Posted December 28, 2020 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
Psalm 34:6-7 NIV
This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD camps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.
Consider
God’s promises to us are specific: We are never alone. He never abandons us. We are never far from help. We fail to grasp these truths or to trust in God’s constant vigilance because our human sight is so limited and we trust in ourselves too much. How many times has God intervened to save us from harm and then let us continue on our way, unaware of his providence and how close we were to disaster!
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Posted December 23, 2020 | Judith Ingram
THE PROPHECY
Isaiah 9:6-7a NKJV
For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.
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Posted December 14, 2020 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
James 1:14-15 NLT
Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.
Consider
Not all desires are evil. God wired our bodies and brains to tell us what we need—food, shelter, sex, sleep. Our hearts also alert us to legitimate needs for companionship, communion with God, reassurance that we matter, a sense of purpose. God works with our desires to teach us to trust in his love for us and reassure us of his faithfulness as we depend on him.
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Posted December 7, 2020 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
Deuteronomy 30:15,19 NLT
“Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster….Oh, that you would choose life.”
Consider
Choosing life means living fully under the counsel and authority of God, who lovingly created us and has good plans for our lives. Choosing death means shutting God out of our goals and decisions, refusing God’s counsel and discipline because we are determined to go our own way. When it comes to relationships, we choose life when we seek out others who will honor and support our walk with God.
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Posted November 30, 2020 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
Isaiah 52:7 NRSV
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”
Consider
We all love to hear good news. More than that, we need to hear good news. When our world feels burdened with one dark story after another, telling of cruelty and violence, sickness and despair, a story of heroism or generosity calls to us like a beam of sunlight through a bank of storm clouds. Reminders of goodness in the world hearten and refresh us with reasons to hope.
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