ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSDecember 12, 2020Scripture: James 1:2-4My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing. Thought for the Day: Ok! Christmas can officially start. I watched my favorite movie of all time, as
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSDecember 11, 2020Scripture: Luke 1:46-48And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed…” Thought for the Day: This is best known as part of the Magnificat, Mary’s beautiful song offered in the presence of her relative, Elizabeth. It
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSDecember 10, 2020Scripture: Isaiah 61:10I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. Thought for the Day: It is one thing to offer up a
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSDecember 8, 2020Scripture: Proverbs 12:15-16Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to advice. Fools show their anger at once, but the prudent ignore an insult. Thought for the Day: I was fascinated recently when I started to do some online research about calming down a tense situation. I was looking for a Christ-centered approach. The first 40 or 50 search results were all
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSDecember 6, 2020Scripture: Matthew 1:38Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. Thought for the Day: Of all the words spoken in scripture, these might be the most pleasing to God. It is all about Mary’s placement, posture and purpose. She is where God needs her to be, not
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSDecember 5, 2020Scripture: Proverbs 14:16The wise are cautious and turn away from evil, but the fool throws off restraint and is careless. Thought for the Day: I was looking up a piece of scripture a few days ago, but instead of turning to Proverbs 15, I turned to chapter 14. I couldn’t find what I was expecting, but I did stumble across these words. The scriptures speak
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS December 4, 2020 Scripture: Proverbs 14:30 A peaceful mind gives life to the body, but jealousy rots the bones. Thought for the Day: Where is your peaceful place? What is your peaceful time? The when and the where will look different for different people, but it is important to know what helps create an experience of peacefulness within us. As I mentioned in a recent post,
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSDecember 3, 2020Scripture: Isaiah 9:6For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Thought for the Day: Like hope (mentioned in yesterday’s devotional), peace is tricky. Among the other powerful images associated with the Saving One of God (Messiah), we read the words: Prince of