Contemplative Bible Reading

Matthew 6:19-21 (New International Version) 19 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where […]

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This is one of those stories that takes about ten years to finish. Years ago, I saw parts of the 1982 (?) movie “Ghandi.” In one scene, Ghandi is speaking with a group of Indians in South Africa. They are upset about a government policy that will require them to do something they do not […]

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Matthew 23:23 (New International Version) Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. Ah, these poor guys. The […]

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Matthew 5:16 (New International Version) In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. This verse is the basis of the children’s song “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.” I sang that hundreds of times while growing […]

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Matthew 5:1-2 (New International Version) 1 Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them saying: Here is the situation: Jesus is about to speak to a large crowd of people. He is on the side of […]

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Matthew 3:8 (New International Version) Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. Here is another one of those verses that asks us to do two different and sometimes contradictory things. The first phrase is produce fruit – an action. The second phrase is the word repentance – which means to change your mind. Change your heart […]

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The phrase “daily bread” is one of the best known in the Bible. The best know use of it is in what we call the Lord’s prayer (here from Matthew 6:11). Matthew 6:9-13 (New International Version) 9 “This, then, is how you should pray: ” ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your […]

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