Luke 14:1, 7-14 Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 Perhaps it is because it is such a remarkable image of the Reign of God which is depicted in the last part of our reading from Luke today that I am hard pressed to come up with anything in my life or experience which even comes close. Indeed, it …
Everything Else Falls Away: A Crippling Spirit No More!
Luke 13:10-17 I sat across the table from a friend of more than thirty years. The call came through with the wondrous news that they were now grandparents. His eyes filled up with tears of joy as he leaned into his phone, listening to his son’s long awaited news. For yes, this day has been …
This Great Cloud of Witnesses
Hebrews 11:29-12:2 As I read these familiar words from Hebrews this week, I found myself wondering about the litany of heroes before us now. Indeed, I wondered at how familiar most will be with them. I have attempted here to capture in a few words what we know about each one: Gideon (Judges 6-8) I …
Treasure… “Not Garbage”
Luke 12:32-48 I was out on my bicycle a couple of early mornings ago. As I returned home on my street, this caught my eye. Now it was the first of the month and the dwelling this pile of ‘treasures’ stood in front of is a rental, so I expect someone’s lease was up and …
The Real Tragedy of the Story…
Luke 12:13-21 I have been on sabbatical since the first of June. In order to give myself a true break, I posted old blogs to cover the time I was away. Although I will be back in the pulpit this Sunday, I was concerned I would not have the time or the focus to get …
Being Rich Toward God…
Luke 12:13-21 The parable Jesus offers now is surely about an individual and choices he has made. And yet, I have found myself thinking instead about the choices we make collectively as God’s people about our ‘barns’ and all they hold. About what matters and what doesn’t. About what it means for us together to …
A Young Man, His Dog and How Much More Will the Heavenly Father Give…
Luke 11:1-13 I was running errands for my mother this week. I had made a stop at the grocery store. On her list was watermelon and they were out of it so I decided to try another store. As I walked towards the entrance I noticed a large black dog wearing a brown scarf around …
In the Presence of the Holy: Mary and Martha
As you will note in the examples offered below, this blog reflection was first posted in July of 2016. While the headlines are different, It seems the stories and their potential meaning are much the same. May these words still be a blessing to you. — Pastor Janet Luke 10:38-42 I found myself walking under …
The Samaritan: Where is God at Work in the World?
Luke 10:25-37 I will admit that it can be challenging to hear this parable of Jesus and actually hear anything new. We have heard it so many times, of course, and more than that, there are so many overlays of interpretation and understanding — both cultural and otherwise — that it can be difficult to …
An Owner’s Manual for Missionaries
Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 I purchased a ‘new’ used car last week. My old one was starting to show its 114,000 miles and it was time. When I got home I pulled out the owner’s manual. Never mind that it’s the same make and model as my last car, things change in 7 years. I smiled …