Readings Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21 • Genesis 32:22-31 • Isaiah 55:1-5 • Matthew 14:13-21 • Romans 9:1-5 Context Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21 Psalm 145 is used in more Jewish prayers than any other Psalm. It is best described as a mini-summary of the Jewish faith – ‘God is to be praised from the beginning to the end’ everyday, good days and bad days.Continue reading “07.27.20 – 08.02.20”
Author Archives: rickanthony1993
07.20.20 – 07.26.20
Readings Psalm 119:129-136 • Genesis 29:15-29 • I Kings 3:5-12 • Romans 8:26-39 • Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 Context Psalm 119:129-136 Psalm 119 focuses largely on God’s Law – the Torah. While we, post Resurrection followers of Jesus Christ, often look at the Law as a thing of the past, a tool of legalism, an oppressiveContinue reading “07.20.20 – 07.26.20”
07.13.20 – 07.19.20
Readings Genesis 28:10-19a • Isaiah 44:6-8 • Romans 8:12-25 • Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 Context Genesis 28:10-19a ‘Jacob is characterized, using the fundamental feature of the Hebrew narrative (the way the Old Testament is written), using the practice of ‘Show but Don’t Tell.’ So, you see a character do something, or not do something, and behave in a certain way that tellsContinue reading “07.13.20 – 07.19.20”
07.06.20 – 07.12.20
Readings Psalm 119:105-112; Isaiah 55:10-13; Romans 8:1-11; Matthew 11:16-30; Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 Context Psalm 119:105-112 Psalm 119 is the longest Psalm, it is the longest chapter in the Old and New Testament, and, as you would expect, it has the most verses and words. The 176 verses are divided into 22 sections. In the originalContinue reading “07.06.20 – 07.12.20”
06.28.20 – 07.05.20
Readings Psalm 145:8-15 • Zechariah 9:9-12 • Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 • Matthew 11:16-30 • Romans 7:15-20 Context Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 Our Genesis passage takes place after the story of God’s call to sacrifice Isaac (in case you have forgotten it was a faith ‘infinite resignation’ moment for Abraham and a miraculous/dramatic rescue forContinue reading “06.28.20 – 07.05.20”
06.22.20 – 06.28.20
Readings Psalm 13 • Genesis 22:1-14 • Jeremiah 28:5-9 • Romans 6:12-23 • Matthew 10:40-42 Context Psalm 13 Psalm 13 is most likely words from King David to ‘the Song Leader’. Some think this ‘Song Leader’ is a direct reference to God, most, however, think he is directing his actual ‘Song Leader’ to write, or sing, a song with these words. These wordsContinue reading “06.22.20 – 06.28.20”
06.15.20 – 06.21.20
Readings Genesis 21:8-21 • Jeremiah 20:7-13 • Psalm 69:7-18 • Romans 6:1b-11 • Matthew 10:24-39 Context Matthew 10:24-39 First, let me proclaim that this is an odd and frustrating passage. At first read (probably at second, third, and fourth read) this can seem like a very disjointed, and completely unconnected series of comments and statements. Context is essential in reading, and comprehending, thisContinue reading “06.15.20 – 06.21.20”
06.08.20 – 06.14.20
Readings Psalm 100 • Exodus 19:2-8 • Matthew 9:35-10:25 • Romans 5:1-8 Context Psalm 100 Psalm 100 is a familiar text regardless of the type of Christian faith tradition you may come from. All practices of the Christian faith, as seen throughout different denominations, various worship practices, and even in churches that carry labels (self assigned or givenContinue reading “06.08.20 – 06.14.20”
06.01.20 – 06.07.20
Readings Psalm 8 • Micah 6:6-16 • John 8:1-11 • Acts 4:32-5:16 Context Psalm 8 In the early 1980s a young musician/writer named Michael Smith wrote the song ‘How Majestic Is Your Name’ which was recorded, and made famous, by singer Sandi Patty. This very simple song, which has become a classic that is still used in contemporary and traditional worshipContinue reading “06.01.20 – 06.07.20”
05.25.20 – 05.31.20
Notation for This Sunday Following the resurrection of Jesus, he spent forty days exclusively with his followers who would then be the ones to lead the new followers to the ‘Be the Church.’ Then after those forty days Jesus ascended to Heaven but not before he told his followers to return to Jerusalem and waitContinue reading “05.25.20 – 05.31.20”
