ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS October 27, 2019 Scripture: Esther 4:12-14 When they told Mordecai Esther’s words, he had them respond to Esther: “Don’t think for one minute that, unlike all the other Jews, you’ll come out of this alive simply because you are in the palace. In fact, if you don’t speak up at this very important time, relief and rescue will appear for the Jews from another place, but
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS October 26, 2019 Scripture: Proverbs 28:13 Those who hide their sins won’t succeed, but those who confess and give them up will receive mercy. Thought for the Day: I don’t do a thorough cleaning of the bathrooms as often as I should, but I regularly scrub the toilet and wipe it down. Last Monday, I got out the old toothbrush and got on my stomach and
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS October 25, 2019 Scripture: Luke 24:10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles. Thought for the Day: N.T. Wright is an interesting Christian scholar, and though I disagree with him on a few topics, I find him to be an exceptional conversation partner (as I read his books). Wright would
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS October 24, 2019 Scripture: Isaiah 43:19 Look! I’m doing a new thing; now it sprouts up; don’t you recognize it? I’m making a way in the desert, paths in the wilderness. A Thursday Prayer: If a city can come around a sports team… if people who might usually be at odds with one another are able to find friendship because of a game… if what usually
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS October 23, 2019 Scripture: Proverbs 21:13 Those who close their ears to the cries of the poor will themselves call out but receive no answer. Thought for the Day: I have never read any of Harlan Coben’s books, but I am taken by a quote I came across: Sometimes the loudest cries for help were silent. Coben does not say that these cries have been silenced,
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS October 22, 2019 Scripture: 1st Corinthians 10:23-38 Everything is permitted, but everything isn’t beneficial. Everything is permitted, but everything doesn’t build others up. No one should look out for their own advantage, but they should look out for each other. Eat everything that is sold in the marketplace, without asking questions about it because of your conscience. The earth and all that is in it belong
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS October 21, 2019 Prayer For The Week: Youth – who discover genuine welcome; Children – who receive a loving affirmation; Adults – who find respite from the chaos; People – from every background and opinion and way of thinking – who meet you, God whose Kindness and Mercy are immeasurable. You are building something unique, You are creating something of value for the community around us,
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS October 20, 2019 Scripture: Jeremiah 31:25 I will strengthen the weary and renew those who are weak. Thought for the Day: This is part of a prophetic promise to those who have been in captivity, those who have been blocked from their place of peace. How many of us know well the frustration of getting stuck in traffic? What happens when a detour is necessary, though
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS October 19, 2019 Scripture: Luke 4:18-19 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. Thought for the Day: I recently shared these words
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS October 18, 2019 Scripture: Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. Thought for the Day: The word “renewing” is only found one other time in the Bible, and that is in Titus 3:5 where it says, “God saved