Posts by Kelly Balarie
Today’s Truth
The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: “God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector “ (Luke 18:11 NIV).
Friend to Friend
In many ways, it is far easier to rely on works than it is to rely, by faith, on grace.
I’m coming to terms with this because I have had a works-based mentality, without even realizing it. I have used my works to benefit me when it is supposed to be all about God’s grace and glory.
For example, I’ve worked extra hard at church, really hoping to get compliments. I went above and beyond, not one hundred percent for God but, underneath, to merit my own significance, because I did such a great job! I have given compliments or encouragement to others, internally hoping that they would give the same thing back to me.
But, were these things for
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Today’s Truth
When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit” (John 1:47 NIV).
Friend to Friend
They dissed me. Rather than including me in future discussions about the project we were working on together, one of them essentially said, “Kelly, we will take this offline and get back to you.”
I thought we were co-leaders on this project, but now I’d been demoted. The two of them were getting together to discuss everything—without me, and, once again, I was the girl on the playground with no friends. Left alone. Was I not good enough? Too much? Did I pour out too much of my heart? Too much passion?
Even though I knew I was left out, I was also sure about one other thing: I didn’t want to react impulsively; I wanted to respond wisely. So, I used a
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Today’s Truth
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you (Matthew 7:2 NIV).
Friend to Friend
Who pulls in a car like this? What are they thinking? What is wrong with them?
The people maneuvered their car an inch away from mine! Who does that? Not only did they pull close, but they pulled in horizontal to the front of my car, leaving me almost zero ease at inching out of the car line at my kid’s school.
I lifted my head and craned my neck. Who in the world would do such a thing?!
I began to formulate a mental script of who they were based on what they did. These are the sorts of people who do that.
Friends? As embarrassing as it is to say, that was me, yesterday morning. It’s horrible, I know.
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Today’s Truth
I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty (Revelation 1:8 NIV)
Friend to Friend
I was headed up, up, up. My car climbed the towering, sky-high road up the bridge. On the ascent, I could see everything, boats below, a beach lining the shore and cargo ships out the left side of my window. But there was one thing I could not see. The other side of the bridge.
From my vantage point, it looked like the road just ended. It looked like I’d get to the top of the bridge and suddenly, fall over it, into deep waters. Ahhhh, I’m going to die! That’s how it appeared as I drove…but at the same time, I knew that wouldn’t happen.
Why? Because, even though I couldn’t see, I knew there was another side. Even though
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Today’s Truth
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:7 NIV).
Friend to Friend
I breezed by my pastor without so much as a hello, a head nod, or a second glance.
“Kelly!” He abruptly announced. “How are you?”
His voice caught my attention. A few steps past him, I looked back, towards the sound of his voice. Only now, could I see him. Only now, was his face discernible. Before, I couldn’t make him out. He was just a figure.
Why?
The sun had blinded my sight. In the light, I could only see light. In the light, my pastor was a figure, not a face with details.
This makes me consider the power of light…
Just as the full-force of the sun had the ability to overpower my sight, so too does the full-force of God’s
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Today’s Truth
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you (Matthew 7:7 NIV).
Friend to Friend
I have the answer. I have the solution. I know what my husband should do.
Standing back and considering his problem, I want to fix my husband’s situation. I want to wipe my hands and be done with it. I want to solve the issue with quick words of advice. I don’t want to see him struggle. It takes everything in me not to blurt out a precise prescription to his pressing problem. Instead, like a steaming hot pot, I hold the pressure inside. Ahhhhh! This is so hard because I know! I know! I know!
But, I don’t let out a peep, not even a grunt or a sigh. Instead, I listen and I hold it inside because I
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