When we experience a loss, we are tempted to minimize it and push past it without truly dealing with the pain. This same temptation is equally present in those around us. They are tempted to minimize their losses, and we’re tempted to support their minimization. But there is a better way, and God wants to use us to help. July 12, 2020
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When we experience a loss, we often don’t know how to respond. Ultimately, there are only two choices. And our choice will determine what we experience—not just in the present, but for the rest of our lives. We don’t choose what we lose, but we can choose how we respond. July 5, 2020
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The season of social distancing and quarantine has given us an unprecedented opportunity. What can we do with this season that will make the “normal” seasons of our life what God wants them to be? June 28, 2020
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There is something in all of us that desires affirmation from our dads. If we don’t receive it, we often go looking for it . . . sometimes in all the wrong places. Some of us received this blessing. Some of us didn’t. For some of us, the voice of our fathers is gone. The good news is that we can all receive a blessing from our heavenly Father today, no matter who we are or what our past experiences have been. This could change everything—not only for us, but also for those that follow in our footsteps. June 21, 2020
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Perhaps nothing characterized the life of Jesus more than his pursuit of people whose lives and lifestyles did not look like his. If we fail to listen to people who don’t experience the world the way we do, we will never bear their burden. June 14, 2020
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In recent weeks, we’ve had our hearts broken. Precious human lives have been taken right before our eyes. What is our hope for the human race? What is our responsibility as followers of Jesus to bring this hope to the world? And how should it play out in the words we speak? Really, has there ever been a more important time to be quick to listen, and slow to speak? June 7, 2020
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Like a small spark that has the potential to scorch an entire green forest, our tongues are untamable, with the power to control our whole bodies. We have a tool that can be used to build up those around us or tear them down in just a few words. What do we do with that kind of power? We can’t lock it away. But we can, by God’s grace, learn to control it. May 31, 2020
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We all know what it’s like to be hurt by someone who just couldn’t listen long enough to understand us. Maybe in their attempt to be right, they damaged a relationship that could have been saved with a little patience and curiosity. You’ve probably been on the other side of that coin too. Taking the verbal offense may have won the argument, but you lost relationally. What if we didn’t settle for being right, but tried to make things right instead? The longer we listen, the more we learn, and the better chance we have of protecting ourselves from our own big mouths. May 24, 2020
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Remember when you discovered that your unlimited data plan had limits? When the all-you-can-eat buffet fell short? Disappointing, right? Consequently, we’re skeptical of words like “unlimited” and “unconditional.” They usually appear right above the fine print that says “terms and limits apply.” So, let’s be honest. Everything has limits. What are the limits of God’s goodness and greatness? When are things so out of control that they are even beyond God’s control? May 17, 2020
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How are we supposed to remain hopeful in a hopelessly broken world? We want to be hopeful, but when relationships sour, stock prices tumble, dreams disappear, and plans crumble, hope can be hard to come by. In a world without guarantees, hope can be a dangerous thing. But what if the tension we feel is the result of putting our hope in the wrong things? What if God has a different plan for us—a plan built on his unfailing love? May 10, 2020
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