Laura's Writings

LECTIO DIVINA--getting the Word in

2008-07-25T11:15:00.000-07:00

his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night
Psalm 1

A couple of weeks ago, I was encouraged by some reading to restart a daily practice of Lectio Divina (see also). The practice has been going well and I have begun to notice some fruit--though such things take time to appear (months/years).

For those who may be unfamiliar with Lectio Divina (or for those curious about my particular take), here is my normal practice (which I've adapted from the more traditional method described at Valyermo).

Lectio: I slowly read the passage, looking for clues to meaning and intent. Sometimes, this is more devotional and other times it is more intellectual.

Meditatio: I think through the passage, looking for God's intent.

Oratio: I pray whatever has come to mind in lectio and meditatio. This usually takes the form of confession, though sometimes request.

Contemplatio: I sit in silence, allowing the text and prayer to rest in my mind. [Hint: I find it helpful to listen intently to my environment; this restrains the mind from its normal wandering.]

---
Write: Immediately after the contemplatio, I write a splat poem. During the contemplatio, the first line usually comes to mind. The rest of the poem usually just happens. I find these poems help me process the passage and remember more accurately its message.

Tag(s): lectio divina sacred reading meditation devotional

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Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. http://www.esv.org/

GOD CHOOSES

2008-07-25T09:15:00.000-07:00

Jude 11
Numbers 16

Woe to them! For they ... perished in Korah’s rebellion.

God chooses.
His ways.
His words.
His workers.

Remember Korah,
lest we become too familiar
and presume.

God chooses.

Tag(s): "new testament" poetry jude

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Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. http://www.esv.org/

THE IRONY SCREAMS

2008-07-24T11:22:00.000-07:00

Jude 11
Numbers 22

Woe to them! For they ...abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Balaam’s error

External obedience,
internal?
who knows,
but apparently not.

Some piece of Balaam's heart,
blinded,
drawn away.

And Yahweh
pounds his word
through a donkey
into the prophet.

The irony screams.

Tag(s): "new testament" poetry jude

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Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. http://www.esv.org/

THEY TRAVELED THE WAY OF CAIN

2008-07-23T11:57:00.000-07:00

Jude 11
Genesis 4:1-16

Woe to them! For they walked in the way of Cain...

One decision,
firmly made,
can shape a life for good or ill.

So Cain,
with broken expectations
and angry, downcast face,
trusts his own way
despite warnings,
receiving just payment,
though tempered with mercy.

Even so,
the way set,
he walks away
and lives in Wandering.

====================
Elsewhere on the web...

Let Me Not Wander is thinking through Jude.

Tag(s): "new testament" poetry jude

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Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. http://www.esv.org/

NOT INACTIVE AND NOT UNFRUITFUL

2008-07-22T11:49:00.000-07:00

2 Peter 1:8

For these things existing in you and greatly abounding cause you to be not inactive and not unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Master Jesus Anointed One.
(1:8, my translation)

When it comes down to it,
it's about who you know.
God's gracious nepotism,
yes, indeed.

Life without seeds of death
is knowing him.
Life of doing and being
is knowing him.

Knowing him,
the source.
Doing and being his ways,
the conduit.
Doing and being the knowledge of him,
the result.

Our whole selves
to his whole self:
this is life.

Tag(s): "2 peter" "new testament" poetry

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Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. http://www.esv.org/

THAT YOU MAY CONTINUE TO BELIEVE

2008-07-21T11:55:00.000-07:00

John

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
John 20:30-31

Purpose woven throughout:
know,
so that you continue to trust.

Trust the Word,
this One,
this Anointed One,
given.

Trust this One:
Creator,
Light,
Life.

Know this Word.
Trust this One.

Live.

Tag(s): gospel of john "new testament" poetry

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Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. http://www.esv.org/

BUT YOU WILL RECEIVE POWER

2008-07-21T09:27:00.000-07:00

Reflections on TFB's July 20, 2008 Sunday sermon.

Yesterday, Pastor Jay, teaching in 1 Samuel 14, challenged us to act as heroes. He reminded us, via Acts 1:8, that we as followers of Jesus are equipped to act.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

Written before the giving of the Holy Spirit at Shavuot, this passage promises to the gathered disciples what we now experience as reality: the Holy Spirit provides us with the ability to act (see the definition of dunamis, here translated "power"). There is no valid excuse for lack of action, for we are equipped. Further, we have insight into the way things are and how we ought to respond (John 16:13). The things that hinder us, that keep us silent and immobile, are shadows under which we foolishly cower.

We know who we are and whose we are. Let us act.

"Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the LORD will work for us, for nothing can hinder the LORD from saving by many or by few."
1 Samuel 14:6

Tag(s): sermon old testament heroism

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Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. http://www.esv.org/

A MAP FOR THE CULINARY PLAYGROUND

2008-07-19T21:48:00.000-07:00

Foodpairing is one of my new favorite sites. This week, I've used their charts for bell pepper and banana to plan my work breakfasts and lunches. On the menu are

Turnip, papaya, plum, and blueberry puree flavored with a bit of star anise, seasoned with kosher salt and a bit of sugar
Cannellini beans with roasted red and yellow bell peppers, papaya, and plum, seasoned with a bit of gray salt
Fruit salad with fig, cherry tomato, and blueberry with a touch of sugar to release the juice and a chopped banana mixed in at the last minute

Someone with a trained palate would have a field day. Not being trained, I'm sure some of my attempts will be...um...marginal. But I'm very willing to give it a whirl.

Here's part of the explanation from their About page:

A list was made of 250 food products each with their major flavour components. By comparing the flavour of each food product eg strawberry with the rest of the food and their flavours, new combinations like strawberry with peas can be made. The way to use is, is just to select a food product like strawberries. You will get a plot where you have strawberry in the middle surrounded by other food products. Take one of those other food products and try to make a new recipe by combining those two. The more flavours food products have in common the shorter the distance between the food products.

Tag(s): foodpairing cooking recipes

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THIS IS GOSPEL...worship and proclamation

2008-07-18T08:25:00.000-07:00

Revelation 5

‘You are worthy to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
for you were slaughtered and by your blood you ransomed for God
saints from every tribe and language and people and nation;
10you have made them to be a kingdom and priests serving our God,
and they will reign on earth.’
Revelation 5:9-10 NRSV

Worship:
the proclamation spoken
to God,
"You are worthy..."
heavy words
dense words
beyond me, us.

Gospel:
the proclamation spoken to God
before others,
"You are worthy..."
heavy words,
dense words
compelling decision.

Tag(s): "new testament" poetry revelation

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Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. http://www.esv.org/

"IN TRUE KNOWLEDGE"

2008-07-17T09:25:00.000-07:00

"in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord"

2 Peter 1-3

path
or shallows
or weeds
or embedded:
four soils--
four learnings.

Only one bears fruit.

True knowledge
--thinking-feeling-willing--
this is what I need:
facts,
truth,
Him.

Tag(s): "2 peter" "new testament" poetry

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Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. http://www.esv.org/

"WITHOUT DISCERNING THE BODY"

2008-07-15T08:15:00.000-07:00

Thoughts on 1 Corinthians 11:27-32 after reading the beginning of Gordon Fee's chapter, "History as Context for Interpretation," in The Act of Bible Reading.

For most of my life I have considered 1 Corinthians 11:29, "For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself," to refer to self-examination regarding proper understanding of the elements--bread and cup. Reading this verse in its context does not support that interpretation.

11:17-22 Paul condemns the Corinthians for social division of the church during communion
11:23-26 Paul reminds them of the meaning and manner of communion
11:27-32 Christians are in danger of judgment if they celebrate communion without discerning the body
11:33-34 Paul commands the Corinthians to practice unity during communion

I now realize, looking at the context, that "discerning the body" refers to understanding the nature of the church--its unity. The inclusio (vv 17-22 and vv 33-34) focuses on the inherent unity of the church and the sinfulness of social status division in communion.

I have always attended churches that take communion in tiny cups and tiny pieces of bread, prefacing the eating of the elements with a call to examine ourselves (whether for sin, general worthiness, or proper understanding of elements) and to do so solemnly. I do not think I have ever heard the officiant call for us to celebrate our unity in Christ by taking this one loaf and this one cup. Our extreme individualism--individual-sized cups and loaves and individual examination--put us in danger of God's judgment. Church is not a mere collection of individuals--as me-and-Jesus were enough. We are necessarily a people and this passage in 1 Corinthians pounds home just how serious God is about our unity as his people (v 30).

Tag(s): eucharist hermeneutics exegesis "gordon fee"ecclesiology

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Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. http://www.esv.org/

REMEMBERING, BECOMING, and STRIVING

2008-07-14T15:02:00.000-07:00

2 Peter 3

3:1-2 "remembering the prophetic words"
Torah
Nevi'im
Ketuvim
Gospels
Letters
Apocalypse

In all these the heart of God speaks
to my heart.
Will I listen?
Will I remember?

3:3-13 "in which righteousness dwells"

Centuries of usurpers,
believing God
wound it up
and went off to play.

They have made this place
alien
to God,
to his righteousness.

But God
is making a new place,
a place at home
for God himself,
for his righteousness,
for his people.

And we,
we wait,
eager and hungry.

3:14-18 "be diligent to be found"

While waiting,
strive.
Seemingly antithetical,
but not.

this waiting,
eager,
expectant,
leans forward,
looking for Kingdom come.

this striving,
trustful,
grace-filled,
sweats the happy sweat of design,
becoming spotless and blameless,
and his.

