SCRIPTURE: 1 Samuel 2 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Do not keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance, for the LORD is a God who knows, and by him deeds are weighed. [1 Samuel 2:3] Hannah is bursting with joy, after years of ridicule and shame she has finally been vindicated. Her song warns those who belittle others (like…
longings of the heart
This week Linda Wielinga has offered to share her reflections on the bible passages. Linda is from Port Perry, teaches art at Durham Christian High School, and is a participant in the Eastern Canada Leadership Development Network. 1 Samuel 1 The book of Samuel starts off with the introduction of the prophet Samuel’s conception. His mother Hannah…
the sacrifice of joy
SCRIPTURE: 1 Samuel 1 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: ‘I tell you the truth,’ Jesus said to them, ‘no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life.’ [Luke 18:29-30] Reading…
his crowning glory
Apparently this is not a joke, it is for real. I saw this commercial on TV last night. I laughed like I haven’t laughed in a long time!!!!!! Who thought that honouring Obama with the Nobel Peace Prize could be topped, but here we have it; he has been crowned with the highest honour, his…
consumer religion
burning hearts
SCRIPTURE: Luke 24 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. [Luke 24:31] What strikes me in this passage is how elusive Jesus is. The disciples are kept from recognizing Him [Luke 24:16], then when He finally reveals Himself He disappears. He ‘opens’ their minds so they could understand the…
forgiveness
In today’s reading, Jesus does the unimaginable, forgiving the very people that were crucifying Him. Even more He asks God to let them off the hook!!!! If we think this is because He is divine, that He could do this, remember that Stephen (the first christian martyr), also forgave his murderers [Acts 7:59-60]. This kind of…
struggling, desperate hope
SCRIPTURE: Luke 23 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. [Luke 23:34] I try to imagine what it was like for Jesus to say these words, and to mean them. Father, forgive them, do not hold this against them, release…
battlezone
October 22, 2009 SCRIPTURE: Luke 22 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers. [Luke 22:31-32] Satan is moving against Jesus: He agitates the religious leaders against Jesus [Luke 22:1-2], fills Judas with…
seeing what Jesus sees
SCRIPTURE: Luke 21 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: ‘I tell you the truth,’ he said, ‘this poor widow has put in more than all the others. [Luke 21:3] Jesus sees things differently, and His perspective is good and right. Worldly eyes measure the amount of money gifts, but Jesus weighs the heart. Worldly eyes are impressed by great buildings, but Jesus…