joekmac
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How Well Do I Know My Expected Guest?
Many of us know that Advent is a time of preparation, a season to clean our spiritual house to make way for Jesus, the guest, to come into our homes. Who is this Jesus that we should take such… Continue reading
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Rejoice, My Friends!
For some, the season of Advent brings sorrow. Tragic events from the past seem to overwhelm us, much less leave us feeling anxious and ill at ease. The psalmist spoke of pain when asked to sing the music of… Continue reading
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I Will Keep You in My Prayers (and I mean it)
I often say to people, “I will keep you in my prayers.” This saying has been with me since my earliest years in church. Sometimes, it is an immediate response without thinking about what I mean. My prayer life… Continue reading
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Doing Spiritual Work Brings Spiritual Joy
As I sweep my spiritual floor clean, I notice something that gets my attention. Laying in a corner of my soul is a list of those who have hurt me. I want to go over and sweep with everything… Continue reading
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How Long Must We Wait?
During this season of Advent, I cannot help but wonder how long God expects us to wait for His presence. The people of Israel lived in a ridiculously lengthy period of Advent, as they waited for hundreds of years… Continue reading
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Are We Saved by Grace or Works?
For many years, the idea of cleaning the house to prepare for the arrival of the Christ child has confused me. In short, must we “do” certain things before Jesus enters our hearts? The more profound question is, “Must… Continue reading
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And This Shall Be a Sign unto You
We are born to look for signs. Our culture is full of signals to indicate which way to turn, what career to follow, and even what to buy a significant other. One cannot walk ten steps without encountering different… Continue reading
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The Movement of the World Stopped
My favorite place to go shopping during the build-up to Christmas is Old Town, located in Albuquerque, NM. All the shops are free-standing and sitting in the beautiful square. I never feel rushed or pushed against the sea of… Continue reading
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The Power of Our Transformation – Luke 21:25-28
When one looks at the incredible signs in Luke’s passage, “from the heights to the sea, from the planets to the shaking earth,” the author reminds us to “look up” because something incredible is about to happen. We will… Continue reading
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From Chaos to Creation
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will certainly not pass away” (Lk. 21:33, CEB) The Gospel of Luke’s text sits at the heart of the creation story. The earth and heaven may go, but God’s majesty,… Continue reading
From a Pastor's Point of View 