Scripture: James 1:13-14 No one who is tested should say, “God is tempting me!” This is because God is not tempted by any form of evil, nor does he tempt anyone. Everyone is tempted by their own cravings; they are lured away and enticed by them. Thought for the Day: That is some really good theology! We try to blame anyone and everyone for our feelings of temptation
Scripture: James 1:2-4 My brothers and sisters, think of the various tests you encounter as occasions for joy. After all, you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. Let this endurance complete its work so that you may be fully mature, complete, and lacking in nothing. Thought for the Day: To be honest, I am not a big fan of these words…especially in light of the
Scripture: James 1:1 From James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. To the twelve tribes who are scattered outside the land of Israel. Greetings! Thought for the Day: For the next few days, I am going to spend a little time in the book of James. Though a very popular book for some Christians, it was Martin Luther – the 16th century reformer –
Scripture: Acts 4:31 After they (Peter & John) prayed, the place where they were gathered was shaken. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking God’s word with confidence. Thought for the Day: Some of our men are at the Regional Men’s Retreat this weekend. I drove to Lake Brownwood Retreat Center on Friday, and then left yesterday afternoon to come back in time for
Scripture: Genesis 22:1-2 After these things God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains that I shall show you.” Thought for the Day: There are few stories in the Bible
Scripture: John 10:14-15 [Jesus said,] “I am the good shepherd. I know my own sheep and they know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. I give up my life for the sheep…” Thought for the Day: In the last two weeks, I have been engaged in some very interesting theological conversations that directly or indirectly related to the above passage. In times
A PRAYER… When grief grips us like a prisoner’s restraint, our vision beyond the present is bound and diminished. So many images and stories afflict our spirits leaving us spent and gasping for the Divine Breath. Breathe into us, Holy Spirit, so the shackles of our anguish are no more; Breathe into the darkness of dismay a loving kindness that enlivens an inert perspective;
Scripture: Genesis 20:1-2 From there Abraham journeyed toward the region of the Negeb, and settled between Kadesh and Shur. While residing in Gerar as an alien, Abraham said of his wife Sarah, “She is my sister.” And King Abimelech of Gerar sent and took Sarah. Thought for the Day: It appears that Abraham is not a quick study since he denied that Sarah was his wife just a
Scripture: 1st Corinthians 13:4-6 Love is patient, love is kind, it isn’t jealous, it doesn’t brag, it isn’t arrogant, it isn’t rude, it doesn’t seek its own advantage, it isn’t irritable, it doesn’t keep a record of complaints, it isn’t happy with injustice, but it is happy with the truth. Thought for the Day: Billy Graham offers us these words: Patience is the transcendent radiance of a loving
Scripture: Romans 12:14 Bless people who harass you—bless and don’t curse them. Thought for the Day: In yesterday’s sermon, I used Romans 12:15 that speaks about being happy with those who are happy and crying with those who are crying, but the verse right before (12:14) is a bit more pointed and demanding. Most of us would find the idea of blessing those who harass us difficult enough