Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30, especially 24-27. Partially cross-posted from Jody’s Devotionals. I’m interested in knowing just what meets God’s disapproval. We all have our ideas on this, which often involve truly despicable and perverted behavior according to our cultural standards. But sometimes the Bible will shock us and make us stop and think. This thought was…
. . . at Brain Cramps for God.
A corollary of the fundamental idea of a free market is caveat emptor, let the buyer beware. I look at that from a slightly different angle than usual, not as an indictment of the free market, but rather as a statement of its driving force–the decisions of buyers. As a buyer, you vote every day…
. . . not to mention easy. In the just completed presidential election here in the U. S., were I to list all of the reasons why I might not vote for the candidate for whom I eventually did vote, the list would be fairly long, and might convince someone I thought that candidate was…
14[The kingdom of heaven] is like a man going on a journey. He calls his slaves and hands his property over to them. 15To one he gives five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each one according to his strength. Then he goes on his journey. As soon 16as he goes, the…
1Brothers and sisters, you don’t need me to write to you about the times and the seasons, 2because you yourselves are well aware that the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night. 3When people are saying “Peace and security,” then destruction will come on them suddenly, like labor pains on…
Here are some questions that came to mind as I studied Judges 4:1-7. 1. Why does the lectionary reading end where it does? Would the passage bring a different lesson if one read on to where Barak requires Deborah to accompany him before he’ll go? 2. Does this passage provide a universal justification for women…
In Judges 4:1-7, when the Israelites cried out, what did they have to say? With Psalm 123 included along with Judges 4:1-7 in Proper 28 / Ordinary 33 / Pentecost +27, I think we have an interesting possibility for preaching on prayer in trouble. My basic starting point would be to suggest to the congregation…
1After Ehud died, the Israelites again did what was evil in YHWH’s eyes. 2So YHWH sold them into the hand of Jabin, King of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor. The commander of his army was Sisera who lived in Harosheth of the Nations. 3Then the Israelites cried out to YHWH, because Jabin had 900 iron…
Acts 2:14a, 22-32 Peter opens the proclamation of the gospel. Psalm 16 Celebration of deliverance. 1 Peter 1:3-9 The outcome of the testing of our faith. John 20:19-31 Jesus appears to the disciples and the doubting of Thomas.