simply, Christian

on worrying and faith

Lent with Bruggemann

"Which of you can add a single moment to his lifespan by worrying?" -- Matthew 6.27 (EHV)

I find that a biting, embarrassing question, because of course, it is true. Being defensive and frightened and coveting has never really resulted in any gains. Partly we do it because we don't know any better way and partly . . .

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Posted in: lentreflections

February 22, 2021

reflection for the first Sunday in Lent (2021)

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(Note: this is an updated version of an essay first posted in 2019)

How is your Lenten journey going so far? I hope you have decided to make this a season of intentionally drawing closer to Christ as we prepare to remember his Passion and celebrate his Resurrection. Encourage each other as you seek Christ this week!

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Posted in: lent

February 21, 2021

first Sunday in Lent (2021)

contemplating collects

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O LORD, mercifully hear our prayer, and stretch forth the right hand of Thy Majesty to defend us from them that rise up against us; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

--Common Service Book of the Lutheran Church

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Posted in: collectslent

February 21, 2021

Lent with Brueggemann

daily devotionals during a season of self-denial

Walter Brueggemann is a fascinating character among contemporary American theologians. He is ordained clergy in the United Church of Christ, one of the most liberal denominations in the entire landscape of American Christianity. He is principally an Old Testament scholar who taught at the seminary level for more than four decades in both . . .

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Posted in: lenttheology

February 20, 2021

we've already given up everything!

getting back to the basics of Lent

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Lent started yesterday--without the traditional Ash Wednesday service because of widespread power outages and wintry weather in the Houston area. Into the mix of COVID restrictions that have become routine but never "normal," we have added power losses, rolling blackouts, orders to boil water, barren grocery shelves, . . .

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Posted in: lent

February 18, 2021

Ash Wednesday (2021)

contemplating collects

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ALMIGHTY and Everlasting God, Who hatest nothing that Thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent; Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of Thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; . . .

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Posted in: collectslent

February 17, 2021

Sexagesima Sunday (2021)

contemplating collects

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O GOD, Who seest that we put not our trust in anything that we do: Mercifully grant, that by the power of Thy Son, the Teacher of nations, we may be defended against all adversity; through the same, our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

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Posted in: collectslent

February 07, 2021

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