Apr 16
2016
Listening to the Shepherd
Here are 5 invitations to a session of Listening Prayer. Read the text and listen as God prompts you with thoughts of understanding, appreciation, and motivation. Turn those thoughts into prayer.
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Foolish Things Christians Believe: My Life is Not Futile Day 5
God is at work, and we are part of his grand plan. He is bringing his kingdom into the universe, and restoring it to its original, eternal glory. EACH OF US HAS A PART TO PLAY!
Keep ReadingFoolish Things Christians Believe: My Life Is Not Futile Day 4
God is at work, and we are part of his grand plan. He is bringing his kingdom into the universe, and restoring it to its original, eternal glory. EACH OF US HAS A PART TO PLAY!
Keep ReadingFoolish Things Christians Believe: My Life Is Not Futile Day 3
God is at work, and we are part of his grand plan. He is bringing his kingdom into the universe, and restoring it to its original, eternal glory. EACH OF US HAS A PART TO PLAY!
Keep ReadingFoolish Things Christians Believe: My Life Is Not Futile Day 2
God is at work, and we are part of his grand plan. He is bringing his kingdom into the universe, and restoring it to its original, eternal glory. EACH OF US HAS A PART TO PLAY!
Keep ReadingFoolish Things Christians Believe: My Life Is Not Futile Day 1
God is at work, and we are part of his grand plan. He is bringing his kingdom into the universe, and restoring it to its original, eternal glory. EACH OF US HAS A PART TO PLAY!
Keep ReadingFoolish Things Christians Believe: My Behavior Is Not Fixed Day 5
Christians foolishly believe that change is not only possible, it is the norm for those who follow Jesus! One popular author reminds us: Jesus loves you just the way you are, he is just not content to leave you that way! Through the power of God’s Spirit at work with in us, through Word and Sacrament, God works to reshape us into his image. He gives us the gift of maturity and growth, preparing us to be all we can be with him in heaven forever.
Keep ReadingFoolish Things Christians Believe: My Behavior Is Not Fixed Day 4
Christians foolishly believe that change is not only possible, it is the norm for those who follow Jesus! One popular author reminds us: Jesus loves you just the way you are, he is just not content to leave you that way! Through the power of God’s Spirit at work with in us, through Word and Sacrament, God works to reshape us into his image. He gives us the gift of maturity and growth, preparing us to be all we can be with him in heaven forever.
Keep ReadingFoolish Things Christians Believe: My Behavior Is Not Fixed Day 3
Christians foolishly believe that change is not only possible, it is the norm for those who follow Jesus! One popular author reminds us: Jesus loves you just the way you are, he is just not content to leave you that way! Through the power of God’s Spirit at work with in us, through Word and Sacrament, God works to reshape us into his image. He gives us the gift of maturity and growth, preparing us to be all we can be with him in heaven forever.
Keep ReadingFoolish Things Christians Believe: My Behavior Is Not Fixed Day 2
Christians foolishly believe that change is not only possible, it is the norm for those who follow Jesus! One popular author reminds us: Jesus loves you just the way you are, he is just not content to leave you that way! Through the power of God’s Spirit at work with in us, through Word and Sacrament, God works to reshape us into his image. He gives us the gift of maturity and growth, preparing us to be all we can be with him in heaven forever.
Keep ReadingFoolish Things Christians Believe: My Behavior Is Not Fixed
Christians foolishly believe that change is not only possible, it is the norm for those who follow Jesus!
Keep ReadingFoolish Things Christians Believe: My Suffering Is Not Fruitless Day 5
God can use our suffering for good.
Keep ReadingFoolish Things Christians Believe: My Suffering Is Not Fruitless Day 4
God can use my suffering for good.
Keep ReadingFoolish Things Christians Believe: My Suffering Is Not Fruitless Day 3
God can use our suffering for good.
Keep ReadingFoolish Things Christians Believe: My Suffering is not Fruitless Day 2
God can use our suffering for good.
Keep ReadingFoolish Things Christians Believe: My Pain Is Not Fruitless Day 1
God can use suffering for good.
