tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36312157480348346932024-03-05T05:41:04.057+00:00It's all in the NarrativeA journey through the Narrarive Lectionaryliz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3631215748034834693.post-48318651806332108782016-03-26T09:57:00.001+00:002016-03-26T09:57:28.949+00:00Sabbath rest<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXLlEBgG7Y8Zm-Clg92N0pa6FaeyrlcBEgQTqsf5tjkY_-hDdrquPQ6neGHWesYx3eIKBoFihkRB8WwARHGbIGMgJCORxwlYWbf5lciV_45lM9H6AG6LIxfZEPkYN4vDSLsA6roIcNIBg/s640/blogger-image--76129530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><i><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXLlEBgG7Y8Zm-Clg92N0pa6FaeyrlcBEgQTqsf5tjkY_-hDdrquPQ6neGHWesYx3eIKBoFihkRB8WwARHGbIGMgJCORxwlYWbf5lciV_45lM9H6AG6LIxfZEPkYN4vDSLsA6roIcNIBg/s640/blogger-image--76129530.jpg"></i></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Mark 15:42-47</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>The Burial of Jesus</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>When evening had come, and since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate wondered if he were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had been dead for some time. When he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the body to Joseph. Then Joseph bought a linen cloth, and taking down the body, wrapped it in the linen cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had been hewn out of the rock. He then rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where the body was laid.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Joseph of Arimathea</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>offered what he had</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>- an empty tomb.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>He wrapped the body in a linen cloth</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>sealed the tomb</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>and continued to wait.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Did he have the slightest inkling</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>of how God would usher in the kingdom?</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Or were his actions those of a defeated hope?</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Joseph of Arimathea</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>by doing what he could</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>and giving what he had</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>unwittingly,played a part</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>in the greatest story ever told.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>But first....sabbath rest.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Prayer</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">God may we be willing to do what we can and to give what we have, especially when we cannot imagine the outcome. For your kingdom.</div></div>liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3631215748034834693.post-53200860085522165032016-03-25T11:53:00.001+00:002016-03-25T11:53:10.764+00:00Nine o'clock in the morning<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-IKpof5r8q1duNiI1QyXzY4IUCzaWWcUFyGp0ToKOXFkGQoq3h9AqXDvewPAy5vxtouzTRK-wUsHVIRB14_45uSEsWSTAGWJiYBMM36KEeV6D1WqeWqL8GxvXkGhCm1Aru-1mhBDylBq/s640/blogger-image--392367206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-IKpof5r8q1duNiI1QyXzY4IUCzaWWcUFyGp0ToKOXFkGQoq3h9AqXDvewPAy5vxtouzTRK-wUsHVIRB14_45uSEsWSTAGWJiYBMM36KEeV6D1WqeWqL8GxvXkGhCm1Aru-1mhBDylBq/s640/blogger-image--392367206.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><b><i>Mark 15:25-27</i></b></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b><i>It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified him. The inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” And with him they crucified two bandits, one on his right and one on his left.</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b><i><br></i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>The day started early</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Forced to carry the instrument of torture</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>through streets thronged with revellers,</i></span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>some sporting post Passover hangovers</i></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>some just winding their way home</i></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>some heading to jobs that would not wait</i></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>And others who knew a good spectacle was promised</i></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>By nine o'clock, the excitement was over</i></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>the procession had stopped</i></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>And all that remained</i></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>was the sorry business of dying.</i></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>Three criminals</i></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>hoisted up as a warning to others</i></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>Left to die</i></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>as the party moved on.</i></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i><br></i></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><b>Prayer</b></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">God, may we not move on too quickly to the next thing but stay awhile by your cross today.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i><br></i></font></div>liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3631215748034834693.post-28141051581471092982016-03-24T10:20:00.001+00:002016-03-24T10:23:17.114+00:00Betrayal<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_5TiOzSaNYXRxZikIAr3c6TBbXtM45qMBb3DHlv5XiIn9zSAUtUgPsGsEnrmZKFx6S9AlHiLzHYu9gRlDuvG3XGg8kqedoDR33V_xExYlMlIZTXOFEiAF0zRVn5GigY8ObKcZ6106ibI/s640/blogger-image--242260895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><i><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_5TiOzSaNYXRxZikIAr3c6TBbXtM45qMBb3DHlv5XiIn9zSAUtUgPsGsEnrmZKFx6S9AlHiLzHYu9gRlDuvG3XGg8kqedoDR33V_xExYlMlIZTXOFEiAF0zRVn5GigY8ObKcZ6106ibI/s640/blogger-image--242260895.jpg"></i></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Mark 14:17-19</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>When it was evening, he came with the twelve. And when they had taken their places and were eating, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.” They began to be distressed and to say to him one after another, “Surely, not I?”</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><br></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>One of you will betray me...</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Surely not I, Lord?</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Surely not I?</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Betrayal lives in us</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Betrayal lives</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>deep in the recesses</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>of all we keep hidden</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Betrayal lives in us</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>when we take the easy option</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>and settle for a quiet life</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Betrayal lives in us</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>when we refuse to speak up</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>and let our voice be heard</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Betrayal lives in us...</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>And Christ on his way to the cross</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>embraces our betrayal</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>simply placing it</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>within the sphere</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>of forgiveness </i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>and grace</i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>that was God's response</i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>to hatred and evil.