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Shephelah

When the early Israelites came into the Promised Land, many of them settled in the Judean mountains. Jerusalem was there and it was a hospitable landscape compared to the desert they left. There were enemies in the land, like the Philistines who lived along the coast. But between the mountains and the coastal plains was…
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Persisting in Gratitude

Starting the day in gratitude is still a work in progress for me. It’s not that I feel ungrateful but rather that it doesn’t even cross my mind. The training continues. Regardless of how I start, it is also important to pursue a thankful attitude as the day goes on. It’s easy to be grateful…
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Awakened to Gratitude

How do you start your day? Our first moments likely impact our thoughts and attitude for the rest of the day. Our Jewish friends begin the day with the “Modeh Ani.” This short prayer, recited before getting out of bed, acknowledges the greatness of God and the Giver of life. It goes like this: I…
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Onesimus the Useful One: From Slave to Pastor

One of my favorite people in the Bible is Onesimus, the runaway slave. It was a bold move to flee his master – an offense that could have cost him his life. I wonder if he heard the same teachings that brought his owner, Philemon, to faith and saw the change it made in him.…
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