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Making Sense of Mother’s Day

By Sandi Brown   Mother’s Day. The mere thought of the day approaching sent me into a deep state of depression. Mother’s Day meant going to church and seeing the flurry of activity as mothers were dressed in their best outfits for the day that honored them. They would gush over the gifts their children […]

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In the World — May 12, 2013

By Christy Barritt   Department of Justice Argues Against Traditional Marriage The U.S. Department of Justice filed a brief with the U.S. Supreme court, arguing that a federal law defining marriage as a union between one man and one woman is unconstitutional and discriminates against homosexuals.  The federal Defense of Marriage Act, which was signed […]

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Giving her all–Mark 12:41-44

By David Faust   Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to […]

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Where You Live — for May 19, 2013

By Dan Lentz   1. Talk about a recent act of voluntary service that made you feel good. Did you expect to have a positive feeling after you served? Why, or why not?   Read 1 Peter 4:1-11.   2. Compare the attitude and motivation of a pagan with that of a Christ-follower according to […]

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Leading like the perfect shepherd

By Shawn McMullen   Elders of the church are “shepherds of God’s flock” (1 Peter 5:2). Just as responsible shepherds tend their sheep, elders are to look after the flock of God, leading, feeding, guiding, and protecting those under their care. There is no higher standard for elders in the local church than Jesus Christ. […]