ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS August 25, 2019 Scripture: Matthew 26:39 Then Jesus went a short distance farther and fell on his face and prayed, “My Father, if it’s possible, take this cup of suffering away from me. However—not what I want but what you want.” Thought for the Day: This morning, we will be talking about the idea of possible. What is possible? What is attainable? What is waiting to
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS August 24, 2019 Scripture: Matthew 19:26 Jesus looked at them carefully and said, “It’s impossible for human beings. But all things are possible for God.” Thought for the Day: People often assume this verse is found in Jesus’ sermon on how to make a risky investment pay off, or maybe this is the advice given to the non-athletic young person before trying out for the varsity
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS August 23, 2019 Scripture: Psalm 28:6-7 Bless the LORD because he has listened to my request for mercy! The LORD is my strength and my shield. My heart trusts him. I was helped, my heart rejoiced, and I thank him with my song. Thought for the Day: It is beautiful poetry, and I can almost imagine the song of thanksgiving echoing the beauty of these prose.
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS August 22, 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: So many problems; so many who suffer; so many acts of violence; so many human beings used as pawns; so many children who fall through the cracks. We look at the world,
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS August 21, 2019 Scripture: Psalm 30:5b Weeping may stay all night, but by morning, joy! Thought for the Day: Have you ever come across a quote that you found inspiring, and then upon seeing who said it, the inspiration grew exponentially? That happened to me yesterday. Someone had referenced a quote, but no name was attached. Some quick research provided what I thought was the answer,
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS August 20, 2019 Scripture: Matthew 6:1 (the Message) Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don’t make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won’t be applauding. Thought for the Day: In a recent reading of scripture, I came across this verse as it is translated in the version of the
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS August 19, 2019 Prayer for the Week: Such a wide range of emotions right now — among students and parents and educators — excitement, uncertainty, apprehension, anticipation, exhaustion. Some enter this moment with confidence generated by past success. Others find unwanted trepidation building on some negative experience from the past. We pray, Merciful God, for young people who are beginning a new school year. Let us
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS August 18, 2019 Scripture: Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Thought for the Day: Many of us know these words well. We might have memorized a slightly different version, but no matter how you first learned them there is an important and beautiful transition
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS August 17, 2019 Scripture: Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden on the LORD— he will support you! God will never let the righteous be shaken! Thought for the Day: Does anyone else have a difficult time ‘casting’ those things that weigh heavy upon you? We can usually talk a good game about letting go or turning over to God, but do we really do this? I find