Author Archives: barbmessneroutlookcom

Thanks and Praise

Thanks and Praise Pentecost 18; Luke 17:11-19 Between Samaria and Galilee – conflicted space – he made that journey to Jerusalem. He set his face to meet the fate the leaders planned for him, death and disgrace. Ten lepers cried, “Have mercy on us, Lord!” (not coming near.) He told them they could go andContinue reading “Thanks and Praise”

Growing Faith

Growing Faith Pentecost 17; Luke 17:1-10 “Increase our faith,” they asked, as though he could hand them more faith like cake upon a plate. Their seed of faith was little understood if they believed great faith would make them great. They wanted power beyond what’s meant to be; he mocked their wish to use theirContinue reading “Growing Faith”

At the Gates or Beyond the Chasm

At the Gates or Beyond the Chasm Pentecost 16; Luke 16:19-31 Are we the rich ones at whose gates the poor now starve for lack of food we well could spare, while here our wasting comes from wanting more, unbridled growth that robs the land and air? Then will our laden tables soon be turned,Continue reading “At the Gates or Beyond the Chasm”

Dishonest Managers

Dishonest Managers Pentecost 15; Luke 16:1-13 He said, “You can’t serve God and wealth,” but greed seduces souls by stealth. There’s some that dominate by maleness, claim entitlement through paleness. Slanderers are seeking votes, and politicians turn their coats. Some bribe, or tout for media fame, or trade on their ancestral name. There’s those whoContinue reading “Dishonest Managers”

Lost Sheep, Lost Coin

Lost Sheep, Lost Coin Pentecost 14; Luke 15:1-10 Sometimes you turn around, when you are lost and know it. Then you begin to find yourself, and are almost ready to allow the compassionate God to find you. Knowing how you have wandered, let your pride go and dare to call out, wanting at last toContinue reading “Lost Sheep, Lost Coin”

All Who Exalt Themselves Will Be Humbled

All Who Exalt Themselves Will Be Humbled Pentecost 12; Luke 14:1,7-14 To claim a place of honour, people scheme; ambition may be sourced in selfish dream. Tycoons and politicians lead the race, but what’s the truth behind the public face? Here real humility is seldom seen; the term “low down” is spoken to demean. GoodContinue reading “All Who Exalt Themselves Will Be Humbled”

Jesus, raise us up (lyrics)

Jesus Raise Us Up (lyrics) Luke 13:10-17 1.To a daughter of God’s people, one whose spirit was in bondage, comes the One who sets her upright to become what she can be. Jesus, raise us up when we are the bowed ones and the cowed ones! Raise us, raise us up, and set us byContinue reading “Jesus, raise us up (lyrics)”

Woman Set Free from a Spirit of Bondage

Woman Set Free from a Spirit of Bondage Pentecost 11; Luke 13:10-17 She is not the only afflicted one who is seen by Jesus and called over on the Sabbath in a place of worship to be set free and speak out her praise. They said healing was work, not for Sabbath. Would Jesus beContinue reading “Woman Set Free from a Spirit of Bondage”

Interpreting the Times

Interpreting the Times Pentecost 10; Luke 12:49-59 Now how do we interpret present times? We seldom try to read the Earth and sky. We all have little screens with message chimes, computer games to help the day go by. First Nations walked on Country every day, respecting Nature and the spirit life. Their dances, songsContinue reading “Interpreting the Times”