Scripture: Ephesians 3:14-17 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and
Scripture: Acts 26:20 (the Message) I started preaching this life-change – this radical turn to God and everything it meant in everyday life – right there in Damascus, went on to Jerusalem and the surrounding countryside, and from there to the whole world. Thought for the Day: My friend, Rev. Michael Junkroski, wrote the following prayer that caught my attention, and like any good prayer, it provided a
Scripture: Matthew 15:29 After Jesus had left that place, he passed along the Sea of Galilee, and we went up the mountain, where he sat down. Thought for the Day: I am currently following in the footsteps of Jesus…well actually, I’m sitting like Jesus. The mountains on the edge of Asheville, North Carolina, are beautiful and they invite a person to pause, and if possible, to sit. Not
Scripture: 1st John 3:16 We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. Thought for the Day: I’m currently on retreat with a group of clergy, and it is the same group that went to Italy four years ago. I’m reminded of our exploration of some of the catacombs around Rome, including Pricilla’s catacombs.
Scripture: Psalm 4:8 I will both lie down and sleep in peace; for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety. Thought for the Day: These are beautiful and comforting words, but they do not make a lot of sense for the family whose home was destroyed by a bomb in Afghanistan while they slept or the earthquake that wiped out villages in China yesterday. We
Scripture: Colossians 3:12 As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Thought for the Day: I was rereading a cute book entitled, How to be a Monastic and Not Leave Your Day Job. There is something very intriguing to me about the monastic movement, especially the work of the Benedictine brothers. Their works of hospitality and compassion are wonderful, but
Scripture: Jeremiah 33:15-16 In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.” Thought for the Day: I had been listening
Scripture: Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. Thought for the Day: I have spoken these words of scripture in many different settings. From the hospital room to the funeral home, they have been heard by those who felt
Scripture: Psalm 5:8-10 Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me. For there is no truth in their mouths; their hearts are destruction; their throats are open graves; they flatter with their tongues. Make them bear their guilt, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; because of their many transgressions cast them out, for they have rebelled
Scripture: Proverbs 24:3 By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; Thought for the Day: Though tragic events often make it feel as if the ground under us is crumbling, faith reminds us that the foundation is and will remain strong. I remember back to a clergy gathering a couple of weeks after September 11, and Rev. Jim Powell was speaking to us. He