Scripture: Jeremiah 33:15-16 In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.” Thought for the Day: I had been listening
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 have spoken these words of scripture in many different settings. From the hospital room to the funeral home, they have been heard by those who felt
Scripture: Psalm 5:8-10 Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me. For there is no truth in their mouths; their hearts are destruction; their throats are open graves; they flatter with their tongues. Make them bear their guilt, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; because of their many transgressions cast them out, for they have rebelled
Scripture: Proverbs 24:3 By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; Thought for the Day: Though tragic events often make it feel as if the ground under us is crumbling, faith reminds us that the foundation is and will remain strong. I remember back to a clergy gathering a couple of weeks after September 11, and Rev. Jim Powell was speaking to us. He
Scripture: 1st Peter 3:14-16 But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence. Keep your
Scripture: Matthew 5:46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? Thought for the Day: Why are tax collectors always described as bad guys? I’ve known some tax collectors (IRS agents), and they were pretty good people. In fact, some of them were leaders in the churches I served. Of course, the tax collectors
Scripture: Jeremiah 44:4 Yet I persistently sent to you all my servants the prophets, saying, “I beg you not to do this abominable thing that I hate!” Thought for the Day: Predictability can be rather boring, except when it comes to the love of God. I think the prophets, and a few years later, Jesus, went out of their way to demonstrate the tenacity of God. How God
Scripture: Proverbs 25:14 (the Message) Patient persistence pierces through indifference; gentle speech breaks down rigid defenses. Thought for the Day: Have you ever, when trying to get through to someone, felt like you were beating your head against a brick wall? Often the experience brings out emotions like anger, frustration and nastiness. Those approaches rarely cause a crack in the wall, only a bigger bruise on the forehead.
Scripture: Colossians 3:20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is your acceptable duty in the Lord. Thought for the Day: I was recently listening to the Bill Cosby routine when he talks about having children. In the beginning, when Bill is talking about he and his wife making the decision to have children, he said: “…we were afraid to ask God for specific things. We felt
Scripture: Luke 17:20-21 Once Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, and he answered, “The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There it is!’ For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.” Thought for the Day: Apocalyptic literature, hopeful words spoken amidst crisis, stretches back