</i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">One of you will betray me...</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Surely not I, Lord?</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Surely not I?</i></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><br></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b>Prayer</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">God, may we accept that betrayal lives in us along with the forgiveness found in your response to evil.</span></div></div>liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3631215748034834693.post-41848522494541888002016-03-23T19:09:00.001+00:002016-03-23T19:09:33.832+00:00Denial<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHLHw7gh7-dSGFV8zA1sfDr7GjNMDTybJCD5DcAp93eniu14zCnKD_33ONX4dXSo6GI6sk_LFSPVCbbcXyhssLeQYONHL38krjJy__w6ZbDKTq4a3s-BeReVdl75NKBD8-eaIhUY-apS6J/s640/blogger-image-1702605781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><i><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHLHw7gh7-dSGFV8zA1sfDr7GjNMDTybJCD5DcAp93eniu14zCnKD_33ONX4dXSo6GI6sk_LFSPVCbbcXyhssLeQYONHL38krjJy__w6ZbDKTq4a3s-BeReVdl75NKBD8-eaIhUY-apS6J/s640/blogger-image-1702605781.jpg"></i></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Mark 14:66-68</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Peter Denies Jesus</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant-girls of the high priest came by. When she saw Peter warming himself, she stared at him and said, “You also were with Jesus, the man from Nazareth.” But he denied it, saying, “I do not know or understand what you are talking about.” And he went out into the forecourt. Then the cock crowed.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Jesus was under no illusions</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>He knew how fickle we can be</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>The lengths we will go</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>to save ourselves</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>consequences be damned.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>He knew</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>and yet he continued</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Continues</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>To hold out</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Love</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Forgiveness</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Grace</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>No illusions</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Just arms opened wide</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>to embrace.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Prayer</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">God, as we recognise our many failings, may we remember our beloved status. Known and loved by you.</div></div>liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3631215748034834693.post-53645549804952884282016-03-22T07:24:00.001+00:002016-03-22T07:24:13.329+00:00Desertion<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSwc42fYIM95xe-giVLudl3su_OcpE6w_FBs6Iy4Wbhqi7M4UBq0k3U31K-ey-Kza6x30Qlw7oQACkg8eHos3VoliS1kmFFhsXF7l7kkX7IOYvlgXIbcI2Gm3z71Z4EeoNH8LgghKocyzX/s640/blogger-image-581659860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><i><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSwc42fYIM95xe-giVLudl3su_OcpE6w_FBs6Iy4Wbhqi7M4UBq0k3U31K-ey-Kza6x30Qlw7oQACkg8eHos3VoliS1kmFFhsXF7l7kkX7IOYvlgXIbcI2Gm3z71Z4EeoNH8LgghKocyzX/s640/blogger-image-581659860.jpg"></i></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Mark 14:50</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>All of them deserted him and fled.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Deserted</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Left alone</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>with those who sought to harm him</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>those who came for him</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>mob handed.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Suddenly the garden,</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>a place of retreat</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>became a place </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>of sinister shadows</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>filled with malevolent soldiers </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>and guards</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>and frightened friends</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>cowering in the darkness.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>And when we imagine</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>that we would have stuck around</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>stood our ground</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>not melted into the darkness</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>we are reminded</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>that it was for us</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>and others like us</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>that Jesus endured</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>alone in the garden.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>And we too </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>are included in that statement</i></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>All of them deserted him and fled.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Prayer</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">God when we are tempted to trumpet our loyalty and our bravery, confront us with our willingness to be with the crowd and even your friends who deserted you. And, God, forgive us.</div></div><br></div>liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3631215748034834693.post-36205966968278286112016-03-21T16:00:00.001+00:002016-03-21T16:00:49.009+00:00In remembrance...<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXaEiIZxZAN9tnQObY8jBk1N9Uy61GrmizNd13cg9zYDDyq8AEKlfZMUqR3UvcnApqSV1W1joIOB-92r0VHyR5j183mKrcM25K-JcH0xJ_6Bxs-X7EQhi0O6mdtUOtHuuEpAHwQUwPWNwN/s640/blogger-image--1351284073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><i><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXaEiIZxZAN9tnQObY8jBk1N9Uy61GrmizNd13cg9zYDDyq8AEKlfZMUqR3UvcnApqSV1W1joIOB-92r0VHyR5j183mKrcM25K-JcH0xJ_6Bxs-X7EQhi0O6mdtUOtHuuEpAHwQUwPWNwN/s640/blogger-image--1351284073.jpg"></i></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Mark 14:3-9</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>The Anointing at Bethany</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>While he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment of nard, and she broke open the jar and poured the ointment on his head. But some were there who said to one another in anger, “Why was the ointment wasted in this way? For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor.” And they scolded her. But Jesus said, “Let her alone; why do you trouble her? She has performed a good service for me. For you always have the poor with you, and you can show kindness to them whenever you wish; but you will not always have me. She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for its burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her.”</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>What she has done ...</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Gifting her precious ointment</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Sensuously pouring it on Jesus' head</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Not minding those</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>with whom he dined</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Overcoming her fear</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>with love so pure</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>it could not be denied</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Stepping into the line of fire</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>because it was now or never</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">will be told...