This past Saturday and Sunday was a time of unexpected blessings and miracles, signs of how God is active and alive and present in our world and in our lives when we are open and receptive to the possibilities. We celebrated a 25th anniversary renewing of vows ceremony, several children receiving their first communion and aContinue reading “Blessings and Miracles”
Tag Archives: faith
The Righteous Live by Faith
Faith was the theme for yesterday’s worship, but not just any faith. It is a life-transforming faith, one that demonstrates the very presence of God moving, alive, and active in God’s people. In response to Habakkuk’s (Hab. 1:1-4, 2:1-4) oracle, the Lord answered him that “the righteous live by their faith” (Hab. 2:4b). But just what does itContinue reading “The Righteous Live by Faith”
Back to Church
This past Sunday we observed and celebrated “National Back to Church Sunday“. A day observed by thousands of churches across the country. In it we discussed the importance and effects of it. In Acts 2:42-47 we are given a beautiful picture of what it means to be the church. But we must ask ourselves: Are we engaged in the lifeContinue reading “Back to Church”
Freedom
Freedom flows through all the readings the readings below. Moses reminds us in Deuteronomy 30:15-20 that the people of Israel have the freedom to choose between life and prosperity or death and adversity. Ironically, this freedom to choose life comes through the freedom to choose obedience to the commands of God. In other words, Moses tells theContinue reading “Freedom”
A Kingdom For the Little Flock
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32-40) Jesus promises the kingdom to us, his little flock, straining our minds with this uninhibited generosity. Even to us, so little and undeserving? Even to us, in the face of so many things to beContinue reading “A Kingdom For the Little Flock”
Dying To Be Rich
“All is vanity and a chasing after the wind,” says Ecclesiastes (1:2, 12-14 & 2:18-23), yet we chase wealth like it will last forever, forgetting that we ourselves will one day die and that everything we have stored up here will be useless to us. Into the tragedy of our human drive to be richContinue reading “Dying To Be Rich”
Our Persistent, Negotiating Prayer Life
Yesterday’s readings (Genesis 18:20-32; Colossians 2:6-19; Luke 11:1-13) incorporated several themes: negotiation, commands, persistence, and expectation. And surrounding all these themes is a bigger theme: boldness. Abraham is bold in speaking with God, so bold in fact that he not only negotiates with the Almighty, the Almighty willingly grants his request. Abraham had no fearContinue reading “Our Persistent, Negotiating Prayer Life”
Showing Up
Close your eyes and picture Jesus and his followers together. Most likely people either picture Jesus sitting around with the twelve disciples or standing in the midst of thousands preaching and teaching. Yet in yesterday’s gospel Jesus has seventy followers close enough that he trusts them to be sent out in pairs to heal theContinue reading “Showing Up”
The Authority of Jesus
We feel powerless when life’s storms rage about us. Despite our best efforts, we cannot navigate those dangers without the hand of God to guide and free us. In the gospel (Luke 8:26-39), the man with demons was unable to help himself. His affliction had caused him to be chained and shackled by his community.Continue reading “The Authority of Jesus”
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