lection reflection (13 Nov 2018)
reading the bible daily with the church
We're back at it today after a few days of much-needed and enjoyed time in the Texas hill country...
Luke 14.25-34
Today's passage presents us with a difficult teaching on the struggle of priorities in our lives. Taken literally, the notion of hating our our parents, spouses, and children is unimaginable to come from . . .
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lection reflection (7 Nov 2018)
reading the bible daily with the church
Zephaniah 2
Warnings against the impending judgment of God continue through this chapter. The prophet relays the message, nation by nation, of the coming day of the Lord, which is described here as a day of terrible judgment. Instead of the pride and arrogance for which they will be judged, Zephaniah calls the people to change their . . .
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lection reflection (6 Nov 2018)
reading the bible daily with the church
Luke 13.1-9
In most study bibles, commentaries, and preaching, the parable of the barren fig tree usually receives little attention or is skipped over entirely. Many study bible notes point out something entirely unhelpful such as, "The unproductive tree represents people who were not producing fruit." Super helpful, right? . . .
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lection reflection (5 Nov 2018)
reading the bible daily with the church
Zephaniah 1.7-13
This entire chapter details the awesome and awful "Day of the Lord," a day of judgment for sin, idolatry, injustice, and following after other gods. Living at the same time as the prophet Jeremiah, this book is much shorter but equally as clear in its message: Jerusalem, Judah, and surrounding areas will be . . .
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lection reflection (2 Nov 2018)
reading the bible daily with the church
Luke 12.13-31
Jesus' counsel in today's passage could have been written specifically to address the attitudes and excesses of contemporary American society. In the parable of the rich fool, we hear of a man consumed by his own material goods, one who finds security in wealth, and a soul who thinks of little beyond the present . . .
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lection reflection (1 Nov 2018)
reading the bible daily with the church
(note: our readings take a detour today as the church observes the festival of All Saints' day)
Hebrew 11.32-12.2
Through all of Hebrews chapter 11, we are encouraged by the lives of the Old Testament saints, who lived in faith, looking forward to the realization of the promises God had made but not yet fulfilled. . . .
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lection reflection (31 Oct 2018)
reading the bible daily with the church
Nahum 1.1-14
In contrast to the prophet Jonah and the good news he brought to Nineveh, the prophet Nahum brings a word of impending judgment from God for their wickedness. Even in the midst of this message of reckoning, however, the gracious and patient nature of the Lord shines through. "The Lord is good, a stronghold in the . . .
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