The House You're Building

[1] Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, [2] but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. [3] He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, [4] having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.  Hebrews 1:1-4 One of my favorite people is a coworker.   I’ve been so lucky in my professional life to have to have people I can share life with.   They say adults usually make a lot of friends at work because adult friendships are more about proximity and it can take 200 hours spent together to make a consider someone a fried, so it makes a lot of sense that you will “go there” with coworkers as you often spend more time w...

  Introduction   I am an avid hiker.  I am lucky enough to live in Washington state and am only a short drive away from oceans, mountains, and forests.  I love to be outside as it pushes me physically as well as gives me time to visit with my friends.  Most of all, I love being constantly surrounded by the beauty and majesty of God. When I think of heaven, the thing I am the most excited about is seeing the splendor and magnificent light of God first hand.    This week’s section brings a glorious conclusion to the journey Israel has been on as they have followed God.  Coming off of the idol worship and judgement of the golden calf, Israel now turns to obey God’s guidelines in worship.       Scripture Exodus 35-40  This is the final section of the book of Exodus.  As you read, note the similarities between this and the previous building instructions.  Also note the people’s willi...

14  For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,  15  from whom every family [ c ]  in heaven and on earth is named, 16  that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,  17  so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love,  18  may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19  and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20  Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,  21  to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.    Ephesians 3:14-21 (ESV)   One of the ...

        Orient  John 18:1-27 In the next two chapters, we will read of the arrest, trial, death, and burial of Jesus.  Today’s reading contains unique content only found in John and will cover the arrest and interview before Annas and Caiaphas. Peter’s famous denial of Christ is also described.       Introduction Anyone else getting a constant stream of meal prep advertisements?  I get the appeal; your meals are planned for you and ingredients delivered to your door.  Plus, you get to keep the recipes to make again once you stop the service.  I have never used one because I love to cook at have too many recipes in the que to try as well as getting back to old favorites.  No matter what I make, I always need to have olive oil on hand; it is a staple in all my dishes.  The process of making oil involves many ways of destroying the olive, grinding, processing, and pressing to ...