Monthly Archives: February 2021

Love is as Love Does

      Comments Off on Love is as Love Does

Throughout Lent, we’re exploring the parables of Jesus – the two dozen or so stories that were his chief means of describing the reality of God’s rule on earth.  Author Joyce Landorf remembers a time she was passing through a crowded airport.  She paused at a gift shop to purchase a couple of greeting cards.  When the clerk turned to… Read more »

Who is My Neighbor?

      Comments Off on Who is My Neighbor?

Throughout Lent, we’re exploring the parables of Jesus – the two dozen or so stories that were his chief means of describing the reality of God’s rule on earth.  A long, long time ago, when I was in the fifth grade, male and female students went to separate classes twice each week. The girls walked down the hall to the… Read more »

Choose Your Own Jesus

      Comments Off on Choose Your Own Jesus

Throughout Lent, we’re exploring the parables of Jesus – the two dozen or so stories that were his chief means of describing the reality of God’s rule on earth.  Very few Hollywood films feature a family praying together before dinner. After listening in on the table grace in Talladega Nights: The Legend of Ricky Bobby, that might be just as… Read more »

True Treasure

      Comments Off on True Treasure

Throughout Lent, we’re exploring the parables of Jesus – the two dozen or so stories that were his chief means of describing the reality of God’s rule on earth.  The Beale Cipher is at the center of one of America’s most famous treasure hunts. It’s estimated that one out of ten of the world’s best cryptanalysts – experts at solving… Read more »

Don’t Quit

      Comments Off on Don’t Quit

Throughout Lent, we’re exploring the parables of Jesus – the two dozen or so stories that were his chief means of describing the reality of God’s rule on earth.  Legendary boxer Muhammad Ali made a lasting impression with his fists.  He also made quite an impression with his mouth.  Ali was famous for his mocking bravado: I’m the greatest thing… Read more »

Mustard Seed

      Comments Off on Mustard Seed

Throughout Lent, we’re exploring the parables of Jesus – the two dozen or so stories that were his chief means of describing the reality of God’s rule on earth.  Big things have small beginnings. We may think we need to have Warren Buffet’s checkbook, some fancy letters after our name, and the Purdue marching band on retainer in order to… Read more »

The Power of Parables

      Comments Off on The Power of Parables

Throughout Lent, we’re exploring the parables of Jesus – the two dozen or so stories that were his chief means of describing the reality of God’s rule on earth.  “It shouldn’t be that difficult to eat healthy food.” That’s the assertion of Nell McShane Wulfhart in her book Off Menu, a sweeping study of what Americans choose to eat. Anyone… Read more »

Ash Wednesday

      Comments Off on Ash Wednesday

Each year we pause to address some of the questions associated with this day, Ash Wednesday – the first day of Lent.  What exactly is Lent? The word comes from the Old English term for “lengthen.”  As Easter approaches, the amount of daylight grows longer.  More than a thousand years ago, followers of Jesus began to set aside the 40… Read more »

Wrestling with God

      Comments Off on Wrestling with God

The more time you spend with God, the more likely you are at some point to wrestle with God. Spoiler alert: You will lose that wrestling match.  But there’s a good chance you will end up with a souvenir from the encounter that will be well worth keeping. The prototypical divine-human wrestling match is reported in Genesis 32:22-32, which has… Read more »

Foundations Matter

      Comments Off on Foundations Matter

The White House is arguably the world’s most famous private residence. Who knew that it could also qualify as the ultimate Fixer Upper?  From its earliest days, America’s presidential mansion has seen its share of setbacks.    In 1814, an invading British army set it ablaze.  First Lady Dolly Madison, keeping her wits about her, saved a number of priceless… Read more »