Luke 1:46-55, Common English Bible Where does joy come from and how can you reclaim it? Joy is the essence of being in the presence of God. So when are we not in the presence of God? We are always in the presence of God therefore we should always be joyful, right? King David writes … Continue reading Reclaiming God’s Joy!
Mark 1:1-8, Common English Bible Beginnings and boundaries are necessary for a fulfilling life. Mark’s gospel is sharing “alternative news” to what is being presented in the culture before Jesus walks on the scene. Now Jesus is the beginning of good news. Reaching back to God’s promises, Mark reintroduces his audience to words from the … Continue reading Love is Boundless!
Luke 22:14-23, New Revised Standard Version Relationships are at the forefront of Jesus’ movement. Taking steps toward the cross, Jesus is making his last stop at a table. At this table Jesus adds some elements to the Passover Meal. Broken bread (his body) and the poured-out cup (the blood of the Lamb slain from the … Continue reading The Table of Abundance!
Luke 15:1-10, Common English Bible Every school has a box called “lost and found.” Many children lose some valuable possessions during the school year. Adults even lose valuable items, like credit cards, cell phones, rings or even keys. Sometimes they are fortunate to find them and other times, the item is simply lost and will … Continue reading The Table of Celebration!
Mark 2:13-17, Common English Bible Tables in the first century were places of radical hospitality. People of the same culture were normally together breaking bread and conversing. Then Jesus changes the social reality of the day by crossing into socially unacceptable behaviors by associating with socially unacceptable people. What is Jesus doing? What’s his motive? … Continue reading An Unusual Table Guest!
McKendree UMC 