Author Archives: patellison

A text – Jeremiah 23:1-6 23:1 Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the LORD.23:2 Therefore thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who shepherd my people: It is you who have scattered my flock, and have driven them away, and you have notContinue reading “Consequences – Jeremiah 23”

A text – Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 6:30 The apostles gathered around Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught.6:31 He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.6:32 And theyContinue reading “Healing and Hope – Mark 6”

A text – Ezekiel 2:1-5 2:1 He said to me: O mortal, stand up on your feet, and I will speak with you.2:2 And when he spoke to me, a spirit entered into me and set me on my feet; and I heard him speaking to me.2:3 He said to me, Mortal, I am sendingContinue reading “Beloved Rebel Children – Ezekiel 2”

A text – 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 12:2 I know a person in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven–whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows.12:3 And I know that such a person–whether in the body or out of the body I doContinue reading “Boasting Through the Cracks – 2 Corinthians 12”

A text – Mark 6:1-13 6:1 He left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him.6:2 On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given toContinue reading “Pairs on a Mission – Mark 6”

A text – Psalm 30 30:1 I will extol you, O LORD, for you have drawn me up, and did not let my foes rejoice over me.30:2 O LORD my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me.30:3 O LORD, you brought up my soul from Sheol, restored me to lifeContinue reading “Praise – in whose company? Psalm 30”

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”