NOTE: passage quotations are my own translation.

Tag(s): "2 peter" "new testament" poetry

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Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. http://www.esv.org/

FOR CERTAINTY

2008-07-13T20:08:00.000-07:00

Splat after Luke 1-24

written for certainty,
this truth:
embedded,
ruminated,
percolated to the core of being.

Good News of Messiah,
good news to Israel,
good news to women,
good news to outcasts,
good news to Gentiles,
good news to us.

Kingdom seed,
planted,
growing.

Covert now.

The Lord God has spoken;
who can but prophesy.

Tag(s): new testament poetry

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Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. http://www.esv.org/

ALMOST BACK

2008-07-12T17:47:00.000-07:00

mountains
fir
pin
oak
grey squirrels
one covert chipmunk, sneaking across the patio
one bottle-breaking raccoon
several blue jays, robins, hummingbirds, and finches
dining
relaxing under a plethora of umbrellas
a bit of rain
a lot of heat
some cool days
movies
bbq
reading a prof's unpublished book
keeping up with NT reading
sleeping under the stars
living (mostly) without the web
digging ditches
hauling rocks
painting a gate
just hanging
restarting Lectio Divina (thanks to Dr. R. Saucy for the little push)

yup, it's been vacation...back in a couple days.

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Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. http://www.esv.org/

THIS "GENDER REASSIGNMENT" IS WINDOW DRESSING

2008-07-03T14:12:00.000-07:00

BBC NEWS | Americas | US 'pregnant man' has baby girl: "An American man who was born female but underwent gender realignment surgery, has given birth to a female baby, US media have reported."

This is wrong.

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HEAR-UNDERSTAND-PROCLAIM

2008-07-03T11:36:00.000-07:00

Splat after Mark 1-16

Good News,
in words, written.

Good News,
incarnated:
Messiah,
Preacher,
Deliverer,
Died and Living One.

Proclaimed by Roman soldiers,
while disciples cower
in silence.

Hear.
Understand.
Proclaim.

Tag(s): new testament poetry

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Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. http://www.esv.org/

new rumination: DEEP BELIEFS DETERMINE OUR BEHAVIORS AND EMOTIONS

2008-07-02T08:46:00.000-07:00

Who in the world are we?: DEEP BELIEFS DETERMINE OUR BEHAVIORS AND EMOTIONS

NAMING THE OFFENSE and FORGIVING THE OFFENDER

2008-07-01T13:16:00.000-07:00

Reflections on TFB's June 29, 2008 Sunday sermon.

This past Sunday, Pastor Charlie preached on forgiveness.

This morning I blessed with a road test:

This morning at the bus stop, I asked (in what I believe was a polite manner) two of my fellow bus stoppers if they would smoke downwind from me, as I do not smoke. Neither gave me consideration. One remained silent while the other launched into a, frankly, hateful tirade about smokers' rights, bossy white people (like me, I presume...??), and how I had no right to tell him where he could and could not smoke. (NOTE: I asked, not told, and moved when they refused my request.) Here was this man, hurling foul language and racial epithets at me, when all I did was request consideration.

A few facts:

To my knowledge, I did nothing wrong before, during, or after the tirade.
His response was intentional and antagonistic.
He made unjust accusations based on his stereotyping of my race.
Both his smoke and his words did real harm.
I will likely see him tomorrow at the bus stop.
I must decide how I will respond.

Therefore,

I will name the offenses: verbal assault and racism.
I will NOT downgrade the offense.
I will NOT breath his smoke.
I will remember that such immediate and intense anger usually arises from deep hurt.
I will treat him with the respect due another human person.
More than that, I will treat him with kindness.
I will NOT intentionally add to his hurt.
I will NOT put myself in a position that allows him to hurt me.

Tag(s): sermon responsibility racism forgiveness

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UNPACKING THE DANCE--after Jones: Beliefs, Desires, Practices, and the Ends of Theological Education

2008-06-24T12:03:00.000-07:00

Questions

What does it look like to integrate formation beyond mere homework assignments?
In a university-based seminary setting, what can the seminary do to positively influence undergraduate and other graduate schools without causing offense?
Given that seminary is higher education, how does study influence affections and behavior? How might this influence be leveraged to produce better Christian leaders?
What does a church-based academy look like? Who are its teachers? What is the relationship with the seminary? What forms of governance would function most effectively? What sorts of subjects would be taught? Might this be combined with a Christian college preparatory academy?
In seminary, how might various teaching/learning methodologies be leveraged to prioritize formation over information-transfer?
What might educational psychology bring to the table?

