normal (78)

Ian

HE IS RISEN!

Psalm 118:1–24; John 20:1–23; Colossians 3:1–12 (read online ⧉) What a day! Most of us have lost a loved one. It is hard. Sometimes we have been present when they died, sometimes we weren’t. How deep the ache depends on the relationship. Even with people…

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Ian

Community for Others

Psalm 118:19–29; Deuteronomy 16:1–8; Philippians 2:1–11 (read online ⧉) The brief summary of Passover reminds the Israelites of how, as a community, they are to celebrate it. When Passover was established (Exodus 12) there was a strong community aspect to it insofar as sharing the…

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Ian

Lenten Rest

Psalm 51:1-12; Isaiah 30:15-18; Hebrews 4:1-13 (read online ⧉) Rest. That seems to be a dream for many these days. In these odd times of COVID-driven angst, rest can be fleeting. There is currently an emphasis around the world that people are to stay home.

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Ian

Is It All About the Experience?

Psalm 19; Exodus 19:16–25; Mark 9:2–8 (read online ⧉) Spend enough time in (at least) Christian circles, and you will likely hear the phrase, "mountain-top experience." This is usually described as a deeply powerful encounter with God that emotionally and spiritually separates someone from the…

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Ian

Separation Anxiety

Psalm 19; Acts 7:30-40; Exodus 19:9-15 (read online ⧉) When we talk about holiness or being holy, we have to start with God. We talk about each of us being unique, yet God is even more so. God was not created. God did the creating.

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