Pastor Church

Here’s the first installment of my Advent/Christmas sermon series. The scripture text is Isaiah 40:1-11.

 

"Christ the Good Shepherd," Catacomb of Priscilla (3rd or 4th century)

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4

1 Peter 4:8: Above all, show sincere love to each other, because love brings about the forgiveness of many sins.

Thought for the day: We must love ourselves and our neighbor in order to let go of anger and resentment. Forgiveness and love go hand in hand.

Prayer for the day: God, help me put my grudges behind me. Help me love instead. Amen.

"Let Us Beat Our Swords into Poughshares," Evgeny Vuchetich (1959)

MONDAY, OCTOBER 3

1 Peter 3:9: Don’t pay back evil for evil or insult for insult. Instead, give blessing in return. You were called to do this so that you might inherit a blessing.

Thought for the day: When we give blessing in return for evil, we interrupt the cycle of anger and resentment. When we give blessing in return for insult, we inch that much closer to the world God would have this be.

Prayer for the day: God, help me find the strength to bless my enemies. Amen.