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Category Archives: conflict
Exodus: contest
Exodus 7:14-8:19 Pharaoh’s first resort when challenged to free the Israelites was to go home and ignore Moses and Aaron. When that didn’t work, he treated the plagues as a contest. He sent his magicians to imitate the plagues. Sometimes … Continue reading
Jacob: El-Elohe-Israel
Genesis 33. Jacob limps away from Peniel, where he had seen the face of God, and his life was delivered. He now meets up with his brother Esau – whom he hadn’t seen for 20 years. God has been at … Continue reading
Isaac: Esek and Sitnah
Genesis 26. During a famine, Isaac and his family resettle in Gerar, where Abraham had sojourned before. He re-dug some of the wells that Abraham had dug, because the Philistines had stopped them up. Two of the wells he named … Continue reading
Posted in Abraham, church, conflict, Isaac, Jesus Christ, kingdom of God, second coming, suffering
Tagged Genesis 26
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Abraham: casting out the slave and her son
Genesis 21:1-21. Isaac had been born, and laughter filled Abraham’s house. But some of the laughter appears to have been mocking from Ishmael, who is about 16 years old by now. Sarah is indignant, and orders that he and his … Continue reading
Posted in Abraham, compassion, conflict, dependence upon God, faithfulness, will of God
Tagged Genesis 21
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martyrs and the future
Revelation 14. Here we see the 144,000 again. They are called the firstfruits because they were the first to hear the whole gospel, and be redeemed. Many of those first Jewish believers paid for their allegiance to Christ by giving … Continue reading
the beasts and the future
Revelation 13. The vision that we started reading yesterday introduced us to Satan, the great dragon/serpent/devil. Today’s text describes the two great tools the devil has used against God’s plan and his people. They are described as beasts. The first … Continue reading
victory in the future
Revelation 11. The age in which we live is often one where the people of God and the word of God are in conflict with the kingdom of the world. This chapter reveals that – in the future – that … Continue reading
In Jesus, we can have peace
John 16:16-33. In these past few chapters, Jesus has been preparing his disciples – not just for the tribulation they would face at his trial and death, but for the extended period of tribulation, sorrow, weeping and lamenting the Church … Continue reading
Posted in conflict, encouragement, Jesus Christ, perseverance, suffering
Tagged John 16
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after faith: no wisdom wars
James 3:13-18. James had warned the churches not to produce too many teachers. It seems that the churches were in danger of wisdom wars – where teachers would compete with each other for the loyalty of the other believers. James … Continue reading
Posted in church, conflict, discipleship, divisions, faith, gentleness, genuineness, kindness
Tagged James 3
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living devotees
1 Peter 3:13-4:19. Peter encourages believers to face the times they are in with complete devotion to Christ. God may allow them to face challenges to their faith. As living devotees, them must honor Christ the Lord as holy, and … Continue reading
Posted in church, commitment, conflict, discipleship, enemies, faithfulness, Jesus Christ, perseverance, suffering, witness
Tagged 1 Peter 3, 1 Peter 4
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Devotions 