</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Told with scorn</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Told with wonder</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Told with derision</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Told with awe</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Embellished</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Diminished</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Repeated in myriad ways</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>in remembrance of her...</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Who did this</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>in memory of him.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Prayer</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">God, just for a moment give us the audacity to do as this woman did,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">taking risks to show our love. Stepping out of line and not counting the cost.</div></div>liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3631215748034834693.post-72821321260345252932016-03-14T20:22:00.001+00:002016-03-14T20:22:16.292+00:00Beyond words<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjaFkXvG3PFKloumJneXKDlL7rs9LnikRpqvajRU1io1FSsxiesh5Pb5tBgiEHNGKk2w74oEEMPPa6sUNKACBqHF2rrZUaobD0fvY3UdiULXpfG3YK7TE853qXzYx-q9tqCn8RjHbk-dKR/s640/blogger-image--760445063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><i><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjaFkXvG3PFKloumJneXKDlL7rs9LnikRpqvajRU1io1FSsxiesh5Pb5tBgiEHNGKk2w74oEEMPPa6sUNKACBqHF2rrZUaobD0fvY3UdiULXpfG3YK7TE853qXzYx-q9tqCn8RjHbk-dKR/s640/blogger-image--760445063.jpg"></i></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Mark 13:10-11</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>And the good news must first be proclaimed to all nations. When they bring you to trial and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say; but say whatever is given you at that time, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>So many ways to witness</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Living</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Working</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Words</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Action</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Proclaiming good news</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>to all nations</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>On the midst of suffering</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>witnessing love.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Prayer</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">God, in all things, may we proclaim the good news, in and out of love.</div></div>liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3631215748034834693.post-81802528723256323672016-03-13T07:29:00.001+00:002016-03-13T07:29:38.080+00:00This...<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheyn25mdNFt_ePSJQwFM2mRENCeRk9iFSK6XyRH0ApNKUQcKZwIGEsi6YnxkLEZ6-mVS_5RDH5q83P-ezRkfr1eDgrKIml-2K9LeVGdjSCIfpKuk5RPAARfK5TVGY6IfwYooosVK_DjyrI/s640/blogger-image--211257091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><i><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheyn25mdNFt_ePSJQwFM2mRENCeRk9iFSK6XyRH0ApNKUQcKZwIGEsi6YnxkLEZ6-mVS_5RDH5q83P-ezRkfr1eDgrKIml-2K9LeVGdjSCIfpKuk5RPAARfK5TVGY6IfwYooosVK_DjyrI/s640/blogger-image--211257091.jpg"></i></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Deuteronomy 6:4-9</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem on your forehead, and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><br></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Word!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Prayer</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">God you lay it out for us in terms easy to understand. You don't promise it will be easy but you make it clear that there is no wiggle room, no room for excuses. Yoir command is to love. No exceptions. Practice love, teach love, live love. That's it</span></div></div>liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3631215748034834693.post-7691140142895588412016-03-11T22:43:00.001+00:002016-03-11T22:43:39.977+00:00Poured out<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AtH-Q3SxdfZmi3VECMJToNPjdfX77tv-eeH0HbkXRvj34qgCImOM6mjPElM-5kSJFjdYx_quhyphenhyphenMSR-qH4f6HeMAphQwtTpQgHtGKzwmZTzIsZ3bwEZ1-HNsO6_VG0-iLzDB8-kOxievn/s640/blogger-image-994045629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><i><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AtH-Q3SxdfZmi3VECMJToNPjdfX77tv-eeH0HbkXRvj34qgCImOM6mjPElM-5kSJFjdYx_quhyphenhyphenMSR-qH4f6HeMAphQwtTpQgHtGKzwmZTzIsZ3bwEZ1-HNsO6_VG0-iLzDB8-kOxievn/s640/blogger-image-994045629.jpg"></i></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Psalms 22:14</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>I am poured out like water,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>and all my bones are out of joint;</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>my heart is like wax;</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>it is melted within my breast;</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>The Psalmist</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Destroyed</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Yet full of hope</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Feeling abandoned</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Yet looking to the promise</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>of a faithful God</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Believing</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>in restoration</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>even in th depths.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Faith in despair.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Prayer</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">O God, when all seems lost, draw near to us and lift us from despair to hope in you.</div></div>liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3631215748034834693.post-45233799830428046302016-03-10T22:12:00.001+00:002016-03-10T22:12:10.213+00:00What shall I offer?<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPV8u6WN-op8UvwD7igix9zkP199BBYFJydUeH_hEwaLQpavIhy5atMhaibax4LPpYErNrGBQ3gos80QXgyds8uacYnESV9mQ5VMYp3wuBtSmqWI06EuNGMv1Gu-f_vFKc1e6Ir21def7T/s640/blogger-image--1729739640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><i><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPV8u6WN-op8UvwD7igix9zkP199BBYFJydUeH_hEwaLQpavIhy5atMhaibax4LPpYErNrGBQ3gos80QXgyds8uacYnESV9mQ5VMYp3wuBtSmqWI06EuNGMv1Gu-f_vFKc1e6Ir21def7T/s640/blogger-image--1729739640.jpg"></i></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Psalms 116:12-13</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>What shall I return to the Lord</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>for all his bounty to me?</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>I will lift up the cup of salvation</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>and call on the name of the Lord</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Gratitude</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>For a love undeserved</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>And a cup overflowing</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Filled with every good thing</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Not earned</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Not worked for</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>But gifted</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>By God who freely gives.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>How can I keep silent?</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Prayer</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Lord let me seek and use every opportunity to praise you for your goodness and to spread your name far and wide in praise and thanksgiving in all things.