Living Through Cave-Like Trials: Psalm 57 Devotional

      As we face the unexpected crisis of isolating in our homes, many of us find ourselves coping with unprecedented stress and troubles. The circumstances oppress us and we struggle to live among those we may find prickly at times. David spent years under the oppression of a spiritually…

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Gold: Gifts to Embrace Forever Part 3

  Christmas arrives in less than a week. In homes where we've been intense pain, our childlike hearts look forward to shared joys and enchanting moments we will remember in coming years. We also prepare to exchange gifts with those we love. For some, the sorrows of loss and suffering darken…

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Happy Our Father’s Day to EVERYONE!

  Father's Day encourages us to celebrate the men who raise children in our world. For those who've lost or never experienced a nurturing dad, the holiday can prove bittersweet or even bitter. Some fathers face this day with grief, as they've lost children to death or estrangement. Those without the…

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Honoring Thanksgiving’s Bittersweet Origins

  Fortunate folks huddle into homes gleaming with smiles. Fall decor gilds each room, while spiced scents draw them to a massive banquet of joy. Hugs lead family and guests to fill the seats around a table brimming with all manner of sweets and starches. A plump turkey gleams at the…

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Fragrant Outpouring

"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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Refresh Your Spirit

  In preparation for Easter, we'll continue our series this week to highlight revitalizing our spirituality. We've discussed mental, social, and physical health. These integrated parts of life weave together as a skin over the most vital substance of self--our core essence. [bctt tweet="Well being begins and ends with the state…

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Promises for the Grateful

“Sacrifice thank offerings to God . . . and call on me in the day of trouble;     I will deliver you, and you will honor me” (Psalm 50:14-15). Heels bouncing. Arms upraised. Palms waving. I did the happy dance today. Full-on, Snoopy-style. A long wait sweetens good news, and I had waited over a…

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Gospel in Nature

"The heavens are telling the glory of God; they are a marvelous display of his craftsmanship. Day and night they keep on telling about God" (Psalm 19:1-2). Tender grass bursts from the earth. Glimmering beetles scurry up to lily pinnacles and raise their antennae. My favorite gnarled oak ascends from a velvety…

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