I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my supplications. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live. Psalm 116:1-2 NRSV This passage is the beginning of a beautiful psalm in which David praises God for saving him from a terrible illness. David, who felt … Continue reading Praise in faith
Reflections on Scripture
Against all odds
Genesis 21:5-7 Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. Now Sarah said, “God has brought laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh with me.” And she said, “Who would ever have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old … Continue reading Against all odds
Many parts, One function
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. 1 … Continue reading Many parts, One function
The depths within
When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them? Yet you have made them a little lower than God, and crowned them with glory and honor. Psalm 8:3-5 NRSV I … Continue reading The depths within
Putting things in order
Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 11 NRSV Depending on which source you cite, Christianity today includes about 30,000 different denominations, divided along lines of doctrine, liturgy, culture, and nation. … Continue reading Putting things in order
The truth of love
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be … Continue reading The truth of love
Founding a bulwark
Out of the mouths of babes and infants you have founded a bulwark because of your foes, to silence the enemy and the avenger. Psalm 8:2 NRSV A bulwark evokes images of strength – large stone or masonry walls, topped with parapets and armament. It is, after all, a protective barrier that stands between … Continue reading Founding a bulwark
Become the river
On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’” John 7:37-38 NRSV When we go to … Continue reading Become the river
Guarding our treasure
Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us. 2 Timothy 1:13-14 NRSV When we think of guarding treasure we usually think of the … Continue reading Guarding our treasure
Life’s goats
Is the wild ox willing to serve you? Will it spend the night at your crib? Can you tie it in the furrow with ropes, or will it harrow the valleys after you? Job 39:9-10 NRSV The King James translation refers to a unicorn. I’ve never tended to a unicorn, or an ox for … Continue reading Life’s goats
