This passage begins with some pretty good news, doesn’t it? Verses 1 and 2 promise that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. The law of the...

The majesty of creation is central. The heart of the image in this section is life, specifically, life springing joyfully from water—rain and snow from above. This very rain and snow...

Today’s verses talk about commitment-fierce, unshakable, and, yes, even loving commitment in the face of the harshest adversity. The psalmist fiercely declares his strong commitment. More, the psalmist speaks out of...

The story of Jacob and Esau is a story of violence that begins before birth. It’s a story of trickery, of deceit. There’s even an element of parental strife, as father,...

Throughout his public ministry, Jesus addresses people who are overworked or carrying heavy loads due to political and religious oppression. He offers them an alternate way: “Come to me, all you...

A highlight of my recent pilgrimage to Israel came in observing an aged rabbi walking toward the Western Wall. He did not walk alone. Five young men followed close behind. They...

Scarcely a day goes by without a struggle between what I want to do and what I finally end up doing. I face an ongoing battle with my sinful nature. God’s...

My colleagues and I get together once a week for coffee at a local bistro. We share stories and pastoral concerns. After many years of ministry together, we were surprised to...

Where do you go when you nd yourself in the midst of a painful event in your life? Who will embrace you with compassion? Naturally we desire to be with loving...

Not being in control of events and not being able to predict the future, I have learned to live in trust, which offers the gift of waiting. While many consider not...