What does it mean to “respond to our calling”? What is a “calling”? Is responding to our calling the same as living out our God-given purpose? Acts 9:1-6, (7-20) tells the story of Saul’s life-changing encounter on the road to Damascus. Saul, still “breathing threats and murder” against Jesus’ disciples, had obtained permission from the

Ephesians 4:7-8, 11-16 Each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it is said, “When he ascended on high he made captivity itself a captive;
he gave gifts to his people.” The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to

When God wins, we all win. What does that mean? Am I saying that everyone – even sinners – win?! Maybe?But what if I’m not saying that, instead I’m just revealing it. Revelation 7:9-17 I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples

In John 21:1-19, we witness Peter’s restoration by Jesus after a long night of confusion, failure, and silence. The disciples return to fishing, unsure of what comes next—until Jesus appears on the shore with a miracle and an invitation to breakfast. What unfolds is a powerful moment of grace, healing, and calling. Then at daybreak,

What is a “Covenant Blessing”? I am 59 and in less than 2 months I will turn 60. I am already feeling old and at times wonder if I’m relevant. That generational gap keeps widening. Yet I still believe that the best is yet to come. I have a sense that my most significant contribution

Jesus’ Warning About Righteousness Jesus said, “I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. “You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder,’ and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ But I say to

Jesus was transfigured. What does that mean and how do we follow Him into our transfiguration? 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2 Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness, not like Moses, who put a veil over his face to keep the people of Israel from gazing at the end of the glory

Psalm 37 Trusting God in the Face of Injustice This week’s lectionary theme revolves around trusting God—a struggle as old as humanity itself. From the very beginning, in the Garden of Eden, we were easily deceived into doubting God’s trustworthiness. That same battle continues today, especially when we see evildoers prospering. Our instinct is to

Jesus came down from the mountain with the twelve apostles and stood on a level place, surrounded by a vast crowd of disciples and people from all over Judea, Jerusalem, and the coastal regions of Tyre and Sidon. They came to hear him and to be healed, and those tormented by unclean spirits were freed.