The Christian Author’s Show, today, April 21st
Now you can access this interview recording on the “Buy my Book” page.
BUY TODAY: I DIDN’T WANT TO BE THAT GIRL!
Looking for a Bible study? Grab a few friends or your favorite cup of jo as you dig in to God's Word to discover who you are in Christ. On sale now at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CBD, and more.
...and the door to our Europe adventure is about to begin...
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What is behind the door of your summer adventure? What are you looking forward to?
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#summer #heidleberg #castle #door #adventure #family #familytrip #vacay #travel #faithblogger #sueaallen
Happy Father’s Day!
... (I’m not sure why you can get a 🚣♀️ license at the age of 14 either)! ...
We love you! You’re the BEST!!!
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#fathersday #blessed
DAY 35 - THE GRADUATION SPEECH
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Today we read Paul's final benediction to the somewhat unpredictable Corinthian church. His closing remarks in 2 Cor. 13:11-14 remind me of ones you might hear at a graduation ceremony. Poignant. Succinct. Meaningful. If you recall over the past few chapters, Paul has addressed these city-dwellers with instructions on how to live life. These are real people with real problems and real jobs and real families and real churches. We often detach ourselves from the stories in the Bible, rather than stepping in to identify. Paul ends the book of Corinthians with clear instruction, which is applicable for us today:
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Don't store up head knowledge about Jesus...get out and live it too. Rejoice. Aim for restoration. Comfort one another. Agree with one another. Live in peace.
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There are 2 basic commandments in the New Testament. Love God and Love Others (Mark 12:30-31). Do you see it here? I think too often we stop short. We are satisfied in our endeavor to love God, never giving mind to the second command which is to love others well. Paul is pushing for spiritual maturity, which is manifested in loving others as ourselves.
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We can become comfortable in our pursuit of Jesus by going to church, attending a small group, skimming the Bible, hanging out with like-minded people...and start to think, "Hey, I've got this Christian thing down." I can check the box. However, Paul is admonishing us not to settle for the status quo. Don't stop. Get off the couch. Go ahead, and jump in. There's more for you to do!
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Paul is laboring for them to see that true Christian love is not merely shown in action or spoken in words...but it is genuinely felt in our heart.
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What does it look like to love others as yourself? I mean...like truly love. Any ideas?
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#lovingothers #heartopener #2corinthians #faithblogger #focus #cultivate #Jesus
Keeping it calm and 😎 on Friday...from the youngest skier in the fam. ENJOY THE WEEKEND! ....
@comerson_ #atx #makingmemories❤️ #familytime #water #sports #ski #trynewthings
I feel like I’m living a #campdirectorlife since my nephews are in town. We’re touring our city of #atx & looking to see who knows their #austintrivia. Where are we now?
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Where should we go next?
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Have we stumped @amykatmc & @desarieatx ?
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#austin #city #cityexploring #cousincamp #summertime #staycation #makingmemories❤️
DAY 34 - Examine Yourselves, to See if You are in the Faith
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Paul wanted the Corinthians to take an introspective look at their lives to determine if Jesus was at work. The goal was to build up, not tear down. It is easy to misinterpret the tone of this passage. Paul was all about encouraging them to examine themselves in order to gain assurance of their salvation. He desired their complete restoration. He wanted to see them take a step of faith, leaving their sinful lifestyles behind.
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In our seasons of stuckness...it is good to remind ourselves of God's faithfulness time and time again. It is incredibly encouraging to look back, reflect, and build up our faith.
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Am I really a true Christian? Or am I a counterfeit?
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There's more to being a Christian than attending church, singing worship songs, and memorizing a few scripture verses now and then. A true Christian has the Holy Spirit residing within. And the Holy Spirit confirms to our inner being that we belong to Christ.
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"The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God," Rom. 8:16
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A true Christian desires after God. ... "Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—" 1 Peter 2:2
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A true Christian bears fruit... “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." Gal. 5:22-23
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A true Christian experiences heart change... “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." 2 Cor. 5:17
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How do you see yourself being changed over time? #biblejournaling #faithblogger #focus #dailybread #qt #faith
