And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus… Ephesians 2:6 (NIV) Recently my wife and I were having a much-needed evening alone. The children were all out, and we were able to talk for quite a while uninterrupted. I was really enjoying connecting with her on such a deep
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Psalm 90:2 (NIV) Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. Our fourth child is an adopted daughter and a blessing to our family. She almost a teen now but came to us out of a foster home when she was two and a half years old. Previous to
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Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. Mark 4:39 (NKJV) It was a perfect evening as my friend Ron and I launched the boat and headed out to deeper water to fish. The water was calm, and there was a refreshing breeze
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I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33 (NIV) Sometimes I get discouraged thinking about all the trouble in the world. Watching the evening news recently hasn’t provided me with much more assurance that our world is
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Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:24 (NIV) Doubt is normal. Even Thomas, one of Jesus’ disciples, doubted—and that was after following Jesus for three years. He saw the Savior up close, witnessed countless miracles, and watched Jesus heal the sick. Still, he doubted. Remember that doubt is not total disbelief; it’s
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You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 (NIV) Have you ever noticed that when you’re facing a trial, it seems the devil is right there waiting to pour salt in your wound? I call this the devil’s
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Hebrews 13:8 (NIV) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Some of the most challenging times in our lives for trusting God are when things get difficult; like when facing a job layoff or when a child goes astray or gets into trouble with the law or when one of our family members is seriously ill. When
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Psalm 61:4 (NIV) I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. One of the most insecure times in my life was when I was out of work for over a year. This was also a time that I became close to God. In a strange way it was the worst and
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He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Isaiah 40:29 (NIV) Six years ago on a spring morning, I woke up and began my day as usual. As I made my way into the kitchen, however, it felt as if the ground began to move under me. I braced myself as I slammed into the
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