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The Privileged Life: How You Can Pray for 2024
“But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” (Matthew 6:6) Whew—2023 has evaporated! Twelve months have gone by, and it seems like we just had black-eyed peas and ham on New Year’s Day. The tipping point between years gives us pause to look back and…
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The Privileged Life: Have Yourself a Merry Little “Out-of-Control” Christmas
“There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand.” (Proverbs 19:21) One of my favorite cartoon movie scenes is from “The Emperor’s New Groove”—with a quick interchange between stalwart Pacha and the whiny llama/emperor Kuzco, tied together as they float down a river. Here’s how it goes: Pacha: Uh-oh. Kuzco: Don’t tell me. We’re about…
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The Privileged Life: The Sweetness of Christmas
“And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” (Ephesians 5:2) Christmas is such a sweet time of year…sugary sweet. If the shelves in Walmart and our kitchen are any indication, I’m guessing more sweet goodies are purchased and created during the…
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The Privileged Life: The Truth About Christmas—Take the Quiz!
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14) How well do you know the Christmas story? The real one, in the Bible? Let’s push aside the tinsel, carol lyrics, manger scenes, and angel…
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The Privileged Life: Thankful for Second Chances
“You are God, ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abundant in kindness….” (Nehemiah 9:17b) Golf has a delightful invention—the “mulligan.” When a golfer has hit a poor shot, typically from the tee box, the golfer can call for a mulligan, an opportunity to try the shot again without penalty. It’s used only in informal play, not…
