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Telling the Story: Things to remember
When I was younger, Memorial Day was the holiday that truly marked the beginning of summer. I was oblivious to those who decorated graves, never wondering how the cemeteries were suddenly covered with brightly-covered flowers. Decades passed. Now I understand the importance of the holiday. Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor soldiers…
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Notes from Calvary: Jesus is Even Better Than That! Part 5
“Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:4-5 This prophecy concerning Jesus…
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The Pastor’s Pen: $10 is $10
A man named Stumpy and his wife Martha went to the state fair every year, and every year when Stumpy saw the antique bi-plane he would say, “Martha, I’d like to ride in that airplane.” Martha always replied, “I know, Stumpy, but that airplane ride costs $10, and $10 is $10.” One year, Stumpy said,…
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Telling the Story: I wouldn’t drink it if I could
My beloved and I recently had the opportunity to explore St. Augustine for a few hours, knowing it was the place Ponce de Leon reportedly discovered the Fountain of Youth. We found it. The park, that is, and did the thing you do: took a selfie at the entrance. I texted friends that I had…
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Notes from Calvary: Jesus is Even Better Than That! Part 4
“Jesus answered and said unto them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel. Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man. If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should…
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The Pastor’s Pen: Ruby’s Prayer
Ruby Hamilton, a businesswoman in her 50s, was stunned at the loss of her husband of 32 years in a car accident. She had become a follower of Christ in her late 20s, but her husband didn’t share her newfound interest in spiritual things. Nonetheless, she had set about praying for him feverishly and unceasingly…
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Telling the Story: Joseph’s second robe
A verse in Genesis 41 gave me chills last week when I read it. It just hit different. In our youth Sunday School class, we have been unpacking, digging in, breaking down, or whatever you want to call it, the story of Joseph. We’ve studied it so much that the guys and girls could take…
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Notes from Calvary: Jesus is Even Better Than That! Part 3
“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.” Matthew 4:23 Jesus had a mode of operation during his time of ministry here on this earth, and Matthew records it succinctly here in…
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The Pastor’s Pen: Three dollars worth of God, please
Tim Hansel, in his book “When I Relax I Feel Guilty,” writes some insights into what most people want from God. “I would like to buy $3 worth of God, please. Not enough to explode my soul or disturb my sleep, but just enough to equal a cup of warm milk or a snooze in…
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Telling the Story: Staying the course
The prophet Elijah knew plenty about the ups and downs of following God. We can draw strength and encouragement from his true story. We can be reminded that through good times and bad, God is still with us and will help us in staying the course. Let’s be honest. When things are difficult, our enemy,…
Tag: Faith
