Author Archive for: goose52
Entries by Mark Lansberry
Who Could Stand? – March 26, 2023
Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-14; Psalm 130 We start with the Psalm, which begins with a hard question but then ends with hope. It begins with an admission of guilt, or need, or emptiness and then moves toward grace and reconciliation. Without that grace, who could stand? Without that hope, who could stand? We would be dry […]
In the Presence – March 19, 2023
Scripture: John 9: 1-41 Do you know what it is like to be chosen? Well, you do because you were. Our texts this week are about being chosen by God. Most of us don’t think that we were chosen, certainly not to be king like David. But surely, we chose the jobs that we do […]
Give Me Water – March 12, 2023
Scripture: John 4: 5-42 We’re thirsty this week. That’s the point. Thirsting for the living waters that Jesus spoke about to the woman at the well. And not simply a one time or easy but unsatisfying spiritual refreshment, but a recognition of the deepest thirsts that we have and how we seem to always be […]
Go From Your Country – March 5, 2023
Scripture: Genesis 12:1-4a; Psalm 121; John 3:1-17 Whether we are talking about the call to go to a new place, like Abram in Genesis 12, or to move to a new understanding, like Nicodemus in John 3, movement is required. Movement means change, which is always difficult and scary. So this is a week about […]
If You Fall Down – February 26, 2023
Scripture: Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Psalm 32, Matthew 4:1-11 Jesus’ temptations were unique to him and confessional for us. They are both his particular journey and at the same time the story of our lives. If we endeavor to work in the world around us, we will fall down. From time to time, we will fail; […]
The Fast We Choose – February 22, 2023
Scripture: Psalm 51:1-17; Isaiah 58:1-12 Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; […]
Get Up and Don’t Be Afraid – February 19, 2023
Scripture: Matthew 17: 1-9 While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came […]
Walk This Way – February 12, 2023
Scripture: Deuteronomy 30: 15-20; Psalm 119: 1-8 If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I am commanding you today, by loving the Lord your God, walking in God’s ways, and observing God’s commandments, decrees, and ordinances, then you shall live and become numerous, and the Lord your God will bless you […]
Altars, Altars Everywhere – February 5, 2023
Scriptures: Psalm 84, Psalm 112: 1-9 How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, indeed it faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God. Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she […]