--- About Kent

“I am what all Christians are: flawed and always growing. I am not immune to failure, and I don’t always do the right things, but I learn from my mistakes, and always show love to all who I know. Furthermore, through Christ I have joy knowing I have His grace even though I didn’t deserve it and His love even as I can’t imagine it. I have written devotion for the past 14 years using my life’s experiences both before and after being born again and focusing on its relevance to Biblical teachings and today’s culture.”
 

 ~Kent

Let It Shine

This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in Him at all. So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:5-7
 
My birthday was last week. It had been a difficult week as the TR (my work) family had a tragedy in losing a coworker. It affected me differently than other losses because the older you get, you realize how much more you appreciate life. So, when a life comes to an end tragically, your heart aches a little more than other times.

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Reading the Signs

When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and You, and I am no longer worthy of being called Your son. Please take me on as a hired servant”. Luke 15:17-19
 
Just when you think you have it figured out, life throws you a nasty curve ball. A person who I followed online committed suicide yesterday. It was ironic considering the day was ‘Suicide Prevention Day.’ A young life of only 30 years would never see their fullest potential. That made me incredibly sad. What made it

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Being Childish

About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” Jesus called a little child to Him and put the child among them. Then He said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.” Matthew 18:1-4

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The Struggle Continues

Who can discern his errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then will I be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:12-14

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Freedom in the Spirit

Yes, even today when they read Moses’ writings, their hearts are covered with that veil, and they do not understand.  But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like Him as we are changed into His glorious image. 2 Corinthians 3:15-18
 
Reading God’s word can be convicting. There are many times I will read something, and have a strong

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Have a Talk with God

But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God.
I will always trust in God’s unfailing love.
I will praise You forever, O God,
for what You have done.
I will trust in Your good name
in the presence of Your faithful people. Psalm 52:8-9
 

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Day or Night

So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:6-8 (NKJV)
 
Years ago, I was riding on a bike path in the middle of the evening. I had completed a lap around the park (about 8 or 10 miles) and was feeling really good. I decided I would go another lap. “There’s plenty of time,” so I thought. Little did I know that my bike chain would come off about mid-way through that lap. By the

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Celebrate our Love

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.  It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.  Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.  1 Corinthians 13:4-7
 
So, this week I am on vacation, and it has been really fun.  It’s a time to forget about the hustle and bustle of work, cheer practices, and responsibilities, and take time to be thankful for the things I have.  For example, my wife and I have enjoyed

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Our Brokenness

Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength.  ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15:43‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Brokenness.  I was listening to the song ‘Broken Vessels’ during worship service this past Sunday, and had one of those moments where the song and my spirit seemed to unite.  The part of the song went like this:

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The Other “John 3:16”

We know what real love is because Jesus gave up His life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.  1 John 3:16

It is far better to give than to receive.  That was something my mom taught me when I was little.  As I look back, I reflected on those times that made me the happiest.  It was usually around birthdays.  My favorite

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