Scripture: Acts 4:31 After they (Peter & John) prayed, the place where they were gathered was shaken. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking God’s word with confidence. Thought for the Day: Some of our men are at the Regional Men’s Retreat this weekend. I drove to Lake Brownwood Retreat Center on Friday, and then left yesterday afternoon to come back in time for
Scripture: Genesis 22:1-2 After these things God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains that I shall show you.” Thought for the Day: There are few stories in the Bible
Scripture: John 10:14-15 [Jesus said,] “I am the good shepherd. I know my own sheep and they know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. I give up my life for the sheep…” Thought for the Day: In the last two weeks, I have been engaged in some very interesting theological conversations that directly or indirectly related to the above passage. In times
A PRAYER… When grief grips us like a prisoner’s restraint, our vision beyond the present is bound and diminished. So many images and stories afflict our spirits leaving us spent and gasping for the Divine Breath. Breathe into us, Holy Spirit, so the shackles of our anguish are no more; Breathe into the darkness of dismay a loving kindness that enlivens an inert perspective;
Scripture: Genesis 20:1-2 From there Abraham journeyed toward the region of the Negeb, and settled between Kadesh and Shur. While residing in Gerar as an alien, Abraham said of his wife Sarah, “She is my sister.” And King Abimelech of Gerar sent and took Sarah. Thought for the Day: It appears that Abraham is not a quick study since he denied that Sarah was his wife just a
Scripture: 1st Corinthians 13:4-6 Love is patient, love is kind, it isn’t jealous, it doesn’t brag, it isn’t arrogant, it isn’t rude, it doesn’t seek its own advantage, it isn’t irritable, it doesn’t keep a record of complaints, it isn’t happy with injustice, but it is happy with the truth. Thought for the Day: Billy Graham offers us these words: Patience is the transcendent radiance of a loving
Scripture: Romans 12:14 Bless people who harass you—bless and don’t curse them. Thought for the Day: In yesterday’s sermon, I used Romans 12:15 that speaks about being happy with those who are happy and crying with those who are crying, but the verse right before (12:14) is a bit more pointed and demanding. Most of us would find the idea of blessing those who harass us difficult enough
Scripture: 2nd Corinthians 3:18 All of us are looking with unveiled faces at the glory of the Lord as if we were looking in a mirror. We are being transformed into that same image from one degree of glory to the next degree of glory. This comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. Thought for the Day: This is the passage I used for Jerry Schoonover’s Memorial
Scripture: Romans 12:15 Be happy with those who are happy, and cry with those who are crying. Prayer: Our hearts continue to ache for what we have seen, but we know the ache is only going to be compounded as we witness the suffering of sisters and brothers along the East Coast. Come among us with fresh power, Holy Spirit! Make your essence conspicuous and concrete. Where there
Scripture: Isaiah 41:10 [The Lord said,] “Don’t fear, because I am with you; don’t be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will surely help you; I will hold you with my righteous strong hand.” Thought for the Day: Richard Rohr is a Franciscan Friar who I have referenced a number of times. In a recent blog, he quoted a section of his book,