Posted October 30, 2017 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
Exodus 34:8-9 (TNIV)
Moses bowed to the ground at once and worshiped. “Lord,” he said, “if I have found favor in your eyes, then let the Lord go with us. Although this is a stiff-necked people, forgive our wickedness and our sin, and take us as your inheritance.”
Consider
This prayer follows on the heels of Moses’ coming down from the mountain with a freshly minted Ten Commandments, only to find the people worshiping a golden calf. In his anger, Moses smashes the stone tablets and orders punishment for the idol worshippers.
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Posted October 23, 2017 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
Matthew 16:21-23 (NRSV)
From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.” But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”
Consider
At first glance, Jesus’ rebuke seems unfair.
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Posted October 16, 2017 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
Matthew 3:11-12 (NIV)
“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
Consider
To the farmers of Jesus’ time, winnowing (or threshing) was a familiar harvesting event. A winnowing fork was used to toss ripe grain into the air so that the wind could blow away the worthless chaff.
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Posted October 9, 2017 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
Psalm 143:7-10 (NLT)
Come quickly, LORD and answer me, for my depression deepens. Don’t turn away from me, or I will die. Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. Rescue me from my enemies, LORD; I run to you to hide me. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.
Consider
Like so many psalms of David, this one is a cry to God for rescue. The psalmist feels overwhelmed by enemies to the point of desperation and despair.
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Posted October 2, 2017 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
Deuteronomy 10:16 (NRSV)
Circumcise, then, the foreskin of your heart, and do not be stubborn any longer.
Consider
This verse is situated in an important Old Testament passage in which God describes the essence of his relationship with his people. “You belong to Me,” God says in effect. “I chose you. Physical circumcision distinguishes you from the world, but you must circumcise your hearts as well. You must ‘cut off’ useless and counterproductive practices of the world and instead act in ways that identify you as mine.”
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