Scripture: Genesis 35:14-16Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he had spoken with God, a pillar of stone; and he poured out a drink offering on it, and poured oil on it. So Jacob called the place where God had spoken with him Bethel. Thought for the Day: As we talked about yesterday in worship, the Israelites remembered the place where they crossed the Jordan River
Scripture: Mark 12:41-44He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the
Scripture: Luke 1:17 (speaking about John the Baptist)With the spirit and power of Elijah he will go before him, to turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. Thought for the Day: Monday Night Football had a theme song that went something like this: Strap in and hold on tight
Scripture: Isaiah 40:29He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless. Thought for the Day: In thinking about one of Robin Williams great characters, Patch Adams, I was reminded of a quote from the famous doctor: Unlike a lot of people, I don’t feel powerless. I know I can do something. But anyone can do something, it’s not about being special. It’s about deciding to do it
Scripture: Isaiah 43:19I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Thought for the Day: Today, I offer you these words from from the Catholic priest and philosopher, Ivan Illich. He wrote: Neither revolution nor reformation can ultimately change a society, rather you must tell a new
Scripture: 1st John 5:1-6Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the parent loves the child. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for whatever is born of God
Scripture: Job 9:26-28 (the Message)My life is going fast, like a ship under full sail, like an eagle plummeting to its prey. Even if I say, “I’ll put all this behind me, I’ll look on the bright side and force a smile,” all these troubles would still be like grit in my gut since it’s clear you’re not going to let up. Thought for the Day: Yesterday I
Scripture: 1st Peter 2:10Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Thought for the Day: There are so many things that define who I am. I am husband, son, father, brother, pastor and friend. I am short, a little over weight, and I have MS. I grew-up in the Midwest, but I
Scripture: Lamentations 3:46-51All our enemies have opened their mouths against us; panic and pitfall have come upon us, devastation and destruction. My eyes flow with rivers of tears because of the destruction of my people. My eyes will flow without ceasing, without respite, until the Lord from heaven looks down and sees. My eyes cause me grief at the fate of all the young women in my city.
Scripture: Romans 10:1-3Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. I can testify that they have a zeal for God, but it is not enlightened. For, being ignorant of the righteousness that comes from God, and seeking to establish their own, they have not submitted to God’s righteousness. Thought for the Day: Author and humorist, David Sedaris, offers