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Suffering

Misdirected Attention

Misdirected Attention

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Fifteen seconds of fame. That’s the siren song of the media. Nevertheless, pursuing it often results in looping ten-second sound bites of infamy. It highlights the misunderstanding that can result when the context of our words is left on someone’s cutting room floor. However, in the case of Habakkuk, a truncated quote has led to misdirected attention. Habakkuk’s Strength Recently, while studying that prophetic book, I recognized an oft-quoted passage: Though the fig tree should not blossom,nor fruit be on… Read More »Misdirected Attention

The blessing of persecution

The Blessing of Persecution

The singular event in history revealing the evil in men’s hearts, is the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the perfectly righteous Son of God. Yet, that same evil is at work in every generation as is clear from Jesus’ final declaration in the beatitudes. Those described in the previous beatitudes as humble, mourning over sin, meek, longing for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, and peacemakers, find themselves the objects of persecution. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for… Read More »The Blessing of Persecution

big picture prayers

Big Picture Prayers

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My wife is not a squeaky wheel. She is not constantly complaining or demanding my attention. The saying goes, “the squeaky wheel get the grease.” We tend to spend our time and energy on what causes us the most annoyance. Though a natural tendency, it is unwise and shortsighted — not to mention bad husbanding. My wife still has needs that God wants me to provide. Similarly, our prayers can reflect the squeaky wheel pattern when we lose sight of the big… Read More »Big Picture Prayers

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Big Picture Worship

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My workshop has a scrap bin. Each new project adds to it and sometimes draws from it. Yet, inevitably it grows disproportionately larger than the project deserves when I fail to take into account the big picture. Nowhere is the big picture perspective more important than in worship. Determined Worship In Psalm 9, the psalmist begins enthusiastically with four “I will” statements:  I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart;I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.I will be glad… Read More »Big Picture Worship

Fighting the Fear Monster – Part 3

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This is part three in a three part post on Fighting the Fear Monster – lessons from Psalm 3. For the previous posts, see Part 1 or Part 2. Shimei: Fear for Reputation We are all quite capable destroying our reputations without the help of others. Yet, we often get unsolicited help. As David was fleeing Jerusalem with his band of loyal followers, Shimei followed, literally within a stones throw from them. He flung not only dust and stones at… Read More »Fighting the Fear Monster – Part 3