justice

Focus Let yourself become open to God and the knowledge that comes from the Word. Ask God for a peace at this time. Read Isaiah 35:4-7a (NRSV) Say to those who are of a fearful heart, “Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will […]

Reflect We see from Ephesians 5 and Genesis 2 that God intended for human beings to be bound closely to each other. Whether we are someone’s spouse or someone’s relative, friend or colleague, our actions affect others as well as ourselves. The decisions we make usually have an impact on those close to us, whether […]

Reflect John 12 records Jesus’ effort to explain that death will soon claim him. In an attempt to describe the meaning of his death, Jesus utilized the image of the grain of wheat. He reminded them that the grain of wheat that falls into the earth will die, but spring forth again to bear much […]

Reflect Much of the teaching of Jesus has been called “upside down theology.” He taught and practiced the reverse of the world’s standards. Jesus advocated humility and servanthood as ways to greatness in the kingdom of God. In worldly kingdoms, greatness is measured by the one who finishes first, comes out on top, makes the […]

Reflect “No fair!” How many times have you heard a child say that? Children have an intense desire for justice, but because they are still developing emotionally, their cries of unfairness often mean, “I didn’t get my way.” Nowadays, it seems, many youth and adults also have trouble distinguishing between justice and getting their own […]

What powerful scripture we find in Revelation 19! “He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is called the Word of God.” When reading this, we recall the Gospel of John. “In the beginning was the Word…and the Word was God.” People are confronted by God through the Word, which is […]

Focus Stop and thank God for being present with you today. Ask for God’s guidance as you hear God’s voice through scripture and the writer. Read Psalm 85 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) To the leader. Of the Korahites. A Psalm. Lord, you were favorable to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob. You […]

Focus Be still and rest in the Lord. Read Psalm 71:1-6 (NRSV) Prayer for Lifelong Protection and Help In you, O LORD, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame. In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me and save me. Be to me a rock of refuge, […]

Focus Experience silence in the midst of your busy day. Take some time to relax into a time to be with God. Read Jeremiah 4:1-4 (NRSV) If you return, O Israel, says the LORD, if you return to me, if you remove your abominations from my presence, and do not waver, and if you swear, […]

Focus Let yourself become open to God and the knowledge that comes from the Word. Ask God for peace at this time.   Read Isaiah 1:24-31 (NRSV) Therefore says the Sovereign, the LORD of hosts, the Mighty One of Israel: Ah, I will pour out my wrath on my enemies, and avenge myself on my […]