Butterflies
“Intelligence without ambition is a bird without wings.” How is this week’s thought of the week related to the picture of the butterflies? There is more than one answer.
The Beloved Philippians
Paul is not complimentary in all of his letters, but to the church at Philippi his words are filled with compassion. What have the Philippians done to deserve such praise from their leader?
Isaiah–Garments of Salvation
The picture above interprets Isaiah 61:10-11. I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.
March 2008
New Testament students are carefully reading Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Paul truly loves this church and he is thankful for the love and support of the Philippians. Love for Paul, or intimacy with the church at Philipi, is more about suffering together than just saying that they love each other. Have you suffered with anyone and loved them because of shared suffering?
Old Testament students are early into their reading of Isaiah. God calls Isaiah in the 6th chapter and he does it with some very cool images like tongs of fire. We are learning that God extends both an arm of judgment and an arm that gathers up God’s sheep and cuddles these lambs. The image for us is like one who would nurture a baby lamb, or a puppy, or a baby brother. God does not hold us out at arm’s length even though we are dirty and unworthy of God’s close embrace.
