Longing for a Taste of Freedom

"Some sat in darkness, in utter darkness,     prisoners suffering . . . Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,     and he saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness,     and broke away their chains. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing…

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Longing for a Taste of Freedom

"Some sat in darkness, in utter darkness,     prisoners suffering . . . Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,     and he saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness,     and broke away their chains. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing…

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Escape from the Wasteland

"Some wandered in desert wastelands,     . . . hungry and thirsty,     and their lives ebbed away. Then they cried out to the Lord . . .     and he delivered them . . .  Let them give thanks to the Lord  . . .  for he satisfies the thirsty     and fills the hungry with…

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Story-Stingy No More!

"Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—     those he redeemed from the hand of the foe" (Psalm 107:2). Facebook overflows with national headlines about politics and tragedies. Celebrity quotes buzz from Twitter as if it were a beaten wasp nest. Instagram, Periscope, and Pinterest offer the newest trends and…

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Shadows at Commencement

"See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared" (Exodus 23:20). I wiggled on the plastic seat and squinted toward the floor of the expo hall. Four hundred fifty-four square black caps huddled into rows…

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Up in Linked Arms

"Put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive. Above all, put on love—the perfect bond of unity" (Colossians 3:12-14). Genocide ravages our eastern neighbors. Oppression…

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True Peace

"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1). Refugees abandon homes in pursuit of it. Defendants empty bank accounts to negotiate it. Acquisition offers empty promises of it. Anesthesia poisons the flesh with temporary illusions of it. A mother of…

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Crucial Prayer

"Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, 'Pray that you will not fall into temptation.' He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed,  'Father, if you are willing, take this cup…

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Crucial Prayer

"Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, 'Pray that you will not fall into temptation.' He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed,  'Father, if you are willing, take this cup…

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Strong Fragrance for Christ

"Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume;…

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