Keep ReadingFoolish Things Christians Believe: My Past Is Not Fatal day 5
The guilt from our past can live in our minds and lives long after the act itself, preventing us from being all God created us to be. From a human perspective this all makes sense
Keep ReadingFoolish Things Christians Believe: My Past Is Not Fatal day 4
The guilt from our past can live in our minds and lives long after the act itself, preventing us from being all God created us to be. From a human perspective this all makes sense
Keep ReadingFoolish Things Christians Believe: My Past Is Not Fatal day 3
The guilt from our past can live in our minds and lives long after the act itself, preventing us from being all God created us to be. From a human perspective this all makes sense
Keep ReadingFoolish Things Christians Believe: My Past Is Not Fatal day 2
The guilt from our past can live in our minds and lives long after the act itself, preventing us from being all God created us to be. From a human perspective this all makes sense
Keep ReadingFoolish Things Christians Believe: My Past Is Not Fatal Day 1
The guilt from our past can live in our minds and lives long after the act itself, preventing us from being all God created us to be. From a human perspective this all makes sense
Keep ReadingFoolish Things Christians Believe: My Death Is Not Final Day 5
Jesus conquered sin and death by rising from the dead.
Keep ReadingFoolish Things Christians Believe: My Death Is Not Final day 4
Jesus conquered sin and death by rising from the dead.
Keep ReadingFoolish Things Christians Believe: My Death Is Not Final day 3
Jesus conquered sin and death by rising from the dead.
Keep ReadingFoolish Things Christians Believe: My Death Is Not Final Day 2
Jesus conquered sin and death by rising from the dead.
Keep ReadingFoolish Things Christians Believe: My Death Is Not Final day 1
Jesus conquered sin and death by rising from the dead.
Keep ReadingThe Storyteller: The Pharisee and the Tax Collector Day 5
Righteousness is a gift from God made possible by the means of an atoning sacrifice, which is received by those who, in humility, approach as sinners trusting in God’s grace and not their own righteousness.
Keep ReadingThe Storyteller: The Pharisee and the Tax Collector day 4
Righteousness is a gift from God made possible by the means of an atoning sacrifice, which is received by those who, in humility, approach as sinners trusting in God’s grace and not their own righteousness.
Keep ReadingThe Storyteller: The Pharisee and the Tax Collector day 3
Righteousness is a gift from God made possible by the means of an atoning sacrifice, which is received by those who, in humility, approach as sinners trusting in God’s grace and not their own righteousness.
Keep ReadingThe Storyteller: The Pharisee and the Tax Collector day 2
Righteousness is a gift from God made possible by the means of an atoning sacrifice, which is received by those who, in humility, approach as sinners trusting in God’s grace and not their own righteousness.
Keep ReadingThe Storyteller: The Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Righteousness is a gift from God made possible by the means of an atoning sacrifice, which is received by those who, in humility, approach as sinners trusting in God’s grace and not their own righteousness.
Keep ReadingThe Storyteller: The Unjust Judge and the Widow Day 5
We do not appeal to a disgruntled judge but to a loving Father who will hear us and act on our behalf.
Keep ReadingThe Storyteller: The Unjust Judge and the Widow day 4
We do not appeal to a disgruntled judge but to a loving Father who will hear us and act on our behalf.
Keep ReadingThe Storyteller: The Unjust Judge and the Widow day 3
We do not appeal to a disgruntled judge but to a loving Father who will hear us and act on our behalf.
Keep ReadingThe Storyteller: The Unjust Judge and the Widow
We do not appeal to a disgruntled judge but to a loving Father who will hear us and act on our behalf.
Keep ReadingThe Story Teller: The Unjust Judge and the Widow
We do not appeal to a disgruntled judge but to a loving Father who will hear us and act on our behalf.
Keep ReadingThe Storyteller: Rich Man and Lazarus day 5
All we have and are, including eternal life, is a gift from God. How we respond to that gift is crucial. Will we respond with arrogance, self-indulgence, and indifference to the needs of others, or with patience, longsuffering, gentleness, and forgiveness?
Keep ReadingThe Storyteller: Rich Man and Lazarus day 4
All we have and are, including eternal life, is a gift from God. How we respond to that gift is crucial. Will we respond with arrogance, self-indulgence, and indifference to the needs of others, or with patience, longsuffering, gentleness, and forgiveness?
