Tag: devotional

The Church: serving together in the Mission of God
What this is saying is that we have one body but our body has many parts to it.

In 1 Corinthians 12, the Apostle Paul gives a fantastic illustration for the church. It functions like a human body. Everyone in the church is part of the body and has a purpose within the body. If a part of the body is unhealthy or is not functioning properly, that effects the rest of the body.

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May 7, 2019
What the Mayo Clinic can teach us about personal growth
Last weekend, I watched “The May Clinic: Faith, Hope, and Science” by Ken Burns. I’ve always been a fan of Ken Burns’ work, and this documentary was a fascinating look into one of the greatest hospitals on earth, its history, innovation, and the people they’ve helped. At times, it was very touching.

The Mayo clinic is named after founding doctors William Mayo and his sons William and Charles. One of the things that struck me about the documentary was their commitment to learning and teaching. They made medicine collaborative. In the documentary, medical historians argue that in their day, doctors weren’t always keen on sharing what worked with other doctors out of fear that someone could just turn around and use their techniques. (more…)
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April 30, 2019
Growing in humility: a practice we all need to learn
There are any number of virtues that we can have a desire to want to grow in: being a more generous person, showing more gratitude, managing our tempers. But one are where I feel like I never hear people saying they want to grow is when it comes to humility.

The idea of growing in humility seems almost like a paradox.

It’s not like you can really say “I’ve gotten so much more humble this past year.” Because saying you’re humble sounds arrogant! Whatever humble street cred you acquire it thrown out by acknowledging any growth in that area.

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April 23, 2019
The cross of Christ shows us the cost of sin
Originally published May 1, 2018

We have a sinfully low view of sin.

We cannot overestimate the weight of sin when we see the cost of sin on the cross.

None of us lives up even to our own moral standards. Do you ever get mad and you regret it? Ever yell at someone and wish you hadn’t? Ever look at something and feel shame for it? Ever tell a lie or bend the truth and wish you could have it back? Ever manipulate people to get your own way? Ever do something where you know deep down it’s not what you should have done?

Of course you have.

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April 19, 2019
The lost art of lament
Lament is a topic that is often overlooked in American churches (especially in predominately caucasian churches).

Lament is very common in the Bible, especially in the Old Testament. We see it as a theme throughout the prophetic books, and the Bible has more books on prophecy than in any other genre. We see it in places like Job, Ruth, and Ecclesiasties.

Lament is not whining.

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April 2, 2019