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Daily Readings/Devotionals:
A Sip of Scripture
Daily Scripture:
NON-VIOLENCE
If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.
Reference: Mark 3:24-25
Mark 3:24-25 (New King James Version)
24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.
Related Blog
A Simple Desire
The weblog "a simple desire" provides brief commentaries on "A Sip of Scripture" from a Mennonite perspective, The commentaries are written by Carole Boshart, of Oregon; Will Fitzgerald, of Michigan; and others on occasion.
a simple desireShort commentary on “A Sip of Scripture” from Third Way Cafe
Harmony in the House
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“If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” ( Mark 3:24-25 )
I have heard it said that the man of the house is the “head” – the thinking intellectual, but the woman of the house is the “heart” – the feeling emotional. And head and heart should not fight against each other but should work together each contributing their strengths and supporting each other. Neither head nor heart should over rule the other, but each speaks to the issues at hand. In fact it is one spouse trying to be in sole control that leads to tension and dissension, the opposite of peace.
Another model of marriage and household that I have heard of is that of a triangle, with one side at the bottom or base, which puts one of the angles at the top or apex. And neither spouse is at that apex point. God takes the place of the top of the triangle and the two spouse are equal at either angle on the bottom. In this model both spouses look to God for leadership. And each spouse may see God from a different perspective, that is each seeing a different aspect of God.
It seems to me if there is going to be peace in the household, each member of the household needs to listen to one another. And each member of the household has an equitable voice that is heard by other members of the household. This is to say that a small child has sway over the adults, but the views and feelings of each member are taken into account. Keeping these principles in mind, peace has a better chance of being honor and kept in the household.
However:
Gentle reader, not all my musing on this topic are so practical and pragmatic. I am writing this in the midst of the Christmas season, and my thoughts are more centered on a stable where a baby has been born. Here head and heart are not at odds but caught up in their own world. “Head”, Joseph, is coming terms with the fact that he has just become a father, if not in totality, at least in responsibility. His wife of less than a year has undergone a major event, and he has nothing better to house his new wife and son in than a stable. “Heart”, Mary, has just recently given birth, and as her body recovers from this event, her emotions are swirling. Her son is here and so loves him so much. She worries what his life will be like because he is not just any child. But still, he is a baby with such little fingers and toes, and he is so dependent on her for warmth and nourishment.
This household is so new and fragile. A young couple just starting out and it seems like the odds are against them. But as I think about that situation in Bethlehem I have to wonder if the stable might not have been a better choice than the inn. If the inn was full and crowded, noisy and chaotic. Not the place for an infant with the loud raised voices and people coming and going. Better a stable that is warm and dry, quiet and set apart from rough ways and the odor of many people living in a tight quarters.
I believe if we would but ask God to help us find and set up a household in the place that best suits the people in that household, there would be more peace and joy.
May you gentle reader ask God to be a vital and ongoing part of your household, and may God bring peace, joy, and love to any household you are a part of. Selah!
Written by Carole
December 28, 2010 at 12:05 am
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Related Website
Soul Space
You are invited to take some time each day for "Soul Space," written by Wendy Miller and posted on the Eastern Mennonite University website. Each day's guidance centers around a theme for reflection and prayer drawn from the lectionary readings for the week.
Morning-Week Three
Opening the day with prayer.
Wake me up, dear God,
Help me.
Open the eyes of my soul;
Help me to see.
Open the ears of my heart;
Help me to hear.
I am slow in leaving the world of sleep.
Wake me up, dear God.
Be assured that God hears us, helps us.
These morning prayers are a signal of our desire,
our intent for the day to come.
They need not be long. We need not linger.
There will be another, more spacious time in which
to sink more deeply into prayer, reading and
reflection; to listening and responding.
Sheltering God, Abba Amma, you have brought us in safety
to this new day.
Keep us under the wings of your protection, that we may not lose sight
of your ways, nor what you are about this day.
Keep us steady in trust, hope, and love in the face of adversity.
And in all we do, direct us in the ways of your gracious and life-giving
purpose;
In the name of Jesus, Immanuel, God with us. Amen.
Coming
Dear God,
As I turn aside from the world
From work
From action
From tending
Even now, in these twelve days of Christmas
Help me as I come
Still my tired and anxious feet
Settle my heart and mind into rest
Holy Spirit
Tend the space within the house of my soul
The inn of Your dwelling
Where you receive and welcome my coming.
Amen
Silence
Be still.
Open your awareness to God’s presence
Within and all around.
“Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
Responding
The third movement within Soul Space is Responding. Here we shift our focus towards outward engagement.
Monday
Tuesday
Pray for the coming day. Pray for persons throughout the world who are poor, needy, suffering injustice and oppression and for those persons who are serving to bring relief, healing, hope, especially _________________________.
Lord Jesus Christ,
You who knew the Spirit of God upon and within you, the anointing of God as you brought good news to the poor, release to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, and freedom to those who are oppressed; breathe your Spirit upon ________________________ this day.
Anoint them with God’s love, power, guidance and compassion. May they know your presence and guidance as they co-labor with you to bring good news to _________________________, release from captivity, healing from blindness, and freedom from oppression.
May God’s grace and kind favor be felt and known this day.
In your great name, Amen.
(based on Isaiah 61:1-52 & Luke 4:18-19)
CLOSING PRAYER
Loving God,
Help me to listen deeply.
Help me to see your design
Behind and within all that is
Lord Jesus, be my light
Rescue me from the void of the dark,
The anxious clutter and violence of this world.
Bend my heart to stay . . . to love . . .
To embrace your coming in Jesus,
Our true Light.
Amen.
Evening- Week Three
It is a good thing . . .
To tell of your loving-kindness early in the morning
And of your faithfulness in the night season.
Kind Spirit of God,
As I come to the end of this day,
Help me to see this day as you see,
To hear voice of Jesus in what I see and hear.
Read the psalm for this week’s lectionary readings.
Silence
Reflection
As I reflect back on this day . . .
For what am I thankful?
In what way have I cooperated with God in bringing justice to the oppressed
freedom to persons who are captive
sight to those who cannot see
relief and support to those who are bowed down
support and comfort to the orphan and widow . . .?
Where have I been aware of your help and faithful companioning?
What do I bring for your holding and tending?
Closing Prayer
Caring and loving God, I bring all of this day—all the pieces that fit, and all the parts that are unfinished and in need of tending, in my own life and in the lives of those I have touched this day. As we sleep this night, continue to work your way of justice for those who are oppressed, and freedom for those who are captive. Bring sight to those who cannot see, and relief and comfort to the poor and needy.
In the name of Jesus, who was born in nakedness and poverty among us, and who brings us the good news of your gracious reign, now and coming.
Amen
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