ISSL Reflections October 27, 2024 Psalm 62 Post 1

I.Today the Psalmist asks us to wait in silence. And if we don’t hear it, the Psalmist repeats the directive to us. Today, take a few moments to silence your stirrings before you consider this Psalm. II.Psalm 62 (NRSVue) For … Continue reading

ISSL Reflections October 20, 2024 Isaiah 25:1–10a Post 2

IV.As I consider these words of Isaiah, I notice how they speak of deliverance from two perspectives. How the oppressors experience the deliverance of Israel and how Israel experiences their deliverance. As you meditate on this passage, what do you … Continue reading

ISSL Reflections October 20, 2024 Isaiah 25:1–10a Post 1

I.I noticed as I turned to this Psalm that in some bibles the superscription above the Psalm is “Praise for Deliverance from Oppression.” As you meditate on this Psalm keep those three words in mind, praise, deliverance, and oppression. II.Isaiah … Continue reading

ISSL Reflections Exodus 15:1–3, 11–13, 17–18, 20–21 Post 1

I.Over the last several weeks we have been thinking about worship from one perspective or another and this week we pause to listen to Moses and Miriam sing. As you spend time with this week’s Scripture don’t forget that it … Continue reading

ISSL Reflections September 8, 2024 1 Kings 8:22–24, 37–39, 46, 48–50a Post 2

IV.Today, let me call your attention to this phrase, “… for there is no one who does not sin … ” Other than speaking about the universality of sin, what understanding of sin does Solomon’s prayer offer? V.1 Kings 8:22–24, … Continue reading

ISSL Reflections June 30 2024 Acts 26:1–11 Post 3

VII.In the final paragraph of this week’s focus passage, Paul recounts some of his actions toward the followers of Jesus. Pay attention to what he reports he did and think about what the impact might have been? VIII.Acts 26:1-11 (NRSVue) … Continue reading

ISSL Reflections May 5 2024 Romans 3:21–30 Post 3

VII.Today let’s return to the idea of God’s “demonstration of his righteousness.” As you spend time with the passage, what do you notice about how righteousness is demonstrated? VIII.Romans 3:21-30 (NRSVue) But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of … Continue reading

ISSL Reflections March 10 2024 2 Corinthians 13:5–11 Post 3

VII.Today, pay attention to how Paul concludes this letter and let that be the lens through which you read his words again. Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Be restored; listen to my appeal; agree with one another; live in peace; … Continue reading

ISSL Reflections March 10 2024 2 Corinthians 13:5–11 Post 1

I.Are you ready for this week’s “exam”? Paul offers some “study questions” for our upcoming exam. As you notice his insistence that his readers “examine yourselves,” what holds your attention? II.2 Corinthians 13:5-11 (NRSVue) Examine yourselves to see whether you … Continue reading

ISSL Reflections October 29 2023 Galatians 3:23–4:7 Post 3

VII.What does Paul say about those who are no longer “under the law”? VIII.Galatians 3:23-4:7 (NRSVue) Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed. Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until … Continue reading