ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSeptember 19, 2021Once again, I have been fascinated by SpaceX’s trip into orbit with four “tourists.” What does it mean to venture into the unknown? Yes, these four individuals received training, but they were not professional astronauts. They were crossing a threshold, one that very few have ever crossed. And though SpaceX has shown their rockets to be quite safe and reliable, those sitting in the capsule
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSeptember 18, 2021Jesus did many things well, but two in particular were: Telling stories and asking questions. And when you think about a story, especially when it does not conclude with a fable-like moral, there is often an indirect question or two being asked. A story draws you in, and you’re often left asking, “How would I have responded?” In Mark 3:4, Jesus asks a question of
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSeptember 17, 2021There are times when I come across something funny in scripture that was probably never intended to be funny. Many of these times the humor is sort of inappropriate, or shows my immaturity and complete lack of taste. In Matthew 9:27, we read: “As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, crying loudly, ‘Have mercy on us, Son of David!’” How exactly
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSeptember 16, 2021In Matthew 9:4, Jesus, after perceiving the thoughts of some of the religious leaders of the day, asked the question: “Why do you think evil in your hearts?” Wouldn’t it be awesome if we could perceive people’s thoughts and know their hearts? Of course, if we could gain this internal insight of others, they would be able to see the same within us. Suddenly, I
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSeptember 15, 2021There is a rather significant difference between denying oneself and being in denial. In fact, I would suggest that many people who are in denial are unable to deny themselves as Jesus taught. In Luke 9:23, Jesus shared with his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” Denial is a very
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSeptember 13, 2021Prayer for the Week: May the little gifts we receive this day give us a reason for gratitude. For the breath that gives us life and the earth that provides us food; for music that brings joy and the people whose love is forever present. Holy and Generous God, too often we are gripped by an unhealthy attitude of expectation – wanting more, bigger, better.
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSeptember 12, 2021Scripture: Isaiah 2:2In days to come the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it. Thought for the Day: I have always found Isaiah to be both hopeful and discomforting. Though no one knows for sure, it might have been Isaiah’s intention to hold those
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSeptember 11, 2021Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:15-17So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold on to the traditions we taught you, whether we taught you in person or through our letter. Our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and a good hope. May he encourage your hearts and give you strength in every good thing you
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSeptember 10, 2021Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:7b-8Train yourself for a holy life! While physical training has some value, training in holy living is useful for everything. It has promise for this life now and the life to come. Thought for the Day: On this day in 1960, Abebe Bikila, a runner from Ethiopia, won the Gold Medal in the Olympic Marathon, doing so in World Record Time. Now
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSeptember 9, 2021Scripture: Zephaniah 3:9Then I will purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the LORD and serve him shoulder to shoulder. Thought for the Day: As I was working on my sermon for Sunday, I came across these words. Let me confess that I do not spend a lot of time in Zephaniah, yet my attention was