And the Worst Penmanship Award Goes To…

And the Worst Penmanship Award Goes To… View in browser December 27, 2022 And the Worst Penmanship Award Goes To… John Edgerton See what large letters I make when I am writing in my own hand! – Galatians 6:11 (NRSV) Manuscripts in the ancient world were weird. They would be all in one consistent, compact, … Read more

The Prophet Mary

The Prophet Mary View in browser December 25, 2022 The Prophet Mary Kaji Douša God has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. – Luke 1:52 (NIV) Mary has words. Strong words. Prophetic words. Because—do realize—this was a prophecy. After Gabriel’s troubling visit, reflecting on what God has done with … Read more

Registration

Registration View in browser December 24, 2022 Registration Rachel Hackenberg In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. … Joseph went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and … Read more

Heritable

Heritable View in browser December 23, 2022 Heritable Quinn Caldwell Mary said, “God’s mercy is for those who fear God from generation to generation.” – Luke 1:50 (NRSV) In the winter of 1944-45, a German blockade in the occupied Netherlands cut off shipments of food and other necessities. The resulting famine is known as the … Read more

Is That Your Cat?

Is That Your Cat? View in browser December 22, 2022 Is That Your Cat? Lillian Daniel Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. – 1 Peter 4:9 (ESV) When the temperature dropped in Iowa, a stray skinny alley cat cried and shivered outside our backdoor, so we started setting out a bit of food. We … Read more

Sitting High … Looking Low

Sitting High … Looking Low View in browser December 21, 2022 Sitting High … Looking Low Ken Samuel Who is like the Lord our God, the One who sits enthroned on high, who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth? He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from … Read more

At Work in the World

At Work in the World View in browser December 20, 2022 At Work in the World Vicki Kemper God said to Rebekah, “Two nations are in your womb; two different peoples will emerge from your body.” … When she reached the end of her pregnancy, she discovered she had twins. -Genesis 25:23-24 (CEB) Christ is … Read more

Imagining Gutsy Mary

Daily Devotional for Small Group Discussion: Imagining Gutsy Mary View in browser December 19, 2022 Imagining Gutsy Mary Mary Luti Mary said, “My soul magnifies my God; for you have looked with favor on the lowliness of your servant. You have brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; you have … Read more

2 Legit 2 Quit

2 Legit 2 Quit View in browser December 18, 2022 2 Legit 2 Quit Phiwa Langeni God gives a hand to those down on their luck, gives a fresh start to those ready to quit. – Psalm 145 (MSG) In 1991, Hammer released his hit song, 2 Legit 2 Quit. The only lyrics I know … Read more