Ordinary Grace Blog
The Latest Posts
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Already, But Not Yet
“There is no longer Jew or Greek… for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28 One summer during my seminary years, I worked for a cooperative ministry group in West Virginia. Along with a food bank and clothing closet, that organization provided, at no cost, needed home repairs for the poorest residents
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Removing the Veil
“And Moses would put the veil on his face again until he went in to speak with [God].” Exodus 34:35b The 34th chapter of Exodus speaks repeatedly of a veil. It wasn’t worn by a bashful bride, but Moses, a great leader of the past. Nor was it put on for a wedding, but before
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Awe and Wonder
“When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established…” –Psalm 8:3 Lori and I just returned from a trip through the national parks of Southern Utah. Known as The Mighty Five, they stretch across the Beehive State from Colorado to Nevada and include Arches,
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A Bold Word
“And now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness.” –Acts 4:29 The words above come one day after the disciples Peter and John encountered a man who had been unable to walk since birth. Calling on the name of Jesus, Peter healed him and then told
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An Essential Reminder
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart.” –Proverbs 3:5 15 years ago, the Session of the congregation I served at the time gathered for a historic decision. Not every matter a church governing body considers rises to that level, of course. This one did as the group pondered next steps in a major renovation
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The Power of One
“But Barnabas took him, brought him to the apostles, and described…how in Damascus Saul had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus.” –Act 9:27 His name was Carl. When we first met, he had worked for the telephone company for 39 years. Some of my co-workers had warned me he was odd, even a curmudgeon.
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Tingling Ears
“Then the LORD said to Samuel, ‘See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make both ears of anyone who hears of it tingle.’” –1 Samuel 3:11 My college roommate Jim is a physician. We first met when I was 17 and have been friends ever since. Each of us served as
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When the Light Turns Red
“Jacob himself went on ahead of them, bowing himself to the ground seven times, until he came near his brother.” –Genesis 33:3 A number of years ago, while still living in North Carolina, I was on my way to the Charlotte airport. I was heading to my sister’s home in Texarkana, Texas. She and her
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Working Like Frank
“Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as done for the Lord.” –Colossians 3:23a Nearly 25 years ago, my family and I took a vacation to an Orlando theme park with the logo of a very large mouse. The four of us enjoyed the diverse rides and attractions, yet the one moment that left us
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A Sign of Respect
“Honor everyone” 1 Peter 2:17a “R-E-S-P-E-C-T,” Aretha Franklin famously sang, “find out what it means to me.” In our look at character traits desired for students and grown-ups alike, we come this week to the concept of respect. It’s a simple idea, honoring all people because everyone shares the divine spark with us. Yet as