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Did Jesus Lie in John 7:1–10?

This passage in John 7:1–10 often raises a challenging question: Did Jesus lie when He initially told His brothers, “I’m not going up to this festival,” but later went in secret? To answer this, we must examine the context, language, and purpose of Jesus’s actions. Context: Jesus’s Timing and Mission The key to understanding Jesus’s words lies in His explanation to His brothers: “My time has…

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A Routine Communion

Once in a while, I’m asked to lead the brief devotional and prayer that we do when it’s time to serve communion. Once, when we had a guest pastor speaking, someone forgot to mention to me that I was supposed to come up with this myself, I didn’t have the usual notes to work with. I ended up winging it. This derives from what I said… When it’s time to take communion, it’s so easy for it to become…

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Think Before You Act: The Danger of Blindly Following Advice

In our fast-paced world, generic advice abounds. We’re surrounded by catchy one-liners, motivational quotes, and “life hacks” that sound profound but may lead us astray if we follow them without discernment. The truth is, some advice is harmless, but other pieces can be downright dangerous when taken at face value. In critical moments, blindly applying superficial advice without context or wisdom…

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Wearing the Cross vs. Bearing the Cross: Living Out True Faith

In today’s world, crosses are everywhere—on necklaces, tattoos, and home decor—but the message they represent can often be forgotten. Jesus taught that to follow Him means to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and walk in His footsteps (Luke 9:23). Wearing the cross symbolizes affiliation, but bearing it speaks of transformation. To carry the cross means embracing sacrifice, self-denial,…

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The Wisdom of Holding Your Tongue: Lessons from Proverbs

Proverbs 29:20 cuts to the heart of impulsive speech: “Do you see someone who speaks too soon? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” This verse warns us of the dangers of hasty words, highlighting that wisdom often resides in restraint. Speaking too quickly can lead to misunderstandings, damaged relationships, and missed insights. It’s a reminder that careful listening and thoughtful…

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Faith in Action: How True Belief Produces Good Works

While it’s true that no amount of good works can create faith, genuine faith naturally produces good works. This is a fundamental truth in the Christian life—our deeds are the fruit, not the root, of our faith. James 2:17 reminds us that “faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” https://twitter.com/1whoconquers/status/1845491387929673917 True faith is transformative. When we trust…

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The True Measure of Success: Righteousness Over Riches

In a world that often glorifies wealth and material success, it’s easy to fall into the trap of chasing money at the expense of personal integrity. Atlas’s statement about self-respect aligns beautifully with Proverbs 16:8: “Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice.” The Bible repeatedly emphasizes that the pursuit of righteousness and justice is far more valuable…

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Conquering What Confronts You: Overcoming with Goodness

We cannot change what we refuse to confront. The struggles, fears, and sins we avoid will eventually overpower us if left unchecked. The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in Romans 12:21: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” The path to victory is not avoidance, but active confrontation—meeting challenges head-on with the power of goodness and righteousness. Evil cannot be…

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The Bluff vs. The Strong Hand: Lessons from Poker for Real Life

In poker, a bluff can make a player seem like they hold all the power, but in reality, it’s just a façade. A person with a truly strong hand, however, often plays it cool, letting their strength speak for itself. This dynamic mirrors real life more than we might realize. https://twitter.com/1whoconquers/status/1844476457546043516 In life, those who constantly boast or project confidence may be…

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Guard Your Habits: The Power of Consistency in Building Success

Habits are powerful forces in our lives, shaping who we are and who we become. Missing a day on a positive habit can happen to anyone—life’s unpredictability sometimes gets in the way. But missing two days? That’s where the real risk lies. Repeated gaps in consistency begin to dismantle the very structure we worked to build. The message is simple: don’t let a missed day turn into a missed…

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The Risk of Truth: Offense and the Value of Honesty

Dr. Jordan B. Peterson’s statement, “In order to be able to think, you have to risk being offensive,” speaks to a reality that is also mirrored in biblical wisdom. Proverbs 27:6 reminds us that “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” While it’s tempting to avoid conflict and keep the peace, real growth—whether in thinking, relationships, or faith—often requires…

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Stewarding Well: Lessons from Proverbs on Care and Responsibility

Proverbs 27:23-24 reminds us that good stewardship is essential. It’s a call to care for what God has entrusted to us, whether that’s a career, relationships, or resources. “Know well the condition of your flock,” it says—a metaphor urging us to actively engage with our responsibilities and invest in them wisely. By caring for our “flock,” we’re taking part in something that has lasting value,…

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Priorities in Order: The Wisdom of Preparation

Title: “Priorities in Order: The Wisdom of Preparation in Proverbs 24:27” Proverbs 24:27 urges us to focus on proper planning and preparation: “Complete your outdoor work, and prepare your field; afterward, build your house.” This practical advice reflects a broader spiritual truth about setting priorities and establishing a strong foundation before pursuing personal comfort or ambitions. In an…

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True Spirituality: Guided by the Holy Spirit or Another Spirit?

Today, spirituality is widely embraced and practiced in various forms, from meditation to mindfulness and other practices that promise inner peace. But there’s a critical distinction between being “spiritual” in a broad sense and being led by the Holy Spirit. Without the Holy Spirit, what appears as spirituality may be influenced by other spirits that can mislead rather than guide us toward…

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Finding Fullness in Christ: Letting Go of the World

Charles Spurgeon’s profound insight, “You will never know the fullness of Christ, until you know the emptiness of everything else,” echoes deeply in the words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 3:8. Paul powerfully declares that everything he once valued is now considered loss, even “dung,” compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. More than that, I also consider everything to be a…

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Inner Beauty: Beyond Filters and Facades

In a world of carefully curated social media feeds and flawless photos, it’s easy to forget that true beauty isn’t something we can edit, filter, or mask. No amount of visual perfection can cover up a personality lacking kindness, empathy, and integrity. Just as an attractive exterior draws attention, a beautiful character leaves a lasting impact on those around us. An appealing personality is…

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New Beginnings in Dark Seasons: Growth Beneath the Surface

When life brings its darkest seasons, it’s easy to feel as if nothing good is happening. But what if these very moments are when new things quietly take root? Just as seeds grow beneath the soil where we can’t see them, God’s work often unfolds behind the scenes, unnoticed. Even when we feel barren or defeated, there’s a greater process of growth happening, one that will eventually spring forth…