Horses were a big deal in the Ancient Near East. Horses were a sign of wealth, they were a vehicle for war, they pulled chariots, carried kings. In the book of Deuteronomy, the Lord gave instructions to Moses regarding a king. He knew that one day the people of Israel would want a king just …
Then he put a little child among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but also my Father who sent me.” Mark 9:36-37 Much has been written about the reality of …
Monday morning I retreated to my deck for some quiet time with Jesus. I have often closed my posts with the priestly blessing from Numbers 6. It goes like this: May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace. …
What distinguishes you from those around you? Is there anything at all that you won’t leave home without? Something that gives you confidence and courage? Moses was asked to perform an amazing feat: lead a nation out of slavery in Egypt to a land of their own. Considering the number of people and the magnitude …
Reminders. We set them in our phones. We write sticky notes. We put them on bulletin boards. We need reminders. Our worship service was a reminder to me yesterday. Thank you, Pastor Jay for bringing it! I think we all need to hear this again, so I am going to share the cliff notes of …
Today before my granddaughter’s nap, I read a book to her based on Psalm 23. The illustrations were simple and yet profound. A small lamb carefully guarded and cared for by a shepherd, wolves lurking nearby but never able to get close, provision and rest always available. As I read to her, I imagined myself …
Thought: responsibilities of life and a cause worth fighting for can cause weariness. Sometimes we lose sight of the value of how we spend our time. Providing for families, paying bills, working jobs, supporting causes – all take their toll. Henri Nouwen once said there are three big lies: I am what I have. I …
Read: Isaiah 43:1-4; John 3:16-17 It is the early morning hours. The time when dawn gently taps me awake, nudging me into consciousness while my body continues to slumber. The first rays of awareness break through, exposing the heaviness that has been my companion these last few days. I do the only thing I know …
Change is inevitable but we are never asked to do it alone. God will always go before us into every situation.