Luke 13:18-19 Then Jesus asked, ‘What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches.’ I wonder what it was like for those first […]
Grace and peace be to you in the name of our Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Let us pray: our Most Heavenly Gracious Father, we thank you for the gift of your Word and as we think on these things, open our hearts and our mind to hear you, we pray in Jesus mighty Name. […]
While we now, thank God, seem to be on the download curve in relation to Omicron, there is still a lingering sense of un-ease. The world as we knew it has not been returned to us, and we can feel – consciously or unconsciously – that we are living in an alien land. Everywhere we […]
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. (Isaiah 9:2a) When we were in Papua New Guinea, we often experienced the phenomenon of flying ants swarming to the night light, especially if there was rain around. It would get […]
‘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 […]