</div></div>liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3631215748034834693.post-19551426972248901162016-03-09T22:02:00.001+00:002016-03-09T22:02:18.459+00:00Keeper and shade<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkSiaYhQj-KuoeBJxkXo8FiNc6xO37sNDFnFajiXhbQUUx6RD0zXFfhKE1aUfokpTpwf3EGYGFCzjGjJ9Vfj4DKU3jV908gRCkW67hhMu5DJfVRiMG6ph8jhA3WaOkMmJbIX8z7TdnmCJW/s640/blogger-image-454091061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><i><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkSiaYhQj-KuoeBJxkXo8FiNc6xO37sNDFnFajiXhbQUUx6RD0zXFfhKE1aUfokpTpwf3EGYGFCzjGjJ9Vfj4DKU3jV908gRCkW67hhMu5DJfVRiMG6ph8jhA3WaOkMmJbIX8z7TdnmCJW/s640/blogger-image-454091061.jpg"></i></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Psalms 121</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Assurance of God’s Protection</font></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>A Song of Ascents.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>I lift up my eyes to the hills—</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>from where will my help come?</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>My help comes from the Lord,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>who made heaven and earth.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>He will not let your foot be moved;</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>he who keeps you will not slumber.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>He who keeps Israel</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>will neither slumber nor sleep.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>The Lord is your keeper;</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>the Lord is your shade at your right hand.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>The sun shall not strike you by day,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>nor the moon by night.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>The Lord will keep you from all evil;</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>he will keep your life.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>The Lord will keep</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>your going out and your coming in</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>from this time on and forevermore.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><br></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Always present</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Tuned in</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Anticipating need</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Providing shelter</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>There</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Whether we acknowledge or not</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>There</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>When we know it</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>And when we don't</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>When we believe</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>And when we doubt.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Keeper and shade </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>Faithful God.</i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i><br></i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><b>Prayer</b></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><b>God, ever present, thank you for you constant care and concern. May we know you guarding our everyday and glorify your name.</b></font></div></div>liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3631215748034834693.post-83512593610637994352016-03-08T09:08:00.001+00:002016-03-08T09:08:56.963+00:00Promises<div><b><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKpdyRj1x2kFoFs13RgmWLz5saDaNe1oWAX39Ch9DwDVxZk_zFGWd1__d2l8hYk7bT4ZbaU9hP7gPFqdSqF3_HPvxgvB_bcFxWhJEYo0UGh0qLojWAvt1n4WoGcL5a14NRntYwaqiHywTM/s640/blogger-image--449673068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKpdyRj1x2kFoFs13RgmWLz5saDaNe1oWAX39Ch9DwDVxZk_zFGWd1__d2l8hYk7bT4ZbaU9hP7gPFqdSqF3_HPvxgvB_bcFxWhJEYo0UGh0qLojWAvt1n4WoGcL5a14NRntYwaqiHywTM/s640/blogger-image--449673068.jpg"></a></div>Psalms 102:15-17</i></b></div><div><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>The nations will fear the name of the Lord,</i></b></div><div><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>and all the kings of the earth your glory.</i></b></div><div><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>For the Lord will build up Zion;</i></b></div><div><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>he will appear in his glory.</i></b></div><div><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>He will regard the prayer of the destitute,</i></b></div><div><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>and will not despise their prayer.</i></b></div><div><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><br></i></b></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>How long, O Lord, before we see you</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>fulfil your promise</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>before we see the destitute</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>raised up from their plight</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>How long, O Lord, before we see</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>those who struggle</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>finding a way out of trouble</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>How long, O Lord</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>before we awaken</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>to the dawning</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>that the answer to prayer</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>is in our hands</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><br></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b>Prayer</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Lord help us not just to pray for those who suffer but to work for justice and to be the means of answered prayer.</span></div>liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3631215748034834693.post-13241965247937726042016-03-05T20:26:00.001+00:002016-03-05T20:26:06.874+00:00Being of God<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuDV-nfLBeGbPXH5z3nSuBOgLo23EspbKLzTEfJdwioyK0MMsKu0fnqoknovdbwPZBXE-GDBdJY_De-aaNMYXDnl0AYnaJ4itaW1LRfevZsHGJRS0eNL5qDBt1TS1wim2Icsd9AqtBgbPr/s640/blogger-image--86329229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><i><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuDV-nfLBeGbPXH5z3nSuBOgLo23EspbKLzTEfJdwioyK0MMsKu0fnqoknovdbwPZBXE-GDBdJY_De-aaNMYXDnl0AYnaJ4itaW1LRfevZsHGJRS0eNL5qDBt1TS1wim2Icsd9AqtBgbPr/s640/blogger-image--86329229.jpg"></i></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Hebrews 1:1-3</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>God Has Spoken by His Son</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. </i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><br></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Reflecting God's glory</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Part of God's very being</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Higher than the Angels</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Bringing the word of God,</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>the life giving, creative word.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Co-creator</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Sustainer</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Son of God</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><br></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b>Prayer</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">God open our hearts to listen as you speak to us in your Son, Jesus Christ for the life of the world.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><br></i></span></div></div>liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3631215748034834693.post-8010879630341527822016-03-04T20:03:00.000+00:002016-03-05T20:04:44.909+00:00To the hills...<div>
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<b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wrHE8TPjL62qv7s9o7gTLyeleft3bkxw8cAcKvsVDBr4AsxIICCd8XvPEgnSxOz1pMBioAHREV2hN7LWfiS2PmR1VsPdZz1rtx02JUJXN2MVTjzqwpQGi3hsbx-vpXMIHNLa_SfX52lQ/s640/blogger-image-354780091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wrHE8TPjL62qv7s9o7gTLyeleft3bkxw8cAcKvsVDBr4AsxIICCd8XvPEgnSxOz1pMBioAHREV2hN7LWfiS2PmR1VsPdZz1rtx02JUJXN2MVTjzqwpQGi3hsbx-vpXMIHNLa_SfX52lQ/s640/blogger-image-354780091.jpg" /></a></i></b></div>