Keep ReadingThe Storyteller: Rich Man and Lazarus day 3
All we have and are, including eternal life, is a gift from God. How we respond to that gift is crucial. Will we respond with arrogance, self-indulgence, and indifference to the needs of others, or with patience, longsuffering, gentleness, and forgiveness?
Keep ReadingThe Storyteller: Rich Man and Lazarus Day 2
All we have and are, including eternal life, is a gift from God. How we respond to that gift is crucial. Will we respond with arrogance, self-indulgence, and indifference to the needs of others, or with patience, longsuffering, gentleness, and forgiveness?
Keep ReadingThe Storyteller: Rich Man and Lazarus day 1
All we have and are, including eternal life, is a gift from God. How we respond to that gift is crucial. Will we respond with arrogance, self-indulgence, and indifference to the needs of others, or with patience, longsuffering, gentleness, and forgiveness?
Keep ReadingThe Storyteller: Great Banquet Day 5
God’s Messiah is inviting you to the party of salvation. Do not refuse!
Keep ReadingThe Storyteller: Great Banquet Day 4
God’s Messiah is inviting you to the party of salvation. Do not refuse!
Keep ReadingThe Storyteller: Great Banquet Day 3
God’s Messiah is inviting you to the party of salvation. Do not refuse!
Keep ReadingThe Storyteller: Great Banquet Day 2
God’s Messiah is inviting you to the party of salvation. Do not refuse!
Keep ReadingThe Story Teller: The Great Banquet Day 1
God’s Messiah is inviting you to the party of salvation. Do not refuse!
Keep ReadingThe Storyteller: The Rich Fool Day 5
We are pressed to affirm that the real problem isn’t getting what we feel we deserve, but finding the will to serve God and others rather than our own self-interests.
Keep ReadingThe Storyteller: The Rich Fool Day 4
We are pressed to affirm that the real problem isn’t getting what we feel we deserve, but finding the will to serve God and others rather than our own self-interests.
Keep ReadingThe Storyteller: The Rich Fool Day 3
Wanting Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to give me my share of the inheritance that our father left us.” Luke 12:13 (GW) The issue was crystal clear to our Lord. The person in the crowd (we’ll call him John Doe- JD for short) had a coveting problem! Apparently JD was a younger son, whose older brother had received the entire family inheritance, and he wanted a half! Our Lord’s reply was a stiff indictment on JD! Covetousness was sin! The parable then was just an illustration. How stunning our Lord’s words must have sounded when He called the rich young man in the parable a fool, and told of the eternal consequences of his foolishness! And JD had to be even more shocked at these words, “This is how it will be with whoever (including JD) stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” St. Paul wonderfully defines “being rich toward God”. “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” I Timothy 6:17-19. Pray that our gracious Lord strengthen each of us in faith to live richly in His love and care!
Keep ReadingThe Storyteller: The Rich Fool Day 2
We are pressed to affirm that the real problem isn’t getting what we feel we deserve, but finding the will to serve God and others rather than our own self-interests.
Keep ReadingThe Story Teller: The Rich Fool Day 1
We are pressed to affirm that the real problem isn’t getting what we feel we deserve, but finding the will to serve God and others rather than our own self-interests.
Keep ReadingThe Storyteller The Good Samaritan Day 5
We are pressed to understand: “I must become a neighbor to anyone in need. To fulfill the law means I must reach out in costly compassion to all people, even to my enemies. The standard remains even though I can never fully achieve it. I cannot justify myself and earn eternal life.”
Keep ReadingThe Storyteller The Good Samaritan Day 4
We are pressed to understand: “I must become a neighbor to anyone in need. To fulfill the law means I must reach out in costly compassion to all people, even to my enemies. The standard remains even though I can never fully achieve it. I cannot justify myself and earn eternal life.”
Keep ReadingThe Storyteller The Good Samaritan Day 3
We are pressed to understand: “I must become a neighbor to anyone in need. To fulfill the law means I must reach out in costly compassion to all people, even to my enemies. The standard remains even though I can never fully achieve it. I cannot justify myself and earn eternal life.”
Keep ReadingThe Story Teller The Good Samaritan Day 2
We are pressed to understand: “I must become a neighbor to anyone in need. To fulfill the law means I must reach out in costly compassion to all people, even to my enemies. The standard remains even though I can never fully achieve it. I cannot justify myself and earn eternal life.”
