Fri Mar 12-God Can
Faith and doubt often live right next door to each other.
Devotional
Thu Mar 12-Taking Advantage
Can you think of a time when you took advantage of the fact that you would be forgiven for something you were very aware that you shouldn’t have done?
Devotional
Wed Mar 4-Evidence of Grace
We don’t see God in much the same way we don’t see electricity, wind, or gravity. These things are invisible—but their effects are unmistakable.
Devotional
Wed Feb 25-Simon of Cyrene
I came to Jerusalem to worship, not to take part in a public execution.
Devotional
Thu Feb 19-Depending on God
Ash Wednesday faith may be the hardest kind of faith to live into. We understand Easter faith — resurrection and hope. We understand Good Friday faith — sacrifice and love. But Ash Wednesday faith makes us squirm.
Devotional
Wed Feb 11-The Only Force Capable
Ok, first things first – this Bible passage does NOT give you license to dump your Weber over your enemy’s head at your next backyard BBQ.
Devotional
Thu Feb 5-Taking It Out of Context
Many of us who grew up in more evangelical churches are familiar with Isaiah 1:18. I remember memorizing it even as a second and third grader. It was key to understanding what was really valued in the church of my earliest memory.
Devotional
Mon Feb 2-Groundhog Day
Today is Groundhog Day and because of the movie, Groundhog Day has gotten a bad rap. In the current state of affairs, however, it may seem apropos – we can feel like we are trapped in a cycle of horrible news.
Devotional
Wed Jan 28-Because God Does, So Do We
At least once a year, I have some occasion to speak with new clergy in the UMC about the practice of preaching. It’s always a joy for me to be able to share thoughts about a topic I’m so passionate about.
Devotional
Wed Jan 14-Where Love & Truth Meet
“Faithful love and truth have met; righteousness and peace have kissed.” There are many beautiful lines of scripture, but this one is among my absolute favorites. So much so that every year on Christmas Eve, I find myself reaching for a similar image in the pastoral prayer: “Heaven and earth have kissed on this holy night.”
Devotional
Tue Dec 30-Sit Down, Slow Down, Phone Down
Total celebration – fullness of joy – abundance of joy. This is what it means to be in God’s presence. Do you remember the last time you experienced that level of joy?
Devotional
Tue Dec 23-Longing for Truth
Oh, how we long for truth in these times. We ache for leaders who decide what is right and just—not by what polls well, not by what looks good on the surface, and certainly not by what benefits them personally. Where are such people to be found?