<b><i>Psalms 121</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Assurance of God’s Protection</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><b><i>A Song of Ascents.</i></b></span></div>
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<b><i>I<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> lift up my eyes to the hills—</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><b><i>from where will my help come?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><b><i>My help comes from the Lord,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><b><i>who made heaven and earth.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><b><i>He will not let your foot be moved;</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><b><i>he who keeps you will not slumber.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><b><i>He who keeps Israel</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><b><i>will neither slumber nor sleep.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><b><i>The Lord is your keeper;</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><b><i>the Lord is your shade at your right hand.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><b><i>The sun shall not strike you by day,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><b><i>nor the moon by night.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><b><i>The Lord will keep you from all evil;</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><b><i>he will keep your life.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><b><i>The Lord will keep</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><b><i>your going out and your coming in</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><b><i>from this time on and forevermore.</i></b></span></div>
liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3631215748034834693.post-49503604878183751922016-03-03T18:35:00.001+00:002016-03-03T18:35:05.292+00:00Disappointment<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9V2fxMPdg5igljYqRJ4EtvS8quBTzVg66SViGQCDY_1mI7TlepFgNCSCrxBez48Qtg31GXHt-ErmpeLM20a6-_jjI1ge4WZKp2PEi6jBtF1pYGdukESQTrYSwqWJwS3-2GrWsMa1NY63F/s640/blogger-image--777240053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><i><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9V2fxMPdg5igljYqRJ4EtvS8quBTzVg66SViGQCDY_1mI7TlepFgNCSCrxBez48Qtg31GXHt-ErmpeLM20a6-_jjI1ge4WZKp2PEi6jBtF1pYGdukESQTrYSwqWJwS3-2GrWsMa1NY63F/s640/blogger-image--777240053.jpg"></i></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Isaiah 5:1-4</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>The Song of the Unfruitful Vineyard</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><br></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Let me sing for my beloved</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>my love-song concerning his vineyard:</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>My beloved had a vineyard</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>on a very fertile hill.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>He dug it and cleared it of stones,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>and planted it with choice vines;</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>he built a watchtower in the midst of it,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>and hewed out a wine vat in it;</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>he expected it to yield grapes,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>but it yielded wild grapes.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>And now, inhabitants of Jerusalem</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>and people of Judah,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>judge between me</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>and my vineyard.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>What more was there to do for my vineyard</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>that I have not done in it?</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>When I expected it to yield grapes,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>why did it yield wild grapes?</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><br></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>A picture of disappointment</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Of energy expended</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i> with no return</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Of investment</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>that yielded no fruit</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Of hard work and effort</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>that brought no gain.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>A picture that evokes empathy</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>for the one who has worked so hard</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>and tried every which way</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>to bring about fruitfulness </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>An empathy that brings</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>not resolution</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>but companionship</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>in the sorrow</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>of hopes dashed</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>and promise</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>snuffed out</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>in loss.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>No light</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>simply accompaniment</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>through sorrow.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><br></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b>Prayer</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">O God, may we who are fixers lay down our tools and acknowledge when death must come to make way for resurrection.</span></div></div>liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3631215748034834693.post-18271135550785241002016-03-02T22:32:00.001+00:002016-03-02T22:32:32.077+00:00God the word<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix77hLagmegcqEAlAULyyYPER66JD0MhPhwYqLtdJsgls3sOmEELJHmkzDhCPkRyf9VRKT1rB0gVz2Jhw0rlXlJSxrUmbtNEALopuxgsqLUfBdYIwuXjTukdXULDKJfV7XUBrCcDh3gsbf/s640/blogger-image-333275836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><i><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix77hLagmegcqEAlAULyyYPER66JD0MhPhwYqLtdJsgls3sOmEELJHmkzDhCPkRyf9VRKT1rB0gVz2Jhw0rlXlJSxrUmbtNEALopuxgsqLUfBdYIwuXjTukdXULDKJfV7XUBrCcDh3gsbf/s640/blogger-image-333275836.jpg"></i></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Mark 12:24</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Jesus said to them, “Is not this the reason you are wrong, that you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God?</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>When we twist the words </i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>to suit our own ends</i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>When we manipulate God</i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>to create the kind of deity</i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>who fits our purpose</i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>We deny fullness of life</i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">for ourselves</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">and for others.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We reduce the possibility</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">of love and abundance</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>Of openness and acceptance</i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>Of room for all.</i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>Words spoken in love </i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>used to divide</i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>Power given to liberate</i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>used to oppress.