Author Archives: patellison

A text – 2 Timothy 4:6-8 6 As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. 8 From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord,Continue reading “Bragging – 2 Timothy 4:6-8,16-18”

A text – Luke 18:9-14 9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, ‘God, I thank you that IContinue reading “Too Big For His Britches – Luke 18:9-14”

A text – Psalm 121 1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—from where will my help come?2 My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. 3 He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.4 He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is yourContinue reading “Protection for the Journey – Psalm 121”

A text – Genesis 32:22-31 22 The same night he got up and took his two wives, his two maids, and his eleven children and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23 He took them and sent them across the stream, and likewise everything that he had. 24 Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. 25 WhenContinue reading “Wrestling for Blessing – Genesis 32”

A text – Luke 18:1-8 18 Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. 2 He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. 3 In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Grant me justiceContinue reading “Creepy Judge Comes Through – Luke 18”

A text – Psalm 111 1 Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.2 Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.3 Full of honor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever.4 He has gained renown by his wonderfulContinue reading “The Resume of God – Psalm 111”

A text – 2 Kings 5:1-15   5 Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man and in high favor with his master because by him the Lord had given victory to Aram. The man, though a mighty warrior, suffered from a skin disease. 2 Now the Arameans on one of their raids hadContinue reading “God Helps the Foreigner – 2 Kings 5”

A text – Luke 17:11-19 11 On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he entered a village, ten men with a skin disease approached him. Keeping their distance, 13 they called out, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 14 When he saw them, he said to them, “Go and show yourselves toContinue reading “Recognizing Jesus – Luke 17:11-19”

A text – Psalm 37:1-9 1 Do not fret because of the wicked; do not be envious of wrongdoers,2 for they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb. 3 Trust in the Lord and do good; live in the land and enjoy security.4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of yourContinue reading “Don’t Jump the Gun – Psalm 37:1-9”

A text – Habakkuk 1:1-4 1:1-4 1 The oracle that the prophet Habakkuk saw. 2 O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not listen? Or cry to you “Violence!” and you will not save?3 Why do you make me see wrongdoing and look at trouble? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contentionContinue reading “God’s Love Lived Out – Habakkuk 1-2”