God’s Realm Is Near

For Sunday, July 7, 2013 – Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 Often we think of twelve disciples, but here Jesus appoints a group of about 72 to go out ahead of him into every town he intends to go. They will test the waters, see where the welcome waits and where it does not. More importantly, they […]

For Freedom

For Sunday, June 30 – Galatians 5:1, 13-25 “For freedom Christ has set us free.”  This week will mark the 237th birthday of the United States. (Happy birthday, old friend!) Imagine with me, a country built on a dream of freedom for all. A vision of promise and hope and opportunity—but opportunity for what? To be a servant of […]

Desperate Times

For Sunday, June 23, 2013 – Luke 8:26-39 Desperate times call for desperate actions. His disciples had just come through a harrowing night at sea (while Jesus slept peacefully, you’ll recall). On their way to the other side a great wind had swept down on them and threatened to overtake them. Life happens that way. […]

To Love Well

For Sunday, June 16, 2013 – Luke 7:36-8:3 Immediate compassionate response trumps premeditated politeness. The host was thoughtful, no doubt, well-meaning and polite, curious about Jesus, but from a bit of a distance. The ‘sinning city woman’ knew nothing of distance. She was all-out passion. If the host was a small breeze, she was a blast of wind, a tangle of tears and […]