Monthly Archives: February 2025

Solitude

Posted on February 24, 2025 by Don Merritt

The spiritual practice of silence is primarily about being silent; the spiritual practice of solitude is primarily about being alone. For many of us, we need solitude to find silence, both within and without. Yet solitude does not necessarily require … Continue reading →

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Paul Speaks at Mars Hill

Posted on February 22, 2025 by Don Merritt

Acts 17:16-34 As was the usual custom, Paul first taught in the Jewish synagogues upon his arrival in Athens. From there, he also taught in the marketplace where he came across some interesting people. Luke tells us that Paul had … Continue reading →

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 Moving Forward

Posted on February 21, 2025 by Don Merritt

Acts 17:1-15 The great adventure was not nearly over when Paul and the others left Philippi; it was just getting started. Luke mentions a number of towns they visited, and then tells us of some of the details of the … Continue reading →

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Study, part 2

Posted on February 21, 2025 by Don Merritt

As a Theology Professor, I was pretty good at teaching Scripture from a purely academic perspective; it was my job after all. I would never denigrate academics, quite the opposite, in fact. Yet in the academic environment, I had the nagging … Continue reading →

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Adventures in Pilippi

Posted on February 20, 2025 by Don Merritt

Acts 16:16-40 As the story continues, Paul, Silas and the rest of their group were teaching in Philippi when one day they were accosted by a slave girl who had a demon. The spirit had been irritating Paul for days, … Continue reading →

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Some Things Never Change

Posted on February 20, 2025 by Don Merritt

John’s last letter. So short, so telling. John is writing to his friend and brother Gaius.  He seems to have been a leader in the church, and even though there are other mentions of men with this name in Scripture, … Continue reading →

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Off to Macedonia

Posted on February 19, 2025 by Don Merritt

Acts 16:6-15 Paul and his party began to move throughout Asia, but as they went along and passed through various towns with potential as mission fields, the Spirit held them back; we should take note that they obeyed the Spirit, … Continue reading →

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Study, part 1

Posted on February 19, 2025 by Don Merritt

The Spiritual Practice of Study goes back several thousand years and thus it shouldn’t seem like a new idea to anyone. It can take many forms and can be both an individual and group practice, yet for our purposes in this … Continue reading →

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Paul Finds a New Travelling Companion

Posted on February 18, 2025 by Don Merritt

Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was Jewish and a believer but whose father was a Greek. The believers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so … Continue reading →

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What a Hope We Have!

Posted on February 18, 2025 by Don Merritt

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, … Continue reading →

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