ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS Thought for the Day: This is best known as part of the Magnificat, Mary’s beautiful song offered in the presence of her relative, Elizabeth. It is important to read these words in the larger context of the first chapter of Luke, for there we are reminded that Mary is responding to what God initiated. Mary didn’t just wake up and say to herself, “You know, I think I’ll break into song, rejoicing in God my Savior.” I assume that Mary’s song reflects her conviction. She not only believes what she is singing, but the words and melody are rooted in her experience that was first put in motion by God. Never feel obligated to praise God if your heart isn’t into it. God’s ego is not going to be injured. God is looking for a joyful response – an acknowledgment of what God has done, an expression of true gratitude. Prayer: My voice shall join the beautiful song of Mary. I rejoice in you, O God my Savior. Let my words and gratitude be a response to the amazing gift given. Amen. via WordPress https://ift.tt/3naHjsK
0 Comments
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS Thought for the Day: It is one thing to offer up a few words of praise and something very different to exult God with one’s whole being. The Hebrew word we translate as exult is thought to have connection to an Arabic word that means to spin or move around in a circle. It sounds a little like dancing to me. And that makes sense as the Prophet draws upon wedding imagery, a wedding where there would have been dancing as a way of celebrating love. We can rejoice and show our gratitude quietly and without any movement, but I find there are times when I am so awestruck by the scale and beauty of God’s grace that sitting still is not an option. In this holy season of the year, there is much to give movement to our gratitude. Prayer: With my heart and voice, with my hands and feet, I will express my gratitude and joy to you, My Maker and My Redeemer. Amen. via WordPress https://ift.tt/37RO8sL ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS via WordPress https://ift.tt/3oHBxPX ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS Thought for the Day: I was fascinated recently when I started to do some online research about calming down a tense situation. I was looking for a Christ-centered approach. The first 40 or 50 search results were all Christian websites about reducing your personal stress. I don’t want to dismiss the importance of trying to reduce the stress in our lives. And in fact, the less stressed we are the better chance of bringing a spirit of calm to those around us. Yet each of these websites felt very self-serving, making Christianity into some sort of emotional spa for personal escapism. It was very troubling. Don’t get me wrong – it is essential for us to find what sets us off, what triggers within us anxiety and stress. Working on the self is always important, but shouldn’t we always seek self improvement for the greater good of the community and God’s purpose in the world? God wants each of us to live in the knowledge and experience of unconditional love, yet once we have claimed that gift then it is time to help others come to that realization. Following Jesus, the one born in Bethlehem, is not simply about me feeling a little less stressed. It is about bringing the collective tension down so that more and more people can live in peace. Prayer: Holy God, let me be an instrument of your peace in the world. Yes, let it begin with me. And then let it spread to those whose lives I encounter each day. Amen. via WordPress https://ift.tt/33SxVCB ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS via WordPress https://ift.tt/3giKig4 ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS Thought for the Day: Of all the words spoken in scripture, these might be the most pleasing to God. It is all about Mary’s placement, posture and purpose. She is where God needs her to be, not with arrogance, but in true humility. She also has aligned herself with God’s vision. Each of these is important, but any two without the third will not produce the outcome God is seeking. Jesus would embody all three of them perfectly, but his mother had already provided a living example. It makes you wonder where Jesus would learn it. Prayer: May I be where you need me to be; with a servant-like attitude; with a clear sense of what you need me to do. Holy God, I turn to Mary as an inspiring model for how I will live this day. Amen. TODAY’S WORSHIP SERVICE via WordPress https://ift.tt/3osLUqr ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS Thought for the Day: I was looking up a piece of scripture a few days ago, but instead of turning to Proverbs 15, I turned to chapter 14. I couldn’t find what I was expecting, but I did stumble across these words. The scriptures speak of wisdom, yet it sounds a lot like common sense. Why is it that common sense is in such short supply these days? Why are we fighting over simple things like masks and social distancing? I’m all for freedom, but when someone’s lack of common sense endangers other people unnecessarily, is it really freedom? It sound more like what the author of the Proverbs described as foolishness. It is time to make common sense a bit more common. Prayer: I know I’ve made more than one foolish decision, Gracious God, but I pray for the capacity to learn. I desire to be wise, and to bring an example of common sense to my community. Amen. via WordPress https://ift.tt/3mJM3Wh ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS December 4, 2020 Scripture: Proverbs 14:30 A peaceful mind gives life to the body, but jealousy rots the bones. Thought for the Day: Where is your peaceful place? What is your peaceful time? The when and the where will look different for different people, but it is important to know what helps create an experience of peacefulness within us. As I mentioned in a recent post, I am a beach person at both sunrise and sunset. Give me those colors with the sound of the surf, and I can be transported away from the chaos and craziness of life. It might only be for a few moments, but it is an appreciated reprieve. Yet recently I was listening to a YouTube video with sound of the ocean, and as I closed my eyes, I was given a few moments of respite. There are times when our God-given imaginations become the vehicle to the when and where of our peacefulness. It is not so much escapism as it is sabbath rest for the soul. In this season of Advent when we speak often of peace, let us be mindful of how peace begins with us and within us. Prayer: Let me be clear, O Spirit of Peace, about the things that bring me peacefulness. Let me be intentional about self care, specifically doing the necessary work to bring a peacefulness to my life. Amen. via WordPress https://ift.tt/3mBKglU ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS Thought for the Day: Like hope (mentioned in yesterday’s devotional), peace is tricky. Among the other powerful images associated with the Saving One of God (Messiah), we read the words: Prince of Peace. The Hebrew word we translate as Prince comes from the word that means to rule or have power. When you think of it in those terms a question arises: How do power and peace work together? You can create, using power, a reduction in violence. Rome was very good at using fear and intimidation to fabricate peace, the Pax Romana. But let’s be honest, that was only peace for those of a certain status in society. Is it really peace when you are always anxious about the boot of the empire coming down on your neck? That is submission, not peace. Jesus uses an entirely different type of power. It is not about pressuring until there is compliance. The peace spoken of by the prophets and embodied in the birth of Christ is a peace that uses love and mercy as its source of power. It woos us, humbling us to the core with its breath-taking beauty. It might not be quick, but when accepted it is lasting. Prayer: A child is born anew into this world. O Come, Wonderful Counselor and Mighty God, and show us your understanding of peace. Allow its unique power to evoke a response of peacefulness within us and a peacefulness working through us. Amen. via WordPress https://ift.tt/2VvwLZ7 ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS Or you can watch it on Vimeo: via WordPress https://ift.tt/3fWEYiv |
AuthorRev. Bruce Frogge Archives
April 2024
|