Regular followers of Doubting Believer know that I'm not really one to cherry pick Bible verses and toss them out as easy answers or rules for life. Individual scripture passages should be read in context to the whole and always in light of the words, work and witness of Jesus. That being said, there are, of course, some real gems contained in our scriptures that may be just what ...
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I'm in a bad mood most of the time these days. I'm tired of the pandemic. Weary of living it out in a small apartment in a new city where I hardly know anyone. I'm angry at those who are not taking COVID seriously and putting others at risk. I'm disappointed in people who answer "Black Lives Matter" with "All Lives Matter." And I'm incredibly disheartened by ...
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May the God of endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude toward each other, similar to Christ Jesus’ attitude. Romans 15:5 [Common English Bible] One of the things I fail miserably at every day is the effort to be more Christ-like. Where Jesus was kind and patient and gentle, I tend to be cranky, impatient and snarky. Perhaps this is why I’m drawn to encouragement as a spiritual discipline. I ...
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November starts tomorrow! Let's spend the month not only giving thanks, but giving thanks for people in our lives…and letting them know they are appreciated. Here’s a handy list of people to give thanks for each day. You may not have someone in your life that fits every day, but I bet you can think of someone who comes close. Whoever you are thankful for each day, I encourage you to ...
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In the midst of people being angry and irritable about pumpkin spice lattes or Halloween candy out to soon or even (gasp!) Christmas decorations already for sale, I thought I'd share a post from my 18 Days of Encouraging Others. This is Day 5, and it's all about being excited for other people when they're excited about something...instead of acting like they're idiots for taking joy and having some fun. Rejoice ...
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William Barclay, one of the world’s most prolific Christian commentators, said, “One of the highest of human duties is the duty of encouragement…It is easy to laugh at [people’s] ideals; it is easy to pour cold water on their enthusiasm; it is easy to discourage others. The world is full of discouragers. We have a Christian duty to encourage one another. Many a time a word of praise or thanks ...
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