ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGMay 3, 2021Prayer for the Week: Holy God, you chose us before we even thought of turning toward you. In your grace, you named us as your beloved; you made space for us at your table; you provided us a clear purpose. In a world where so many powers and principalities seek to define us, call to us through the power of your Spirit. Allow for us
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGMay 2, 2021Scripture: Galatians 6:9So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. Thought for the Day: Early in the pandemic, I referenced these words in both a sermon and some devotionals. Today, I feel a I need to return to them with a renewed passion. I might be a bit overly
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGMay 1, 2021Scripture: Acts 14:11-12When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in human form!” Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. Thought for the Day: There are times when people can pump up our egos, making us feel pretty good about what we’ve accomplished. Of
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGApril 30, 2021Scripture: Acts 21:33-36Then the tribune came, arrested Paul, and ordered him to be bound with two chains; he inquired who he was and what he had done. Some in the crowd shouted one thing, some another; and as he could not learn the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks.When Paul came to the steps, the violence of
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGApril 29, 2021Scripture: Joel 2:12-13Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing. Thought for the Day: When we have done something wrong, I don’t
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGApril 28, 2021Scripture: Hosea 11:3-4Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, I took them up in my arms; but they did not know that I healed them. I led them with cords of human kindness, with bands of love. I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks. I bent down to them and fed them. Thought for the Day: As children
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGApril 27, 2021Scripture: Psalm 28:9O save your people, and bless your heritage; be their shepherd, and carry them forever. Thought for the Day: Mariah preached a wonderful sermon on Psalm 23 this past Sunday, and there are other Psalms that speak of the Lord being like a shepherd. Here we have the wonderful image of God carrying us as a shepherd might carry a lost or injured
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGApril 26, 2021A Prayer For India:An explosion of sufferingA virus – preying on the elderly and compromisedA healthcare system pushed to the edgeIt is a story we’ve heard before Lord GodIt is a story leaving many orphaned and aloneAs words of gratitude spill from our lips for vaccines and improved numbers around us, we do not forget those who hurt this day who grieve this day who
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGApril 25, 2021Scripture: Romans 1:8-12First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed throughout the world. For God, whom I serve with my spirit by announcing the gospel of his Son, is my witness that without ceasing I remember you always in my prayers, asking that by God’s will I may somehow at last succeed in coming to you.
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGApril 24, 2021Scripture: Matthew 23:23Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. It is these you ought to have practiced without neglecting the others. Thought for the Day: Jesus was on a roll, and he called out folks for what appeared to be bad behavior. He even