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Category Archives: conflict
disappointment and heaven’s king
Matthew 11. The tone of Jesus’ preaching ministry changes a bit in this chapter, as he adjusts to a time of disappointment. John the Baptist had been violently taken by force. Even John was beginning to question whether … Continue reading
Posted in confidence, conflict, Jesus Christ, kingdom of God, perseverance, sovereignty of God
Tagged Matthew 11
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deeply committed, deeply hurt
Philemon 1-3. Philemon was a good man. He was not just a pew-sitter in Colossae. He hosted a fellowship in his own house. Paul described him as a “beloved fellow worker.” The picture we get from Paul’s words in this … Continue reading
Posted in conflict, courage, deliverance, dependence upon God, forgiveness, grace, trust
Tagged Philemon
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when Christ comes, what will he find?
1 Thessalonians 5:1-22. When our Lord bursts through the clouds at his second coming, what kind of church will be here to meet him? It should be a church who respects the leaders and equipping ministers who labor on her … Continue reading
Posted in church, conflict, divisions, enemies, faithfulness, goodness, Holy Spirit, hypocrisy, integrity, ministry, worship
Tagged 1 Thessalonians 5
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grace for love and war
Ephesians 6:10-24. Paul concludes this letter with a prayer for grace to all who read it, that they might love the Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible. The warfare that they face will challenge that love. His concluding words to … Continue reading
Posted in church, conflict, deliverance, dependence upon God, faith, grace, peace, perseverance, prayer, scriptures
Tagged Ephesians 6
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aiming for restoration
2 Corinthians 12:14-13:14. Paul had visited Corinth two times: once to plant churches there, and then for a “painful visit” in which he had to make judgments and set right wrong behavior. He is planning a third visit, and wants … Continue reading
Posted in church, conflict, divisions, gospel, witness
Tagged 2 Corinthians 12, 2 Corinthians 13
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proof of commitment
2 Corinthians 10:13-12:13. Paul’s opponents in Corinth probably boasted that they were more committed to Christ and the churches than Paul was. After all, he was only a part-time itinerant missionary, but they demonstrated their commitment by staying among the … Continue reading
Posted in commitment, conflict, divisions, faithfulness, ministry, submission, suffering
Tagged 2 Corinthians 10, 2 Corinthians 11, 2 Corinthians 12
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present sufferings, future glory
Romans 8:18-39. The sufferings of this present time consist of two types. The creation itself groans as if in childbirth. This means that things are not going to go well for anyone. There will be tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, … Continue reading
Posted in conflict, deliverance, Holy Spirit, perseverance, sanctification, suffering
Tagged Romans 8
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the time of testing
Romans 7. The Christian who desires to please God and walk according to the resurrected life will immediately recognize a struggle. Sin continues to live within him, and wage war against his good intentions. He will often have the desire … Continue reading
Posted in commitment, conflict, deliverance, faithfulness, perseverance, sanctification
Tagged Romans 7
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the worrier’s psalm
Psalm 46 is not a psalm for the warrior, but a psalm for the worrier. It’s for those of us that tend to be overwhelmed by anxiety when trouble comes. The sons of Korah highlight two different kinds of worry-producing … Continue reading
Posted in confidence, conflict, faith, future, hope, relationship with God
Tagged Psalm 46
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one decision
2 Chronicles 10. It was one decision that Rehoboam made that led to division and rebellion and the dissolution of Israel. He decided to listen to the wrong counselors. They encouraged him to make the heavy yoke even heavier. The … Continue reading
Posted in conflict, discernment, divisions, leadership, ministry, peace, self-control, wisdom
Tagged 2 Chronicles 10
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Devotions 