Monthly Archives: June 2011

Keeping the Wilderness at Bay

Posted on June 30, 2011 by Tom Kraeuter

I’m posting this after just returning from a two-day prayer retreat. While I was away, I was reminded once again about how easy it is to neglect the spiritual side of life. Not intentionally, mind you. Yet it happens just … Continue reading →

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Aches and Pains… and Eternity

Posted on June 24, 2011 by Tom Kraeuter

Prior to writing this, I have spent the last two days on the roof of my son’s house. I was helping him, and a couple of others, put new shingles on. His roof had been severely damaged in a recent … Continue reading →

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Worship… and Overcoming Our Greatest Fears

Posted on June 23, 2011 by Tom Kraeuter

Someone recently suggested to me that worship is about giving our hearts to the things that are most important to us. If this is true, then it follows that we will always worship the opposite of the thing(s) that we … Continue reading →

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A Clean Break

Posted on June 15, 2011 by Tom Kraeuter

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:31-32) I’m pretty sure … Continue reading →

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Simplicity, Technology and Life

Posted on June 10, 2011 by Tom Kraeuter

Over the years, I have frequently stated that I would have enjoyed being born a few—or even several—generations ago because life, and the pace of life, was simpler. Simplicity is one of the reasons that my family lives out in … Continue reading →

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Treasures, Pearls… and You

Posted on June 8, 2011 by Tom Kraeuter

In the thirteenth chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus tells two short stories. They are frequently called The Parable of the Hidden Treasure and The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price. “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in … Continue reading →

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Mulberries, Warning Signs and a Teenage Daughter

Posted on June 4, 2011 by Tom Kraeuter

As I age, time with family is becoming increasingly important to me. A couple days ago my daughter and I went mulberry picking. In case you don’t know, mulberries look somewhat like raspberries or blackberries. When ripe they are dark … Continue reading →

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The Mystery

Posted on June 1, 2011 by Tom Kraeuter

Beginning in Ephesians 2:11, Paul tells how God through Christ Jesus has brought together Jews and Gentiles. He has made them one in Christ. Paul refers to this as “the mystery of Christ” (Ephesians 3:4), and goes on to explain … Continue reading →

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Working It Out (originally posted May 11, 2011)

Posted on June 1, 2011 by Tom Kraeuter

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling… (Philippians 2:12). This verse is troublesome to many Christians. … Continue reading →

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Tolerance and Truth (originally posted April 27, 2011)

Posted on June 1, 2011 by Tom Kraeuter

“But I have this against you, that you tolerate…” (Revelation 2:20) Our culture today tells us to be tolerant. In fact, we are to tolerate not just a few things but anything and everything. We are told that we have … Continue reading →

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