‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble … though the waters roar and foam … the Lord of hosts is with us’ (Psalm 46:1,3–4). Many years ago, I prayed portions of this psalm over and over again as I was on a mission boat, buffeted by strong trade winds as […]
Hear the word of the Lord as recorded in John’s gospel: Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. (Jn. 16:7 ESV) As you […]
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. (Philippians 1:3–5 Revised Edition) “because of your sharing in the gospel” – (NRSV) Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi […]
Many of us have seen movies, and if you haven’t watched Avengers Infinity: Endgame – spoiler alert, there is one in there as well – where before a battle, or someone dies, or at that important point in the movie, someone gives a motivational talk, a bold speech, words of encouragement, words of truth, words […]
Exodus 21:23-25 But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise. We are in an unusual place today. We are western Christians, working with Indian Christians and surrounded by Hindus and Buddhists. […]
Text: Mark 10:35-45 35 James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” 36 And he said to them, “What is it you want me to do for you?” 37 And they said to him, “Grant us to […]
He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. John 21:6 It wasn‘t quite the 153 that the disciples pulled in – but if boat limits allowed, we would […]
Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were [...]
I lift up my eyes to the hills – from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your [...]
“’Love comes to life” in the church is the tag line for the celebration of 175 years of LCA’s mission. A tag line which I deeply appreciate and more than agree with. While it is true that “love comes to life” in the church through the preaching of the gospel and diaconal work, through which […]