Whispers of Grace - Embracing the Cruciform Life
We’re deep into our “Whispers of Grace” series, and today we’re tackling a powerful, perhaps unsettling, concept: the cross. More specifically, we’re exploring cruciformity – the idea of being formed to the way of the crucifixion. Sounds terrible, right? Jesus himself said, “If you’re going to follow me, every day you have to take up your cross.” This doesn’t exactly align with the “God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life” sales pitch many of us heard when we first started walking with Jesus.
How do “wonderful plan” and “take up your cross daily” go together? It’s a tough question, and one we need to wrestle with. Our focus this morning, as we journey through these 15 New Testament words of life, is on First and Second Corinthians.
#Wordle 1,443 4/6*
⬛🟩🟩⬛⬛ ⬛🟩🟩⬛⬛ 🟨🟩🟩🟨⬛ 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
The #OldGal bested me today with a 3. Hopefully, the rest of the #YoungPups fare better.
These sunrises always get me in the summer! Good morning! May you choose to connect with community and relationships today. #MorningMug
Good morning! I hope you have fun today. Just go out and do something that brings you joy! Today, I get to hang out with my guy, Andy doing a binge of Kenobi. #MorningMug
#Wordle 1,442 3/6*
⬛🟩🟨⬛⬛ ⬛🟩🟩🟩⬛ 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
The #OldGal could only muster a 4 today. Victory! Happy Saturday #YoungPups!
Celebrating 12 years in Ypsi by bringing Amy to the Wurst Bar for the first time.
(Sadly, they don’t have the marshmallow dip for the sweet potato tots anymore 😞)
Good morning! Clear that to-do off your list that is causing you stress so you can enjoy the weekend. #MorningMug
#Wordle 1,440 4/6*
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The #OldGal scored a 3! We might be in trouble today, #YoungPups.
As I sit and ponder “The Cross” today in preparation for my message on Sunday, I was reminded again that 1 Corinthians 13 needs to be a grounding text for Christians. It is the practical outworking of what it means to live a “cruciform” life.
The Battle Lines Within - Understanding Our Tribal Instincts
“You’re either with us, or against us.” This sentiment has been expressed by countless world leaders throughout history.
What comes to mind when you hear that phrase? For me, it’s Joshua asking the “commander of the Lord’s army,” “Are you for us, or for our enemies?” Others might recall President George W. Bush or then-Senator Hillary Clinton using a similar phrase after 9/11.
Every fall in Michigan, there’s what’s known as “hate week.” This is the one week a year when families are pitted against each other. On one side, you have the Maize and Blue; on the other, the Green and White. The week of the Michigan/Michigan State football game is always marked by heightened tribal loyalty. There’s mostly good-natured teasing and many stories shared about past games. Nearly everyone chooses a side.
Wordle 1,439 4/6*
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The #OldGal also posted a 4 today. Hopefully, a 3 is out there for the #YoungPups!
#Wordle 1,438 3/6*
🟨⬛⬛🟨⬛ 🟩⬛🟩⬛🟨 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
The #OldGal posts a 4! I have already seen a two from the #YoungPups. Is it a dogpile day???
#Wordle 1,437 4/6*
🟨⬛⬛⬛🟩 ⬛🟩🟩🟩🟩 ⬛🟩🟩🟩🟩 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
The Wordle word hole! The #OldGal also posted a 4. I know there has to be a 3 out there by the #YoungPups.