Darkened Glass Reflections
Living today with an eye on eternity
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Christmas: The Love of God Revealed To and Through Us (Revisited)
The entire life of Christ—from conception, to birth, His earthly life and ministry, to His death, resurrection, and ascension—revealed the love of God. It was an invitation to unite the life of God with the lives of mankind. May His love guide us as we celebrate His life, not just on Christmas but throughout the…
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Sacrifice of Lips and Liberality (Hebrews 13:15-16)
“Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God” (Hebrews 13:15-16).
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The Body Prepared: An Oblation of Obedience (Hebrews 10:5-7)
Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me; in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll…
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Advent as Preparation and Engagement
“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20). Advent reminds us to wait and prepare for the Lord’s second coming as we remember how He came in human flesh and dwells with us always.
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Living Sacrifices and Living Stones (1 Peter 2:4-5)
“As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:4-5).
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Oblation: Glorifying God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
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Prayer of Oblation: Offering Ourselves to God
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable…
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Prayer, Intercession, and Changing the World
Scripture encourages us to pray for all people: those we love, those we find hard to love, and those whose decisions affect our world.
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Prayer, Petition, and the Peace of God
Many people spend almost one-tenth of the day worrying. They are paying a of their time to the gods of fear, anxiety, and worry. Jesus invites us to cast all our anxieties on him, because he cares for us.
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Prayer and Scripture Reading
Prayer, worship, and Scripture belong together. Prayer and worship are incomplete without God’s Word.
Darkened Glass Reflections 