I. This week we focus our attention on the first few sentences of a letter of Paul to the church in Thessaloniki. After the typical start to Paul’s letter where he invokes “grace and peace” for the community he writes, … Continue reading
XI. Before we leave this portion of Paul’s letter, allow me to mention one more item Paul writes, Examine yourselves to see whether you are living in the faith. Test yourselves. XII. Maybe we could start to implement Paul’s direction … Continue reading
VI. What is Paul’s overarching concern as he gives these closing words to the church at Corinth? He does mention his authority as an apostle. If you skim back over previous remarks in the letter you will see that has … Continue reading
I. This week we turn to the closing sentences of 2 Corinthians. We hear Paul bring to a close (at least until he is able to visit them again) the several conversations that went on between him and the church … Continue reading
VIII. Earlier this week the following quote from Dallas Willard came to my inbox. I am convinced it is the best way to close our reflections for this week. IX. Who deserves your blessing? “You are really walking in the … Continue reading
IV. Today let’s turn our attention more to the uninvited guest, the woman, and the reactions her presence and actions seem to precipitate. Our narrator tells us she is “a woman in the city, who was a sinner” who when … Continue reading
I. This week’s Scripture takes us to a Pharisee’s dinner table a number of his invited guests, one of whom is Jesus, and one uninvited guest, a woman of questionable moral standing. That could make for interesting conversation around the … Continue reading
VI. I am a little later getting back to you than I intended, but let’s take a couple of moments now to continue our reflection on this passage, a few questions and see what speaks to us. VII. What do … Continue reading
I. This week we turn our attention to a Roman army officer, a Centurion. A person of responsibility in the military forces that were occupying Israel. A man who could demand respect not only from those under his command but … Continue reading
IX. Before we leave our travels with Elijah, let’s take a few minutes to retrace his steps. First we find him in King Ahab’s court speaking to Ahab, The Lord’s word that a drought will come. Then it seems with … Continue reading