ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSNovember 10, 2020Scripture: Colossians 3:1-3So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Thought for the Day: I hope it is ok if I
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSNovember 9, 2020Prayer for the Week: In a time when political passions and opinions have left families at odds with one another and too many people speaking of their former friends, it is time for us to make space for your Spirit to heal and to mend. It might not happen overnight, but we trust in the capacity of heavenly love to change both individuals and nations.
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSNovember 8, 2020Scripture: 1 John 4:7Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Thought for the Day: In a post from Richard Rohr some four years ago, there was a single line that caught my attention. He wrote, “When I don’t love, the negative voices immediately get the upper hand.” I have those words
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSNovember 7, 2020Scripture: John 14:27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. Thought for the Day: Jesus spoke of this peace he was leaving, a peace he was giving to his disciples. It’s interesting how Jesus spoke of giving, but
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSNovember 6, 2020Scripture: Amos 21:20-24I hate, I despise your festivals, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals I will not look upon. Take away from me the noise of your songs; I will not listen to the melody of your
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSNovember 5, 2020Scripture: Matthew 7:18-19A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thought for the Day: I bought a few peaches last month. They looked really good, and I was hoping for a little peach juice dripping down my chin. You know those really
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSNovember 4, 2020Scripture: Psalm 118:1-2, 5-6Give thanks to the LORD because the LORD is good, because his faithful love lasts forever. Let Israel say it: “God’s faithful love lasts forever!” …In tight circumstances, I cried out to the LORD. The LORD answered me with wide-open spaces. The LORD is for me—I won’t be afraid. What can anyone do to me? Thought for the Day: It is hard
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSNovember 3, 2020Scripture: Matthew 5:9Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Thought for the Day: Sunday afternoon our Elders had their monthly meeting, and during the closing time the question was asked, “Any last thoughts about the coming week?” One of our Elders, next year’s Vice Chair, Robert Neunkirch, made two suggestions. First, based upon our current study of the Sermon on
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSNovember 2, 2020Prayer for the Week: It is so easy to forget; so easy to be distracted; so easy to allow our emotions to get the best of us. Gracious God, the Gospel is unambiguous in regard to what you hold as your primary value. It is love, beyond some self-serving love this culture attempts to pass off as holy. It is love, a love lavishly poured
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSNovember 1, 2020Scripture: Romans 1:7To all God’s beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Thought for the Day: Today is All Saints’ Day, a day we usually think about the great witnesses of the faith who have died, both ancient and recent. But the word saint does not necessarily describe the