grow (45)

Ian

Cursing Blessings

Numbers 21:4–9; Psalm 107:1–3, 17–22; Ephesians 2:1–10; John 3:14–21 One of the biggest dangers of constant blessings is that we often disdain them. We become so accustomed to them that we become blind to them. Even worse, we then grow to despise them. The Israelites…

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Ian

Willing to be Sharpened

Proverbs 27:17; Acts 15:36–41 I’m sure you’ve never fought. Ever. With anyone. I’m sure that you’ve never raised your voice or yelled in anger or frustration. Ever. At anyone. Paul was strong-willed and opinionated. Barnabas was a person who seemed to always be the forgiving…

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Ian

Peace-Filled Traditions

Matthew 15:1–9; Luke 11:42–46 Yesterday (or the weeks prior to it), all Americans had the opportunity to participate in a great tradition…voting. Regardless of whether your candidates won or lost, there is something great in this tradition. People choosing their leaders is a great gift,…

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Ian

A Time To Sin

Job 1:9–22; Ecclesiastes 3:1–11; Ezekiel 18:5–18 You are probably familiar with Pete Seeger’s Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season). Written in the late 50s, it was commercially via The Byrds in 1965. It takes Ecclesiastes verses 3:1–8 and puts them to music.

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Ian

De-Vine

De-Vine 22 September 2020 Isaiah 5:1–7; John 15:1–8; Romans 11:13–25 If you’ve seen ivy or even “domesticated” wisteria and clematis that have been allowed to run free, you can envision a people out of control. A vine does what it does best…spread. There are other…

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