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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Elder to Elder

To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. — 1 Peter 5:1-3

Elder isn't a title given to people who run things. Instead, it should be the natural outcome of life with God over many years.

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To Make Him Known

For as I passed along, and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, ‘To an unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. — Acts 17:23

Some know about God in rather legalistic ways. Others have a yearning for goodness, diginity, and justice, but don't know where to look. Paul's ministry is the same: "Let me introduce you to Someone you need to know, and know very well."

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Corrosion

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9a

If I am being corroded by the environment, I have three options:

  1. Apply paint. Guard myself against the elements and live a shielded life.

  2. Go inside. Withdraw and live a solitary life.

  3. Be made of better stuff. Show up ready and be who I've been made to be, completed by God's grace.

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