Posted January 29, 2024 | Judith Ingram
What is often described as the story of Paul’s conversion is also the story of Paul’s divine call. His encounter with Jesus on the Damascus road did not change his identity as a Jew but rather his understanding of what being a Jew meant in light of the risen Messiah. Jesus spoke directly into Paul’s life and commissioned him to be “a servant and a witness” to the Gentiles “to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me” (Acts 26:18).
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Posted January 22, 2024 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
Luke 20:21-25 NIV
So the spies questioned him: “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right, and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” He saw through their duplicity and said to them, “Show me a denarius. Whose portrait and inscription are on it?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. He said to them, “Then give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
Consider
Although we may debate exactly what Jesus meant in his reply, there is irony in his statement.
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Posted January 15, 2024 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
Psalm 51:5-7 CEB
Yes, I was born in guilt, in sin, from the moment my mother conceived me. And yes, you want truth in the most hidden places; you teach me wisdom in the most secret places. Purify me with hyssop and I will be clean; wash me and I will be whiter than snow.
Consider
In these three verses, the psalmist gives us a model prayer for dealing with relationships that resist healing.
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Posted January 8, 2024 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
1 Corinthians 10:12-13 NLT
If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
Consider
Sooner or later, we each encounter relationships that seem to pack more pain than pleasure. We may endure repeated conflicts with an adult child who lives a troubling lifestyle or with a critical parent who never lets up.
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Posted January 1, 2024 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
Romans 15:13 NIV
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Consider
I came across a beautiful prayer by author D.A. Carson in his book, Praying with Paul.* Here are words from his prayer that I encourage you to take deep into your heart for further meditation and prayer as we move forward into the New Year.
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