Scripture: Ruth 1:20 She replied to them, “Don’t call me Naomi, but call me Mara, for the Almighty has made me very bitter.” Thought for the Day: As you might guess, the name Mara means bitter. So often in scripture, the names of people were not only a way of understanding the different characters, but the names themselves told a story or at least a portion of the
Scripture: Romans 4:18 Hoping against hope, he believed that he would become “the father of many nations,” according to what was said, “So numerous shall your descendants be.” Thought for the Day: Have you ever had a piece of scripture rolling around in your head, yet you couldn’t quite remember its context? A few days back, the words hope against all hope kept coming to mind. I finally
Scripture: Genesis 37:23-25 So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe, the long robe with sleeves that he wore; and they took him and threw him into a pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it. Then they sat down to eat; and looking up they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, with their camels carrying gum, balm,
Scripture: Micah 7:8 Do not rejoice over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me. Thought for the Day: At almost every moment in history when a group has been oppressed or experienced great suffering, there have been writings that offered hope even when there appeared to be no hope. Such writings not
Scripture: Isaiah 41:10 …do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. Thought for the Day: I don’t know how many times I have offered these words at a funeral, graveside or hospital bedside. I don’t know, but it has been many…hundreds of
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:11 We who are alive are always being handed over to death for Jesus’ sake so that Jesus’ life can also be seen in our bodies that are dying. Thought for the Day: This Wednesday, we begin what we are calling: Second Chance Sundays (Come when you can Dinner: 6:15-6:45pm; Study: 6:45 – 7:30pm). For those who might have missed Sunday, it provides an opportunity
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:13-14 We have the same faithful spirit as what is written in scripture: I had faith, and so I spoke. We also have faith, and so we also speak. We do this because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus, and he will bring us into his presence along with you. Thought for the Day: God
Scripture: John 4:35 Don’t you have a saying, ‘Four more months and then it’s time for harvest’? Look, I tell you: open your eyes and notice that the fields are already ripe for the harvest. Thought for the Day: As I read this, I believe Jesus is talking about the blindness that can be conceived in our expectations. What history or experiences have taught us can limit our
Scripture: Psalm 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, a help always near in times of great trouble. That’s why we won’t be afraid when the world falls apart, when the mountains crumble into the center of the sea, when its waters roar and rage, when the mountains shake because of its surging waves. Thought for the Day: Can I be perfectly honest? If the mountains are crumbling