Keep ReadingThe Story Teller The Good Samaritan day 1
We are pressed to understand: “I must become a neighbor to anyone in need. To fulfill the law means I must reach out in costly compassion to all people, even to my enemies. The standard remains even though I can never fully achieve it. I cannot justify myself and earn eternal life.”
Keep Reading
Teach Me to Pray for Thine is the Kingdom Day 5
We proclaim our trust that what we have prayed will be so.
Keep ReadingTeach Me to Pray for Thine is the Kingdom Day 4
We proclaim our trust that what we have prayed will be so.
Keep ReadingTeach Me to Pray for Thine is the Kingdom Day 3
We proclaim our trust that what we pray will be so.
Keep ReadingTeach Me to Pray for Thine is the Kingdom Day 2
We proclaim our trust that what we have prayed will be so.
Keep ReadingTeach Me to Pray Forgive Us Our Trespasses Day 2
We reflect on God's call to live as His forgiven children
Keep ReadingTeach Me to Pray for Thine is the Kingdom Day 1
We proclaim our trust that what we have prayed will be so.
Keep Reading
Teach Us to Pray Lead Us Not Into Temptation Day 5
We trust God's victory over the evil within us and around us.
Keep ReadingTeach Me to Pray Lead Us Not Into Temptation Day 4
We trust God's victory over the evil within us and around us.
Keep ReadingTeach Us to Pray Lead Us Not Into Temptation Day 3
We trust God's victory over the evil within us and around us.
Keep ReadingTeach Us to Pray Lead Us Not Into Temptation Day 2
We trust God's victory over the evil within us and around us.
Keep ReadingTeach Me to Pray Lead Us Not Into Temptation Day 1
We trust God's victory over the evil within us and around us.
Keep Reading
Teach Me to Pray Forgive Us Our Trespasses Day 5
We reflect on God's call to live as His forgiven children
Keep ReadingTeach Me to Pray Forgive Us Our Trespasses Day 4
We reflect on God's call to live as His forgiven children
Keep ReadingTeach Me to Pray Forgive Us Our Trespasses Day 3
We reflect on God's call to live as His forgiven children
Keep ReadingTeach Me to Pray Forgive Us Our Trespasses Day 1
We reflect on God's call to live as His forgiven children
Keep Reading
Teach Me to Pray Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread day 5
We learn to see God as the source for all our needs and reflect His generosity.
Keep ReadingTeach Me to Pray Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread day 4
We learn to see God as the source for all our needs and reflect His generosity.
Keep ReadingTeach Me to Pray Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread day 3
We learn to see God as the source for all our needs and reflect His generosity.
Keep ReadingLord Teach Me to Pray Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread Day 2
We learn to see God as the source for all our needs and reflect His generosity.
Keep ReadingLord Teach Me to Pray Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread Day 1
We learn to see God as the source for all our needs and reflect His generosity.
Keep Reading
Teach Me to Pray Thy Kingdom Come Day 5
We rejoice in God our King and pledge our lives to His kingdom.
Keep ReadingTeach Me to Pray Thy Kingdom Come Day 4
We rejoice in God our King and pledge our lives to His kingdom.
Keep ReadingTeach Me to Pray Thy Kingdom Come Day 3
We rejoice in God our King and pledge our lives to His kingdom.
Keep ReadingTeach Me to Pray Thy Kingdom Come day 2
We rejoice in God our King and pledge our lives to His kingdom.
Keep ReadingTeach Me To Pray Thy Kingdom Come day 1
We rejoice in God our King and pledge our lives to His kingdom.
Keep ReadingTeach Me to Pray Our Father Day 5
Following the model for prayer taught by Jesus we explore styles of prayer to grow more fluent in our conversation with God.
Keep ReadingTeach Me to Pray Our Father Day 4
Following the model for prayer taught by Jesus we explore styles of prayer to grow more fluent in our conversation with God.
Keep ReadingTeach Me to Pray Our Father Day 3
Following the model for prayer taught by Jesus we explore styles of prayer to grow more fluent in our conversation with God.
Keep ReadingTeach Me to Pray Our Father Day 2
Following the model for prayer taught by Jesus we explore styles of prayer to grow more fluent in our conversation with God.
