Succumbing to Subjective Truth
If you grow up going to church, you know that the most typical Bible study scenario is one where the teacher reads a verse and then asks the group, "What does that mean to you?" More than what it means to you, we need to know what it means to God. It's time to go the second mile in discerning subjective truth.…
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Surrendering to Spiritual Studies
Christians need to ground themselves in relationships that foster consistent community. When it comes to the content guiding small groups, the possibilities are endless. What if the numerous options for curriculum are actually stifling us? It's time to go the second mile in discerning spiritual studies. …
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Addressing Your Loneliness
As the state of the world lengthens the timing of social distancing and normalizes our acceptance of it, we are in danger of becoming used to isolation. Loneliness is a standard emotion for many people and the consequences are devastating.…
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Enduring Persecution
For most of my life, I have resisted using the term persecution to describe what any Christian had to endure in the United States of America. Compared to what brothers and sisters experience around the world, we have it easy, but it is changing. It will get worse.…
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Pursuing Peace
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God. These words of Jesus still ring like counter-cultural absurdities in chaotic times just as they did when he first said them. But in a time of unrest, where else will this peace come from?…
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Prioritizing Purity
We live in a culture that has forgotten how to blush. The prophet Jeremiah said that about his people during his time, but I am pretty confident we can say the same thing now. As our standards slip, we find ourselves in a world cherishing sin like a virtue. …
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Offering Mercy
We have almost arrived at a new year. It's a chance for new beginnings, but if we aren't careful, we will carry 2020's issues into 2021's days. It's been quite the year for us all. In the midst of all the stress, you've probably been hurt as well. How can you find relational peace? It's time to go the 2nd mile in offering mercy.…
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Helpful Hungers
Our cravings often direct our lives. Whatever we want most of all, whatever we think about most often, and whatever creates in us the deepest hunger will be the central directive in our lives. Have you ever considered how deep your hunger is for spiritual matters?…
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Strong Meekness
I grew up in a culture that teaches young men that nice guys finish last. If you want to find your way in this world, you have to trail blaze yourself to that reality. What we now see is a society plagued by millions of people trying to get ahead of each other. It's time to go the second mile in developing strong meekness.…
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Meaningful Mourning
What causes you to be emotional? Is it sappy music or heart-stirring films? Do you get weepy at moving stories or happy reunions? Maybe you rarely feel emotions at all. What if I were to tell you that following Jesus should incorporate emotions?…
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Spiritual Bankruptcy
We are taught to be strong. We are taught to have it all together. And if we are deficient, act like you are not. It's the way we've always been taught, and it's killing us. The strength we need is often in admitting our weakness. It's time to go the second mile in acknowledging your spiritual bankruptcy.…
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How to Have a Peaceful Family Gathering
We are on the verge of one of my favorite times of year - it is the Thanksgiving long weekend. Regardless of your specific traditions, these days are often characterized by food, family, and football, but for many of us, it's also known for frustration. It's time to go the second mile in having a peaceful family gathering.…
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