Psalms: 69 Meditation 1 Corinthians: I think that today most Christians whether they know it or not, are dualists. That philosophy condemns the flesh as being evil and he spirit (soul) as being good. Paul wants us to understand that because Jesus lived a perfect life – his flesh was also good as when God …
Tag: Jesus
Monday, September 14
Psalm: 64 Meditation Matthew: The three temptations described here are but types of temptations: carnal hunger, bad faith, and power. Let’s be clear Jesus, like us, had been tempted each and every day and perhaps more than once a day while in the desert. Which was the worst temptation? – hard to say. When Jesus …
Friday, August 14
Psalms: 22 Meditation Mark: Mark’s gospel is the shortest and perhaps lighter on details. This is a “no frills” report on the healing of a blind man, Bartimaeus, by name. Here, Jesus simply says “Go, your faith has healed you.” Immediately… In another gospel an unnamed blind man had to wash out the mud made …
Gentleness
Listen. Listen to the pre-recorded Children’s Message together. You can find it at pacificunionchurch.org/churchsmall Review What do we have to remember to do when we hold a baby? Why? Gentleness is knowing that we are strong and that our words are powerful. Gentleness is making sure that our strength is used to help people, instead …
Tuesday, July 21
Psalm: 34 Meditation Mark: It sounds like Jesus is talking about honesty and accountability in verses 21-25. All shall be revealed and that being loving (“with the measure you use…” v. 24) to one’s neighbor is its own reward. Then the miracle of growth after seed is sown followed. It is a mystery how that …
Friday, May 29
Psalm: 102 Meditation Ezekiel: When we read this passage, we may (actually do not) see what Ezekiel saw. We look back through the cross. If Ezekiel looked back (as I am sure he did) he saw the shepherd/king (David). Ezekiel wants to awaken the errant “shepherds” warning them of a time of accountability. Sometime later, …
Thursday, May 28
Psalm: 105 Meditation Luke: This time it’s a lawyer who hopes to make his name by tripping up Jesus. He knows what’s written in the Law which is to love God and one’s neighbor. Typical of a lawyer, he was actually looking for a “loophole” in order to avoid his obligations. The parable of the …
Monday, May 25
Psalm: 89 Meditation Luke: Jesus was heading to Jerusalem from Galilee which caused him to cut through Samaria. Most Jews skirt around the eastern border of Samaria just to avoid the Samaritans. Not so Jesus. While on his way he encounters 3 disciples to whom he details the cost of discipleship. His selling point? He …
Saturday, May 9
Psalm: 139 Meditation Jesus began his public ministry by being baptized by John (the Baptist). Quickly, John acknowledged that rather, he himself should be baptized by Jesus (Matthew 3:13-15). John was later thrown into prison by King Herod (likely grandson of the infamous Herod the Great, slaughterer of young children) and as naturally happens, one’s …
Going Deeper: April 5
Read Philippians 2:5-11 together. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJXlwLVkfaE Listen. What did you hear in the Scripture reading and the sermon? What is God saying to you? What does Jesus do with his power? What shape does his life take? How can our lives take the same shape? Respond. If this is God’s word to you, what will you …
