Monthly Archives: September 2016

A masterpiece of “even more”

Posted on September 30, 2016 by Tony Schmitz

I’d like to paint a picture of God’s expansive love for you. It comes from 2 Samuel 12. Painting background Here’s the background. God selected David, an unknown shepherd boy, as the successor to King Saul to lead the Israelites. … Continue reading →

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Sex and skin

Posted on September 28, 2016 by Tony Schmitz

There’s more to sex than mere skin on skin. Sex is as much spiritual mystery as physical fact. As written in Scripture, “The two become one.” Since we want to become spiritually one with the Master, we must not pursue … Continue reading →

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One size fits all

Posted on September 23, 2016 by Tony Schmitz

Wondering what to wear today? So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an … Continue reading →

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Birth pains

Posted on September 20, 2016 by Tony Schmitz

John 3 recounts a conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, a Jew, a Pharisee, a member of the Sanhedrin (the highest legal, legislative, and judicial body of the Jews), and a highly respected teacher of the Old Testament scriptures [1]. Jesus effectively … Continue reading →

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Perceived risk

Posted on September 17, 2016 by Tony Schmitz

Today I heard “Stand in the light” by Jordan Smith for the first time. This is the primary lyric from the refrain: Cause the greatest risk we’ll ever take is by far/To stand in the light and be seen as we … Continue reading →

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Being known

Posted on September 14, 2016 by Tony Schmitz

Great combinations: blue jeans and a white t-shirt, French fries and ketchup, watermelon and salt, surf and sun, peanut butter and jelly… I have a new one for you. This one is even better: 1/2 Samuel and Psalms. Peanut butter … Continue reading →

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A love story in three acts

Posted on September 10, 2016 by Tony Schmitz

Act 1 I knew she was special the first time I heard her voice. I had just transferred mid-year to a new high school and I had yet to make any friends. I was acutely aware that I did not … Continue reading →

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Harvest

Posted on September 6, 2016 by Tony Schmitz

Harvest is a consistent theme throughout the Bible. It first appears in Genesis 8:22. As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease. There are 70 other instances … Continue reading →

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Made for better

Posted on September 2, 2016 by Tony Schmitz

Psalm 139 is David’s celebration of God as our continuous companion. It begins with: You have searched me, Lord,     and you know me. (verse 1) This is reassuring when we realize that this God who knows us so well still … Continue reading →

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