Scripture: Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 “Let mutual affection continue.” Hebrews 13:1 Love became flesh and lived among us, full of grace and truth. And Love invites us to love, for we are Love’s agents in the world. How easily we warm up to what we don’t have. We tell ourselves, “I would like to, but I don’t have time.” And while … Read More

Scripture: Hebrews 12:18-29 I remember the day vividly. I was sitting in my office when the building began to rattle. At first, I simply thought a large truck was passing by, but after a few moments, I realized I was experiencing an earthquake. Since earthquakes are relatively rare in Washington, DC, this was quite an event for the region. The … Read More

Scripture: Hebrews 11:29-12:2 We are surrounded by witnesses. The idea here is not of a great Olympic moment with grandstands and spectators but rather a host of individuals who can bear witness to the practice of faith. Imagine them standing one by one to tell their stories — Gideon, Rahab, Samuel, David, and Jesus. Each story is an authentic witness … Read More

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 These days, there seems to be very little of which we can be certain. The past several years saw a global pandemic take the lives of millions of beloved brothers, sisters, grandparents, and friends. The changes in our climate have made generational storms into annual weather events. People have become less kind, more certain of their … Read More

Scripture: Colossians 3:1-11 A friend of mine was worried about his grandmother because she was living alone in their old family house in Mississippi. He called her and told her of his concern. She was in her favorite chair on the porch and chided him, saying, “Don’t worry; I’m not alone. It’s just me and ol’ JC out here rockin’.” … Read More

Scripture: Colossians 2:6-15 It’s all about the roots. Deep roots mean a healthy plant. Shallow roots make a plant susceptible to drought and storms. We can say the same thing about the roots of the Christian faith. If they go deep, nothing will move us. If not, we may fall prey to every new whim and idea that comes along. … Read More

Scripture: Colossians 1:15-28 As I write this, we are in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our world has changed before our eyes, uncertainty is in the air, divisiveness abounds, and hope is becoming harder to find. Where is the good news that we so desperately need? Jesus came for such a time like this! God came into the messiness … Read More

Scripture: Colossians 1:1-14 The apostle Paul had never met the Christians in Colossae when he wrote to them. His friend Epaphras had visited their city in Asia Minor and told the Colossians about the gospel of Jesus Christ. As he opens the letter, Paul identifies himself as an apostle called by God’s will, and he connects himself with his partner … Read More

Scripture: Luke 10:1-11 There is joy in being directed by God. Yet this joy lives in the midst of uncertainty, struggle, and challenge. Jesus directs the disciples into what will most assuredly be troublesome places. They will face temptations of anxiety over everything — from how they will survive to who will receive them and help them. Even as they … Read More

Scripture: John 14:8-17 O God… grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy your consolations. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” This is where the rubber meets the road. And where the rub lies — except for the promise that follows: “I will ask the … Read More