Author Archives: patellison

A text – 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 8:7 Now as you excel in everything–in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in utmost eagerness, and in our love for you–so we want you to excel also in this generous undertaking.8:8 I do not say this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love againstContinue reading “The Trouble with Smugness – 2 Corinthians 8”

A text – Mark 5:21-43 5:21 When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered around him; and he was by the sea.5:22 Then one of the leaders of the synagogue named Jairus came and, when he saw him, fell at his feet5:23 and begged him repeatedly, “MyContinue reading “Two Faith Stories – Mark 5:21-43”

A text – Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32 107:1 O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.107:2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, those he redeemed from trouble107:3 and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from theContinue reading “Caught Doing Our Job – Psalm 107”

A text – 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 6:1 As we work together with him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain.6:2 For he says, “At an acceptable time I have listened to you, and on a day of salvation I have helped you.” See, now is the acceptable time; see,Continue reading “Are You a Speed Bump on a Faith Road? 2 Corinthians 6”

A text – Mark 4:35-41 4:35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.”4:36 And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him.4:37 A great windstorm arose, and the waves beatContinue reading “Who Is This, Then? Mark 4:35-41”

A text – Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15 92:1 It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High;92:2 to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night,92:3 to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre.92:4 For you,Continue reading “A Life of Gladness – Psalm 92”

2 Corinthians 5:6-10, (11-13), 14-17 5:6 So we are always confident; even though we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord —5:7 for we walk by faith, not by sight.5:8 Yes, we do have confidence, and we would rather be away from the body and atContinue reading “No Longer Just for Ourselves – 2 Corinthians 5”

A text — Mark 4:26-34 4:26 He also said, “The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground,4:27 and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how.4:28 The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, thenContinue reading “The Kingdom Is Like… – Mark 4:26-34”

A text – Psalm 130130:1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD.130:2 Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications!130:3 If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand?130:4 But there is forgiveness with you, so that you may be revered.130:5 I waitContinue reading “Deep Suffering, Deeper Hope – Psalm 130”

A text – 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:14:13 But just as we have the same spirit of faith that is in accordance with scripture–“I believed, and so I spoke” –we also believe, and so we speak,4:14 because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will bring usContinue reading “Chipped Away for God’s Kingdom – 2 Corinthians 4”