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Inside Out: Thoughts on the 2 Corinthian Text for this Sunday
2 Corinthians 5:6-17 This text is a continuation of last week, picking up from an awkward break in the lectionary. Verses 2-10 of chapter 5 fit with Paul’s train of thought about inward renewal in the midst of afflictions. Verses 14-17 are the denouement of inward renewal, a most familiar set of verses and inspiration […]
A Look at 1 Samuel 15:34-16:13 for this Sunday
1 Samuel 15:34-16:13 This is one of those defining moments in the life of Samuel. He is faced with the difficulty of anointing a new king over Israel, all while Saul is still alive and still holding the reins of power. Samuel is faithful to God, but wrestles with God about his assignment. His response […]
“How to Stay Positive When Everything is Negative”
“How to Stay Positive When Everything around You is Negative” 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1 Delivered to Church for the Highlands, Sunday, June 10, 2012 Audio Podcast is here
Haiku for this Sunday’s Texts
1 Samuel 8:4-11, 16-20 If only we had A king we can hear and see Wanting less than best ——————————- Psalm 138 Your hand all stretched out Finding God on other end Whole heart and bowed head ——————————– 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1 Inward renewal Hope is here now and later Key to heart well kept ——————————- […]
Psalty Hatfields and McCoys
Psalm 138 I recently watched the History Channel’s Hatfields and McCoys show, starring Kevin Costner. It was a three-part series about the feuding family who quickly became a household name for familial rivalry and violence. The show depicts the decade long war as the result of the two fathers from each family, dating back to […]
God Has a Better Plan
1 Samuel 8:4-11, 16-20 It seems like we always want what we don’t have. Our lust for what our neighbor has is a passion further enflamed by the messages coming at us constantly (yes, like here on my blog page ads), drawing our eyes to what is shiny and new. This lust is nothing new […]
Intending Outcomes or Reacting to Life?
Choices for Happiness I am attending the Volunteers of America National Conference this weekend in Tampa, FL. One of the workshops I attended today was led by Dr. Juliet Spencer, Pastor of St. Andrew’s United Methodist in Baton Rouge, LA She gave a presentation of choices we have for happiness, based on How We Choose […]
What Happens in a Contemplative Community
I once heard the pianist, Arthur Rubinstein, being interviewed. At one point he was asked to share his experience of playing Chopin’s Nocturnes. He said in effect, “I do not know what it is. But over and over again I have had the experience of sitting in a crowded concert hall playing the Nocturnes and […]
Painted Pentecost
Pentecost is this Sunday. Monday is a day to begin thinking about how to portray the birthday of the church in words, but what about illustrating with image as well? Below are three creative demonstrations of what happened as God gave the Holy Spirit:
Why Preachers Need to Read
I don’t know any preachers who don’t read. Even though most preachers I’ve encountered tend to have more books than they can shelve in one office, stacks of books doesn’t mean that any of them have been opened, at least in a long time. We preachers come out of seminary in a mode of reading […]
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