Monthly Archives: January 2016

January 28 – Who’s in Control?

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany Psalm 71:1-6 (You have been my strength); 2 Chronicles 34:1-7 (Youthful Josiah inaugurates reform); Acts 10:44-48 (Gentiles receive the Holy Spirit) Every four years we witness the same thing. Iowa, in the dead of winter, … Continue reading

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January 27 – God’s Word Endures

Third Sunday after the Epiphany Psalm 119:89-96 (The law of God gives life); Jeremiah 36:27-32 (Jeremiah dictates a second scroll); Luke 4:38-44 (Jesus heals and preaches in synagogues) If you want people to move you down to a lower tier … Continue reading

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January 26 – I’m Sorry

Third Sunday after the Epiphany Psalm 119:89-96 (The law of God gives life); Jeremiah 36:11-26 (Jehoiakim burns the scroll); 2 Corinthians 7:2-12 (Grief leads to repentance) We live in a time when it seems like the worst thing you can … Continue reading

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January 25 – Clarity

Third Sunday after the Epiphany Psalm 119:89-96 (The law of God gives life); Jeremiah 36:1-10 (The scroll is read in the temple); 1 Corinthians 14:1-12 (The assembly’s gifts) What is it that draws us back into the mind of God? … Continue reading

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January 24 – The Body

Third Sunday after the Epiphany Nehemiah 8:1-3 5-6 8-10 (Ezra reads the law); Psalm 19 (The law revives the soul); 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a (You are the body of Christ); Luke 4:14-21 (Jesus reads the prophet Isaiah) There is something sweet … Continue reading

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January 23 – Economic Slavery

(Yes, a day late) Third Sunday after the Epiphany Psalm 19 (The law revives the soul); Nehemiah 5:1-13 (Nehemiah deals with oppression); Luke 2:39-52 (Jesus increases in wisdom) Economic justice is a tricky concept. As Nehemiah led the people when … Continue reading

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January 22 – Living Sacrifice

Third Sunday after the Epiphany Psalm 19 (The law revives the soul); Nehemiah 2:1-10 (Nehemiah seeks the welfare of Israel); Romans 12:1-8 (One body in Christ) In many, mostly ancient, religious traditions worship revolves around a sacrifice. In order to … Continue reading

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January 21 – Serving With Joy!

Third Sunday after the Epiphany Psalm 19 (The law revives the soul); Isaiah 61:1-7 (The spirit of God is upon me); Romans 7:1-6 (The new life of the Spirit) The Law of God makes an interesting transition from the early … Continue reading

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January 20 From One Generation to the Next

Second Sunday after the Epiphany Psalm 145 (Praise God’s faithfulness); Song of Solomon 4:9—5:1 (A love song); Luke 5:33-39 (Christ the bridegroom) One of the greatest frustrations in church work is the number of people who claim to be followers … Continue reading

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January 19 – Who’s Right?

Second Sunday after the Epiphany Psalm 145 (Praise God’s faithfulness); Song of Solomon 4:1-8 (The bride’s beauty extolled); 1 Corinthians 1:3-17 (Appeal for unity) The political primary season tends to be divisive. People get behind their candidate and say all … Continue reading

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