Look back at the readings from this week. Which scripture, idea, or story stands out to you as most meaningful or most challenging? Take time to revisit it and listen for the Spirit’s invitation to go deeper. QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION, DISCUSSION, AND PRAYERWhat have you learned about yourself and/or God this week?How have you recognized the presence of peace in your life this week? Where have you ...  Read More

SCRIPTUREJOHN 14:15-31; PHILIPPIANS 4But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will sendin my name, will teach you all things and will remind you ofeverything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you;my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.—JOHIN 14:26-27Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation,...  Read More

SCRIPTURELUKE 18:35-43; LUKE 19:1-10As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sittingby the roadside begging. When he heard the crowd going by,he asked what was happening. They told him,“Jesus of Nazareth is Passing by.”He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet,but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”J...  Read More

Merry Christmas! The longing of Advent ends with the celebration of Jesus's birth on December 25. Now we transition into a season of celebration during the twelve days of Christmas and beyond. These are days of joy and light, time spent cherishing the good gifts we've been waiting for. But our own seasons of waiting do not magically end every December 25—if only they would! The calendar moves ahea...  Read More

SCRIPTURERUTH 1But Ruth replied, “Don't urge me to leave you or to turn backfrom you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay.Your people will be my people and your God my God. Whereyou die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD dealwith me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you andme.” When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go withher, she stopp...  Read More

SCRIPTUREISAIAH 11In that day the wolf and the lamb will live together;the leopard will lie down with the baby goat.The calf and the yearling will be safe with the lion,and a little child will lead them all.The cow will graze near the bear.The cub and the calf will lie down together.The lion will eat hay like a cow.The baby will play safely near the hole of a cobra.Yes, a little child will put its...  Read More

SCRIPTURELUKE 1:46-55My soul glorifies the Lordand my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,for he has been mindfulof the humble state of his servant.He has brought down rulers from their thronesbut has lifted up the humble.He has filled the hungry with good thingsbut has sent the rich away empty.—LUKE 1:-46B-48A, 52-53 We've arrived in the final week of Advent, where we are invited to explore the gift...  Read More

Look back at the writings from this week. Which scripture, idea, or story stands out to you as most meaningful or most challenging? Take time to revisit it and listen for the Spirit’s invitation to go deeper. QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION, DISCUSSION, AND PRAYERWhat have you learned about yourself and/or about God as you’ve practiced gratitude this week? How have you recognized the fruit of joy growing...  Read More

SCRIPTUREHEBREWS 12Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud ofwitnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sinthat so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance therace marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneerand perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he enduredthe cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand ofthe throne ...  Read More

SCRIPTUREMATTHEW 14:13-21 As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said,“This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late.Send the crowd's away, so they can go to the villagesand buy themselves some food.” Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away.You give them something to eat.” —MATTHEW 14:15-16 It seems God reserves some of God’s best work for the remote places. Time and time...  Read More

SCRIPTUREISAIAH 55 Come, all you who are thirsty,come to the waters;and you who have no money,come, buy and eat!Come, buy wine and milkwithout money and without cost.Why spend money on what is not bread,and your labor on what does not satisfy?Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,and you will delight in the richest of fare. You will go out in joyand be led forth in peace;the mountains and hil...  Read More

SCRIPTUREPSALM 19The heavens declare the glory of God;the skies proclaim the work of his hands.Day after day they pour forth speech;night after night they reveal knowledge.They have no speech, they use no words;no sound is heard from them.Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,their words to the ends of the world.—PSALM 19:1-4A In our busy, technology-dependent, twenty-first-century lives, we...  Read More