Tag: purpose
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Why Did You Bring Me Here, God?
I remember the excitement when the phone call came. “We just have to finalize it, but you can schedule that moving truck,” the Midwestern man’s voice exclaimed. Expectantly, we did. We waited. But the paperwork never arrived. Weeks later, the same voice apologized on the phone. Unforeseen circumstances arose. The position was canceled. We’re weren’t…
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Made for God’s Pleasure
An intriguing accent caught my attention as I scanned the radio on our long drive. My then-fiancé said with surprise, “I didn’t know you liked Alistair Begg!” I responded: “Is that this guy? I like his accent!” My guy smirked. “I think you’ll also like what he has to say.” Thus was my introduction to…
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That You May
Though the preposition in the phrase changes, there is such certainty in God’s words: “that you may”. We encounter the phrase throughout Scripture. These 3 little words are pivotal in directing our feet on His path. Rebekah, in Genesis 27:10, tells Jacob to bring food to Isaac so “that he may” bless Jacob. In Deuteronomy 5:33, the…
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What The Millennial Generation Needs to Know About the Goal of Faith
For many millennials entering adulthood, the truth that we all compete for a prize is a shock. Painted high on the concrete wall of my elementary school gym, next to a friendly cartoon character, were the words, If you had fun, you won. It was as simple as that. We received participation trophies whether we failed…
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Where Love and Freedom Meet
Love and freedom are inextricably connected. That’s the way God designed it, and the implications are many: Because He loved us, we are free “The truth will set you free.” But what is the truth? “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall…
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You May Build It, They May Not Come
There’s a popular saying is based off of a quote from the movie Field of Dreams: “If you build it, they will come.” We hear it often, usually in connection with ministries, programs, or facilities that are launching or expanding. However, the whole concept is a myth. Unfortunately, many people actually believe it is a…
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The Instrument’s Purpose
Whew. What a flute. What a paintbrush. What a keyboard! …Said no one awed in a concert, enjoying an art show, or mesmerized by a book. The plate, my goodness, it’s spectacular. What a fork! Said no satisfied diner. Ever. Those Christians. So good and righteous and flawless. What a bunch! Said too many people….
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3 Biblical Responses to Others’ Struggles
Jesus’ words are clear: “in this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). Often, harder than facing our own troubles is watching those we love struggle. We don’t always know how to help. 1. “Weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15 NLT) When Lazarus died and his sisters mourned, Jesus wept. Standing with His friends,…
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Knowledge Isn’t Fulfilling On It’s Own (5/6)
This post is the 5th in a 6-part series on Idolizing Knowledge. Read the rest of the posts here. Once upon a time I earned a B- in a tough course on Biblical Literature. It was the lowest final grade I’d ever earned. I had studied- hard. I felt all the rush of competing…
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Untangled in Love
I never thought I’d be one for mushy stuff. Anyone who’s heard my commentary during chick flicks knows I’m not a romantic. But there’s this guy. The one I moved seats to be near the first day of class. The one whose shenanigans had my head and finger wagging from the start. The one who…