IV.As we return to these paragraphs today, take some time to slowly and meditatively read them. Then pause for a moment and rest in that reading and hearing the words of Jesus. Now, let’s reread the first two paragraphs again … Continue reading
I.“Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Is this a question you have ever wanted to ask? To ask Jesus? To Ask God? To ask the Spirit? Or one something like it? Who can I trust to show … Continue reading
VII.Let’s take notice of – Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people;once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Let those words open this passage for you, and hear how God’s people are … Continue reading
VII.Let’s go back to Paul’s request that the folk, “Consider your own call … “ How might his thoughts on “wisdom” and “foolishness” give us insight on our call to be “in Christ Jesus”? VIII.1 Corinthians 1:18-31 (New Revised Standard … Continue reading
IV.Let’s begin today by considering Paul’s statement, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” As you spend time with this passage, pay attention to how wisdom and foolishness are described. V.1 … Continue reading
I.Notice Paul’s direction to the the recipients of his letter, “Consider your own call …” (1 Corinthians 1:26) Couple that with his earlier statement, “… to those who are called…” (1 Corinthians 1:24), I take it that Paul considered these … Continue reading
IV.In this passage we hear, “For I am the Lord your God …” As you take time to reread and hear these words a couple of more times, what do they tell you about “the Lord your God”? V.Isaiah 43:1-12 … Continue reading
VIII.Today we are two days away from Christmas Day and again turn our attention to listening to Mary’s words of praise. As you go to these words once again, listen to Mary. Use your imagination to hear her sing these … Continue reading
VII.As we close this week with John the Baptizer, what do you think of John? Are you impressed by him or put off by him? VIII.Luke 3:2-18 (NRSVue) … during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of … Continue reading
VII.I have taken the liberty of making a couple of changes in our focus passage this week. I think the passage supports this contrast in “kingdoms” and want the contrast to stand out to us. VIII.John 4:46-54 (New Revised Standard … Continue reading