Now that we’ve prayed a bit together and sang some Bon Jovi, I quickly want to pick a bone with Garth Brooks. For clarification, I’m 100% on board with having friends in low places. It seems those are the kind of relationships Jesus was pursuing, too. Those places are real places.

But the trouble is his song about prayer. You know it, right? The line says, “Some of God’s greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.”

Peace is what’s on my mind today. Well, most days. I think that’s a result of having three children. Doing all the wonderful parent things bring me peace but also sometimes I’m just looking for some peace and quiet. We had parent-teacher conferences last night and my two 4th graders are doing very well academically,… Continue reading Midweek Devotion

Isaiah 60:1-6 (NRSV) The Ingathering of the Dispersed Arise, shine; for your light has come,     and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. 2 For darkness shall cover the earth,     and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you,     and his glory will appear over you. 3 Nations shall come to your light,     and kings to the… Continue reading Epiphany

Hebrews 13:1-6 (NRSV) Service Well-Pleasing to God 13 Let mutual love continue. 2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. 3 Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured. 4 Let marriage be… Continue reading Generosity

John 10:1-10 (NRSV) Jesus the Good Shepherd 10 “Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear… Continue reading Enough