Psalm 85

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Restoration.

There comes a point when something has been so used, or abused, that it is so weakened, cracked, or frayed that it can no longer serve its intended purpose. There comes a time when you decided to discard  or restore.

If the something is special to you, you choose restoration. Even if it is not fully-functional after the pieces are put back together, you keep it as an object that holds memories of someone, something, or of yourself from a different time. Those memories are part of what defines you.

Psalm 85 is a prayer to God to restore the would-again-be faithful to the relationship with God that they remember.

What attitude do you need to adjust with God to strengthen your relationship with Jesus?

[Art credit: http://wizecounsel.com/restoration/\

Hosea 1:2-10

Read Hosea 1:2-10

Today's isn't an easy read. It grates against our hope for relationships, and, it presents God with a harshness that is disturbing.

Even if our social senses are dulled by news of leaders being unfaithful to their spouses and to their public commitments, we are not quite ready to read the book of Hosea personally and consider our own faithfulness to God. Yet, that is exactly what Gomer's behavior represents: God's people choosing to break their promise of commitment to God.

This text can invite you to reflect to reflect on your attitudes and actions. Where do you need to strengthen your faithfulness to Christ?

Hosea 1:2-10

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[Art Credit: http://vardhanksv.wordpress.com/2012/11/25/book-of-hosea/]

John 3:1-21

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Psalm 85

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[Art credit: http://godspeaks-i-listen.com/tag/psalms-856/]

Luke 12:42-50

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[Art credit: http://www.puravida.org/mission.htm]

Luke 12:42-50

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Luke 10:25-37

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[Art credit:http://notapastor.wordpress.com/tag/luke-1025-37/]

Colossians 1:1-14

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Psalm 82

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[Art credit: http://dwellingintheword.wordpress.com/2012/01/12/704-psalms-82-and-83/]

Amos 7:7-17

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[Art credit: http://abcparish.blogspot.com/2010_07_04_archive.html]

Luke 12:42-50

Read Luke 12:42-50

God gives us resources, internal and external, to be used. We have continual opportunities to live them out through our relationships and situations.

You talents, skills, and expertise are uniquely yours. Others may be similarly blessed, but only you can use and live them as God has created you to be.

[Art credit: http://www.keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk/p/to-whom-much-is-given-much-is-expected/]

Matthew 5:1-11

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[Art Credit: http://freshread.wordpress.com/2010/11/08/wisdom-and-blessing-mt-51-11/]

Genesis 24:17-28

Read Genesis 24:17-28

Rebekah offers radical hospitality to a stranger. To whom today are you being a gracious host?

[Art credit: http://mastersdust.com/2011/08/27/how-radical-hospitality-can-become-a-recipe-for-colonial-evangelism/]

Luke 10:1-11

Read Luke 10:1-11

Today's Reading reminds me of a scene in one of my favorite movies, "Field of Dreams," when a corn farmer hears a mystical voice in his cornfield, "If you build it, he will come." 

He follows his 'revelation,' converting acres of valuable farmland into a baseball field where players from the past will recreate their glory days, and he will have the opportunity to reconcile his unsettled  history with his long-deceased father.

I need to acknowledge that it would be quite a stretch to connect this story with today's Reading; however, the idea, "If you build it, [they] will come" has too long characterized how the church has interpreted its mission. Living missionally means that we faithfully live out our faith.

Jesus clearly sends his disciples into the world around them to proclaim - to be - the Good News that the Kingdom of God is present. Jesus doesn't expect persons to 'come'. He sends believers to 'go'.

Where will go into your weekend activities and relationships to share the presence of Jesus?
With whom will you share your story of how Christ changes your life through God's love?


[Art credit: http://jeffgissing.com/2013/02/25/missional-monday-3-why-prayer-is-the-fuel-of-missional-ministry/]

Galatians 6:1-6

Read Galatians 6:1-6

I think that the purest expression of the controlled power is gentleness. It is not power reduced; rather, it is power directed purposefully so be be effective in its influence. Gentleness meets the least resistance.

When you respond to another person's less-than-best choice, the power of the Holy Spirit within you enables you to live gently toward that person. Even as you invite her/him to consider what would have been, and in the future what can be, a better alternative, you can extend Grace and Love. 

His/her response is not within your control; how you relate with her/him may always be an expression of Emmanuel (Matthew 1:23)

[Art credit: http://www.healthyspirituality.org/2010/08/gentleness-lectio-divina.html]

Psalm 30

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Yesterday had it's own... challenges, frustrations, obstacles, almosts, and near-misses.

That was then; this morning's today is now. Jesus taught us what we need for our joy to be complete. (John 15)

Receive, accept, and share your joy today.

[Art credit: http://faceforwardcolumbusblog.com/2013/06/weekly-faith-june-9-201/]

2 Kings 5:1-14

Read 2 Kings 5:1-14

Never underestimate the power of the seemingly least significant. 

We often assume that the more extensive the process enhances the effectiveness of the results. Naaman had seen great success as a soldier. Effective with increasing responsibilities, he had risen to the rank of General. He knew that 'easy' does not bring victory. 

Naaman resisted trying something that seemed simplistic; such action was counterintuitive to his experience. Only after his servants persuaded him did he follow the prophet's directions. I think think that he was surprised by him own healing.

What does it take to persuade you to live Jesus' teachings? When and where have you seen success when you set your own ideas aside?



[Art Credit. http://thenakedalien.blogspot.com/2010/07/this-weeks-lectionary-reading.html]

Genesis 24:17-28

Read Genesis 24:17-28

Psalm 77

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"... though your footprints were not seen." Sometime when we look for specific, explicit, and moment-bound proof of Christ's presence we sigh disappointed. The Holy Spirit often moves with subtly that requires our faithful perception.

As faith is reality of what we hope for (Hebrews 11), our faithfulness frames our vision so that we can see can God's caring, protective presence unfolding our history.

Blink. Refocus how you look for God today.

Now, look around.

[Art Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/erickclaytor/4286350861/]

2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14

Read 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14

Elisha made a bold request of Elijah, confident in God's power and hopeful in his own ability to be faithful. He asks, "Where is the LORD, Elijah's God?" expecting to experience God's power and presence - and, ready to faithfully respond.

Having made a decision informed as best you can be, live forward in the reality that Jesus is with you always. Learn from your past, both your successes and failures, but neither live there nor look there. Look ahead.

[Art Credit: http://preachingthenewlectionary.com/2013/06/29/sixth-sunday-after-pentecost-proper-8c/]

Revelation 3:17-18; 2 Chronicles 7:14

Read Revelation 3:17-18; 2 Chronicles 7:14

[Art Credit: http://watumishiwaneno.wordpress.com/2012/06/25/preaching-chronicles-the-god-of-revival/]