Prayer Note #70: Love instead of Anger, Fear, Violence, & Cruelty

“Lord, I live in a world of anger, fear, violence, and cruelty.  It is hard for me not to be swept away and molded by these ugly passions that swirl around me. . . ."

Quote of Note #226: Bearing Witness with Graciousness & Faithfulness

“As was in many of the most religious people of Jesus' day, it is possible to become fully versed in a theological tradition or excel in theological education and still have a hardened heart that never truly surrendered to the Word of God.” Costanzo, et al (for full quote, click link below)

Prayer Note #69: A Prayer (Drawn from Colossians 3:12-14)

Grant that I might be a living embodiment of Christ’s saving, healing, redeeming love in this broken world.

Quote of Note #220: In the Face of Trials

"Almost anything that happens to us may be woven into the purposes of God. It may lengthen our cords of sympathy. It may break our self-centered pride. The cross, which was willed by wicked men, was woven by God into the tapestry of world redemption." ML King

Quote of Note #219: Serving Others, Not Controlling Them

"If self-denial is at the heart of the kingdom [of God], controlling others is anti-kingdom." S. Bezner

Quote of Note #218: Love Without Limits

"Somehow we've developed the mind-set that to love one person or group, we have to hate another person or group. So we direct our love toward the groups we're part of--our families, our denominations, our political parties, our ethnic groups--and feel free to hate anyone outside these boxes." J. Perkins (to read the full quote, click link below)

Quote of Note #204: Motive, Means, & Politics

"As sinners we need a spiritual strategy for dealing with our own sinful tendency to put the best possible interpretation on our own motives while putting the worst possible interpretation on those of our opponents."

Bible Note #63: Zacchaeus #6–The Power of God’s Grace and Kindness

Zacchaeus had experienced that grace and kindness from his new Lord.  Now, he was going to live by it in his own life.

Quote of Note #201/Prayer Note #68: Make Me Merciful & Kind

"Father, restore our souls in Jesus Christ, that we may be merciful and kind, even as Thou art."