Blogging toward Sunday

The Sermon on the Mount (1896), Károly Ferenczy via Wikimedia Commons

In preparation for worship this Sunday, read Micah 6:1-8. This text contains some of the most frequently quoted words of the Hebrew Bible. What are they?

Now let's turn our attention to the gospel reading for the day: Matthew 5:1-12. You will notice that this, too, is a well-known text. Take time to read it a couple of times and then reflect on the following:

1. What is this sermon often called?
2. Jesus begins teaching here at the beginning of chapter 5. Where does this section of teaching end?
3. The Beatitudes begin with the word "Blessed," in some Bible translations, while the word is interpreted as "Happy" in others. In your opinion, which translation of the word better fits the teaching? Why?
4. What strikes you as most important about The Beatitudes?

On your journey toward Sunday, I hope you are able to sit a while with Scripture and the above questions. Then join us in worship so we can continue the discussion.

May you and those you love know the power of God's blessings this week.

Shalom,
Glenda

Blogging toward Sunday

Google Image used by permission via Rev. Lil Smith, M.Div., DASD

In preparation for worship read Isaiah 9:1-4 and reflect on the following:

1. What promises do you find in this text?
2. How is light used as a metaphor?
3. What nations/lands are named?

Now turn to our gospel reading found in Matthew 4:12-23. Using the spiritual practice of lectio divina, read through the passage at least 3 times. After each reading, sit prayerfully, considering what word or phrase God might be speaking directly to you today. Afterward, spend a few moments considering the following:

1. What does Jesus mean when he calls his followers to be "fishers of people"?
2. What must I leave behind to be a faithful disciple of Jesus?

Finally, I offer you this prayer from Feasting on the Word: Worship Companion, edited by Kimberly Bracken Long:

God, our light and our salvation,

Jesus announced the nearness of your kingdom

and called his disciples to be fishers of women and men.

Give us courage to follow in the way of Jesus,

that our lives may bear witness to the good news of the 

kingdom at hand

and our vocation serve to draw people to your salvation;

through your Son, Jesus Christ, in the power of

the Holy Spirit. Amen.

May the Lord bless you and those you love this week. I look forward to seeing you face to face on Sunday and joining you in worship of our Gracious and Holy God.

Shalom,

Glenda

Blogging toward Sunday

John the Baptist; Image via Wikimedia Commons

Our Scripture readings for Sunday include Isaiah 49:1-7 and John 1:29-42. In the gospel reading John the Baptist testifies about Jesus, "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on [Jesus]. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God." Afterward, two of John's disciples leave in order to follow Jesus. 

Take time to read through the passage from John at least twice. Then consider the following:

1. How do you imagine the person, John the Baptist?
2. What was John's calling?
3. Did he fulfill it?
4. Finally, what is your calling and how are you fulfilling it?

As always, I look forward to worshiping with you Sunday.

Shalom,
Glenda