Today’s passage from the book of Deuteronomy in the Hebrew scriptures is the account of Moses speaking to Joshua as Moses’ life and leadership were coming to an end and Joshua was taking up the mantle of leadership.
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The New Testament book of Acts is an account of the life of early Christianity. Much of the book has to do with the Apostle Paul and his activities.
Today’s reading from the book of Proverbs is one of many passages in which wisdom is personified.
The New Testament letter to the Ephesians says: “Be angry without sinning; do not let the sun go down on your anger. Do not provide an opportunity for the devil.” (Ephesians 4:26-27) In some translations it says, “don’t give the devil a foothold.”
The presence of love brings healing. It is a component of Jesus’ healing ministry that we can bring to our relationships and to our world — the non-medical components of healing like love, compassion, concern, empathy, and hope are part of the healing process.
Verse 6 of today’s reading shows that the writing of Psalm 4 was during a time of trouble when many people were distressed: “There are many who say, ‘O that we might see some good! Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord!’”
John Wesley simplified living the Christian life with what he called the General Rules
I will never read this story in the gospels without thinking of a young pastor I met at a conference several years ago.
Young David was a shepherd who was also a soldier. He was a harpist, whose music could tame the savage beast.
Here we have the words of Jesus to a would-be follower. Jesus’ words sound harsh, but they may not be as harsh as they sound, though certainly there is urgency in them.