From asimpledesire.wordpress.com, emu.edu, thirdway.com, biblegateway.com:
Daily Readings/Devotionals:
A Sip of Scripture
Daily Scripture:
Illumine
No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar, but on the lampstand so that those who enter may see the light.
Reference: Luke 11:33
Luke 11:33 (New King James Version)
The Lamp of the Body
33 “No one, when he has lit a lamp, puts it in a secret place or under a basket, but on a lampstand, that those who come in may see the light.
**************************************************************
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.
Short commentary on “A Sip of Scripture” from Third Way Cafe
No Lights in the Cellar
leave a comment »
“No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar, but on the lampstand so that those who enter may see the light. “ (Luke 11:33 )
A good many years back (can it really be 20 years ago!) we moved into a house that had a cellar. For the 7 years we lived there I think I went down there 3 times. It had steep steps that were wooden and not sturdy. It was not a large cellar area, but divided rooms that had very little in them. It flooded easily and I do not think we stored anything down there. If we did, it was ruined I am sure. So it would have been ludicrous to consider making an effort to put extra lighting down there. Maybe that is the sort of cellar that the writer of Luke was talking about. A place that would consume and extinguish any light placed in it.
But I have been in other kinds of cellars; dark and dank, but veritable treasure rooms of old stuff and stored jars of fruits and preserves. Not a place that you would stay in or keep a light lit in. But somewhere that you would go to if in need of something or needing to store something. A place where one might take a light, but not leave it there. Perhaps that is the kind of cellar that the writer of Luke was thinking of.
The last house we lived at before we moved to the west coast had a large basement; one large section and then a smaller section that housed the computers. The large section we used for storage, and was where the washer and dryer was. And we all spent varying amounts of time in the area where the computer were. It also flooded at times, and truth to tell I did not labor long or hard in keeping it tidy. It was not unusual for someone who had been down in the basement/cellar to forget to turn off the light before they went back upstairs. But if no one was down there, the light stayed turned off. Might this have been the type of cellar the writer of Luke envisioned?
Whether it be a place that one is loath to go, a place where one goes only for a specific purpose, or a place used for certain tasks, cellars are usually not the center of household activities. We place lights where we plan to be and where we invite others to come into. Lights designate where our focus is.
May you missional reader illuminate the important places of your life, and invite other in the share in the glow of the Christian faith. Selah!
Written by Carole
January 25, 2011 at 12:55 am
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
Loving God,
Bringing light—epiphany–
Awaken my soul.
Open my eyes to see,
Help me to hear
Jesus among and within us.
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)
Being With- Epiphany Week Four
This turning to follow Jesus takes us – from time to time – into retreat; into a place apart to be with Jesus, to listen. We listen to many voices in our world, voices which sound in the world around us, and voices which sound within us. Now we are invited to listen to Jesus.
Jesus withdraws away from the crowd, and walks up “the mountain” – a familiar place of retreat and solitude for him and those he invites to join him (see Matthew 5:1 and Mark 3:13) and the disciples come to sit with him. As Jesus sits, he indicates that he has something to teach them. As we enter the gospel narrative, we are also invited to sit alongside the disciples and to listen as Jesus addresses them – and us.
He begins teaching us about happiness, the happiness of this “kingdom come near”, the gracious Way of God. What he says is in direct contrast with what the world tells us about finding happiness. To begin with we may find what Jesus says rather impossible: wise, maybe, but not reachable in some way. But Jesus is not looking for instant results. He knows that as this kind of teaching, this light that he brings into our darkness and deep longings, works and brings transformation over time—even for these early disciples this was so. And so it is for us.
This is the New Order of Happiness – the great joy we discover and experience here in the midst of this present world order – this side of Eden. For in this present world we do know what is like
to be poor in spirit – to be vulnerable, disabled.
to mourn – to grieve many losses
to experience the power of meekness and gentleness in surprising ways
to long for everything to be put right, to thirst for peace and justice for all
to experience mercy, forgiveness in the most surprising places
to be blessed by those who work for true peace: within and without
to hear the stories of those who have suffered persecution, hate,
retaliation, because of their love for Jesus, for the Way of God.
Sometimes those stories are our own.
What we are surprised by is how Jesus opens up the door of heaven and ushers hilarity and great happiness into these empty, dark places of weakness and disability, loss and grief, meekness and gentleness, deep and painful longing for peace and justice, the grueling work for peace within and among us, and even into the places of suffering, rejection, hate, retaliation because of love for Jesus.
We may wonder where the link is. How could this happen? Even our question is a prayer which Jesus hears. We learn to follow Jesus, to speak our questions, to live with the questions and the unknown – until Jesus guides us, helps us live into the answers. For this light he sheds upon the deep shadows of the world system, also brings light to the inner rooms and corners of our soul and understanding.
This is the work of the Spirit of God within and among us.
The invitation is to keep listening – as we sit with Jesus, and as the Spirit of God indwells and sits with us.
Prayer before reading:
Lord Jesus Christ,
You come to us.
Help me to see as you see,
To recognize your presence,
And your call
To follow you.
Guide me, us as I learn to walk in your way.
Read slowly. Listen deeply. Indwell the scripture.
Scripture Guide:
Season of Epiphany: Week Four
» 1/24 Monday: Matthew 5:1-12
» 1/25 Tuesday: Matthew 5:1-12
Matthew 5:1-12 (King James Version)
Matthew 5
1And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
2And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
3Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
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
Lord Jesus, Emmanuel,
God with us,
May your kingdom come
And your gracious will be done,
In the earth of our lives in this world
As it is in heaven.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
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
Daily Readings/Devotionals:
A Sip of Scripture
Daily Scripture:
Illumine
No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar, but on the lampstand so that those who enter may see the light.
