There is a great difference between what we can do, will do, and should do. What we “can” do reveals our freedom to choose between either good or bad options. What we “will” do expresses our ability to volitionally make decisions for ourselves. What we “should” do stems from an entirely different foundation – it has to do with an ethical guideline…
In today’s story, Jesus seeks to overcome the “confirmation bias” of his interlocutors who seek to trap him with their “gotcha question”. Confirmation bias is the tendency to take in only data that confirms a prior conviction and to discount information that does not conform to what we already believe. We are all guilty of this at times, and the danger is…
All of us are in exile. Some (if not most of us) are in the wilderness. The fears and the frustrations of the desert quickly lead to complaints and murmurings. In today’s story, the people of God grumble in the wilderness and God responds, not with anger, but with the gracious provision of manna. Though the wilderness is not comfortable, easy, or…
Differences of opinion and practice can wreak havoc on unity if left unchecked. In today’s reading, Paul addresses a community where differences have done just that, leading to condemnation and condescension. Paul argues that differences should not lead to these things, but rather, be an opportunity to welcome the other and witness to the Gospel. Opening Hymn: Great Is Thy Faithfulness Closing…
At the burning bush, God calls Moses to the nearly impossible task of liberating God’s people. Moses responds with a series of excuses that begins with “Who am I to do this?” Moses’ sense of inadequacy is met by God’s reassurance of the divine presence. Opening Hymn: Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven Closing Doxology: Glory Be to the Father
Our conversation continues from last week as we looked at who Jesus is. Not only are we wrestling with who Jesus is, but we are learning to listen to the new ways we are being called to follow him. Opening Hymn: Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah Closing Doxology: Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow
Jesus asks us a question we all wrestle with, “who do you say that I am?” When we all begin answering differently, how do we hold these differences with awe and wonder so they can deepen our own relationship with Christ? Opening Hymn: Holy, Holy, Holy Closing Doxology: Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow
After a glorious display of courage, Elijah is overcome with despair and flees to a cave. He prays that God would take his life, because he feels that his faithfulness is in vain. God tenderly and compassionately tends to his wounded heart with food, counsel, and a series of intense revelations – fire, wind, earthquake – that concludes with “the sound of…
In fear for their lives on the stormy sea, the disciples are shocked by a strange apparition walking on the waves that claims to be Jesus. Peter seeks to prove the identity of this unexpected visitor by getting out of the boat and walking on the waves to Jesus. For a moment, he is successful, but the sight of the winds proves…
Jacob’s life was characterized by deception and foolhardy ambition and he paid the price for it in having to flee his home out of fear for his life. Twenty years later when he returns, he encounters God in the form of a man who wrestles with him throughout the night. In the end, Jacob’s name (which means “deceiver”) is changed to Israel…