ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS July 18, 2019 Scripture: Matthew 10:7 As you go, make this announcement: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Thought for the Day: In this scripture, Jesus is commissioning the 12 Disciples for a missional task, and with that commissioning comes a statement in regard to the purpose of their work: Announce how the Kingdom of heaven has come near. With that in mind, let me
Scripture: Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong! Be fearless! Don’t be afraid and don’t be scared by your enemies, because the LORD your God is the one who marches with you. He won’t let you down, and he won’t abandon you. Thought for the Day: It was Winston Churchill who said, “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” This coming Saturday begins the 2019 General
Prayer for the Week: God of the Universe, we look to the sky, we climb mountains and we ponder our ascension into heaven some day. Our faith tends to be so other-worldly, yet you heard the cries of those who were bound in Egypt. You did not dismiss these cries, but responded with a liberating love that guided them as a Pilar of Light. You are the One
Scripture: Ephesians 4:31 Put aside all bitterness, losing your temper, anger, shouting, and slander, along with every other evil. Thought for the Day: What do you have close at hand? What emotional response is most accessible to you? In our highly charged society, I think a lot of people have put humility, listening, calming questioning, kindness and mercy in a locked closet back at home so as to
Scripture: Mark 12:28-31 One of the legal experts heard their dispute and saw how well Jesus answered them. He came over and asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus replied, “The most important one is Israel, listen! Our God is the one Lord, and you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, with all your mind, and
Scripture:Nehemiah 8:10 “Go, eat rich food, and drink something sweet,” he said to them, “and send portions of this to any who have nothing ready! This day is holy to our LORD. Don’t be sad, because the joy from the LORD is your strength!” Thought for the Day: It is important to celebrate. In a world where things can look dismal, even hopeless, celebration should not be forgotten.
Scripture: Psalm 45:7 You love righteousness and hate wickedness. No wonder God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of joy more than all your companions! Thought for the Day: I love the language: “oil of joy,” especially with my recent enjoyment of olive oil in Greece. I’m pretty certain my arteries will have no clots for a while as they are well oiled. I recently saw
Scripture: 2nd Peter:3:13-14 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. Thought for the Day: I really enjoyed the newest Avengers Movie entitled, Avengers: Endgame. The term endgame comes from chess,
Scripture: Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Thought for the Day: Since my recent trip to Philippi, I have been reading Philippians. Almost every time I reread a section of scripture, I find something new. These words are often quoted, and I see them reposted on Facebook on a regular basis.