Author Archives: jgarrott

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About jgarrott

Born and raised in Japan of missionary parents. Have been here as an adult missionary since 1981.

Impossible vs. God; December 22, 2019

Posted on December 26, 2019 by jgarrott

Matthew 19:26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” This is one of the fundamental truths of Scripture, yet we forget it in practice all too often. Three times … Continue reading →

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Hearing and Being Heard; December 21, 2019

Posted on December 25, 2019 by jgarrott

Matthew 17:5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” This is the second time … Continue reading →

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Faith and Hope; December 20, 2019

Posted on December 25, 2019 by jgarrott

Matthew 12:21 “In his name the nations will put their hope.” It is significant that Matthew, who wrote his Gospel for Jews, probably in Aramaic, included this quote from Isaiah. Where the NIV says “nations,” the Japanese is even more … Continue reading →

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Priorities; December 19, 2019

Posted on December 24, 2019 by jgarrott

Matthew 10:37-39 “Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross … Continue reading →

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A Jealous God; December 18, 2019

Posted on December 24, 2019 by jgarrott

Matthew 6:21, 24 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise … Continue reading →

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Prayer; December 17, 2019

Posted on December 20, 2019 by jgarrott

Matthew 6:8 “Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” The Bible says so many things that get totally ignored by well-meaning people! The only legitimate reason to repeat prayers, especially prayers … Continue reading →

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God’s Standard; December 16, 2019

Posted on December 20, 2019 by jgarrott

Matthew 5:46 “If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?” The whole Sermon on the Mount lays out a standard that seems impossibly high to us, simply because … Continue reading →

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Pleasing God; December 15, 2019

Posted on December 19, 2019 by jgarrott

Matthew 3:17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Everything about Jesus pleased the Father. The more I think about that, the more remarkable it becomes. As human … Continue reading →

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Names; December 14, 2019

Posted on December 19, 2019 by jgarrott

Malachi 1:1 A prophecy: The word of the Lord to Israel through Malachi. For once, I was struck more by a footnote than I was by the actual text. The footnote in question says, “Malachi means my messenger.” We don’t … Continue reading →

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Things God Hates; December 13, 2019

Posted on December 15, 2019 by jgarrott

Zechariah 8:16-17 These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts; do not plot evil against each other, and do not love to swear falsely. I … Continue reading →

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