Scripture: John 4:4 Jesus had to go through Samaria. Thought for the Day: There are times when only a few words communicate much more than one might expect. Though there were ways around Samaria, and so technically Jesus did not need to go through Samaria, there was some other force that made it necessary (“had to go”). It is a theological and storyline necessity. In John’s Gospel, we have
Scripture: Malachi 3:6 I am the LORD, and I do not change; and you, children of Jacob, have not perished. Thought for the Day: The prophet, speaking on behalf of God, declares God’s unchanging nature. This comes amidst some harsh critique and calling out the specific sins of the nation. It is down right personal and uncomfortable, but the language of “I do not change” should ring strongly.
Scripture: Ezekiel 18:31-32 Abandon all of your repeated sins. Make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, house of Israel? I most certainly don’t want anyone to die! This is what the LORD God says. Change your ways, and live! Thought for the Day: This portion of Ezekiel is looking at how the poor choices of one generation have lasting ramifications on generations
Scripture: 2nd Corinthians 5:17 So then, if anyone is in Christ, that person is part of the new creation. The old things have gone away, and look, new things have arrived! Thought for the Day: What does it mean to be a new creation? On Saturday, we have a brunch for our baptismal candidates. This was an event I started a few years back as a way of
Scripture: Matthew 10:42 I assure you that everybody who gives even a cup of cold water to these little ones because they are my disciples will certainly be rewarded. Thought for the Day: In chapter 10, Jesus commissions his disciples to go on a missionary experience, and he recognizes the danger involved. In vs. 16, he says, “I am sending you like sheep among wolves.” Though Jesus speaks
Scripture: Isaiah 58:8-9 Isn’t it sharing your bread with the hungry and bringing the homeless poor into your house, covering the naked when you see them, and not hiding from your own family? Then your light will break out like the dawn, and you will be healed quickly. Your own righteousness will walk before you, and the LORD’s glory will be your rear guard. Thought for the Day:
Prayer for the Week: There is so much routine and repetition to life, O Heavenly Father. We have patterns to our daily life that help us to get done what needs to get done. We give you thanks for the rhythm of life that can bring comfort and contentment. Teach us how best to make our growing connection to you a central part of that daily routine. Even
Scripture: Isaiah 58:10 …if you open your heart to the hungry, and provide abundantly for those who are afflicted, your light will shine in the darkness, and your gloom will be like the noon. Thought for the Day: What would it be like for gloom to become like the noon hour? It wouldn’t be gloom anymore, or maybe it would be a redemption or reclaiming of the gloom.
Scripture: Isaiah 58:4a You quarrel and brawl, and then you fast; you hit each other violently with your fists. Thought for the Day: I remember going and visiting a friend who had the first TV with a remote in our neighborhood. It was so cool. We sat there for an hour turning on and turning off the TV – On & Off and On & Off. We were
Scripture: Isaiah 58:2-3 They seek me day after day, desiring knowledge of my ways like a nation that acted righteously, that didn’t abandon their God. They ask me for righteous judgments, wanting to be close to God. “Why do we fast and you don’t see; why afflict ourselves and you don’t notice?” Yet on your fast day you do whatever you want, and oppress all your workers. Thought