Ordinary Grace Blog
The Latest Posts
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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…
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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…