By Mugs Manry
“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)
Throughout the last twenty years of my life, I have moved twelve times. Sometimes my family moved across the country, other times we moved across the world, and each time we prayed concerning our next church, “God, where would you have us be?” After asking this question, I would give God lots of hints. My hints would contain specific requirements such as: inspiring teaching, encouraging pastor, gifted worship leader, ministries for the children, a designated church building, and chairs that did not have to be put away.
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By Mugs Manry
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
Hebrews 10:24 (NIV)
Intelligence was one of the criteria I used when recently researching for a family pet. I had loved the huskies I had owned, but now I wanted a dog smart enough to train, not just smart enough to escape. I decided to get a Golden Retriever. Prior to owning a one, I did not realize how remarkably intelligent they are. Our Golden Retriever, Blaze, will play many different games with our family. A family member will often think he or she has set the parameters of the game with Blaze. Then, the person will watch in amazement as he changes those parameters.
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By Mugs Manry
“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.”
Acts 4:32 (NIV)
The sight of a large truck being loaded with household items will elicit the following prayer from me, “Lord, thank You that this truck is not parked at my house.” Our family has moved many times because of my husband’s military career. After each move, there is a tremendous push to put things away. Inevitably, I run out of energy and cannot face another decision on where something should go. Therefore, piles of items remain in various rooms to trip over or maneuver around as we settle into a new place.
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By Mugs Manry
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)
I walked in the woods to hear God’s voice because all around me other voices intruded. I looked and listened for Him, but it was the enemy I heard first. “Don’t go walking in the woods alone,” he said. “You could be lost or injured. No one would search for you. Feel fear. See threat.” I began to mentally prepare for an attack and for getting lost. Then I heard God’s voice say, “Fear not.” So, I took those fearful thoughts into captivity, and walked on.
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By Mugs Manry
“I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
Mark 10:15 (NIV)
I watched my five-year old son squirm as the doctor listened to his heart. He tried to sit still, but today was his Kindergarten physical, and the stethoscope was cold. I distractedly listened to the doctor, but in the back of my mind I was rehearsing the “why we need vaccinations” speech I would soon be giving to my son. “Your son has a heart murmur,” the doctor said. These words finally broke through my thoughts. I had heard these same words many years before concerning my eldest son, now a teenager. At the time, those words had generated panic and fear, but now I received them calmly.
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