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Shabbat Shalom!
I have a friend who is a rabbi in the Houston area. When I used to Read More
Elizabeth Canham | Read Matthew 23:1-12
Jesus uses strong words to caution his disciples about some of the religious leaders among them. The scribes and Pharisees teach and interpret the law of Moses, just as Jesus does. But there is a problem: These religious leaders teach one thing and live another. They have made following the...
Loving Creator, wake me up to pride and pretense, and help me to live the gospel way of love. Amen.
The book of Joshua tells the story of the return of the Israelites to the land promised to Abraham. They have escaped captivity in Egypt by a miraculous crossing, and now they enter the land in a similar way. Psalm 107 speaks of God gathering the people from distant lands and bringing them out of the desert into a land of plenty. It is a poetic reflection on the experience of the Israelites. Paul often experiences resistance from various sources. In a defense of his integrity, he points to his actions as proof of his virtue. Jesus reminds us that we can do the right thing for the wrong reasons. If we act in order to draw attention to ourselves, then even good deeds lose their luster in God’s eyes.
Read Joshua 3:7-17. When have you had to trust leaders for the good of your community?
Read Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37. Recall difficult times in your faith journey. How did you experience God’s steadfast love through these times?
Read 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13. What daily practices give you insight into God’s Word? How do you encourage others in their life of faith?
Read Matthew 23:1-12. Do your leaders live what they preach? If you are a leader, how do you strive to live the gospel?
Respond by posting a prayer.
