Author: bobspen
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The Lamp That Still Shines
“And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ “ Matthew 25:40 (NKJV) Florence Nightingale was born on this date, May 12, 1820, and from her earliest years she sensed something…
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A Song That Never Stops Singing
“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10 (NKJV) Irving Berlin’s life reminds us that God can turn humble beginnings, deep losses, and unexpected gifts into something that blesses the world far beyond our…
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Shine Away!
” Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (NKJV) Matthew 5:16 has always been my favorite verse in the Bible and it carried a quiet but unmistakable power: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good…
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The Strength Behind Their Sacrifice
“Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4 (NKJV) As we approach Mother’s Day, it’s worth pausing to recognize the strength behind a mother’s sacrifices. Much of what mothers do is quiet, consistent, and costly. They give time, energy, sleep, resources, and…
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The Comfort That Carries Us
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3 As Mother’s Day approaches, many people feel a mix of emotions. Some celebrate joyfully. Others carry grief, distance, or complicated memories. God meets us in all of it. One of the greatest gifts a mother gives is comfort—the ability to calm fears, soothe hurts,…
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Living Sent: Why Acts 1:8 Still Shapes Our Mission Today
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (NKJV) As Summer approaches, many churches are gearing up for mission trips. Let this verse be a reminder…
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Remembering the Seeds They Planted
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:9 (NKJV) Mothers and mother‑figures are seed‑planters. Much of what they do is unseen, uncelebrated, and sometimes unappreciated in the moment. Yet their steady faithfulness becomes the soil where character grows. Think…
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Preparing Our Hearts to Honor
“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12 (NKJV) The week leading up to Mother’s Day gives us a chance to slow down and prepare our hearts. Honoring someone takes intention. It’s more than a card or a…
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May the 4th Be With You: A Lighthearted Launch Into Monday
But before you grab a lightsaber—or a coffee, which is basically the same thing for adults—let’s take a moment to appreciate why this playful slogan resonates so much. It’s not just a pun. It’s a reminder that we all need a little extra strength, courage, and maybe even a Wookiee-sized roar to get the week…
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May the Lord Be With You
“Now behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem and said to the reapers, ‘May the LORD be with you.’ And they said to him, ‘May the LORD bless you.’ ” Ruth 2:4 (NASB) If you’ve ever wanted biblical proof that God’s people were greeting each other long before “May the 4th be with you” became a cultural…