Today’s readings: Isaiah 63:15–64:9; 1 Timothy 3:1-16; Mark 11:27–12:12 Among clergy, it is well known that female pastors often struggle with issues of authority. Even in our modern age, many Christians vehemently and vocally oppose the ordination of women. Some mistakenly justify their views by likening sex to sexuality, defending the exclusion of women from

Today’s readings: Isaiah 63:7-14; 1 Timothy 1:18–2:15; Mark 11:12-26 I admit the verses from 1 Timothy can be hard to take in, given the current realities at work in our country. While Paul is encouraging Timothy to wage the good warfare, often our conflicts and battles on social networking, in our congregations, families, and in our

Today’s readings: Isaiah 63:1-6; 1 Timothy 1:1-17; Mark 11:1-11 Upon his triumphal entry, the people of Jerusalem rightly recognized Jesus as their king. Yet, by the week’s end, twisted words and false accusations caused shouts of “hosanna!” to be overcome by shouts of “crucify!” Today, twisted words and faulty doctrine have the same effect. They continue

Today’s readings: Isaiah 62:6-12; 1 John 2:3-11; John 8:12-19 In North American winters, days are short and nights are long. The sun is farther away. Tulip bulbs on my window sill strain toward its oblique rays. I know a brighter day is coming. But when? As if in answer, the writer of 1 John illuminates: “The

Today’s readings: Isaiah 61:10–62:5; 2 Timothy 4:1-8; Mark 10:46-52 I was a Boy Scout, and later worked for the Boy Scouts to get myself through school. As you may know, the Scout motto is, “Be Prepared.” Those two words are a perfect summary of our reading from 2 Timothy for today. We are to “Be

Today’s readings: Isaiah 61:1-9; 2 Timothy 3:1-17; Mark 10:32-45 As my son travels through middle school, I notice that his class assignments are more of a challenge for him (and my wife and me). Science became deeper. Math is more detailed. It is a humbling experience to walk with him as both helper and learner,

Today’s readings: Isaiah 60:1-22; 2 Timothy 2:14-26; Mark 10:17-31 If I go to a physician and ask the question, “What must I do to get healthy?,” I expect a prescription of a medicine, a new diet, or a fitness regimen. But this prescription should fit into my life as it is. I do not expect

Today’s readings: Isaiah 59:1-21; 2 Timothy 1:15–2:13; Mark 10:1-16 My arm was too short a couple of days ago. My four-year-old son had kicked a DVD under the couch and, try as I might, I just couldn’t reach it — not with my hand, not with a ruler, not even with a hockey stick. I ended