</i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>And God weeps at the diminishing</i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>of those whom God calls beloved.</i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i><br></i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><b>Prayer</b></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">God show us the real power of your word in redeeming the world and convince us of the part you have for us to play in living out your word of life.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div>liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3631215748034834693.post-32446131138522565432016-03-01T22:24:00.001+00:002016-03-01T22:24:55.431+00:00Conflict<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWoH_bxttYQ-AhYGdtoPuUOovkZ2tiKCYHM0jSOMy7LdVP31HZb7ujk8Rk3gvhbOwd16oyssfF-agzZG7vainlcML1gIbV1m-R71c1CDnHAiOW9bQCl5-FTB3PXOv3wEkvtfEW-Z4AKnz/s640/blogger-image-2113132389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><i><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWoH_bxttYQ-AhYGdtoPuUOovkZ2tiKCYHM0jSOMy7LdVP31HZb7ujk8Rk3gvhbOwd16oyssfF-agzZG7vainlcML1gIbV1m-R71c1CDnHAiOW9bQCl5-FTB3PXOv3wEkvtfEW-Z4AKnz/s640/blogger-image-2113132389.jpg"></i></b></a></div><div><b><i>Mark 12:17</i></b></div><div><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Jesus said to them, “Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were utterly amazed at him.</i></b></div><div><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><br></i></b></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>How often do we attempt</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>to put words into God's mouth?</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>And how often do we interpret</i></span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>Jesus' words to suit our purposes?</i></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>The truth is</i></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>that Jesus' way</i></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>of peace and justice</i></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>is not a road we take lightly</i></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>and not a path</i></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>we cab manipulate</i></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>to our own taste.</i></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>Following Christ</i></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>is wholehearted,</i></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>not a mish mash</i></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>of the bits we like best.</i></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>And sometimes that entails</i></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>showing respect</i></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>for those in authority</i></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>whether we are in agreement</i></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>or not.</i></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>Such is the way of the kingdom.</i></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i><br></i></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><b>Prayer</b></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">God help us not to pick and choose but to be all in with our obedience to you, living peaceably with those who have authority over us.</font></div>liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3631215748034834693.post-86097019832548713402016-02-29T21:00:00.001+00:002016-02-29T21:00:37.778+00:00Undivided<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi730xUyuFTWsDiWj51Nw5b7VdLUaGg_-YZyxBvS1XQ6cNW5EFfnbUiF59k01yU-IWk6LFQ_-LQ0BFK1ETMeUBVb76tk65b0UAE8eODRdj6Yq2-dvaGAk3qxaO_QyOybn6EUMymCkyPH2eb/s640/blogger-image-135466843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><i><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi730xUyuFTWsDiWj51Nw5b7VdLUaGg_-YZyxBvS1XQ6cNW5EFfnbUiF59k01yU-IWk6LFQ_-LQ0BFK1ETMeUBVb76tk65b0UAE8eODRdj6Yq2-dvaGAk3qxaO_QyOybn6EUMymCkyPH2eb/s640/blogger-image-135466843.jpg"></i></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Psalms 86:11</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Teach me your way, O Lord,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>that I may walk in your truth;</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>give me an undivided heart to revere your name.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><br></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Undivided</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Not pulled in all directions</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Undivided</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>With a single focus</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Undivided</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Knowing surety in purpose</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Undivided</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Following a path</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>that leads to God.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><br></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b>Prayer</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">God give us such devotion that we walk in your way, focussing on your truth and bringing glory to your name.</span></div></div>liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3631215748034834693.post-14818818396339282542016-02-28T14:22:00.001+00:002016-02-28T14:34:49.054+00:00Dangerous gospel<div style="margin: 0px 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<b><i>Mark 12:1-12</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>The Parable of the Wicked Tenants</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Then he began to speak to them in parables. “A man planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a pit for the wine press, and built a watchtower; then he leased it to tenants and went to another country. When the season came, he sent a slave to the tenants to collect from them his share of the produce of the vineyard. But they seized him, and beat him, and sent him away empty-handed. And again he sent another slave to them; this one they beat over the head and insulted. Then he sent another, and that one they killed. And so it was with many others; some they beat, and others they killed. He had still one other, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But those tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ So they seized him, killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others.</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Have you not read this scripture:</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>‘The stone that the builders rejected</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>has become the cornerstone;</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>this was the Lord’s doing,</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>and it is amazing in our eyes’?”</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>When they realized that he had told this parable against them, they wanted to arrest him, but they feared the crowd. So they left him and went away.</i></b></div>
