ISSL Reflections October 6, 2024 Psalm 51:1–4, 10–12, 15–17 Post 2

IV.As you spend time with the Psalm today, pay attention to the words of confession. V.Psalm 51:1–4, 10–12, 15–17 Have mercy on me, O God,     according to your steadfast love;according to your abundant mercy,     blot out my transgressions.Wash me thoroughly from my … Continue reading

ISSL Reflections September 8, 2024 1 Kings 8:22–24, 37–39, 46, 48–50a Post 3

VII.In the last post we focused on sin, today as you return to this passage let this phrase guide you through Solomon’s prayer, “O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth … 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 September 8, 2024 1 Kings 8:22–24, 37–39, 46, 48–50a Post 1

I.This week we hear parts of Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the Temple. What concerns do you hear Solomon express to God? II.1 Kings 8:22–24, 37–39, 46, 48–50a (NRSVue) Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in … Continue reading

ISSL Reflections 1 John 3:1–10 Post 2

IV.When you were reading this passage did you notice “… no one who sins has either seen him or known him.” And “Those who have been born of God do not sin…” Should we take that to mean no true … Continue reading

ISSL Reflections 1 John 3:1–10 Post 1

I.Who are you? Our focus Scripture this week has suggestions on how to answer. As you spend time with this Scripture, what answers do you see the writer offering? II.1 John 3:1-10 (NRSVue) See what love the Father has given … Continue reading

ISSL Reflections April 21 2024 Luke 7:36–39, 44–50 Post 3

VII.What comes first? No this is not a chicken or an egg joke. “ … her many sins are forgiven; hence she has shown great love.” VIII.Luke 7:36–39, 44–50 (NRSVue) One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat with him, … Continue reading

ISSL Reflections April 21 2024 Luke 7:36–39, 44–50 Post 2

IV.Why did the Pharisee invite Jesus to dinner? V.Luke 7:36–39, 44–50 (NRSVue) One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat with him, and when he went into the Pharisee’s house he reclined to dine. And a woman in the city … Continue reading

ISSL Reflections April 21 2024 Luke 7:36–39, 44–50 Post 1

I.It seems “faith” is on display again in this week’s reading as it was in the last few weeks. Does this encounter help us understand faith any more deeply? As you read the following you might spend time noticing how … Continue reading

ISSL Reflections September 24 2023 John 8:1–11, 56–59 Post 3

VII.Let’s read again this week’s Scripture focus. As you read it, what do you notice about those who seem eager to stone another, and what do you notice about Jesus? VIII.John 8:1-11, 56-59 (NRSVue) … Jesus went to the Mount … Continue reading