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Here, But There
An excerpt from Chapter 8. Here, But There Look back through Matthew chapter 8. Take note of the beginning of each section: “When He came down the mountainside…” “When He entered Capernaum…”“When Jesus came into Peter’s house…” “When Jesus saw the crowd…” “Then He got into the boat…” “When He arrived at the other side…” Notice how much movement there… Continue reading
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But Seek First His Kingdom
An excerpt from Chapter 6 An excerpt from Chapter 6 Giving, Praying and Fasting We all like to be noticed. To have someone recognize your efforts feels good. As the Sermon on the Mount continues, Jesus turns his attention to three acts of devotion common among faithful God followers—giving, praying and fasting. He warned that,… Continue reading
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Proverbial But O’ the Week
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, BUT a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. (Proverbs 13:12) Hope can be hard on the heart when we’re waiting—for an answer, a change, a healing, a reconciliation, a door to open. The longer the waiting stretches, the heavier hope can begin to feel. But this proverb reminds us that waiting is… Continue reading
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Proverbial But O’ The Week: Counsel
The plans of the righteous are just, BUT the advice of the wicked is deceitful. (Prov. 12:4) Every one of us is taking advice from someone or something. Wise counsel leads us toward truth, justice, and life, while deceptive voices often sound convincing but quietly lead us off course. Choose your counselors carefully. Continue reading
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Before You Ask
“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…’” — Matthew 6:9 Prayer often begins where life hurts. Sometimes we come to God with fear. Sometimes with exhaustion. Sometimes with questions we can’t answer or burdens we no longer know how to carry. And sometimes we come with no words… Continue reading
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Proverbial But O’ The Week: Teachable
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, BUT he who hates correction is stupid. (Prov. 12:1) The wisest people aren’t those who never make mistakes—they’re the ones willing to learn from them. A teachable heart welcomes correction, knowing that God’s loving discipline is meant to shape us, not shame us. Continue reading
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But He Wanted to Justify Himself
Read Luke 10:25–37 Have you ever noticed how easy it is to ask the wrong question? An expert in the Law came to Jesus with what sounded like a sincere desire to understand eternal life. Together they arrived at the right answer. Love God with all your heart. Love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus smiled. “You… Continue reading
Big Buts of the Bible 