Tag: return

  • Inside Fruit

    Inside Fruit

    Psalm 115; Exodus 28:29–38; Philippians 1:3–11 The Holy Spirit as gift can often lead us to wonder if the Israelites ever had the Holy Spirit or spiritual gifts of any sort. The answer is some did and some didn’t. The Urim and Thummim were used by the high priest to make decisions regarding the will…

  • Take the Message Forward

    Take the Message Forward

    Psalm 150; Jeremiah 30:1–11a; 1 John 3:10–16 We have a lot in front of us. The end of the COVID-era seems to be approaching. Although there seems to be a step back for every step forward, at least we are moving forward. This doesn’t mean we’ll be going back to normal. In fact, the normal…

  • The Dead Speak

    The Dead Speak

    Isaiah 25:6–9; Psalm 118:1–2, 14–24; John 20:1–18 The stone. We always talk about the stone on Easter. There was no question it was a big stone so that it was moved without human intervention was a big deal. As much as the stone is represented simply, it isn’t simple. Mary ran back to inform the…

  • Can’t Wait to Wait

    Can’t Wait to Wait

    Job 14:1–14; Lamentations 3:1–9, 19–24; Psalm 31:1–4, 15–16 “Jesus, 33, son of Joseph and Mary, was crucified and died yesterday. Survived by mother Mary. Wandering prophet who proclaimed the Kingdom of God was near. Performed miracles. Challenged the status quo. Caused the leaders heartache.” Even in our days, dying in one’s 30s is sad, but…

  • Wood and Metal

    Wood and Metal

    The cross is morbid. It is brutal. It is death in the midst of life on earth.

  • At The Gates

    At The Gates

    Psalm 118:1–2, 19–29; Jeremiah 33:10–16; Mark 10:32–34, 46–52 When we read the word “barren” in Jeremiah, we often think it is talking about the land, in particular the environment. The barrenness is in regard to people, in particular, God’s people (and their herds). They will soon no longer reside in the Promised Land, praising and…

  • Depths of Lent

    Depths of Lent

    What life experience can you use to relate to hope in despair?

  • Nasty Water

    Nasty Water

    Psalm 107:1–16; Exodus 15:22–27; Hebrews 3:1–6 One of the current struggles in the nation of Israel (the modern one) is water. Like every nation, they need water to drink, bathe, irrigate, and even manufacture. As of now, the land is (by and large) dry. Water is not yet a war issue, but may be. Due to its…