Tag Archives: christianity

Approach the Throne of Grace with Boldness

November 24, 2018 by MelisaB · Comments Off

20th Sunday after Pentecost; Hebrews 4:12-16

This book is aptly named Hebrews because it draws comparisons between this new life of following Jesus and the faith of the ancient Hebrews. This chapter recalls the exodus where Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt. It talks about those who walked in the wilderness on their way to the promised land. They didn’t all make it. We know the exodus story is a story of grace, but it seems grace wasn’t part of everyone’s story. Some were killed and some died before they crossed over to the promised land. Some turned away from God, some made up their own rules, and some doubted—those are the people who didn’t enter God’s rest. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotions. Tagged with bible, christianity, compassion, forgiveness, god, grace, Hebrews, mercy, prayer.

More than Active Listening, God Was One of Us

November 19, 2018 by MelisaB · Comments Off

19th Sunday after Pentecost: Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:5-12

We live in a time when we are aware of the suffering that people outside of our region or circles experience. This awareness is important because often our ease and comfort is at the expense of someone else whether we know it or not. The discomfort of awareness sometimes makes us talk more. We want to say the right things, but it’s important to listen. It’s only through listening that we can understand, to not be a part of the problem. We might even be able to be a part of the solution. However, no amount of listening will ever convey to us what another people group’s suffering is like to them. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotions. Tagged with bible, christianity, god, injustice, jesus, listening, marginalized, oppression, power, society.

Who’s the Greatest?

October 27, 2018 by MelisaB · Comments Off

17th Sunday after Pentecost: Mark 9:30-37

While Jesus is teaching his disciples that his path involves a spiral of rejection and persecution, they miss that part of the lesson entirely. Instead they immediately discuss amongst themselves which of them is the greatest. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotions. Tagged with bible, christianity, great, humility, jesus, power, society, success.

Words Will Never Hurt Me?

October 21, 2018 by MelisaB · 1 Comment

16th Sunday after Pentecost: James 3:1-12

You know the saying, “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me”. This little chant from the last century was used primarily to mock bullied people for being “triggered”. Or at least that would be the modern translation of this rhyme. Different words, same mockery.

At first hearing, this chant makes sense, except words do hurt. Words can do real damage. The fact that James is spending time on this issue means this social dynamic isn’t new. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotions. Tagged with bible, Blessing, christianity, community, hate, James, wisdom.

Rules Much?

October 10, 2018 by MelisaB · Comments Off

14th Sun after Pentecost: James 1:17-27

This letter sounds a little harsher and rules oriented than many of the other letters found in the New Testament. Sure, the other letters have rules, but they’re also relational and include encouragements. Before jumping into this text, it would be good to zoom out a bit and look at the style of the writing. James is categorized as wisdom literature, the same style found in the book of Proverbs. So, instead of having the tone of explaining the faith, James is urging this community to examine their ethics and to take action. Wisdom literature speaks in extremes, comparing good and bad, right and wrong. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotions. Tagged with anger, bible, christianity, faith, James, obey, religious, righteousness, rules, wisdom, works.

Armor, really?

September 7, 2018 by MelisaB · Comments Off

13th Sun after Pentecost: Ephesians 6:10-20

This Biblical passage is quoted often. This encouragement has inspired many sermons, children’s costumes, and for some a prayer practice of mentally putting on the armor. It seems like we gravitate to these instructions in America, because they imply a sentiment of war or striking back. The individual-centric picture of putting on armor is attractive to independent people.

I feel like the imagery of this text is often remembered out of context. This has fueled a false picture of Christianity as one where throughout history we have justified warring against unbelievers (and believers who disagree with us)—a dangerous premise that has cost the lives of many people whom God also loves. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotions. Tagged with armor, bible, christianity, love, peace, persecution, power, prayer, Spirit, war.

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