Push Out Into Deeper Waters Luke 5:1-11 Feb. 6, 2022 Jesus tells his soon-to-be first disciples, “Push out into deeper waters.” I wonder today what deeper waters Jesus calls us to navigate? My faith struggles are similar to Simon, the fisherman, who becomes Peter. Simon and his friends are doing ordinary work. The … Continue reading Push Out Into Deeper Waters
Mark 6:14-29 How many of you thrive on conflict? Some people enjoy the struggle and get energy from opposition. Arguing and pressing for a cause ignites them. This trait makes some people excellent social activists, and others are just bullies. But the majority of us are exhausted by conflict. When Jeanne and I argue, neither of us can sleep until … Continue reading Walking With Jesus in Herod’s World
Psalm 138 My garden is often my spiritual director. It’s not that I have mystical visions while planting radishes. Some gardeners find deep joy in nurturing lilies or having perfect tomato vines which obediently curl around a stake. Excellent gardens surround me who have that joy, the joy I find when I discover a Greek word changes the … Continue reading Abundant Soul-Strength
Acts 1:15-26. (Ascension Sunday) Photo by Julentto Photography on Unsplash Where do we go from here? What does the new Jesus Movement do after Christ ascends into heaven? Acts of the Apostles is the next chapter of Luke’s two-part series. Forty days ago, two disciples walked to Emmaus and met the Risen Christ in the breaking of bread. After 40 days … Continue reading Where Do We Go from Here?
Open Wide Your Hearts II Corinthians 6:1-13 April 25, 2021 Paul says , “Open wide your hearts.” How do we do that? Put your hand on your heart, as you do when you pledge, and try to feel the beat. The heart's job is to pump blood through the circulatory system. Oxygen-rich blood travels to 30 trillion cells in … Continue reading Open Wide Your Hearts
Easter Sunday Mark 16:1-8 “When is an ending not the end? When a dead man rises from the tomb-and when a Gospel ends in the middle of a sentence.” A great story is only as good as the ending. I like stories where the plot twists surprise me. The surprise can’t be too out of the blue, like … Continue reading When Is An Ending Not the End
Psalm 22 and Mark 15:33-39 (It is helpful to read both scriptures before reading this sermon, especially Psalm 22) What comes to mind for you when you think of the Psalms? Is it a part of the Bible you read? Do you have a favorite Psalm? If I quote, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not … Continue reading Cry Pain, Cry Hope
Mark 9:2-9 How is your prayer life? Has anyone ever asked you that question? It may feel intrusive, too private, or you feel guilty. It’s almost like asking someone how their sex life is going. Not just anyone can ask. There has to be a level of trust. I wonder why it feels like such a tricky question. In therapy, we are … Continue reading How Is Your Prayer Life?
John 1:43-51 "Can any good come out of Nazareth?" Hearing Nathaniel's ugly question brings a flash of red to my cheeks. This story is supposed to be inspiring about Jesus calling his first disciples, declaring the wonders they will see, like Jacob's ladder where angels ascend and descend, connecting heaven and earth. I'll get there, but … Continue reading Come and See
John 1:9-18 January 3, 2021 "The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world." We’ve had wonderful celestial lights in this solstice season of long nights and short days. I was awakened by the big full moon, glowing yellow and orange as it sets in the morning sky. The planets in our solar system aligned for … Continue reading A Lighthouse to Guide us Home
With all my soul 