ISSL Reflections December 24 2023 Luke 1:36–45, 56 Post 3

VII.Mary says,“Here am I, the servant of the Lord;let it be with me according to your word.” How is she able to manifest such submission – obedience – faith? VIII.Luke 1:36-45, 56 (NRSVue) “And now, your relative Elizabeth in her … Continue reading

ISSL Reflections December 24 2023 Luke 1:36–45, 56 Post 1

I.This week we spend time with Elizabeth and Mary. In this passage of Scripture, both Elizabeth and Mary have already heard they will give birth to children who will serve very unique roles in the coming Kingdom of God. We … Continue reading

ISSL Reflections December 25 2022 Luke 1:46–55 Post 3

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

ISSL Reflections December 25 2022 Luke 1:46–55 Post 2

IV.Today I included both Mary’s song of praise and Hannah’s prayer in the post. Pay attention to the world described in the words of both women. V.Luke 1:46-55 (New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition) And Mary said, “My soul magnifies … Continue reading

ISSL Reflections December 25 2022 Luke 1:46–55 Post 1

I.We come this week to Mary’s song (or maybe her prayer) of praise and thanksgiving. After you spend time with her words you may want to take some time to compare it with Hannah’s words at 1 Samuel 2. II.Luke … Continue reading

December 20, 2020, Matthew 2:1-2, 7-15, ISSL Reflections Post 3

Please take another opportunity to reread this week’s Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%202%3A1-2%2C%207-15&version=NRSV;CEB;NET VI.I closed the other day by asking –“How do you understand what has led each to where they find themselves here?” I have been thinking about what led the … Continue reading

December 13, 2020, Matthew 1:18-25, ISSL Reflections Post 2

You will find three translations of this week’s Scripture passage here –https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%201%3A18-25&version=NRSV;CEB;MSG IV.In the previous post I asked us to focus on the phrase, “God with us.” We noticed how God’s arrival caused changes in the lives of Mary and … Continue reading

December 13, 2020, Matthew 1:18-25, ISSL Reflections Post 1

I.Let’s focus this week on the phrase, “God with us.” The Gospel writer presents to us in these few sentences how the lives of three people intersect. He recounts that one is to be named “Emmanuel” and tells us that … Continue reading

July 12, 2020, Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7b; Luke 2:39-52 – Post 3 – ISSL Reflections

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven … a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7b) VI.What of that balance – to keep silence/to speak. Is that an … Continue reading

December 22, 2019, Luke 1:38-56 – Post 3 – ISSL Reflections

IX. I have asked several times this week that we pay attention to Mary’s song, and I ask that again of us today. What draws you? Here is her song once again, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit … Continue reading