Thanks for joining us again this week. I usually say when we are in a sermon series that we are “on a journey.” Well this time it is overly intentional. The series is the Journey of Grace. We are discovering how discipleship isn’t a math problem to be solved, but rather a trail to be … Continue reading Sneaky Grace
UnComfortable: The Sins of the Father
A Series on topics we'd rather not talk about. I’ve titled today’s message “The Sins of the Father.” Today we will look at several verses in the Bible that address this concept. Here’s something uncomfortable to start with: a cursory reading of them might lead you to believe they contradict one another. Where one insinuates … Continue reading UnComfortable: The Sins of the Father
Proverbs 31 – Portfolio
“She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.”Proverbs 31:20 NIV Noble character. What qualifications would you have for someone to have Noble Character? Among many action based verses in Proverbs 31, verse 20 sticks out. In the midst of her success as a business woman, a provider for her … Continue reading Proverbs 31 – Portfolio
Proverbs 30 – Research and Discrepancies
The words of Agur son of Jakeh. The oracle.[a] The man declares, I am weary, O God; I am weary, O God, and worn out.[b]Proverbs 30:1 ESV The sayings of Agur son of Jakeh—an inspired utterance.This man’s utterance to Ithiel:“I am weary, God, but I can prevail.[a]Proverbs 30:1 NIV The words of Agur the son … Continue reading Proverbs 30 – Research and Discrepancies
Proverbs 28 – Cloudy with a chance…
“Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty.”Proverbs 28:19 NIV Have you ever seen the movie, "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs?" It's about a young inventor who tries to use science to make it rain food. It sounds silly and of course … Continue reading Proverbs 28 – Cloudy with a chance…
Proverbs 29 – Justice For All?
“By justice a king gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down.”Proverbs 29:4 NIV For me this seems like a verse that can easily translate into our life. A Leader (king) who actually enforces the laws, supporting justice: all of that gives the area over which they lead - … Continue reading Proverbs 29 – Justice For All?
Proverbs 27 – Nature’s Mirror
“As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.”Proverbs 27:19 NIV Water is nature’s mirror. It shows you yourself as you are willing to look into it. It’s different than just catching your reflection in a glass window or mirror at home. You have to lean over and gaze into the water. Much … Continue reading Proverbs 27 – Nature’s Mirror
Proverbs 26 – Smooth Lips Make Bad Pottery
“Like a coating of silver dross on earthenware are fervent lips with an evil heart.”Proverbs 26:23 NIV There is an ancient Japanese art of repairing old pottery by infusing it with liquid gold. It’s called kintsugi. What is described here in proverbs 26:23 sounds like the opposite. Instead of the pure metal being added to … Continue reading Proverbs 26 – Smooth Lips Make Bad Pottery
Proverbs 25 – The Look
“These are more proverbs of Solomon, compiled by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah: Like a north wind that brings unexpected rain is a sly tongue—which provokes a horrified look.”Proverbs 25:1, 23 NIV Two noteworthy things here. One is the historical editor’s note. Hezekiah’s men compiled these bits of wisdom from Solomon. Solomon didn’t … Continue reading Proverbs 25 – The Look
Proverbs 24 – Tough Times Ahead
“If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength!”Proverbs 24:10 NIV Why do we learn to do the right thing consistently? Why is it important even when no one is watching? To train us for when everyone is watching. And it is in the mode moments when true character is shown. … Continue reading Proverbs 24 – Tough Times Ahead
Viroqua Naz 