Friday, May 3, 2019 | Reflections
What a bold declaration of faith Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego make: Lord, we’re going to trust you, even if you don’t answer our prayer the way we want it answered. For their refusal to worship idols and other gods, the three are condemned t….(View this...
Thursday, May 2, 2019 | Reflections
When John speaks to the crowds waiting to be baptized, he tells them that this blessing of baptism is going to cost them something—changed lives. The waters of baptism are not of the soak-in-the-tub luxury bubble bath or quick-cleansing variety. They are waters meant...
Wednesday, May 1, 2019 | Reflections
The sturdiest tree does not grow in the shadeBut it is out in open air that its sturdiness is made.There is where the tree is firmed and formed to become shelter and shade.As well, a thing of beauty.Its roots watered by adversity….(View this reading and more...
Tuesday, April 30, 2019 | Reflections
Storytelling is a part of life, and this activity helps us make sense of the world, teaching us how to handle the hard days. Stories educate, inspire, and build relationships. The story of Daniel interpreting Nebuchadnezzar’s dream is one of our essential stories of...
Monday, April 29, 2019 | Reflections
Mark places the baptism of Jesus right at the very beginning of his gospel—no annunciation, no nativity story, just straight into the action—telling us about a voice from heaven declaring Jesus as God’s beloved son. Mark’s story sounds very much like the way we...
Sunday, April 28, 2019 | Reflections
Every once in a while, we come across a story that we just cannot believe, and the disciples are no different. Thomas is slow to believe the good news of Jesus’ resurrection—but he is not slow to grasp its implications as he cries out, “My Lord and my God!”...
Saturday, April 27, 2019 | Reflections
Each of us is called into ministry with Jesus in some way that uses our special gifts and talents. Jesus’ last instructions to his apostles are to proclaim the good news of salvation to the people of Israel and all the nations. God’s love and gift of salvation is for...
Friday, April 26, 2019 | Reflections
Think for a moment about people you truly love—heroines and heroes, family members, teachers, or camp counselors. When we love people, we have special thoughts or memories tied to them. So it is natural for the psalmist to speak of a deep, personal love for God. Psalm...
Thursday, April 25, 2019 | Reflections
The disciples have been on the ultimate emotional roller coaster. With Christ, they have witnessed many miracles, been taught how to treat each other and the world, been given power to heal and cast out demons, and have sat at Jesus’ feet to glean and marvel over his...
Wednesday, April 24, 2019 | Reflections
The longest walk we will ever experience is away from the gravesite of a loved one. This walk evokes many emotions, as memories flash before our eyes of how things used to be. Luke describes the two people on the road to Emmaus as being in deep despair, attempting to...
