Scripture: Philippians 1:9 This is my prayer: that your love might become even more and more rich with knowledge and all kinds of insight. Thought for the Day: It has been said that we were made for love. I would claim that to be true, and even take it a step further, saying that we were made through love for the sake of love. At the same time,
Scripture: Philippians 1:4-5 I’m thankful for all of you every time I pray, and it’s always a prayer full of joy. I’m glad because of the way you have been my partners in the ministry of the gospel from the time you first believed it until now. Thought for the Day: Can I confess something here? I have always been troubled by the words, “…and it’s always a
Scripture: Philippians 1:1-2 From Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus. To all those in Philippi who are God’s people in Christ Jesus, along with your supervisors and servants. May the grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Thought for the Day: Paul knew these people well. He did not use his usual list of credentials (apostle) as you don’t
Prayer for the Week: Your church is born! Your church is alive! Your church is on fire! O Living and Life-Giving Spirit, you provide life and purpose and power to this, your body in the world today. In this Season of Pentecost, we look to you as the source of revival. We call upon your Spirit to break open the facades that we have created that seek a
Scripture: Deuteronomy 31:7-8 Then Moses called Joshua and, with all Israel watching, said to him: “Be strong and fearless because you are the one who will lead this people to the land the LORD swore to their ancestors to give to them; you are the one who will divide up the land for them. But the LORD is the one who is marching before you! He is the
Scripture: Colossians 3:16 The word of Christ must live in you richly. Teach and challenge each other with all wisdom by singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Thought for the Day: I’ve been pondering what Paul’s definition of the church would be. There are plenty of go-to passages that one might choose, but this one seems most interesting. Now some
Scripture: Acts 16:19-22 Her owners realized that their hope for making money was gone. They grabbed Paul and Silas and dragged them before the officials in the city center. When her owners approached the legal authorities, they said, “These people are causing an uproar in our city. They are Jews who promote customs that we Romans can’t accept or practice.” The crowd joined in the attacks against Paul
Scripture: Acts 16:9-10 A vision of a man from Macedonia came to Paul during the night. He stood urging Paul, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” Immediately after he saw the vision, we prepared to leave for the province of Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to proclaim the good news to them. Thought for the Day: I’m bouncing around a bit in Acts, but part
Scripture: Acts 17:1 Paul and Silas journeyed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, then came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. Thought for the Day: We often romanticize Paul’s journeys. We are greatly influenced by movies that depict people crossing deserts and climbing mountains in search of their purpose. It is hard to depict on the big screen all the messiness of such travels. First, there were no
Scripture: Acts 16:6 Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. Thought for the Day: Why would the Holy Spirit keep someone from preaching the Gospel? There is no apparent answer to the question, and some people might simply answer, “It is not our place to ask.” Though