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BUILDING GOD’S CHURCH
Reflections on Haggai For the first time in two years, my husband had steady employment. With a 10-month-old baby and a newborn on the way, I clung to the promise of stability. I dedicated myself to readying the nursery, organizing the house, sewing curtains and finding ways to make our lives more comfortable. I guarded…
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MORNING & EVENING
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SHINING BY HIS POWER
Reflections on Zephaniah “I will sweep away everything from the face of the earth,” declares the Lord (Zeph 1:2). Zephaniah has a bleak introduction. The prophet goes on to describe “the great day of the LORD” (Zeph 1:14), bringing with it “distress and anguish” and “trouble and ruin” (Zeph 1:15). In the midst of this…
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MORNING & EVENING
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A HIGHER CALLING
Connect The Testaments1 Chronicles 6:1-81; 1 Timothy 4:6-16; Psalm 78:13-29 It’s easy to get self-absorbed when we’re criticized—or when we think others are criticizing us. Because of our real or imagined defects, we start to believe other people don’t take us seriously. It’s easy to get off course in an attempt to defend ourselves. As…
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STRENGTH, COURAGE, REST
Reflections on Habakkuk “The Soverign LORD is my strength” (Hab 3:19); “Be strong and courageous” (Josh 1:6). In the midst of seemingly hopeless or overwhelming situations (e.g., Hab 1:3–4; 3:17), these verses remind us to listen for God’s voice and know that he is near. I read the words again and repeated them in a…
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MORNING & EVENING
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THE CURE FOR CYNICISM
Reflections on Nahum “Why should I care?” In my work with at-risk youth, I’m often confronted by that question—and it comes not only from the kids I’m working with, but also from my own cynical thoughts. Serving with children who are living on the fringes is not easy. Some of these kids have experienced the…
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MORNING & EVENING