1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Paul, I cringe when I read your words about a race and winning a prize! Does a "winner" imply a "loser"? If so, how is it compatible with Christ's and your words of equality and inclusivity? It is not! Rather, Paul, you understand that we race against ourselves and often cause our own defeat. It is easy to run aimlessly from one seemingly good activity to another apparently valuable pursuit. Frequently, we spread ourselves so thin that we do not reach the prize of fruitful task completion. read more...

Psalm 30 -- As I write this, it is less than a month since my mother passed away. I prayed for her healing. Our family prayed. read more...

2 Kings 5:1-14 -- They say, "The devil is in the details." Aram's king, Naaman, and even Israel's king arrogantly assumed Naaman's healing would come in details of their power, wealth and positions combined with Elisha's elaborate actions. However, Naaman's simple, humble obedience provided the context for God's healing power. It was really God through the details. Often, we do actions that require difficult, obvious forfeiture of ourselves, our time and our possessions. read more...

"Praise to the Lord, the Almighty," ELW 858 -- This hymn is a magnificent call to worship. When I was a teenager, my congregation celebrated its 50th anniversary. Even though we had a very large facility and sanctuary, there was no way we could all fit for one celebratory worship service. read more...

"Rise, Shine, You People," ELW 665 -- "Rise and shine!" That was the call to me and my siblings to get up and begin to get ready to go to school. I can recall many days when rising wasn't a particularly engaging concept; and shining was out of the question. However, the call to rise and shine in this wonderful hymn is irresistible. read more...

Mark 1:29-39 -- "...for that is what I came out to do...": to proclaim and teach about the kingdom of God. But Jesus wasn't just about the sermon and lecture. There was the practical outreach along the way of serving and healing. read more...

Luke 2:22-38 -- I have always loved the story of Simeon being presented with the baby Jesus, the Messiah. The best thing about this story is that it applies to us as well. We are promised that we will meet the Messiah: in our Baptism, through our growing faith, and even unto our earthly death. read more...

Hebrews 2:14-18 -- This word from Hebrews makes it very clear: Jesus became one with us to save us. Death still holds the fear of the unknown for us. Yet, Jesus became like us, in "every respect," so that his sacrifice covers us completely. read more...

Psalm 84 -- Being the oldest grandchild, I was able to spend weekends, and then longer periods of time, with my grandparents at their retirement lake home. At those times I felt complete and unconditional love. Those experiences granted me joyful learning opportunities. read more...

Malachi 3:1-4 -- We heard words like these in Advent, challenging us to prepare for the coming of the Lord. But then, the harsh words were softened by the birth of the child in Bethlehem. These words from Malachi serve as a reminder that the judgment is not yet final. read more...

"Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence," ELW 490 -- The voice of God is best heard when I keep silent and listen. In the silence, a still, small voice echoes in the head with sounds of splashing waters as God opens the heavens saying, "This is my beloved Son." In the silence, the Word made flesh enriches the heart with bread and wine saying, "Do this in remembrance of me." In the silence, the clanging of pounding nails in the body is pierced with the cry "It is finished." In the silence, the grinding of a rolling gravestone resounds in the soul with angels' alleluias—He is risen! When I listen, the voices of heavenly creatures teach me new words of praise. When I listen, my small voice harmonizes with songs of people lifting holy hands in awe. read more...

"Lord, Speak to Me That I May Speak," ELW 676 -- The voice of God speaks with power, majesty, righteousness, truth and authority. Above all, the voice of God is a loving, patient word that refreshes my soul and fills me with a desire to share the good news. God speaks to me so that I may speak words of hope to others who need this grace. read more...

Mark 1:23--28 -- The voice of God is hard to hear when other voices speak loudly in my ear. Jesus' power and authority threaten the voices that seek to draw me from God's good and gracious will. An unclean and evil spirit in a man recognizes God, expecting to be destroyed by Jesus. read more...

Mark 1:21--22 -- The voice of God is hard to hear when I think I know all the answers. When Jesus began to teach in the synagogue in Capernaum, people were astounded. The lessons from the scribes had been predictable, with familiar answers to familiar questions. read more...