Scriptures (193)

Ian

Sharpening and Armor

Matthew 15:10–20, Luke 6:39–42, Ephesians 6:12–18 In our current political and cultural climate, there are plenty of sharp barbs being thrown out. If we wanted to, we could say flaming arrows, which is metaphorically accurate. It’s pretty nuts, and certainly unloving, unpeaceful, impatient (i.e, doesn’t…

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Ian

Nourishing

Exodus 16:13–36, John 6:29–41 Who’s On First? was a comedy routine honed and made famous by the comedy team of Abbot and Costello. It is a masterful—and frustrating—play on words. Mana ≈ What is it? How would you like your food—for 40 years, no less—to…

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Ian

Open and Closed

Jeremiah 15:19–21, Mark 2:1–12, Matthew 11:20–24 “One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation.” Romans 10:10 (CSB) "For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:13 (CSB) Confession and repentance…

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Ian

Deceptive Misery

2 Corinthians 9:6–11, Matthew 6:16–18 Misery loves company, so it is said. By misery, we aren’t talking sadness, grief, or mourning. We’re talking about the attitude of heart, soul, and mind that finds the worst in it all and revels in it. Sadly, there is…

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Ian

Sixth Saturday of Lent

Matthew 2:1–12, John 12:1–11 The Magi’s visiting Jesus presented 3 gifts: gold, frankincense, myrrh. Often they are respectively tied to Jesus’ roles as king, prophet/priest, sacrifice/savior. How accurate that is may be questioned. That they were costly and significant gifts is not questionable. Gold is…

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