Hosea 14:2–10; Mark 12:28–34 On the surface there is agreement between the scribe (one who meticulously copied and taught the bible) and Jesus. That uniting spirit is “Love of God and Love of neighbor.” The scribe was mindful of Love, by his studying of the word. Was h...

Deuteronomy 4:1, 5–9; Matthew 5:17–19 It can be incredibly frustrating trying to decipher what God is telling us. Our human brains can hardly comprehend God, let alone what He’s telling us. That’s especially hard when we are faced with difficult decisions. A friend of ...

2 Kings 5:1–15ab; Luke 4:24–30 The little girl said “If only my master would present himself to the prophet… he would cure him of his leprosy.” “If only.” I can certainly understand that. I have wondered that in my life more times than I can count. “If only I had done ...

Micah 7:14–15, 18–20; Luke 15:1–3, 11–32 The prodigal son, a story of salvation, an analogy to humanity’s relationship with God. So many times we forget God’s clemency, mercy, and endless love, that we choose a path filled with sin rather than a path walking alongside ...

Jeremiah 17:5–10; Luke 16:19–31 The rich man in the Gospel did not have a name. Names designate relationship, the beginning of intimacy. When I know your name, we can begin to have a relationship. We can grow in intimacy. I think Jesus kept the rich nameless to emphasi...

Isaiah 1:10, 16–20; Matthew 23:1–12 Whether it’s verbal praise, a fancy job title, or the number of likes on an Instagram post, external validation just feels so good. For years, I chased it relentlessly. I worked hard to look impressive to others, but that happiness a...

Genesis 12:1–4a; 2 Timothy 1:8b–10; Matthew 17:1–9 When the disciples witnessed Jesus radiant with divine light, of course they wanted to stay and relish in that high. But then just as quickly was the realization of the voice from heaven telling them not to cling to th...

Ezekiel 18:21–28; Matthew 5:20–26 Although we have many differences, disagreements and hurtful times with others, Jesus our Lord teaches us to forgive as he forgives. He challenges us to examine the deeper condition of our hearts. Life isn’t about following rules - it’...

Jonah 3:1–10; Luke 11:29–32 "A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn." Today's psalm takes on a special meaning in family life. The crumbled face of our son when he realizes he shouldn't have downloaded that Minecraft mod without permission. The softeni...

Leviticus 19:1–2, 11–18; Matthew 25:31–46 The passage from Leviticus calls me to live with integrity, compassion, and fairness in every part of my life. God’s command to “be holy” reminds me that holiness isn’t distant or unreachable, it’s expressed through everyday ch...