Daily Bread

The book of Ecclesiastes in the Hebrew Scriptures is part of Wisdom Literature in the Bible.  This scripture is one of several that speak to the importance of friendship and how we depend on one another for support and help.

Paul’s favorite image of the Church is the Body of Christ.  Just as every part of the body is essential, so every person in the Church is important. 

In this reading from John’s gospel, we see two themes that John visits repeatedly.  The first is this:  If you want to know what God is like, look at Jesus.

Psalm 119 has 176 verses making it the longest psalm and the longest chapter in the Bible.

Our scripture reading today tells a strange story in a challenging time for Jeremiah’s fellow citizens, the people of God.  Jeremiah’s nation Judah is under siege by the Babylonians.

In a way, Psalm 30 is about resurrection.  I’m not talking about the death and resurrection of Jesus. 

Through my years of trying to live as a follower of Jesus and as a pastor, I have both asked and been asked the question, “What is the best way to pray?”

Psalms are hymns—poetic expressions of faith.  The hymns of the church also pick up on these same images.  One of those hymns is “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah.”

Writing letters is almost a lost art.  Yet, it is this art that has, throughout history, had tremendous impact on individuals, families, communities, religions and even nations.

Last words are important.  We strive to remember the last words we heard a loved one speak.  We often remember and quote the last words of famous or well-known people.