Today’s readings: Deuteronomy 6:1-15; Hebrews 1:1-14; John 1:1-18 What’s on your heart today? Each day we carrying all sorts of burdens, cares and concerns. People are grieving the loss of loved ones. They are struggling with unemployment and providing for...
Isaiah 46:1-13; Ephesians 6:10-24; Mark 5:1-20 How often we fall prey to our frailties due to misconceptions of personal power. I once placed second in a national Ju-Jutsu tournament and was rather full of myself. Soon to be black...
Isaiah 42:18–43:13; Ephesians 3:14-21; Mark 2:23–3:6 Clarity of vision is something we all seek, particularly as we grow older and face such hindrances as cataracts, “floaters,” macular degeneration, and other eye conditions that come with aging. Many people courageously...
Isaiah 41:17-29; Ephesians 2:11-22; Mark 2:1-12 One form of contemplation is to sit with, think about, and place yourself as one of the people in the middle of the texts. Today, we can do this by considering the faithful...
Isaiah 49:13-23; Isaiah 54:1-13; Matthew 18:1-14 We are reminded (Isa 49) that as some are suffering even in this season of Christmas, “the Lord has comforted and will have compassion on the afflicted.” He knows what they are feeling...
Proverbs 8:22-30; 1 John 5:1-12; John 13:20-35 Proverbs, chapter 8, is a wonderful, contemplative passage on wisdom. During my seminary education, it was stated that ministry is a life of study. It is important for many students of the...
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and...
Monday of the Week of Advent II But as to the times and seasons, brethren, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord will come like...
Sunday of the Week of Advent II Let me sing for my beloved a love song concerning his vineyard… for the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are his...
Joel 2:12-19; Revelation 19:11-21; Luke 15:1-10 God and all of his angels rejoice when even one sinner repents. Lost sheep and even prodigals are welcomed into the kingdom if they turn to God, rending their hearts through faith in...