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The gospel is always dangerous with its challenge, its radical statements and its unflinching truth. But these two passages are often (mis)appropriated to make them even more so.<br>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The background to this passage is that it is written around the time of the destruction of the temple, under fierce Roman oppression following an uprising by those under occupation. It was a tough time to be part of the Jewish or the fledgling Christian community. A familiar pattern in times of change, when established ideas and patterns are being established is a jostling for position, creating clearer divisions and separation. Centuries old tradition is being thrown into doubt and there is the inevitable kick back reaction.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Vineyard, an image for and of Israel, is now a symbol of dispute. A new group, known as Christians are laying claim to an inheritance. Those who first heard Mark’s gospel would have heard it very differently than we do today. Their interpretation, in their context, would have identified the religious authorities of their day, the Pharisees and Jewish religious leaders as the tenants of the Vineyard of whom Jesus spoke. For new Christians, Jesus’ parable would have confirmed, for them, that they were the new inheritors of the way of Jesus.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Today, Christians are not in that position of being a new fledgling group needing to establish rights with God at the expense of others. Instead, we might see this parable as an invitation to examine ourselves in the context of the kingdom. And to see that kingdom, not as a given right or inheritance, but, as an invitation into community, connecting and responding generously to one another.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">(Previously shared as RevGalBlogPals </span><font color="#000000" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://revgalblogpals.org/2016/02/23/narrative-lectionary-a-different-perspective-mark-121-12-or-1213-17/" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Narrative Lectionary</a> </font><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Post)</span></div>
liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3631215748034834693.post-76086312437198713612016-02-27T07:36:00.001+00:002016-02-27T07:36:47.004+00:00Trap<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9M6k82sGbEslJBe3Jz6S2vZ0e1S8sFm5YiKpHaLxBy5-NrMG5E65PWgoayG5uUf7PiXsqM8LXYzWZvyeI948tlvs2oCOi0_RZ5qcnEJL78HEcxRg4dldbuLD7JVHT59hZHyTmel1oKTy3/s640/blogger-image--1634764091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><i><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9M6k82sGbEslJBe3Jz6S2vZ0e1S8sFm5YiKpHaLxBy5-NrMG5E65PWgoayG5uUf7PiXsqM8LXYzWZvyeI948tlvs2oCOi0_RZ5qcnEJL78HEcxRg4dldbuLD7JVHT59hZHyTmel1oKTy3/s640/blogger-image--1634764091.jpg"></i></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Mark 11:27-28</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Jesus’ Authority Is Questioned</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Again they came to Jerusalem. As he was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came to him and said, “By what authority are you doing these things? Who gave you this authority to do them?”</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><br></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>The question</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>intended to trap</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>intended to add</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>to the evidence</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>that was mounting up.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>The question</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>that went unanswered</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>And in its place was posed</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>an even trickier question.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Jesus could give as good as he got</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>when it came to sparring</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>with the wise guys.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>And they were too afraid</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>to push him any further</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>in the light of day.</i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>Their revenge could wait</i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>until it was dark</i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>and the crowds had gone home...</i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i><br></i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><b>Prayer</b></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">God may we never use our knowledge to Lord it over others. May we use the intellect you have given us for the good of all whom we meet this day.</font></div></div>liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3631215748034834693.post-4256710625225812742016-02-26T09:19:00.001+00:002016-02-26T09:19:00.311+00:00Believe<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQLvsUDXUMwvSFLaJk-hSRVrHEzfTVZ0fhlcQMwBeJpOd35TjKk0HdTQPdGxyrYZq0oFL3fj63G6zWKA2mcPkmABP1gaLzzl710zLZKn6-lxj5o8RIU82TXgjeRFYL4dvHZP0ZAZjORUZ0/s640/blogger-image-821113219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><i><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQLvsUDXUMwvSFLaJk-hSRVrHEzfTVZ0fhlcQMwBeJpOd35TjKk0HdTQPdGxyrYZq0oFL3fj63G6zWKA2mcPkmABP1gaLzzl710zLZKn6-lxj5o8RIU82TXgjeRFYL4dvHZP0ZAZjORUZ0/s640/blogger-image-821113219.jpg"></i></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Mark 11:24-25</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>So I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>“Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.”</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Believing - is it really that simple?</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>And forgiving</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>That's hard work</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>that involves constant prayer.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Yet Jesus, on his way to Jerusalem</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>On his way to betrayal, arrest and death</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>spoke of forgiveness</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>of faith</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>of believing </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>and of prayer</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>On his way to Calvary.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Prayer</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">God, when we pray, may we seek forgiveness for ourselves and for others and may we be forgiving. Give us faith to know that our prayers are answered and, as we are forgiven, help us forgive.</div></div>liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3631215748034834693.post-6220403812357556132016-02-25T18:03:00.001+00:002016-02-25T18:03:31.179+00:00Sealed<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBEPjCX9tWCDq8Yb_HtyFZueDjeW8xvXjUXFUOeNxTCC13mt5JaHXwbks-0VlCJnfkuDcn14oJL1eojAaUfEKSI-YQGdUxl1Csr-6wUTpN076Pzw8RlZo8APLY535IU-EaO3_b-YBciD8/s640/blogger-image--35778232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><i><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBEPjCX9tWCDq8Yb_HtyFZueDjeW8xvXjUXFUOeNxTCC13mt5JaHXwbks-0VlCJnfkuDcn14oJL1eojAaUfEKSI-YQGdUxl1Csr-6wUTpN076Pzw8RlZo8APLY535IU-EaO3_b-YBciD8/s640/blogger-image--35778232.jpg"></i></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Mark 11:18-19</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>And when the chief priests and the scribes heard it, they kept looking for a way to kill him; for they were afraid of him, because the whole crowd was spellbound by his teaching. And when evening came, Jesus and his disciples went out of the city.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><br></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Sealed</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>His fate was sealed</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>He played right into their hands</i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>Like poking a bear with a stick </i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>He refused to back down</i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>Refused to slouch away</i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>But got right up into their faces</i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>And confronted them with their shortcomings</i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>There was no going back</i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>No retreating into the shadows</i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>No way out</i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>The authorities were out to get him</i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>And get him they would</i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>Sealed</i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>His fate was sealed</i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i><br></i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><b>Prayer</b></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">God on those days when you call us to step up, give us courage not to take the easy way out but to confront what goes against your way of love and grace - and face the consequences with you right beside us.