In Any Case View in browser August 3, 2023 In Any Case Martha Spong I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned for me but had no opportunity to show it. – Philippians 4:10 (NRSVUE) As he moves toward the closing of … Read more
Beauty Despite Bigotry View in browser August 2, 2023 Beauty Despite Bigotry Kenneth Samuel When Pharoah calls you in and asks, “What is your occupation?” you should answer, “Your servants have tended livestock from our boyhood on, just as our fathers did.” Then you will be allowed to settle in the region of Goshen, for … Read more
The Years the Locust Has Eaten View in browser August 1, 2023 The Years the Locust Has Eaten Vince Amlin “O children of Zion, be glad and rejoice in the Lord your God. I will repay you for the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great … Read more
Daily Devotional for Small Group Discussion: Test Everything View in browser July 31, 2023 Test Everything Chris Mereschuk But test everything; hold fast to what is good. – 1 Thessalonians 5:21 (NRSV) My daughter is the Total Skeptic variety of PK (Pastor’s Kid): not interested in church, not inclined to simply accept what she is … Read more
Holy Advocacy View in browser July 30, 2023 Holy Advocacy Matt Laney Jesus said, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever.” – John 14:15-16 (NRSV) In seminary I received a new, very expensive vocabulary. Peculiar words like hermeneutics, eschatology, soteriology, and heuristic were common vernacular. … Read more
Compassion in the Desert View in browser July 29, 2023 Compassion in the Desert Talitha Arnold In those days when there was again a great crowd without anything to eat, [Jesus] called his disciples and said to them, “I have compassion for the crowd.” – Mark 8:1-2a (NRSV) The Christian faith really isn’t all that … Read more
Laboring in Vain View in browser July 28, 2023 Laboring in Vain Anthony B. Robinson “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel; I will give as a light to the nations.” – Isaiah 49:6 (NRSV) Ever … Read more
Account View in browser July 27, 2023 Account Quinn G. Caldwell “I tell you, on the day of judgement you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter.” – Matthew 12:36 (NRSVUE) Well, crap. I mean, shoot! I mean, sorry Jesus! Some of us are out here talking about how Jesus … Read more
On Making a List View in browser July 26, 2023 On Making a List Vicki Kemper Thank God! Tell everyone you meet what God has done! Sing songs, belt out hymns, translate God’s wonders into music! Honor God’s holy name with Hallelujahs. Keep your eyes open for God, watch for God’s works; be alert for … Read more
Wonders and Miracles View in browser July 25, 2023 Wonders and Miracles Jennifer Ruth Lynn Garrison Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles. – Psalm 105:4-5a (NIV) The week after my acquaintance Mel died in an act of violence, I went back to … Read more