When this perishable body puts on imperishability, and this mortal body puts on immortality, then the saying that is written will be fulfilled: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 “Christ is Risen, and you, o death, are annihilated! Christ […]
Lenten Devotional 2018
Unnamed Heroes
Soon afterwards he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, 2as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3and Joanna, the wife of Herod’s […]
Peacemakers
Wishing to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas for them, and after having Jesus scourged, he handed Him over to be crucified. Mark 15:15 As we reflect on the violence that is a part of Holy Week and give thanks for the young people who are calling us to work together to end gun violence […]
Maundy Thursday
Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he was saying to them. Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus […]
To the Hills
I lift up my eyes to the hills; from where does my help come? Psalm 121:1 Today I literally made space. I helped to clean out a huge closet that was stuffed floor-to-ceiling with moving boxes. We unpacked the boxes, figured out where each thing should go in our still new-to-us home, and determined what […]
When My Eyes Were Healed
As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, ‘Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.’ So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table […]
Positive Light
You, O God, are my strength and my shield; in you my heart trusts; so I am helped, and my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to you. Psalm 28:7 Two years ago, I told a friend I foresaw a shared living arrangement in my near future. Less than six months later, […]
For Our Lives
Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who […]
Where to Start
But strive first for the kingdom of God and its righteousness, and these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 A few weeks ago, Shane offered a Words with the Young People with a vivid metaphor for “putting first things first.” He started with two identical vases, each with a few larger […]
Through the Storm
What are human beings, that you make so much of them, that you set your mind on them, visit them every morning, test them every moment? Job 7:17-18 I worked alongside and became friends with Andy several years before I learned his backstory. I knew him to be a deeply faithful man, a very supportive […]