The Falling of the Following

Justyn Tedder 2 min read
selective focus photography of pen

Here recently, I’ve been overwhelmed by the persistence of God’s grace. For everyday that I’ve lived to breathe and walk here on earth, I’ve sinned. For every season in my life’s book, I can name a different idol that Satan has dangled in front of my face. For each time I come to Him in prayer, I’m struck by my sheer humanity once more. Yet through each millisecond— never skipping a day nor season nor chance— Jesus has pursued me with His mercy, love, and strength. Now that’s persistence.  Recently, I’ve rekindled my love for writing poetry. An old habit left in the dust of college, but revived for the sake of the soul. I’m no Dr. Seuss, but there’s just something about piecing together a puzzle of words in which they become heavier on the heart and closer to the conscience. This poem below was written several weeks ago […]

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Soul: Remember your God (A poem)

Rachel Marissa < 1 min read
man in black and white sweater sitting on chair

You have replayed your anxieties, complaints, and sorrows. Again. And again. And again. But have you rehearsed the glory of your God? Yahweh, Jehovah, Messiah. Trust Him!  Lean into His grace. Drink from His well. Feast on His abundance. Look up. Look to Him. Who, for the joy set before Him, endured the cross. Remember. He has purpose for this season. None of it is wasted. Fear not. Don’t give in. He has overcome the world. Be present today. After all, it’s all He’s given. And He will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Do not worry about tomorrow (or how you’ll finish this season). It has enough trouble of its own. Fear not, little flock, for your Father knows what you need and is pleased to give you the Kingdom. Hold on to the hope of the gospel.  Stay anchored in your Redeemer.  […]

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Finding the Divine in the Secular

Kathryn Pesyna 6 min read
reading

Let’s play a game.  It’s no secret that, with a degree in English language and literature, I am a sucker for classic literature.  Shoot, I’m a sucker for a good story in general.  I love love love to get into the nitty and gritty – theme, plot, character development, allusion, language…even grammar!  But one of my favorite things to do is find Jesus in non- overtly religious texts.  I’m not talking about the Piers Plowmans written by the monks and prioresses in the middle ages.  I’m not talking about Pilgrim’s Progress written by the Puritan preacher, John Bunyan.  These are literal allegories with heavy religious influence.  I’m talking about the pop literature (of any time) meant to entertain.  Art reflecting life.  Human stories. So play the game with me for a minute.  Find the divine in the secular. Henry V In the first round, I’d like to get you started […]

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As I Carry This Human (a poem)

Bailey Lenzen < 1 min read
woman in gown standing near forest

This body is yours.Your spirit breathes life into the human in my body.There is a person in me you desire to use in your mission field.A person with a purpose – to love and be loved –And a vocation of which will unfold.Whatever good comes of their life is from you, your spirit.This body is a mere vessel,Our parenthood a vocation. Every craving, every discomfort – a joy I often overlookIn that present moment of suffering As I seek a quick fixIn the form of pretzels. You’ve revealed this journey is the one I’m called to,And yet …I  feel a twinge of frustration.That this journey comes with no map. I like a map.But You like my sanctification more.Sigh. There’s a little comfort in knowing many faithfully travelled this roadWith no map(!)And became great saints in the process,With your mighty compass to guide them. …Is a map needed? You breathe in life […]

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A Thorn in the Flesh

TaKasha Smith 2 min read

I said, “Would You take it away?” He said, “I will not.” This is pain you can live through, though I know it is a lot. I don’t think He sees me, and I don’t think He knows. He thinks I can handle more than I’m able. He thinks it helps me to grow. But it is dark and deep, a messenger from Hell. You say, “Let it perfect you.”  But how can You tell? I’m scared it will break me if it will not relent. He must not love me.  What else makes sense?   I said, “Would You take it away?” He said, “I will not.” But I am Good and you know it. Or have you forgotten? Can you remember the days when you first saw My face, When the hope in your heart became an all-consuming blaze? Can you remember how it felt when it all […]

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Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior

Jenny McCarty 3 min read

Here is a hymn that is cherished in my heart. It is written from a singer’s perspective, knowing there is nothing we can do to save ourselves, only Jesus’ grace can give us hope, strengthen our unbelief, comfort us, and heal our hearts when they are broken. I sing this song to myself when times like these arise–sometimes it is hard to find words to pray, but I can repeat this hymn as words in my heart.

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This is my fight song.

Katie Chapman 3 min read

I love this time of year.  Winter’s leftovers are fading away and new life is popping up everywhere outside!  This time of year energizes me and brings a renewed motivation to accomplish some of the goals I set for myself at the beginning of the year.  For me, I want 2018 to be a year of finding healing and wholeness in Christ. I desire to spend more quality time with God and have a more fruitful prayer life. But so far it’s felt like I’m doing the same thing day in and day out: devotionals, studying a book of the bible, and praying through the prayer requests in our small group.  Honestly I was starting to get bored with it.

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