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

I.As we approach the fourth Sunday of Advent, we have as our Scripture focus the arrival of the “wise men.” While we have Christmas hymns that call these men “kings,” they were more likely of a class of scholars or … Continue reading

May 3, 2020, Zephaniah 3:14-20 – ISSL Reflections

I.This week we turn our thoughts to the Prophet Zephaniah and the closing words of his prophecy. He starts with harsh words for the nation and a few sentences before the passage we focus on this week he tells the … Continue reading

April 5, 2020, Isaiah 42:1-9 – Post 3 – ISSL Reflections

VI.Where is the sustaining power and strength for the servant(s). Look over the passage and notice what it tells us about the “God, The Lord.” Even from the first sentences we begin to draw a picture of the God Isaiah … Continue reading

March 29, 2020, Malachi 2:1-9; 3:5-6 – Post 2 – ISSL Reflections

IV. As Malachi addresses the priests, notice how he describes what is involved in giving “glory to my name.” “ … that my covenant with Levi may hold.” The priests are challenged for their failure to both provide instruction to … Continue reading

March 1, 2020, Amos 5:18-24 – Post 3 – ISSL Reflection

VIII.Can we agree the prophet wants the people to have no uncertainty that their festivals, assemblies, offerings, sacrifices, songs and music do nothing to move God. All the things they might count on as proper religious activities are worthless. What … Continue reading

February 9, 2020, Matthew 6:1-8 – ISSL Reflection

I. This week we hear Jesus give some practical and concrete examples of what he thinks “religion” is about. We hear him mention “practicing your piety.” I guess “piety” is about religion? After you read through this passage several times … Continue reading

February 2, 2020, Matthew 4:1-11 – Post 3 – ISSL Reflection

VII. We began this set of Scripture lessons in December and spent the first nine weeks listening to and watching first David and then Solomon. A major focus in each lesson was the Temple. But each week we went beyond … Continue reading

January 26, 2020, 1 Kings 8:54-61 – Post 3 – ISSL Reflection

As I have listened to and watched Solomon over the last several weeks (and David before him), a question has been become prominent for me, “How do we enter into and leave a sacred time or sacred space?” I do … Continue reading

December 8, 2019, 1 Chronicles 16 – Post 3 – ISSL Reflection

VI. Let’s take some time today to pay attention to a couple of sentences in the passage – one near the beginning and another at the end. …. When David had finished offering the burnt offerings and the offerings of … Continue reading