“Following Jesus will mean surrendering the power that masquerades as security in order to love the neighbor and welcome the stranger. It will mean avoiding the safe path in order to pursue the good.” – Scott Bader-Saye We’ve been studying some of Jesus’ challenging teaching in Matthew 10. Last week (Matthew 10:24-37) Jesus said he…
“God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son… We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him.” Romans 8:29 (Msg) “We look at this Son and see God’s…
Have you ever noticed how God places people and things in front of you when you need to embrace them the most? Over the last few months, thru Women’s Bible Study, Wednesday nights at The Well, general conversations with family and friends or even notes from the past, God has placed the word Light on and…
Dear Brothers and Sisters, In verse 40 of Matthew’s 10th chapter, Jesus cites a well-known rabbinic principle of the first century—“Whoever welcomes you welcomes me.” This teaching dictated that the representative of a person is like herself. By adding, “and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me ,” Jesus’ promise to the disciples…
A friend recently posted a picture of the room where she meditates. On the wall was The Tree of Life. I sent her a picture of our Tree of Life (shown above) and explained to her that we got ours from Haiti and it was made from the lid of an oil drum. Then I started thinking; What’s…
It was beautiful morning to “gather” for Father’s Day. We dove into Matthew 10:24-39 and Jesus’ challenging words that following him means putting God first, even before family. But God loves us too much to let us off with easy. If you were unable to be with us, you can watch here. See photos here.…
The following men were remembered on Father’s Day with a gift to the Ready to Bless Fund. This fund is used to join Jesus in his mercy to change me, we and the world through financial resources to: Feed vulnerable children and families Provide resources for women and children living in poverty and homelessness Build relationships among neighbors Bring people together in…
How does God pay attention to all that is going on in our world? Billions of people, animals and plants from the oceans to the mountaintops. And yet, we hear Jesus say in Matthew 10:29-31, “What’s the price of a pet canary? Some loose change, right? And God cares what happens to it even more…
Have you lost your saltiness and hidden your light? The Similitudes 13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 “You are the light of the world.…
“Summer is the season when nature comes into its fullness.” Angeles Arrien Summer begins on Saturday, June 21. Not only does nature come into its fullness, but we too can move toward fullness during these long, warm days. A prayer by Joyce Rupp and Macrina Wiederkehr: May you breathe in the beauty of summer with…