Category: Uncategorized
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Let Us Study the Book of Proverbs
“The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: For learning about wisdom and instruction, for understanding words of insight” (Prov 1:1-2 CEB). My grandfather was a fairly simple man. I don’t remember him having a whole lot to contribute to conversations about politics or current events. He wasn’t the first person I’d turn…
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Let Us Be Guided by the Spirit
“Don’t answer fools according to their folly, or you will become like them yourself. Answer fools according to their folly, or they will deem themselves wise.” (Prov 26:4-5 CEB) Know anyone who is simply impossible to deal with? Julie and I have spent countless hours trying to figure out how to handle the difficult people…
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Let Us Keep Our Promises
“We should grab lunch sometime!” In some places, this phrase means exactly what it sounds like— the person you’re talking to wants to have lunch with you. In Southern California, however, it’s generally understood that “let’s grab lunch” is something everyone says but few people follow through with. Now this is a harmless cultural quirk,…
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Let Us Trust God Over Everything
“No wisdom, understanding, or advice can stand up against the Lord.”(Proverbs 21:30 CEB) Have you ever been in the middle of a terrible storm? Growing up in Michigan we had some doozies. One afternoon I was riding my bike outside when, out of nowhere, the sky went dark. Extreme winds began to howl on all…
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Let Us Embody God’s Love
“House and riches are an inheritance from one’s ancestors, but an insightful wife is from the Lord.”(Proverbs 19:14 CEB) I can draw straight lines that connect everything I love about my life to Julie. My kids, my vocation, my most cherished memories— none of them would exist without my wife. Even the things I like…
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Let Us Store Up Treasures in Heaven
“The riches of the wealthy are a strong city and like a high wall in their imagination.”(Proverbs 18:11 CEB) Growing up, one of my favorite games was Monopoly. I loved collecting piles of cash, especially other people’s cash! I remember playing with my family one time, confident that I was going to win. Just look…
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Let Us Mourn with Christ
“The Lord’s name is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and find refuge.”(Proverbs 18:10 CEB) This week many of us have spent time thinking about where we were twenty years ago when the World Trade Center was struck, the Pentagon was threatened and Flight 93 went down. I was a college student and…
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Let Our Hope Be Not Delayed
“Hope delayed makes the heart sick; longing fulfilled is a tree of life.”(Proverbs 13:12 CEB) It’s only the beginning of September and I’m already seeing promotions for the holiday season. Can you believe it? Before too long that overly ambitious neighbor will be plastering every square inch of his home’s exterior with red and green…
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Let Us Be Encouraged
“Anxiety leads to depression, but a good word encourages” (Proverbs 12:25 CEB) The four-hour bus ride wound up being more like seven. My face was cucumber-colored with motion sickness. When we finally arrived at the dirt road leading to our camp, the bus got stuck in some mud. I picked up an armful of supplies…
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Let Us Trust in the Lord
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; don’t rely on your own intelligence. Know him in all your paths, and he will keep your ways straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 CEB) My mother has always projected strength. So I was a little rattled by her demeanor. My little brother, who was 2 or 3 years old…
Justin Berkobien 