</font></div></div>liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3631215748034834693.post-16823576179379874962016-02-24T22:09:00.001+00:002016-02-24T22:09:03.023+00:00One of those days<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdD2rDW5lbQFD6VDBNgXtIwhOVqzf7qHPaed4yRlOggXi_0TOahiRQaWn19LcBzuoXdtS1-TEwZXqCeXddg-BeTqUY7pRrjjQBZ5blZ2pmmccXhBvOT2AYoY2EIgRU5jG9OI7s4r9dZT8Y/s640/blogger-image--1460391922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><i><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdD2rDW5lbQFD6VDBNgXtIwhOVqzf7qHPaed4yRlOggXi_0TOahiRQaWn19LcBzuoXdtS1-TEwZXqCeXddg-BeTqUY7pRrjjQBZ5blZ2pmmccXhBvOT2AYoY2EIgRU5jG9OI7s4r9dZT8Y/s640/blogger-image--1460391922.jpg"></i></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Mark 11:12-14</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Jesus Curses the Fig Tree</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see whether perhaps he would find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. He said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard it.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><br></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Did Mesus have off-days too?</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>You know, one of those days</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>when nothing seems to go right</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>and you just can't seem to shake of the angst</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>that's assailing your soul?</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>You need some kind of diffuser.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>And, for Jesus, that day,</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>it was the fig tree.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Not carrying any figs.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Even though it was out of season,</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Jesus was out of sorts</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>And so the fig tree took the brunt</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>of his frustration.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>We might try and make some </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>fancy theological point</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>out of Jesus' irrational act.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>But what's wrong with just letting him</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>have an off day</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>and be done.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>It happens...</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><br></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b>Prayer</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">God on those days when we cannot see our way out of the haze, send us a fig tree, or something equally harmless on which we can diffuse our angst and give our brothers and sisters a break.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><br></i></span></div></div>liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3631215748034834693.post-7776326215670544842016-02-23T23:02:00.001+00:002016-02-23T23:02:52.979+00:00Everlasting covenant<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5DMacJBt_7-0L-ukRBjr-BW9-29E7ndt3RSbgR9SET8xKCZgMj-NXxMaLqlNp84NE73s7CfdtUVX8RF51_yTFbupGcIoSartiqHsK1BHRxQzLWzV1symuA0t7wBqIXI-1G4PWn5RiSYX/s640/blogger-image--1711749918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><i><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5DMacJBt_7-0L-ukRBjr-BW9-29E7ndt3RSbgR9SET8xKCZgMj-NXxMaLqlNp84NE73s7CfdtUVX8RF51_yTFbupGcIoSartiqHsK1BHRxQzLWzV1symuA0t7wBqIXI-1G4PWn5RiSYX/s640/blogger-image--1711749918.jpg"></i></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Psalms 111:7-10</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>The works of his hands are faithful and just;</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>all his precepts are trustworthy.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>They are established forever and ever,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>He sent redemption to his people;</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>he has commanded his covenant forever.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Holy and awesome is his name.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>all those who practice it have a good understanding.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>His praise endures forever.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><br></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Even today</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>when all seems to conspire</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>to tell a different story</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>still God is faithful</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>and God's promise endures.</i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i><br></i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><b>Prayer</b></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Today, O God, confront us with your promises anew that we may see your steadfast love and faithfulness in all things.</font></div></div>liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3631215748034834693.post-83651989568174180782016-02-22T21:16:00.001+00:002016-02-22T21:16:15.653+00:00Seek peace<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi259hcqfMv7_ryPi3YBVVaCvpjh-wbZepQIa0be0oJL7ZmchOX7h4ZBWAUgtHvDzndCVUxRjsH7KNsSTkZaA8D4fKO6gg4qd8IZhLYx2j-dePUku5dKnwtIaclOTuFUYlTH-7C_DIrZ2_S/s640/blogger-image--744483240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><i><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi259hcqfMv7_ryPi3YBVVaCvpjh-wbZepQIa0be0oJL7ZmchOX7h4ZBWAUgtHvDzndCVUxRjsH7KNsSTkZaA8D4fKO6gg4qd8IZhLYx2j-dePUku5dKnwtIaclOTuFUYlTH-7C_DIrZ2_S/s640/blogger-image--744483240.jpg"></i></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Psalms 34:11-14</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Come, O children, listen to me;</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>I will teach you the fear of the Lord.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Which of you desires life,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>and covets many days to enjoy good?</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Keep your tongue from evil,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>and your lips from speaking deceit.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Depart from evil, and do good;</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>seek peace, and pursue it.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><br></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>Loving God</i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>involves speaking truth</i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>and not evil.</i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>Desiring life</i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>and all that is good</i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>is achieved </i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>by seeking peace.</i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i><br></i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><b>Prayer</b></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Help us to speak only truth, truth that builds up and does not destroy, truth that leads us on paths of peace..</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i><br></i></font></div></div>liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com0