This week we begin an adventure. I am guiding this adventure using the following book: D. Mason Rutledge, Memorize This (Th1nk Books: 2003), ISBN # 1-57683-457-3, $9.99 (amazon.com has it for $8.99). You DO NOT need the book to join the adventure.
I offer the verses in two versions. The New Revised Standard Version
(NRSV) from which I usually preach and study. The other version has
stood the test of time as well, the New International Version (NIV). If
you purchase Memorize This the verse cards in the back are
available in four versions: the NIV, the New Living Translation, the
King James Version, and the New King James Version. To challenge
myself, I am working through this adventure in the NIV so that I am
reading the old, old story in a differing translation. You make your
choice accordingly.
So the journey begins …
Henri Nouwen once said: "Becoming the Beloved means letting the truth of our Belovedness become enfleshed in everything we think, say, and do" (Memorize This,
19). With the word "Beloved" Nouwen points us toward the words Jesus
heard as he emerged from the waters of the Jordan at his baptism: "This
is my beloved son with whom I am well-pleased." In our baptism, and in
our renewal of our baptismal vows in worship yesterday, God says the
same thing to each one of us … you are my Beloved Son … you are my
Beloved Daughter. God loves you!
Front Porch Reflections 