praise
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Like the Ancients, We Seek Out the Presence of the Messiah
This time of year can become incredibly routine as we begin another year in the church calendar. The season of Advent anticipates the Savior’s coming into the world. Hasn’t he come already? We did read about this happening in the… Continue reading
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Offering Everything to God
As we find ourselves already in the middle of the Advent season, I am constantly made aware that plans are made with the understanding that life can change our direction in a New York minute. I never would have imagined… Continue reading
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The Things Our Children Teach Us!
As I reflect on my stinky boy’s journey through the extended hospital stays and the enormous amounts of time traveling back and forth to and from our home, I remember the one thing that seemed to be missing. It was… Continue reading
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Counting My Blessings During This Season Brings Me Joy
I remember one time when Julian, my oldest son, was sixteen. He sang in a good choir in his high school years. This program featured a very ambitious selection of time-honored works and new music. I know I must shut… Continue reading
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God Can Handle Our Complaints
One thing that I respect about the ancient Hebrew prophets is their unwavering honesty. Many times, God addressed the people about their sin, but sometimes God heard the people’s cries and needs. At first, one might think that this… Continue reading
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Our Family Advent Traditions
I don’t know what it was about last night, but I had a profound awareness of God’s presence as my family decorated our Christmas tree. As my wife hung the ornaments, she pointed out the various people and places that… Continue reading
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New Life Comes Where We Least Expect It
“A shoot will grow up from the stump of Jesse; a branch will sprout from his roots” (Is. 11:1 CEB). The prophet Jeremiah utters a strange proclamation to the people of Israel. He boldly tells them that “A shoot… Continue reading
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Cleaning the House for Our Guest
During the Advent season, we take a fearless, moral inventory of ourselves and of how we relate to those around us. To truly prepare, consider specific practices like prayer, reflection, or confession that help us remove the lent of… Continue reading
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Finding God in a Chaotic World
“Be still, and know that I am God!” (Psalm 46:10). The season of Advent sounds excellent, but finding time to prepare and listen to God seems impossible. Through December, leading up to Christmas, we find ourselves bombarded by countless… Continue reading
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A Light in the Middle of Our Darkness
“We saw his star in the east[a] and have come to worship him” (Matt. 2:2b CEB). Sometimes, I watch a New Mexico sundown and feel transfixed by the fantastic colors. One of my favorite moments is watching as the… Continue reading
From a Pastor's Point of View 