Keep ReadingTeach Me to Pray Our Father Day 1
Following the model for prayer taught by Jesus we explore styles of prayer to grow more fluent in our conversation with God.
Keep ReadingTake It Home Resolute in Worship Day 5
Through the story of the wise men we learn to be resolute, not just make resolutions and build a life that worships Jesus.
Keep ReadingTake It Home Resolute in Worship Day 4
Through the story of the wise men we learn to be resolute, not just make resolutions and build a life that worships Jesus.
Keep ReadingTake It Home Resolute in Worship Day 3
Through the story of the wise men we learn to be resolute, not just make resolutions and build a life that worships Jesus.
Keep ReadingTake It Home Resolute in Worship Day 2
Through the story of the wise men we learn to be resolute, not just make resolutions and build a life that worships Jesus.
Keep Reading
Take It Home Resolute in Worship Day 1
Through the story of the wisemen we learn to be resolute, not just make resolutions and build a life that worships Jesus.
Keep ReadingTake It Home The Best Christmas Gift Day 5
When the wrapping comes off there are 5 questions to ask.
Keep ReadingTake It Home The Best Christmas Gift Day 4
After the wrapping comes off, there are 5 questions to ask.
Keep ReadingTake It Home The Perfect Christmas Gift Day 3
After the wrapping comes off, there are 5 questions to ask.
Keep ReadingTake It Home The Perfect Christmas Gift Day 2
After the wrapping comes off, there are 5 questions to ask.
Keep ReadingTake It Home The Perfect Christmas Gift Day 1
When the wrapping comes off, there are 5 questions to ask.
Keep ReadingAdvent: Behold Day 5
Gabriel announces that the long-awaited Messiah with the command, “Behold!” We see and respond with words and deeds that reveal the same good news.
Keep ReadingAdvent: Behold Day 4
Gabriel announces that the long-awaited Messiah with the command, “Behold!” We see and respond with words and deeds that reveal the same good news.
Keep Reading
Advent: Behold Day 3
Gabriel announces that the long-awaited Messiah with the command, “Behold!” We see and respond with words and deeds that reveal the same good news.
Keep ReadingAdvent: Behold Day 2
Gabriel announces that the long-awaited Messiah with the command, “Behold!” We see and respond with words and deeds that reveal the same good news.
Keep ReadingAdvent: Behold Day 1
Gabriel announces that the long-awaited Messiah with the command, “Behold!” We see and respond with words and deeds that reveal the same good news.
Keep ReadingTake It Home Advent: Rejoice day 2
As we rejoice in Jesus we are moved to action that adds joy to another life.
Keep ReadingTake It Home: Prepare for Jesus Day 5
We prepare for Jesus with Integrity. Reflections on Luke 3:10-14
Keep ReadingTake It Home: Prepare for Jesus Day 4
We prepare for Jesus with Care. Reflections on Matthew 25:5-10
Keep ReadingTake It Home: Prepare for Jesus Day 3
We prepare for Jesus with gentleness like His. Isaiah 42:1-4
Keep ReadingTake It Home: Prepare for Jesus Day 2
We prepare for Jesus with diligence. Reflections on 1 Peter 3:3-15
Keep ReadingTake It Home: Prepare for Jesus Day 1
We Prepare for Jesus with a turnaround. Reflections on Mark 1:2-4
Keep ReadingApr 12
2016
Easter Week 3 - The Rock
This week we're reflecting on the third story of Jesus' resurrection appearances in the Gospel of John. The scene is in Galilee, probably in Capernaum Peter's home town. Bold declarative Peter, always in the lead Peter, getting out of the boat Peter, sword swinging Peter has returned home with a total head count of 7, not eleven disciples and empty pockets. His best idea for a next step is "Let's go fishing."
Apr 11
2016
Easter: Too Good To Be True?
You may have missed him, but we first hear Thomas earlier in John's gospel before the events around Jesus' crucifixion. John 10:22 shows Jesus in Jerusalem teaching and being challenged by the authorities about his claim to be sent by God
Apr 11
2016
Easter: Nonsense!
Christianity starts with the claim that something unexplainable happened. No doubt about that! Before you get lost in the 21st century assumption that any sane mind can't go there, you need to understand that even when Jesus resurrection happened, on face value it could not be understood.