Following Jesus

Jesus’ initial call to his disciples is the same as his invitation to us: “Follow me.” As Jesus-followers, we’re to partner with him in bringing God’s kingdom to life in our world. How? By loving one another as he has loved us (John 13:34). Although the command is simple, living it out is challenging.

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  When God Doesn’t Meet Our Expectations (Part 2)March 23, 2024
  Pilate’s Passover entry into Jerusalem offers a competing vision and strategy for victory when God doesn’t meet our expectations. Will you follow Jesus or Pilate?
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  When God Doesn’t Meet Our Expectations (Part 1)March 11, 2024
  We beg God for answers, but his responses either confuse or seem nonexistent. What should we do when God doesn’t meet our expectations?
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  How to Reconcile Our Pain with God’s LoveFebruary 26, 2024
  Mary gave birth to the Messiah, but she also bore shame, heartache, and confusion throughout Jesus’ life. How could she reconcile God’s love with her pain? How can we?
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  How to Understand God’s Question: “Where Are You?”January 20, 2024
  A new year allows us to start over. God challenges us to use this season to question our priorities, activities, and relationships and align our primary concerns with his. We begin by considering his first question to Adam: “Where are you?” He also asks us–not where we are physically but where we are spiritually. How will you answer?
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  How to Choose: Stand Up or Fit InSeptember 27, 2023
  “When Forced to Choose” ~ a preview from my upcoming hybrid devotional/Bible study book, Where Is God When I Hurt? What do you think?
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  Discovering the One Who’s Hidden in Plain SightApril 6, 2023
  Sometimes what we think we’ve lost is hidden in plain sight. Maybe our inability to see God isn’t because he’s invisible but because our presumptions limit our perception. What then?
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  Change ~ How to Become More Like JesusJanuary 14, 2023
  Did you make New Year’s resolutions? Which areas of your life do you hope to change, and how will you make that happen? Did you include becoming more like Jesus this year? Read about a change that can help you move toward that goal.
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  How to Experience the Excitement of the ShepherdsDecember 14, 2022
  Has Christmas become an endless list of errands and events that leave you exhausted? Is it possible to rekindle our joy and rediscover the excitement of the first witnesses? When we follow the steps of the shepherds, we can experience their excitement.
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  How to Rejoice When Life Drains Our JoyNovember 22, 2022
  The Bible tells us to rejoice always. But how can we do that when life runs roughshod over us? How can we be both faithful and real?
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  Is Peace Possible?December 8, 2021
  Regardless of political persuasion, most of us lament the current polarization in our country. Is peace possible? Will you be a purveyor of peace?
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  How to Win the War Against WorryFebruary 24, 2021
  Despite knowing worry brings neither peace nor results, many succumb to the temptation. Discover steps to win the war against worry.
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  Searching for Signs of HopeFebruary 3, 2021
  The pandemic has driven many to consider Christ. Are we searching for a manageable Messiah or One whose word and wisdom we can trust?
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  Paralyzed by the Pandemic ~ How to Find HopeDecember 16, 2020
  Many in our world feel paralyzed by the pandemic. How can we find healing and hope when God doesn’t do what we request or expect?
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  Exile ~ Successful Strategies for EmancipationNovember 24, 2020
  Thanksgiving restrictions imposed by authorities leave some of us feeling as if we’re in exile. Regardless of how we define exile, we long for the end. How can we find freedom?
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  How to Reverse Running on EmptyNovember 4, 2020
  For many of us, our emotional tanks are full, but our spiritual tanks are empty. How can we reverse that? Jesus’ first miracle shows us.
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  How to Eliminate Our EnemiesOctober 23, 2020
  Enemies: we may have them even if we don’t want them. Jesus told us to love them. But how and why? Can’t we just eliminate them?
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  How to Avoid Asking the Wrong QuestionOctober 6, 2020
  When I face difficulties, I often ask what I should learn. But what if that’s not the point? Maybe the challenges we encounter aren’t meant to teach us but to make us.
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  Changing Cultures ~ From One Extreme to AnotherSeptember 26, 2020
  Is the US changing cultures, exchanging one extreme for another? From hyper-individualism to toxic tribalism. How should believers respond?
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  4 Steps to Redeem the Culture WarSeptember 19, 2020
  The US is witnessing a cultural shift that feels like a culture war. How should Christians respond? Discover 4 steps to redeem the opportunity.
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  Racial Reconciliation ~ More than RelationshipsJuly 23, 2020
  Racial Reconciliation ~ More Than Relationships: Whites and non-Whites see the racial divide from different perspectives. Do we need more than interracial relationships to achieve racial reconciliation?
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  Anger: Is Mine Righteous?June 24, 2020
  Anger may be America’s favorite sport. Long-term conflicts have risen to the surface, resulting in rage. Some defend their wrath, calling it “righteous anger.” Can we be righteous and angry at the same time? Click the link to discover what the Bible says.
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  What Does God Want?June 3, 2020
  God desires justice and mercy. How can we do both? Aren’t they opposites? How should God’s followers respond to injustice and protests?

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