ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGAugust 13, 2021Scripture: Psalm 40:3The LORD put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise for our God. Many people will learn of this and be amazed; they will trust the LORD. Thought for the Day: We always think of January 1 as the beginning of a new year, but for families with children, youth or even college age, there is a sense that somewhere
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGAugust 12, 2021Guest Writer: Rev Paula GembalaI was in my mid 30’s when I attended a Wednesday night service while my kids were involved with the children’s groups. I was sitting in the pew, alone, when they started talking about taking communion. I started to panic, I had never taken communion before. As they shared the words about the bread being Christ’s body broken for me, and
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGAugust 11, 2021Scripture: Psalm 119:15-18I will think about your precepts and examine all your paths. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget what you have said.Be good to your servant so I can go on living and keeping your word. Open my eyes so I can examine the wonders of your Instruction! Thought for the Day: For the last two weeks, my Etchings have
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGAugust 10, 2021Scripture: Colossians 1:27-29To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. It is he whom we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil and struggle with all the energy
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGAugust 9, 2021Scripture: Colossians 1:25-26I became its servant according to God’s commission that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery that has been hidden throughout the ages and generations but has now been revealed to his saints. Prayer for the Week: Could it have been summarized any better? Could Paul have presented our purpose, our mission with anymore
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGAugust 8, 2021Scripture: Colossians 1:23b-24I, Paul, became a servant of this gospel. I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. Thought for the Day: Maybe you’re fine with it, but I feel a little uncomfortable with Paul’s use of the word ‘lacking.’
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGAugust 7, 2021Scripture: Colossians 1:19-23aFor in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross. And you who were once estranged and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his fleshly body through death, so
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGAugust 6, 2021Scripture: Colossians 1:15-18He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGAugust 5, 2021Scripture: Colossians 1:13-14He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Thought for the Day: There are moments when I am reading Paul a bit too quickly, but then a word or phrase brings me to a sudden stop. In this case, it was the phrase:
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGAugust 4, 2021Scripture: Colossians 1:11-12May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. Thought for the Day: Paul was preparing his audience for the challenges and discomfort that would