Category: Uncategorized
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The Sound of Justice
“…my heart plays sadly like a harp for [the nation of] Moab, my inner being for [its capital city,] Kir-heres.” — Isaiah 16:11 CEB [brackets mine] My freshman year of college I was cast in Scrooge, the Musical. I had a big show-stopping number in the second act. As Ebenezer Scrooge gazed hopefully into his…
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Frustration of the Father
“You will say on that day: ‘I thank you, LORD. Though you were angry with me, your anger turned away and you comforted me.’” — Isaiah 12:1 CEB My dad agreed to play Capture the Flag with us so the teams would be even. As a captain with the first round draft pick, I selected…
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Foreshadowing Peace
“There will be vast authority and endless peace for David’s throne and for his kingdom, establishing and sustaining it with justice and righteousness now and forever. The zeal of the LORD of heavenly forces will do this.” — Isaiah 9:7 CEB For a moment, she seemed to be moving in slow motion. As Julie walked…
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Conspiracy Weary
“Don’t call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy. Don’t fear what they fear, and don’t be terrified. It is the LORD of heavenly forces whom you should hold sacred, whom you should fear, and whom you should hold in awe.” — Isaiah 8:12-13 CEB Some people are convinced, despite centuries of scientific observation, that…
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Siding with GOD
“In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it.” — Isaiah 2:2 NIV Sitting in the church sanctuary that day, I was told to close my eyes for what felt like…
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Authentic Worship
“…learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.” — Isaiah 1:17 NIV The second anniversary of the day we became a couple was rapidly approaching. I got it in my head that I would write Julie a song to commemorate the occasion. Half way into the project…
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Problem of Popularity
“Wisdom is better than might, but the wisdom of commoners is despised and their words aren’t heeded.” — Ecclesiastes 9:16 CEB Those of us raised in the Western world are blessed for a variety of reasons. We are trained to fight for freedom, to believe in ourselves, to chase after our dreams. But there is…
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Curse of Comparison
“I also observed that people work hard and become good at what they do only out of mutual envy. This too is pointless, just wind chasing.” — Ecclesiastes 4:4 CEB I’m not what you’d call a demon in every corner type of guy, but I believe Satan exists, and the proof is his creation of…
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Biblical Romance?
“Rushing waters can’t quench love; rivers can’t wash it away.” — Song of Songs 8:7 CEB In recognition of Valentine’s Day, I will reflect (just this once) on the un-preachable passages found in Song of Songs, the book that you won’t find in your illustrated Bible. Romance is a small part of scripture and also…
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Turn, Turn, Turn
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” — Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV All three of our kids were born after the invention of the iPhone. They assume it’s screen time all the time, so Julie and I have enlisted to serve as the Electronic Device Police. It’s a…
Justin Berkobien 