Scripture: Luke 7:37 And a woman in the city, who was a sinner, having learned that he was eating in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster jar of ointment. Thought for the Day: The New Jerusalem translation of this passage says the woman had a “bad name in town.” This was a nice way of saying that she was probably a prostitute, and though many have tried to
Scripture: Zephaniah 3:19 I will deal with all your oppressors at that time. And I will save the lame and gather the outcast, and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth. Thought for the Day: Shame is not always a bad thing. In fact, our culture needs a little dose of shame now and then as I think it can lead to
Scripture: John 14:27 Peace 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: There are some pieces of scripture where the words need to wash over us, allowing our souls to be refreshed by the sustaining quality of their
Scripture: Romans 16:17 I urge you, brothers and sisters, to keep an eye on those who cause dissensions and offenses, in opposition to the teaching that you have learned; avoid them. Thought for the Day: After the recent tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, an interfaith prayer vigil was held. A diverse community came together for prayer, including a pastor from the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. One of the victims of
Scripture: Deuteronomy 4:30-31 In your distress, when all these things have happened to you in time to come, you will return to the Lord your God and heed him. Because the Lord your God is a merciful God, he will neither abandon you nor destroy you; he will not forget the covenant with your ancestors that he swore to them. Thought for the Day: When we have ventured
Scripture: Luke 7:36 One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and took his place at the table. Thought for the Day: We have often associated ‘Pharisees’ with evil or the standard of religious shallowness. At times, the Gospel writers give us that stereotype, but here we have an example of a Pharisee who desired to interact with Jesus.
Scripture: Proverb 20:25 It is a snare for one to say rashly, “It is holy,” and begin to reflect only after making a vow. Thought for the Day: On more than one occasion, I have realized the importance of timing only after timing no longer mattered. The Proverbs provide for us portable truth that we can tuck away for more than emergency use. These nuggets of insight, with
Scripture: Luke 6:28-34 But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away
Scripture: James 1:17 Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Thought for the Day: Humanity desperately needs some leadership when it comes to a deep and abiding empathy for others. And from a Christian standpoint, I feel as if there have been some important opportunities
Scripture: Exodus 20:8 Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy. Thought for the Day: I recently dug out a quote from Alice Walker that I had found a while back and had tucked away. She wrote, “Anybody can observe the Sabbath, but making it holy surely takes the rest of the week.” Keeping the Sabbath holy is a task put upon us, and simply going to church