If someone were to lay out in video form, HD, all of the worst mistakes and worst decisions you’ve made in your life, and had you watch it, how would you feel? All the times you’ve hurt someone, your regrets, your sins, laid bare before you? Our Scripture for today, Psalm 130, provocatively asks us … read
A Sri Lankan pastor named D.T. Niles, who lived in the 20th century, is best known for this quote. “Evangelism is one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.” Evangelism, sharing the good news, is about living with generosity, and empathy, and love of God, and concern for the larger whole. Which may or … read
It went like this: People had difficulty trusting that God was with them when faced with uncertainty, change, and hardship. Though there were wise, inspired voices trying to convince them otherwise, the people clamored for a leader who promised to make them strong against the threat of other nations: to be first in the world. … read
Genesis 19, selected verses Imagine two strangers show up at your door, and the rules about hospitality command you to let them in. In the course of their stay, they are threatened by xenophobic townsmen, and then they tell you to flee or else you will die. You don’t really know if you should listen … read
What does it mean for you to step forward in the shadow of trauma and grief? We have spent a lot of the last year stuck inside and waiting. It’s been a lot. Do you remember the first time you realized this COVID-19 pandemic was going to be unlike anything you ever experienced in your … read
There’s an old Far Side cartoon in which the devil is welcoming a new resident of hell. Before them are two doors. One is labeled, “Damned if you do” and the other, “Damned if you don’t.” The Prince of Evil is urging the new guy, saying, “C’mon, c’mon, it’s either one or the other.” Some … read