Author Archives: Don Merritt

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About Don Merritt

A long time teacher and writer, Don hopes to share his varied life's experiences in a different way with a Christian perspective.

Sunday Sermon Notes: July 22, 2018

Posted on July 22, 2018 by Don Merritt

Title: Very Strange Text: Mark 3:20-35 Parallel Texts: Matthew 12:22-37, 46-50; Luke 11:14-23; 8:19-21 After Jesus appoints the Twelve, things start to become strange; something isn’t quite right in this story. Jesus and the disciples are in a house, and … Continue reading →

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Naked Before God: “But I’ve been hurt by church!”

Posted on July 20, 2018 by Don Merritt

It wouldn’t be an easy thing to do; to be “naked before God in community” if we’ve been hurt by church in some way. Sadly, such damage is more common then many would like to think about. An unpleasant scene, … Continue reading →

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The Finale

Posted on July 20, 2018 by Don Merritt

Who is wise? Let them realize these things.     Who is discerning? Let them understand. The ways of the Lord are right;     the righteous walk in them,     but the rebellious stumble in them. Hosea 14:9 This final verse really seems to sum up the entire … Continue reading →

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Naked Before God: Husbands and Wives

Posted on July 19, 2018 by Don Merritt

Ephesians 5:21-33 These are some of the most wonderful and amazing verses in all of Scripture, yet sadly, they are among the least understood, for over the years many have seen fit to twist them to their own personal purposes, … Continue reading →

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God’s Response

Posted on July 19, 2018 by Don Merritt

“I will heal their waywardness     and love them freely,     for my anger has turned away from them. I will be like the dew to Israel;     he will blossom like a lily. Like a cedar of Lebanon     he will send down his roots;    his … Continue reading →

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Photo of the Week: July 18, 2018

Posted on July 18, 2018 by Don Merritt
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Naked Before God in Community: “But I’m an Introvert!”

Posted on July 18, 2018 by Don Merritt

When it comes to being naked before God in community, you might think that the whole idea is just not possible, for even though you understand that the “naked” part is a metaphor, you are an introvert, and anything “in … Continue reading →

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Repentance

Posted on July 18, 2018 by Don Merritt

Take words with you     and return to the Lord. Say to him:     “Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously,     that we may offer the fruit of our lips. Assyria cannot save us;     we will not mount warhorses. We will never again … Continue reading →

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Naked Before God: In Community (2)

Posted on July 17, 2018 by Don Merritt

It is vitally important for each of us to realize that our relationships with God are always in the development process; they are organic and alive. They must be cared for, nurtured and attended to; they suffer setbacks when they … Continue reading →

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Time to go Home

Posted on July 17, 2018 by Don Merritt

Return, Israel, to the Lord your God.     Your sins have been your downfall! Hosea 14:1 With these words, Hosea’s final chapter begins. It is a chapter of repentance and redemption, filled with hope and a simple faith. Israel had fallen into idolatry, literally the … Continue reading →

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