About: jen

Recent Posts by jen

Up from the Ash Heap

Up from the Ash Heap
Dust and ashes are paired throughout scripture and are used together still today. Dust reminds us of our mortality – that we are but dust and will return there. And ashes are associated with mourning, grief and even isolation. There is no community in an ash heap. We are fortunate not to experience physically sitting…
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Breaking the Law

Breaking the Law
It’s not always easy to follow God’s law. In fact, sometimes it’s impossible. I'm not just talking about my willful flesh, but there are times when God’s commandments conflict. Do you lie to save a life? The religious folk of Jesus’ day were consumed with this. They wanted to be obedient but recognized the inevitability…
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The Suffering of Temptation

The Suffering of Temptation
Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.  Hebrews 2:18 Being tempted is hard, but it’s not a sin. Jesus was tempted. When the temptation involves matters of sin or obedience to God, the stakes are high. And the cost may be, too.   Jesus…
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Philippians and an Upside Down Hero

Philippians and an Upside Down Hero
Paul had a great affection for the Philippian church. He had been imprisoned by the Romans there and was warmly cared for. His first recorded baptism, the businesswoman Lydia, was at the local river. Yet the Philippians were not without issues. Philippi was a very proud city. They were proud of their Roman citizenship, proud…
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