Monday, April 15, 2019 | Reflections
New tree saplings require support to ensure they grow upright. Once a sapling grows strong enough, the supports are removed and the tree remains straight, having grown strong inside and out. Old Testament laws provide an external support to the growing children of...
Sunday, April 14, 2019 | Reflections
The daughters of Jerusalem accompany Jesus to Calvary, weeping as a sign of their deep love for Jesus and lamenting his fate. Through parched lips, Jesus tells them to weep for their children and not for him. In the presence of weeping women, Jesus offers...
Saturday, April 13, 2019 | Reflections
The image of God writing on our hearts is so endearing. During seasons in which we struggle, it is good news to our souls to learn we can be used as a canvas for God to do something beautiful. I know for certain my canvas may not be the best medium. There are...
Friday, April 12, 2019 | Reflections
This passage from John reminds me of the late, great Aretha Franklin’s version of “O Mary Don’t You Weep.” The song describes the emotional story of Mary and Martha grieving the loss of Lazarus, disappointed that Jesus was not available to heal him. When...
Thursday, April 11, 2019 | Reflections
In a musical production, actors and musicians offer up many songs and spoken lines. Despite the diversity of instruments and vocal ranges, it is imperative that the acting company and orchestra all come together in harmony, melody, and action. In the same way, we too...
Wednesday, April 10, 2019 | Message from Bishop Thompson
Week Six: In Love With the Church or With Jesus? Autopsy of a Deceased Church by Thom S. Rainer At the House of Bishops (HOB) meeting this year one of our speakers asked us if we thought the Church was in love with the Church or with Jesus. This question made me sit...
Wednesday, April 10, 2019 | Reflections
I have so many security codes and personal identification numbers; I can mix them up if I am not careful. Sometimes I feel like these numbers have replaced my actual identity. These codes identify me and are part of the reality of doing business. Numbers may...
Tuesday, April 9, 2019 | Reflections
Our hearts are the cores of our beings—physically pumping blood and emotionally serving as the place where our judgment, character, and beliefs are formed. This complex muscle, and all the analogies we’ve drawn to understand it, allows us to serve and love God with...
Monday, April 8, 2019 | Reflections
People look at him but never really see him. The neighbors wonder about him but never really talk to him. The disciples only to see him out of a belief that his suffering equates to some kind of sin. But Jesus sees the whole of this man’s self—Jesus sees a vessel fit...
Sunday, April 7, 2019 | Reflections
Jesus knows a lot about economic stimulus plans from his study of the Torah: “You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the poor.” This plan demands we address the needs of the poor—not just in acts of charity but through the pursuit of biblical justice....
