider
We read in the book of Hosea passage after passage of scathing indictments against Israel for her faithlessness. God repeatedly pronounces his anger and judgment against her. Then, like an unexpected arrow of light breaking through a dark sky, this tender passage emerges, giving us a glimpse of God’s heart.
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Posted March 16, 2015 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
1 Peter 2:21 (New Living Translation)
For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.
Consider
To do good to someone who has abused and insulted you is nothing short of a holy task.
Kindness does not come naturally to us when we’ve been injured by another’s cruelty or carelessness. Our earthly nature instinctively turns us defensive and even vengeful. Injured pride and insecurity can drive us deep into survival mode.
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Posted March 9, 2015 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
Leviticus 19:2,17-18 (New King James Version)
“You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.…You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him. You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD.”
Consider
When God adopts us into his family, he demands loyalty and commitment to the purity of his family. We are commanded to love our brothers and sisters in the faith and to sacrifice for their welfare.
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