Added ideas drawn from:
"Beliefs, Desires, Practices, and the Ends of Theological Education"
by L. Gregory Jones
in Practicing Theology
Ed. by Miroslav Volf and Dorothy C. Bass

Tag(s): spiritual formation spiritual practices

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Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. http://www.esv.org/

Wordle - 2 Peter 1:5-7

2008-06-24T11:41:00.000-07:00

Wordle - 2 Peter 1:5-7
based on my translation from UBS4

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NEW TESTAMENT WORDLES

2008-06-24T09:36:00.001-07:00

Marked by Faith has Wordled some NT books...very cool.

Here's links to three on the recent-current-next Sanctify study list:
1 Peter
2 Peter
Jude

ht to the blogger whose name just flew out of my brain right after the tab was closed...sorry.

Tag(s): wordle new testament

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Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. http://www.esv.org/

UNPACKING THE DANCE--Pauw: Attending to the Gaps between Beliefs and Practices

2008-06-23T13:08:00.000-07:00

The belief mix is composed of both true and untrue beliefs. True beliefs are those that correspond to the way things actually are. Untrue beliefs do not.

The behavior mix is composed of both good and ungood behaviors. Good behaviors fulfill their divinely intended function, are characterized by beauty and elegance, and lead to excellence. Ungood behaviors do not.

The belief mix and behavior mix influence one another. The belief mix nurtures the behavior mix and the behavior mix stimulates the belief mix. *

Affections provide the force* of influence. Affections include values, desires, dispositions, and emotions. They influence and are influenced by both belief and behavior.

Praxis is the complex of influences involved in the process of reflective action. It can be intentional or unintentional (or both).

QUESTIONS

What does Pauw mean by nurture and stimulus?
How is the affective dimension changed?
How do communal and individual contexts influence this process?
What is the role of the Holy Spirit in this process?
How far can/should we take the analogy of force in describing the function of the affections in praxis?

Ideas drawn from:
"Attending to the Gaps between Beliefs and Practices"
by Amy Plantinga Pauw
in Practicing Theology
Ed. by Miroslav Volf and Dorothy C. Bass

Tag(s): spiritual formation spiritual practices

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Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. http://www.esv.org/

THIS PRACTICED DISPOSITION

2008-06-21T22:16:00.000-07:00

Splat after Matthew 1-21

God, help this practiced disposition,
our own things so large,
yours and others' fade away.
Into this you came.
Into this you come.

Into this you are coming
to us
for your glory,
with us
for your glory,
teaching us
for your glory,
healing us
for your glory,
calling us
for your glory,
sending us
for your glory.

You,
Promised One,
Prophesied One,
Kingdom-Bringer,
Decision-Forcer.

Tag(s): new testament poetry

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Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. http://www.esv.org/

UNPACKING THE DANCE--Dykstra and Bass on a theology of Christian practice

2008-06-17T11:56:00.000-07:00

Idea for Dancing on the Monkey Bars: The dance is lived theology, the indivisible intermixing of theoria and poiesis that is summed up in praxis (reflective action). Theoria informs poiesis and poiesis informs theoria. In the living of it, the dancers, when honest to the true dance, increasingly become like Jesus, the Master Dancer.

Ideas drawn from:
"A Theological Understanding of Christian Practices"
by Craig Dykstra and Dorothy C. Bass
in Practicing Theology
Ed. by Miroslav Volf and Dorothy C. Bass

Read the underlying chapter summary on Stuff I've Read.

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Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. http://www.esv.org/

HEART TROUBLE

2008-06-16T08:08:00.000-07:00

Reflections on TFB's June 15, 2008 Sunday sermon.

Anger is not sin. Our response is another thing altogether.

"anger" and "angry" in Proverbs

Proverbs 14:29
Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding,but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.

Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turns away wrath,but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 15:18
A hot-tempered man stirs up strife,but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.

Proverbs 16:32
Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty,and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

Proverbs 19:11
Good sense makes one slow to anger,and it is his glory to overlook an offense.

Proverbs 20:2
The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion;whoever provokes him to anger forfeits his life.

Proverbs 21:14
A gift in secret averts anger,and a concealed bribe, strong wrath.

Proverbs 22:14
The mouth of forbidden women is a deep pit; he with whom the LORD is angry will fall into it.

Proverbs 22:24
Make no friendship with a man given to anger,nor go with a wrathful man,

Proverbs 24:18
lest the LORD see it and be displeased,and turn away his anger from him.

Proverbs 25:23
The north wind brings forth rain,and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.

Proverbs 27:4
Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming,but who can stand before jealousy?

Proverbs 29:22
A man of wrath stirs up strife,and one given to anger causes much transgression.

Proverbs 30:33
For pressing milk produces curds,pressing the nose produces blood,and pressing anger produces strife.

Tag(s): sermon responsibility

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Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. http://www.esv.org/