a week away from writing
I'm going to take a week off from writing and technology. A small, planned sabbatical away from my keyboard--immersed instead in the printed word and the analog. I'm looking forward to a time of rest and relaxation.
There won't be any lection reflections for the next week. Instead, I shall leave a series of quotes on . . .
chasing the shiny things of the world
lection reflection for 1 May 2019 / reading the bible daily with the church
For Christians in affluent parts of the world, like the United States, today's epistle reading from 1 John may be one of the hardest parts of the bible to live out.
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the lust of the . . .
Posted in: reflections
on hating and being hated
lection reflection for 30 April 2019 / reading the bible daily with the church
Today's epistle and gospel readings both talk about hatred, but they discuss it from opposite directions, which makes for interesting reading and meditation. Rarely do we think about hating and being hated at the same time.
In 1 John 2, we are reminded that the idea of a Christian harboring hatred toward another believer is . . .
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starting Daniel and John's letters
lection reflection for 29 April 2019 / reading the bible daily with the church
Today, the daily lectionary simultaneously starts two new books: Daniel and 1 John (with 2 and 3 John to follow). I don't remember starting two books at the same time, at least not for a while, but I'm looking forward to reading and praying through these over the coming weeks. I am especially looking forward to reading Daniel through . . .
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review: CSB Ancient Faith Study Bible
For years, I have longed for a study bible that combined the best English translation in print with Patristic commentary from the early church. The Orthodox Study Bible is a great resource that has been in print for years, but it doesn't have enough commentary to satisfy. Concordia's Lutheran Study Bible has some great quotes . . .
Posted in: review
church, it's okay, the world has never liked you
lection reflection for 26 April 2019 / reading the bible daily with the church
Yesterday I wrote about the reality that the Church will never be the darling of the world. In fact, if she is praised and beloved by the world, then she is not faithfully being the Church, proclaiming sin and salvation as her Lord has instructed. Today's New Testament reading, from Acts 4, reinforces this reality and shows that the . . .
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to the Church: be who Jesus calls you to be (and stop worrying about the rest)
lection reflection for 25 April 2019 / reading the bible daily with the church
John 15.12-27
It was tough to pass up Ezekiel's dry bones this morning, but I got caught up in the Gospel reading...though probably not where you think. Coming off of Maundy Thursday last week, Jesus' command to love one another and his explanation of what that looks like are still fresh in our minds. My imagination got stuck . . .
Posted in: reflections
