Guest Writer: Invitation to Come As You Are

The Retreat The trees on highway 31 were clothed in shades of golden yellow and brown, crimson red, and bright apricot. The long drive to The Hermitage was a beautiful sight to behold. My husband and I were on our way to a contemplative Christian retreat center in Three Rivers, Michigan, where we would join…

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Gentle and Compassionate

Meek. Humble. Gentle. Jesus is not trigger-happy.Not harsh, reactionary, easily exasperated.He is the most understanding person in the universe.The posture most natural to him is not a pointed finger but open arms. Dane Ortlund, Gentle and Lowly The Bruised Reed and Smouldering Wick I have been reading through Matthew – a chapter at a time…

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Real Rest

What I feared has come upon me;    what I dreaded has happened to me.I have no peace, no quietness;    I have no rest, but only turmoil. Job 3:25-26 I read the book of Job last week, and I’ve been thinking about this concept of rest. Then on Sunday, our pastor mentioned rest in his sermon. Rest is a common topic…

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God-sized thirst

When is ritual essential?  When does ritual impede relationship? Our pastor reminded us today that while rituals are not inherently wrong, we need to be careful not to allow ritual to replace reality.  God invites us into a relationship with him … “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes…

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