“You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?” — Psalm 56:8
This verse encouraged me the other morning. Christians, meditate on what this verse is actually saying. It describes the incredible level of personalized, tender care that God has for us.
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As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. “Bring them here to me,” he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children. – Matthew 14:15-21 (NIV84)
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Can I be honest with you about something? I really love our CHURCH! I recently read an on-line comment about our church (from a new Believer) and it encouraged me so much. It read:
“Today as I was looking around (the church) there were people from all walks of life here and it just amazed me! Families of all races, people in dresses, tank tops, Harley jackets. People with tattoos, some just getting off work, and people who had obviously been sleeping all day! This church is so diverse yet we all connect through an amazing God who has brought us all together.”
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Happy New Year! It always amazes me how quickly one year comes to an end and another one takes its place. It’s a never ending cycle. A few days ago, I was reading in the Bible (the book of Revelation). What really stood out to me was that when Jesus comes to make all things new, it will be the end of the “out with the old and in with the new” mentality we’ve all come to know in this life.
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The week after Christmas can sometimes be difficult. Post-Christmas blues are real and are a very depressing time in many people’s lives.
All the planning and pre-Christmas hype has come and gone. The tree is totally dried out, and the decorations are just not as charming as when we first put them up. Most of us have eaten more than we should have, spent too much money, and used up our vacation time. Are we really expected to just pick up where we left off and live real life again? It’s somewhat of a helpless feeling isn’t it?
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“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13)
With Christmas less than a week away, I’ve been contemplating eternal matters. I’d like to share two different stories with you. They’re both true. They are similar stories, but have different endings. Both accounts involve funerals. One involved someone I’ve never met, the other one was a dear friend.
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“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27 NIV)
Christmas is just days away. It’s supposed to be a time of celebration and joy — a time of peace. In the world we live in, however, the joy of Christmas can be hard to imagine. We live in the midst of church shootings, mass murders, suicide bombers, social unrest, and threats of nuclear war.
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Christmas — what an amazing time of the year!
Not only do we celebrate the fact that the God of the Universe chose to enter His creation (Immanuel means “God with us!”), but the New Testament presents an equally mind blowing fact. Jesus was fully man. Can you imagine that?
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Christmas — the most wonderful time of the year!
When I think of Christmas, there are so many wonderful and exciting things that come to my mind I don’t even know where to begin. A few of my favorite things are: picking out the perfect tree, hanging up the Christmas lights, and sipping hot chocolate (with extra marshmallows) while Nat King Cole and Bing Crosby sing in the background.
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“Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!” — Psalm 100:1-2 (ESV)
This weekend, I had the privilege of helping lead three, separate worship services at The Rock Church. I was reminded this morning, while reading my Bible, that singing and entering into God’s presence with music is a command from the Lord.
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