Tag: relationship
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Comfy Story
Psalm 72; Isaiah 60:1–6; Micah 5:1–6; Matthew 2:1–12 The richness of the story of the Magi could probably fill volumes. Magi were people who retained, studied, and added to ancient knowledge. In many respects, they were a combination of priest, counselor, academic. They would be the people who advised the rulers but were probably not…
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Knowing Whose
2 Chronicles 6:32–42; Jeremiah 31:7–14 Solomon was ceremoniously blessing the newly constructed Temple. There is a lot of political pomp and circumstance that is part of the ceremony. It would have been expected, and much of the political speech dressed up in religious language had the firm foundation of the people and Solomon being very…
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God Uncontained
Psalm 72; Isaiah 6:1–5; Acts 7:44–53 The opening verse of Psalm 72 is a passionate plea to God regarding the transition from David (the king) to Solomon (the king’s son). The plea consists of a having a wise, compassionate, righteous, and feared earthly king of Israel, whose backing is the King of Creation. Up through…
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Saturday before the Fourth Sunday of Advent
Psalm 36, Psalm 42, Psalm 52 We see people all around us who do not believe in God. There are those who know of God, but do not have a relationship with God. There are those whose relationship with God has been confused by the world or others. There are those who knew God, and…
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To Keep or To Make Peace
Psalm 16, Matthew 5:1-10, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 “When a person’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”Psalm 16:7 In many parts of the world, the United Nations has stationed peacekeepers. Their purpose is to be a soothing presence in the midst of conflict that has, temporarily, stopped…
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The Family Story
Psalm 25:1-10, Nehemiah 9:26-31, Luke 21:20-24 “All the Lord’s ways show faithful love and truth to those who keep his covenant and decrees.” (Psalm 25:10) “But they were disobedient and rebelled against you. They flung your law behind their backs and killed your prophets who warned them.” (Nehemiah 9:26) “…Jerusalem will be trampled by the…