Life
Christian Life
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Am I Good Enough?
That I would be good if I didn’t encourage everyone… That I would be good if I didn’t raise my hand to serve… That I would be good if I had nothing to say… That I would be good if I was sick for the rest of my life… That I would be good if I didn’t say wise things… That I would be good if I was never seen… That I would be good if I didn’t get everything right… That I would be good if, aside from doing things or being things for you, I was still loved. The most basic desire is to know: we are still…
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Be You… Be Imperfect
For so long I lived my life in the tension of two extremes. How can I serve more? Pour your unending love on your husband and children. When you’re tired, lean in and give more. Be patient, soft-spoken, kind, long-suffering. If someone is unkind to you, turn the other cheek. Smile more. Keep the house… The post Be You… Be Imperfect appeared first on FaithGateway.
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Sweet Friendship
When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene. — Mark 16:9 Strong, ongoing relationships positively influence our physical, mental, and emotional health. A 2009 New York Times article attested to the importance of friendship, citing a study done at the University of Virginia. Thirty-four students were… The post Sweet Friendship appeared first on FaithGateway.
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Take Patience Too Far
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. — Genesis 50:20 The story of Joseph in the Bible has always been one of my favorites. You can find the whole tale starting in Genesis 37:1. If you’re not familiar with… The post Take Patience Too Far appeared first on FaithGateway.
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The Fruit of Suffering and Grief
Peter: The Reluctant Sufferer I was talking to a group of about a hundred experienced pastors and church-growth leaders in a training seminar. The topic for the day was how to help people grow spiritually in ways that affect real life. I began by giving them a hypothetical problem to solve. “If you had to… The post The Fruit of Suffering and Grief appeared first on FaithGateway.
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I Am Safe in the Lord
They will live in safety, and no one will make them afraid. — Ezekiel 34:28b I give them eternal life and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. — John 10:28 By the time he was five years old, my dad had discovered that the world is not safe…. The post I Am Safe in the Lord appeared first on FaithGateway.
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Dear Graduate
Editor’s Note: It’s almost graduation season 2020 and you’re going to need a gift for the graduates in your life! This year, in particular, we want to celebrate our graduates (ceremony or not) from all levels of schooling… junior high, high school, college, and graduate school. Three titles in eight beautiful covers will give you plenty… The post Dear Graduate appeared first on FaithGateway.
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How the Enemy Smells Fear
She jumped back! The goose was sounding, “Honk! Honk! Honk!” He approached her, hissing and threatening. Terrified, my 6-year old daughter shirked back and bent over. She didn’t know what to do. She looked around, helpless. Only a half a foot taller than the goose, the goose smelled fear. He knew he ruled. So, he fed on her fear. He pushed her back even more. I wouldn’t have it. I walked over to him like a military woman taking charge and I shoved that goose back in the water with my heavy approach. I said, “Oh no you don’t. You don’t mess with my little girl that way. You get outta here.” The…
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Strong: Embracing a Woman’s Nature
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. — Ephesians 4:15 As women, our very nature and physical design are set up with nurture and tenderness in mind. We are not constructed with hard edges but gentle curves…. The post Strong: Embracing a Woman’s Nature appeared first on FaithGateway.
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Life Doesn’t Have to Be So Complicated
“If putting Jesus first uncomplicates our life, why do we struggle to do it?”, the podcast interviewer asked me the other day, what has become a familiar question. It does seem curious, that we wouldn’t run to a clear remedy for a pain point in our life. But that, itself, is the answer to the… The post Life Doesn’t Have to Be So Complicated appeared first on FaithGateway.