Reference: Luke 11:33
Luke 11:33 (New King James Version)
The Lamp of the Body
33 “No one, when he has lit a lamp, puts it in a secret place or under a basket, but on a lampstand, that those who come in may see the light.
**************************************************************
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.
Short commentary on “A Sip of Scripture” from Third Way Cafe
No Lights in the Cellar
leave a comment »
“No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar, but on the lampstand so that those who enter may see the light. “ (Luke 11:33 )
A good many years back (can it really be 20 years ago!) we moved into a house that had a cellar. For the 7 years we lived there I think I went down there 3 times. It had steep steps that were wooden and not sturdy. It was not a large cellar area, but divided rooms that had very little in them. It flooded easily and I do not think we stored anything down there. If we did, it was ruined I am sure. So it would have been ludicrous to consider making an effort to put extra lighting down there. Maybe that is the sort of cellar that the writer of Luke was talking about. A place that would consume and extinguish any light placed in it.
But I have been in other kinds of cellars; dark and dank, but veritable treasure rooms of old stuff and stored jars of fruits and preserves. Not a place that you would stay in or keep a light lit in. But somewhere that you would go to if in need of something or needing to store something. A place where one might take a light, but not leave it there. Perhaps that is the kind of cellar that the writer of Luke was thinking of.
The last house we lived at before we moved to the west coast had a large basement; one large section and then a smaller section that housed the computers. The large section we used for storage, and was where the washer and dryer was. And we all spent varying amounts of time in the area where the computer were. It also flooded at times, and truth to tell I did not labor long or hard in keeping it tidy. It was not unusual for someone who had been down in the basement/cellar to forget to turn off the light before they went back upstairs. But if no one was down there, the light stayed turned off. Might this have been the type of cellar the writer of Luke envisioned?
Whether it be a place that one is loath to go, a place where one goes only for a specific purpose, or a place used for certain tasks, cellars are usually not the center of household activities. We place lights where we plan to be and where we invite others to come into. Lights designate where our focus is.
May you missional reader illuminate the important places of your life, and invite other in the share in the glow of the Christian faith. Selah!
Written by Carole
January 25, 2011 at 12:55 am
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
Loving God,
Bringing light—epiphany–
Awaken my soul.
Open my eyes to see,
Help me to hear
Jesus among and within us.
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)
Being With- Epiphany Week Four
This turning to follow Jesus takes us – from time to time – into retreat; into a place apart to be with Jesus, to listen. We listen to many voices in our world, voices which sound in the world around us, and voices which sound within us. Now we are invited to listen to Jesus.
Jesus withdraws away from the crowd, and walks up “the mountain” – a familiar place of retreat and solitude for him and those he invites to join him (see Matthew 5:1 and Mark 3:13) and the disciples come to sit with him. As Jesus sits, he indicates that he has something to teach them. As we enter the gospel narrative, we are also invited to sit alongside the disciples and to listen as Jesus addresses them – and us.
He begins teaching us about happiness, the happiness of this “kingdom come near”, the gracious Way of God. What he says is in direct contrast with what the world tells us about finding happiness. To begin with we may find what Jesus says rather impossible: wise, maybe, but not reachable in some way. But Jesus is not looking for instant results. He knows that as this kind of teaching, this light that he brings into our darkness and deep longings, works and brings transformation over time—even for these early disciples this was so. And so it is for us.
This is the New Order of Happiness – the great joy we discover and experience here in the midst of this present world order – this side of Eden. For in this present world we do know what is like
to be poor in spirit – to be vulnerable, disabled.
to mourn – to grieve many losses
to experience the power of meekness and gentleness in surprising ways
to long for everything to be put right, to thirst for peace and justice for all
to experience mercy, forgiveness in the most surprising places
to be blessed by those who work for true peace: within and without
to hear the stories of those who have suffered persecution, hate,
retaliation, because of their love for Jesus, for the Way of God.
Sometimes those stories are our own.
What we are surprised by is how Jesus opens up the door of heaven and ushers hilarity and great happiness into these empty, dark places of weakness and disability, loss and grief, meekness and gentleness, deep and painful longing for peace and justice, the grueling work for peace within and among us, and even into the places of suffering, rejection, hate, retaliation because of love for Jesus.
We may wonder where the link is. How could this happen? Even our question is a prayer which Jesus hears. We learn to follow Jesus, to speak our questions, to live with the questions and the unknown – until Jesus guides us, helps us live into the answers. For this light he sheds upon the deep shadows of the world system, also brings light to the inner rooms and corners of our soul and understanding.
This is the work of the Spirit of God within and among us.
The invitation is to keep listening – as we sit with Jesus, and as the Spirit of God indwells and sits with us.
Prayer before reading:
Lord Jesus Christ,
You come to us.
Help me to see as you see,
To recognize your presence,
And your call
To follow you.
Guide me, us as I learn to walk in your way.
Read slowly. Listen deeply. Indwell the scripture.
Scripture Guide:
Season of Epiphany: Week Four
» 1/24 Monday: Matthew 5:1-12
» 1/25 Tuesday: Matthew 5:1-12
Matthew 5:1-12 (King James Version)
Matthew 5
1And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
2And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
3Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
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
Lord Jesus, Emmanuel,
God with us,
May your kingdom come
And your gracious will be done,
In the earth of our lives in this world
As it is in heaven.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
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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