Scripture: Matthew 3:1-12 In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, 2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” 3 This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.’... Continue Reading →
Understanding God’s Promise in Times of Anxiety
But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel:Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;when you walk through fire you shall... Continue Reading →
Passing Peace
Scripture: Romans 14:13-23 13 So stop judging each other. Instead, this is what you should decide: never put a stumbling block or obstacle in the way of your brother or sister. 14 I know and I’m convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is wrong to eat in itself. But if someone thinks something is wrong to... Continue Reading →
Text for the Week: God’s Gift
Scripture: Luke 2:1-20 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be registered. 4 Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea,... Continue Reading →
Text for the Week: Where You Find Love
Scripture: Luke 1:46-56 46 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord,47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,48 for he has looked with favor on the lowly state of his servant. Surely from now on all generations will call me blessed,49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name;50 indeed, his mercy is... Continue Reading →
Text for the Week: Talk About Joy!
Scripture: Philippians 4:4-7 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of... Continue Reading →
Text for the Week: Guided along the Path of Peace
Scripture: Luke 1:68-79 68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them.69 He has raised up a mighty savior for us in the house of his child David,70 as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,71 that we would be saved from our enemies and from... Continue Reading →
Text for the Week: The Beatitudes part 3
Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the hillside, and sat down. His disciples came to him. 2He took a deep breath, and began his teaching: 3‘Blessings on the poor in spirit! The kingdom of heaven is yours. 4‘Blessings on the mourners! You’re going to be comforted. 5‘Blessings on the meek!... Continue Reading →
A Good God Goes to War: Who do we know?
I have come to the end of this little series with what was for me the beginning, appropriate that you are experiencing this in a different order from me. The idea for this series began as I thought about the themes in the season 6 episode A Good Man Goes to War where the Doctor... Continue Reading →
A Good God Goes to War: Alone and Unarmed
One of the most difficult elements in Doctor Who is the person of The Master/Missy (I'm going to use Missy because that is how the character is identified in the episode I'm reflecting on), this character is a longtime enemy of the Doctor and someone who seems to understand the Doctor and yet represent everything... Continue Reading →
Squinting in the Light 