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To such belong the kingdom of heaven…
Her name was Josephine. She was 3 years old. This was not the only gravestone of a child in the cemetery. I also found Annie’s grave nearby. She died at 1 year old. I do not know Josephine’s story or Annie’s story, and I can only imagine the grief of losing children so young. Their Continue reading
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Mothers Day…
She may be called mom or mama or mother or by a host of other names.It is a name she was given, and one she has earned.Through sleepless nights and seemingly endless days,She poured out her love without reserve, even when her reserves ran low. She may have given birth to her child, adopted him, Continue reading
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Whoever Comes to Me I Will Never Cast Out…
The following is an excerpt from Dane Ortland’s book “Gentle and Lowly.” I don’t think I could say it better, so I’ll let the book speak for itself. Speaking as a struggling Christian, he writes – Fallen, anxious sinners are limitless in their capacity to perceive reasons for Jesus to cast them out. We are Continue reading
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Thomas Jefferson and the K&W Cafeteria…
In college, one of my jobs was working at the K&W Cafeteria in Chapel Hill. The procedure at the K&W and other similar restaurants is pretty much the same as the school lunchroom many of you remember. You get your tray, then you go down the line getting whatever food was on the menu. Unlike Continue reading
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Leaving a Legacy…
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) My wife’s mother Continue reading
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Where Is Your Treasure?
In Mark 10, a rich young ruler came up to Jesus wanting to know how to have eternal life. Jesus knew what was most precious to the man, so He told him to sell all his possessions and give the money to the poor. Here it’s that young man’s reaction –“Disheartened by the saying, he Continue reading
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Behold…
“Behold” is not one of those words we use everyday. The only person who might use that word regularly would be someone like a magician dramatically declaring, “Behold!” after some card trick. We do find “behold” on the pages of our Bibles, depending upon translations, of course. One of the first to come to mind Continue reading
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$3 Worth of God…
A number of years ago, I stumbled upon a poem. Whether this the original version or not, I’m not sure, but it’s close. It is found in a book by Wilbur Rees entitled “Three Dollars Worth of God.” I would like to buy $3 worth of God, please.Not enough to explode my soul or disturb Continue reading
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Hard-Headed & Hard-Hearted…
This morning in my devotional reading in Ezekiel, I came across God’s declaration about people of Israel. In Ezekiel 3:7, God says of them that they have “a hard forehead and a stubborn heart.” In short, they were hard-headed and hard-hearted. When Ezekiel went to them with God’s Word, he should be surprised if they Continue reading
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Walking through the Dark Valleys…
In over 30 years of being a pastor, I have officiated countless funerals. I have prayed with families grieving the loss of someone dearly loved. I have held mourners as their sobs shook their entire bodies. I have spoken the final words at a graveside. This is, for me, an awesome responsibility and high privilege. Continue reading
