Then Mary took a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected. “Why...
“Is the LORD among us or not?” – Exodus 17:7 (NIV) MATT LANEY | Early in our Covid wilderness, there was a robust online conversation among church leaders about whether or not sacraments could be virtual. Could we really Zoom or Facebook live the bread and cup? Do you...
Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. – Colossians 3:14 (NRSV) PHIWA LANGENI | The night before the first day of school was an important one in our household growing up. My siblings and I divvied up the bulk school...
“Shake the dust off your feet.” – Matthew 10:14 (NIV) DONNA SCHAPER | I was having a tiresome conversation with a rising second grader (my grandson) about the four elements. He told me they were earth, air, fire, and ice. I told him that they were earth, air, fire,...
But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hand. – Psalm 31:14-15a (NRSV) TALITHA ARNOLD | Jesus would have known Psalm 31 from his childhood. As a teenager or young adult, he might have been asked to read it in his synagogue. The...
May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you . . . May God give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed . . . May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God....
