ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS February 4, 2020 Scripture: Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Thought for the Day: If my Greek is coming back to me, a literal reading of the passage would be: All things I have vigor/strength in/with the one empowering me. The Greek word for ‘strengthening” (I translated it as empowering) is Endunamoo. En = in, by or with; dunamoo =
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS February 3, 2020 Prayer for the Week: How do we not see? How do we not recognize the historic bias, the prejudice born from insecurity, the limits we have placed upon your limitless potential, your immeasurable creativity? Our skewed perception is alive and well, it is at work in and through your church -attempting to the restrict- -aiming to fetter- your Spirit’s work in the world,
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS February 2, 2020 Scripture: Genesis 38:15-16 When Judah saw Tamar, he thought she was a prostitute, for she had covered her face. Not realizing that she was his daughter-in-law, he went over to her by the roadside and said, “Come now, let me sleep with you.” “And what will you give me to sleep with you?” she asked. Thought for the Day: Is your family complicated?
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS February 1, 2020 Scripture: Romans 16:1 I’m introducing our sister Phoebe to you, who is a servant of the church in Cenchreae. Thought for the Day: Phoebe was a rockstar in the life of the early church. She made things happen, and it was Paul who in this last chapter of Romans refers to her as a servant. This is the same Greek word that the
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS January 31, 2020 Scripture: 2nd Timothy 1:5 I’m reminded of your authentic faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice. I’m sure that this faith is also inside you. Thought for the Day: This Sunday, I will begin reflecting on the history of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), specifically looking at women in leadership and ministry. Now I have only been
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS January 30, 2020 Scripture: Proverbs 20:15 Much gold and many pearls exist, but wise speech is the most precious jewel. Thought for the Day: In recent weeks, I have been watching some lectures on scientific discoveries from the last couple of centuries and the implication of those discoveries. It makes me realize how little I actually know. Even more so, I have gained a greater appreciation
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS January 29, 2020 Scripture: Joel 2:29 In those days, I will also pour out my spirit on the male and female slaves. Thought for the Day: There are as many ideas about when Joel was written as there are scholars trying to figure it out. With that said, I’m not going to add any great insight except to remind you that Joel is considered one of
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS January 28, 2020 Scripture: Isaiah 43:18-21 (the Message) Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is! I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands. Wild animals will say ‘Thank you!’ – the coyotes and the buzzards – Because I provided water
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS January 27, 2020 Prayer for the Week: There has always been There will always be those who desire to maintain a high level of anxiety, fretfulness, foreboding. There has always been There will always be those who call themselves Christian who preach an imminent end: – the signs are real! – the signs are present! – the signs are now! They want us to know fear,
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS January 26, 2020 Scripture: Matthew 25:45 Who then are the faithful and wise servants whom their master puts in charge of giving food at the right time to those who live in his house? Thought for the Day: This is the opening verse from the sermon text this morning. It asks an important question of stewardship? As stewards of God’s resources (those who have been invited