Pray for the People

A torn piece of paper that says Prayer

After tragedies like the recent floods in Texas which caused many deaths, it is common to hear people talk about ‘thoughts and prayers’ for those who are suffering. Other times, on just a normal day someone might approach you and ask you to pray for them. Do you pray? One of the reasons clergy dress…

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You are not Invisible

Smiling woman standing out in a crowd.

In a world surrounded by crowds and constant background ‘noise’ it can feel like nobody sees you. You go to work dutifully and spend the day unnoticed by your coworkers and supervisors. Everyone is jockeying for ‘their ten minutes of fame, but you feel invisible. There was a woman who was so sick that she…

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Rejoice in Your Own Salvation

Group of people joyfully jumping on beach.

It might be normal to look at others and judge them as worthy or not of salvation. It isn’t good, but it might be normal. We spend too much of our time focusing on the lives of others we forget to look in the mirror. If we did, we might not be so quick to…

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Inheritance is More than Money

Wooden letters spelling 'Inheritance' on brown background.

Visiting my ancestral home brings many opportunities for reunion and shared stories with old friends and family. One of my favorite interactions is to meet the children of those with whom I grew up. I am always amazed at the strength of the gene pool. We inherit all sorts of things from our parents besides…

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Whom do you serve?

Service signs pointing in different directions.

In my Homage to Freedom yesterday I wrote about the freedom from sin and temptation. As much as we are thankful for the freedom we celebrated yesterday in the Unites States, we should thank God for the freedom He has granted us, but with freedom comes choices. The greatest choice we make is to join…

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It’s Not You; It’s Me

Woman looking upset, man talking behind her.

Made popular by a famous TV character, this saying has deep truth. It isn’t about breaking up or cancelling a date. What makes this saying true is the relationship between me and the Church. We like to blame the Church for being too strict and chasing me away, but that isn’t true. Brethren, I am…

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Some People Just Hate God

Person screaming in frustration, pulling hair.

It is harsh to hear. It is even more harsh to say, but it is true. No matter what we say or do; no matter what God says or does, some people just hate Him. Some people just refuse to listen to His love and grace. Some people are just too much into themselves to…

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Are You Prefect Yet?

Perfection" text over question mark cards.

I hear it all the time. Quite frankly, it bothers me. “I’m not perfect!” These are the words of someone not even trying to live a life without sin. These are the words of someone who has given up the fight. The Lord said, “Give to him who begs from you, and do not refuse…

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No Shame in Good News

Man sitting with head in hands.

Shame can be a powerful force. It can be good, and lead to repentance. It can be bad and lead to death. In a society that praises greed, power, self-reliance, and all sorts of immorality, shame can also be used by the devil to keep us away from God. Saint Paul thought otherwise. Paul, a…

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