Across Church Street

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It would be just like him

The God of the Bible looks like Jesus, the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being. It would be just like him to go to the cross.

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Practicing Our Scales

Imagine if our walk with Christ, representing his kingdom in the world, were as practiced and pure as Hania Rani’s fingers on the piano keys.

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Rescue

I practice the spiritual discipline of rescuing earthworms on paved surfaces. It's a reminder to me that I can pause what I'm doing, get a little dirty, and help. Also, that I've been given the responsibility to care.

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Your Roots Are Showing

The life that I bring to the world can only be found in my attachment to Christ. His presence with me is essential.

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Connection

I live in a U.S. county with traffic problems. It's a peninsula, and what's not swamp land has been developed. Building new roads is difficult and expensive. Making things worse, roads that could connect don't.

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What's in the Bowl?

During a spring trip, my wife and I purchased a glass bowl. It's colorful and handmade. When I turn the bowl upside down, nothing falls out. Does that make it empty?

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Boldness & Courage

And behold, one came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do, to have eternal life?” ⏤ Matthew 19:16

When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions. ⏤ Matthew 19:22

Don't confuse boldness with courage. Brashness often masks a lack of courage. The way of Jesus is hard and costly. Many turn away, some with sorrow, others with expressions of certainty intended to deflect.

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Systematic

For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. ⏤ 1 Corinthians 13:12

So many systematic theologies. All claim to be Bible-based, but they are very different, even divergent. Why? Maybe because systems aren't God's aim? God wants to be known, face to face – just as he knows us. He wants us to apprehend Love and give love, first to him, and to our neighbor. He wants us to trust him and to be trustworthy.

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Long Division

I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. ⏤ Romans 16:17

Doing calculations is hard—especially division. Keeping track of who I should love and who I can dismiss is too tiring. When Jesus was asked, "Who is my neighbor?" he told a story about a priest, a Levite, and a Samaritan. No points were awarded to the priest and Levite for working the wrong problems.

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