April 4, 2021, Lectionary

Jesus has swallowed up death in victory, even the death from the virus, or from shootings, or from train wrecks, even the death of the cross. He will wipe your tears; he will not throw them away or shame them. Isaiah 25:6-9

I am constrained to recount the deeds of the Lord--because they happened and because I am alive! The deeds include Jesus in life, death, and resurrection. The deeds include the written word. The deeds of the Lord include both my chastisement and my survival. Psalm 118:14-18

The message of Paul's preaching was simple: Christ died for our sins according to Scripture. He was buried, and rose again the third day according to Scripture. Lord, let me capture this message for today. 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

The angel said, "Tell his disciples and Peter . . ." It would be a strange statement (because Peter was one of the disciples) unless you remember that Peter had publicly renounced his discipleship when he claimed not to even know Jesus. Such grace extended. Mark 16:1-8

Thoughts about Listening

When I cry, you can dab at my tears if you wish, but please don't shame them, ridicule them, or quick-fix them. My tears are my heart juices, on the outside for the moment. Isaiah 25:6-9

Each time I have survived something difficult, I have needed someone to tell it to. Psalm 118:14-18

Each generation tends to think it is best and most advanced, and previous generations are to be scorned. But let me not forget that it is on their shoulders that I rise. 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Sometimes I wonder and worry how I will get around or remove some obstacle and then, without much fanfare, it's just gone, moved out of the way. Mark 16:1-8