Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Luke 15:11-32
The FDBD writer points out that in addition to asking God's forgiveness for sins, we need to ask forgiveness of the people we've hurt by our sinning, like the prodigal son does with his father.
posted by Susanna King 6:28 PM
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Luke 15:1-10
This passage makes me think about the tendency Christians sometimes have to stick together and avoid people who don't share the same beliefs. Jesus shows us that we need to go out and reach out to exactly those people.
posted by Susanna King 7:00 PM
Monday, May 23, 2005
Luke 14:25-35
Jesus says you need to consider the cost before becoming his disciple.
posted by Susanna King 6:28 PM
Thursday, May 19, 2005
I Timothy 4:1-16
Verses 1-5 were new to me. Paul warns Timothy against teachers of bad doctrine, who "forbid marriage and demand abstinence from foods." I guess I was celebrating God's blessings the right way when I drank wine at my wedding.
posted by Susanna King 7:00 PM
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Luke 13:18-30
I seem to recall having heard a sermon that said that Jesus himself is the narrow door to the kingdom of God. My study Bible, though, says that he is the host in this parable.
posted by Susanna King 6:24 PM
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Psalm 5
Either the world has changed or I'm paying closer attention to the news, because I actually feel like I can relate to most of this psalm. Verse 3 is what I do, praying to God at the beginning of each day. Verses 4-6 give me hope that evil will not ultimately triumph.
posted by Susanna King 7:09 PM
Monday, May 16, 2005
Luke 13:1-9
What I find interesting about this parable is that even after the farmer declares that the barren tree is a waste of space, he gives it one more chance to bear fruit. He wants to make absolutely sure that he doesn't destroy a tree that just needed a little extra care and attention to be fruitful.
posted by Susanna King 6:47 PM
Saturday, May 14, 2005
Luke 11:14-23
Jesus points out that he can't be working for Satan if he's defeating Satan, so he must be working for God. And then he says, "Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters." (vs.23)
posted by Susanna King 10:00 AM
Friday, May 13, 2005
Luke 10:38-42
The FDBD writer makes an interesting point: the next time we see Martha and Mary, they're still in the same roles as they are in this passage. Martha's still doing work that needs to be done, but perhaps she's no longer "distracted by many things." It's easy to get caught up in the details of hospitality and forget the guest.
posted by Susanna King 9:55 PM
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Luke 10:25-37
The story of the Good Samaritan makes me think about ways that I can help my neighbors. Helping in person is good, but so is helping indirectly. I help my neighbor by how I choose to vote as well as by bringing food to Harvest Hope.
posted by Susanna King 7:23 PM
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Luke 10:17-24
Here, the people Jesus has sent out to prepare the way for him return. They are amazed by the power God has given them to do works in Jesus' name. The names of these seventy people are not recorded anywhere that I know of. But their faith has made them worth remembering and reading about far more than many of the people whose names fill the news today. I pray that I might follow their example, go and prepare the way for Jesus faithfully.
posted by Susanna King 7:00 PM
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Ezekiel 7:10-27
In this passage, the prophet foretells the destruction of the city of Jerusalem. Or, more accurately, the end of Hebrew possession of the city. Ezekiel says that they will be overwhelmed and their enemies will take over the city, leaving them homeless and without a temple. Sometimes, it's harder to see something you love given to someone you hate than it is to see it destroyed.
posted by Susanna King 7:00 PM
Monday, May 09, 2005
Hebrews 6:1-12
The letter-writer says that it's not worthwhile to teach advanced things to those who reject the basic teachings of the church. But those who already know and accept the "foundations" of faith in Christ ought to continue in their learning, and not hang back covering the basics over again for the sake of those who refuse to learn.
posted by Susanna King 7:00 PM
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
James 5:13-20
The FDBD writer points out that anointing and prayer will save the sick, as in, save their souls. This keeps them "from dying suddenly and unprepared."
posted by Susanna King 7:24 PM
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Deuteronomy 8:11-20
This passage warns people not to treat God's material blessings as evidence of their own power. If following God's commandments has resulted in your being well-off that's His doing, not yours, and He deserves thanks for it.
posted by Susanna King 7:12 PM
Monday, May 02, 2005
John 14:6-14
In verse 12, Jesus says that anyone who believes in him will not only do the works he did, but "do greater works than these." That's a pretty awesome responsibility, and a pretty exciting promise.
posted by Susanna King 6:47 PM