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Like a drop of water poured into wine
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Bernard of Clairveax was a monk who lived in the early twelfth century. In his book On Loving God… Listen ⇢
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Physical rest without mental rest
Rest is important. But don’t take my word for it. God says as much in Exodus 20:9-10: “Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God.” We all most likely agree that rest is important. But it’s… Listen ⇢
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The Babushki
Author Philip Yancey tells of a life-changing experience he had while visiting Russia in 1991—a country then in a free-fall. Much has changed in Russia since that time, but Yancey comments on how there was a lack of trust in the air, a sense of forebodance about pretty much everything.… Listen ⇢
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Older men like fathers, women like mothers
It is sometimes emphasized that the command to honour your father and mother isn’t just about biology. Since Jesus’ followers thought of themselves as family and called one another “brothers and sisters,” they also tried to honour older men and women as fathers and mothers, especially those who didn’t have… Listen ⇢
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Chronological snobbery
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you” (Exodus 20:12). In today’s society many people think that old equals bad and new equals good. We have a tendency to dismiss older ideas and even people—simply because… Listen ⇢
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How will I build my empire?
In Exodus 16 we learn about a group of ex-slaves whom God had led out of Egypt. They needed nourishment. So he provided them with manna, a bready source of food. Each day he would deliver just enough for that day. Since he wanted them to rest on the seventh… Listen ⇢
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He is not shocked
Last week I sent a note to the congregation I pastor. It was about being deliberate about our attitude on Sunday mornings. It’s so easy to forget what (and who) worship is all about. All of us are influenced by the prevailing individualism and consumerism of our time. What mindset… Listen ⇢
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Against the powers of chaos
“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy” (Exodus 20:8). Rest is an act of war against the powers of chaos. That’s a pretty strong statement. Perhaps some of you think it’s too much. Or, perhaps, just maybe, it’s right on the money? Life can get crazy. So can the… Listen ⇢
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Botching the job
There was a famous da Vinci painting, Salvador Mundi. It was a depiction of Jesus. There was a time when it needed to be restored. So a professional was contacted. She was very careful and knew what she was doing. The restoration was a success. There’s a longer, fascinating story… Listen ⇢
Meet the producer, Matthew Ruttan.
Matthew is a disciple, pastor, husband, and dad of three who lives in the psalms.
