18th Sunday after Pentecost Lectionary Reflection – For great is the LORD, and greatly/ to be praised;/he is to be revered above/all gods./For all the gods of the peoples are/idols,/but the LORD made the heavens. Psalm 96:4-5 Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are […]
Here’s an engaging (and entertaining) look at the seven deadly sins of personal finance from award-winning financial blogger Len Penzo. In addition to linking these sins to personal finance, Penzo suggests “penance” for the repentant in the form of additional articles on financial management. (Photo by Muffet used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
Who benefits from forgiveness—the one forgiven or the one who forgives? Considering this question leads to some important answers, strange mathematics, and hard work. Are you ready? (Photo by FeatheredTar used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
This week’s texts are both tough and meaty. Trust, obedience, or hospitality…what’s a preacher to choose? This may be one Sunday when a combo platter is in order for your sermon selection.
Because Americans are comfortable keeping faith and money separate, whenever we start a conversation about stewardship by talking about money or financial need, we immediately arouse hostility. All stewardship talk which begins with money starts at the wrong place. The place to begin meaningful stewardship conversation is with the concept of freedom. (Photo (c) 2006 Jgroup, via bigstock.com.)
Easter Sunday, Year A, April 24, 2011
As leaders and teachers we have walked through Holy Week and experienced the depth of despair that gives way to Easter joy. We comprehend the radical nature of the resurrection. What about the people in the pews who have not journeyed through? How are we to provide a real sense of the pain and grief that gives way to fear and hope that explodes into joy and delight?
When Zacchaeus encountered Jesus, he did not promise to read scripture more faithfully nor to attend the synagogue more regularly. On this occasion he was not pledging his time or his talent to the programmatic mission of the faith community. Worthy as those are — and necessary for the life of the people of God — this visit was about something else.
The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: “Come, go down to the potter’s house, and there I will let you hear my words.” So I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was working at his wheel. The vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and […]
For me the Apostle’s Creed is a starting place for this personal witness, for this living out of the Christian faith, because in the Creed I state personally — as well as corporately and publicly — what I believe. It’s an oral confession. My life must be “in sync” with what I confess in the Creed. (Photo by Graye, used by Creative Commons license. Thanks!)
You and I learn much about living as faithful stewards from the examples of others. For example, let’s examine the calls of two men, hoping thereby that we can examine, accept, and renew our own calls. (Illustration is Michaelangelo’s depiction of Isaiah at the Sistine Chapel.)
