ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGFebruary 23, 2021Scripture: Matthew 16:24Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Thought for the Day: It is always important to remember who was hearing these words from the Gospel, and where they stood in history. Even the first audience of Matthew’s Gospel would have known of Jesus’ crucifixion. For their
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGFebruary 22, 2021Prayer for the Week: Be with us, Merciful God, for we are tired. Wrap your Spirit around us as we feel unsteady and overwhelmed. We are searching for some peacefulness after the storm, but so many are still caught in the chaotic aftermath. Remind us of how you walked alongside those in the valley of darkness, those in the confusion brought on by catastrophes, and
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGFebruary 21, 2021Scripture: John 12:20-21Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Thought for the Day: This is the first couple of verses from our Lenten scripture. Throughout the season of Lent, we will focus on John 12:20-29, and each week
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGFebruary 20, 2021Scripture: 1 Chronicles 16:1Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his presence continually. Thought for the Day: What does it mean to seek the strength of the Lord? I assume it means to not only find the source of strength, but to also draw upon that strength when it is found. These words from 1 Chronicles are part of a worship song, of hymn of
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGFebruary 19, 2021Scripture: Lamentations 3:22-23The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Thought for the Day: A lot of folks are feeling done, exhausted, frustrated, angry, confused, cynical… and some are feeling all those emotions in the same moment. We all are waking to a new day, yet the source of
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGFebruary 18, 2021Scripture: Romans 6:4Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. Thought for the Day: What does it mean for Jesus to be raised by the glory of the Father? Was the brilliance of God like a defibrillator,
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGFebruary 16, 2021Scripture: John 18:18Now the slaves and the police had made a charcoal fire because it was cold, and they were standing around it and warming themselves. Peter also was standing with them and warming himself. Thought for the Day: Like many of you, I am currently without power (as of Monday night late). For the first time today, I have some cell service, so needed
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGFebruary 15, 2021Prayer for the Week: Speak to our ears that we might hear; speak to our hearts that we might know; speak to our feet that we might walk in the direction you’d have us go. God of Life – the faithful life – we awaken on this cold Monday morning with an opportunity to reconnect to your good message put on display by the teacher
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGFebruary 14, 2021Scripture: 1st Thessalonians 1:2-3We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. Thought for the Day: It might seem a little corny, but I couldn’t resist talking about love on Valentines Day. In 1st