HOLDING US UP

PSALM 34:1-7; ISAIAH 41:13 I made the choice to fly the lengthy distance. I felt just as nervous getting on the plane as I had the first time. In any case, what exactly is holding up the plane? We should not be terrified by irrational or even justified worries. King Saul, who was envious of David’s popularity … [Read more…]

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LESSONS FROM SUFFERING

2 CORINTHIANS 11:21-30 We could see the man’s serious cuts on his body thanks to the large, sharp close-up image on the enormous screen. He was being beaten by a soldier while a frantic crowd laughed at the bloodied victim. The visuals were so vivid that I groaned and wept as if I could actually feel … [Read more…]

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LESSON ON FISHING

1 PETER 5:1-9; JAMES 4:7 The man observed a fish emerge from the dense undergrowth to investigate. He approached and glanced at the enticing bait at the end of his line before backing into the weeds. He came a second time before he discovered the hook. He waved his tail, then vanished, never to be seen again. … [Read more…]

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THE PLAN OF GOD

JOSHUA 5:13–6:2 Even though an army officer may have a general strategy, he must receive and pass on fresh orders before every battle. The Israelite commander Joshua had to learn this lesson the hard way. He was chosen by God to lead Israel into the land that He had given them. The city of Jericho was … [Read more…]

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THE BENEFITS OF SETBACKS

PSALM 27 From 1984 to 2008, American swimmer Dara Torres participated in five different Olympics. 25 years after she established the previous US record for the 50-meter freestyle, she broke it. However, it was not always about awards and records. Injuries, surgeries, and the fact that she was over two decades older than most of her … [Read more…]

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TO BE CONTINUED… (A NATAL DAY MEDITATION)

1 CORINTHIANS 15:50-58 In the early years of my life, in the 1970s and 1980s, I frequently passed time watching TV at home or going to the movies with family members. There were adventure serials that always ended with the hero or heroine facing impossible circumstances. Each episode ended with the words “To Be Continued…,” despite … [Read more…]

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LOVE LOCKS

EPHESIANS 4:29–5:2 “Love Locks” has gained popularity. These love padlocks have been fastened to gates, fences, and bridges all across the world by thousands of couples. As a sign of their enduring love, couples engrave their names on a padlock and attach it to a public location. Because they can be dangerous if too many … [Read more…]

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THE POWER OF THE PEOPLE

EPHESIANS 4:7-16 A man slipped while he was boarding a train, and his leg became wedged between the train carriage and the station platform. Many passengers swiftly stepped forward to help him. The imprisoned man was released when they used their sheer might to shift the train away from the platform! In an interview, the … [Read more…]

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INITIAL STEPS

ROMANS 8:14-17 The other day, a friend stopped me with some great news and spent ten minutes telling me about her one-year-old nephew’s first steps. He was able to walk! Later, I understood how strange we may have sounded to someone listening in. Nearly everyone can walk. What is all the fuss about? It occurred to … [Read more…]

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THE TYRANNY OF THE PERFECT

1 JOHN 1:5–2:2 In treating his patients, a doctor toiled incessantly for perfection. After attending to a woman in the emergency room, he decided to discharge her. “Do you remember that patient you sent home earlier today?” a nurse questioned him later that day. “Well, she is back now.” Following a hospital readmission, the patient passed … [Read more…]

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