Monthly Archives: September 2023

The Reins

Posted on September 28, 2023 by Pete

A sermon illustration comes to mind from the foggy past as I’m reading. Something about a little girl who’s decided to go toe-to-toe with her mom. Mom finally has enough and tells the five-year-old, “Go sit in the corner, right … Continue reading →

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Disciplined with Justice

Posted on September 27, 2023 by Pete

If there’s sub-plot that you pick up from Jeremiah, it’s that he wasn’t just a prophet, he was a person too. He didn’t just speak the mind of God concerning “current events”, he endured them. And it wasn’t just his … Continue reading →

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“Appropriate” is Appropriate

Posted on September 26, 2023 by Pete

I’ve always known the verse as “beautiful.” But this morning, reading a new translation this year, it seems “appropriate” is appropriate. He has made everything appropriate in its time. (Ecclesiastes 3:11a CSB) If I had ever been an NASB reader … Continue reading →

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A Sword Swallowing Act

Posted on September 25, 2023 by Pete

The latter part of the first chapter of James has to do with the word of God. Three observations tell me so. The first observation reminds me that, in God’s sovereign determination, I was born again by the word of … Continue reading →

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A One-Way Trip (2010 Rerun)

Posted on September 22, 2023 by Pete

Chewing on a command to obey as I wrap up Hebrews. Went back deep in my journal archives and noodled on some thoughts from 2010. I smile at the things that came to mind then about “the camps I’ve had … Continue reading →

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A Healthy Heart

Posted on September 21, 2023 by Pete

This morning I’m chewing on a bit of advice tucked away in Hebrews. An assessment of faith, which I know to be true, but that I need to be reminded of again and again. Something that is good. Something which … Continue reading →

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Make Sure

Posted on September 20, 2023 by Pete

I’m reminded again this morning how wired I am (not the “good” wiring, me thinks) to read Scripture as if it’s meant for me the individual rather than me the member of a community. I can “amen! — I’ll do … Continue reading →

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Limping, But Not Dislocated

Posted on September 19, 2023 by Pete

“No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful.” Ya’ think? Thinking this morning that I need to make the first half of Hebrews 12 mandatory reading when the going gets tough. It’s an exhortation to “run with endurance.” And … Continue reading →

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Consequences of Faith

Posted on September 18, 2023 by Pete

Last Friday’s meal on Hebrews 11, which focused on some of the works which accompany faith, seems somewhat bland in comparison to what I’m chewing on this morning as I conclude Hebrews 11. It’s one thing to be encouraged towards … Continue reading →

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More Than A Feeling

Posted on September 15, 2023 by Pete

Defining faith. That’s what I’m doing this morning as I mentally chew on the first half of Hebrews 11. Ask me what faith is before this morning’s reading and I probably would have been quick to give a one-word answer, … Continue reading →

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