Many of Paul’s letters follow a similar format, especially at the beginning. They open with a greeting to specific people or communities. Then Paul presents the thanksgiving portion of the letter,...

Callings come in a variety of forms, and we see many ways of responding. Today’s psalm reminds us of the calling Moses and Aaron responded to as priests. Samuel, which means...

It is good to be known. In my local coffee shop, Gina knows me. She has been working there since it opened more than five years ago and knows my name...

The parable we pondered yesterday continues. The king’s servants have invited anyone they could find to the banquet—good and bad folk filled the wedding hall. It would be nice if the...

Jesus loved to tell stories. And it seems he often enjoyed confusing his listeners! His parables are designed to express a truth about God or the way of life to which...

The mind can play terrible tricks at night, keeping itself wide awake in the dark. One after another, life’s cares and concerns arise and demand attention, setting loose adrenaline to fight...

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.” Beautiful words simply put yet so difficult to achieve. Perhaps that’s why Paul has to repeat the invitation. But what does...

The psalmist sings praise to the Lord and gives thanks because the Lord’s steadfast love endures forever. But then the psalmist acknowledges a bitter truth: “Both we and our ancestors have...

Moses meets with God on the mountain, but the Israelites in the valley below decide he is taking too long. Before you know it, they’ve convinced hapless Aaron to build a...

The psalmist lovingly reveals God’s gentle yet mighty care for creation. The earth yields all that we need because God visits it, waters it, and enriches it. God’s life-giving water supports...