Tag Archives: spiritual growth

What Shapes Us More: Our Experiences or Our Character?

Posted on July 16, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Are we products of our experiences, or do our character and choices determine what those experiences become? The story of two men named Wes Moore suggests the answer is both—but neither character nor circumstance gets the final word. Continue reading →

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Quick Thought – Saturday, July 11, 2026: Hamilton vs. Burr—When Bitterness Becomes Deadly

Posted on July 11, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

The duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr was more than a tragic moment in American history. It was the final fruit of years of bitterness, pride, resentment and wounded honor. Ephesians 4 calls us to a better way — putting away anger and malice and choosing kindness, forgiveness and the love of Christ. Continue reading →

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Quick Thought – Saturday, June 13, 2026: No More Hiding

Posted on June 13, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

A hidden truth does not simply stay hidden. It can become a prison. Proverbs reminds us that mercy begins not with concealment, but with confession. Continue reading →

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The Sunday Pour: The Uneven Fill

Posted on June 7, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Comparison has a way of ruining both glasses. If mine is fuller, I can become proud or careless. If mine is lower, I can become bitter and suspicious. Either way, I stop receiving and start measuring. Continue reading →

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Quick Thought – Saturday, June 6, 2026: Carrying the Cat by the Tail

Posted on June 6, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Excerpt: Sometimes we tell only the part of the story that makes us look innocent. Genesis 3 reminds us that God already knows the whole truth — and honest confession means owning our part. Continue reading →

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Fear Is a Terrible Theologian

Posted on May 26, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Fear and self-doubt are real, but they are not meant to become our masters. Faith does not ask us to pretend we have no burdens. It reminds us where those burdens belong. Continue reading →

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The Sunday Pour: The Long Wait Between Pours

Posted on May 24, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Some bottles are worth waiting for. So are some gifts. Pentecost reminds us that God does not rush His promises, and He does not miss the moment. Continue reading →

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Quick Thought – Sunday, May 24, 2026 (Pentecost): The Cold Truth About the Spirit

Posted on May 24, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

The Holy Spirit can be hard to understand because we cannot see Him the way we picture Jesus. But like air, He is real, present and necessary. At Pentecost, God sent His Spirit with power, and that same Spirit still comforts, teaches, strengthens and helps us live the life Jesus calls us to live. Continue reading →

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Quick Thought – Friday, May 22, 2026: Driven By Emotions

Posted on May 22, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Emotions are real, powerful, and sometimes useful — but they make terrible masters. Proverbs reminds us that wisdom means learning when to hold them back. Continue reading →

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The Sunday Pour: The Quiet Season

Posted on May 17, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Some seasons feel stagnant because nothing obvious is changing. But roots grow underground, whiskey matures in the dark, and God often does His deepest work where no one can see it. Continue reading →

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