Monthly Archives: September 2016

Released to Bless

Scripture

Acts 5:17-21 (NIV)

Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about this new life.” At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people.

Consider

The Jewish religious leaders arrested the apostles because they were filled with jealousy.

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East from West

Scripture

Psalm 103:12-14 (NRSV)

As far as the east is from the west, so far he removes our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion for his children, so the LORD has compassion for those who fear him. For he knows how we were made; he remembers that we are dust.

Consider

Imagine that picture: as far as the east is from the west. To gaze upon the east, you must completely turn away from the west. You cannot look at them together.

So it is with grace and sin. To look at one is to turn your back on the other.

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Let These Others Go

Scripture

John 18:4-8 (NLT)

Once more he asked them, “Who are you looking for?”

Again they replied, “Jesus the Nazarene.”

“I told you that I AM he,” Jesus said. “And since I am the one you want, let these others go.”

Consider

Evil overtook creation in the Garden of Eden, but God already had a plan to win creation back. We catch a glimpse of that plan in this passage describing Jesus’ response to the men who came to arrest him in Gethsemane.

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Holy Communion

Scripture

Psalm 46:10 (NRSV)

“Be still, and know that I am God!”

Consider

Our Father asks us to separate ourselves from the noise of our busy lives so we can give him our full attention. Below is an expanded interpretation of God’s request for this sacred meeting with us.

[God speaking]: My child, as you prepare to meet Me, be still, and know that I am God!

Still your BODY—

Plant your feet firmly on the ground.

Close your eyes to shut out visual distractions. Turn your gaze inward so you can see Me.

Release your hands; let them rest.

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