Ordinary Grace Blog
The Latest Posts
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In Plain Sight
“For in plain sight they see the return of the LORD to Zion.” Isaiah 52:8b How could we have missed it? That question is often raised after something goes wrong or we are surprised by events. When the clues were self-evident, but we or others didn’t pick-up on them at the time. It’s part of
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The Best Kind of Waiting
“While you are waiting… regard the patience of our Lord as salvation” 2 Peter 3:14a, 15a We are in a season of waiting. Advent is a four-week period of time when we long for God to break into creation again. Unlike persons who lived before the time of Christ and awaited the Messiah’s appearance, Christians
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“And here you are!”
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances.” –1 Thessalonians 5:16-18a Seven months ago, I worshiped in the North Carolina congregation where I had served as pastor for nearly eleven years. I made passing mention of that experience in a blog post on April 27. There was another moment from that morning, though,
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A Glimpse of Church
“Standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind.” –Philippians 1:28 A few years ago, I worshiped at a Presbyterian Church 15 miles from our home. During my working years, when I was in town and had a Sunday off I didn’t typically sleep in, but instead would
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Witnesses Unaware
“Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:3 Several years ago, ten members of the congregation I served at the time traveled with me to Greece and Turkey. Joined by two other women who lived in Pennsylvania, two from Michigan, an Australian couple and a woman from Trinidad and
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Preachers in Heaven?
“God himself will be with them; he will wipe away every tear from their eye.” –Revelation 21:3 On the church calendar November 1 is designated as All Saints Day. In many congregations, it is the occasion when, during a worship service, we will remember by name the individuals who have died during the previous twelve
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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