Listen: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) Reflect: Have you ever said to a frightened child, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here.” That is what this passage feels like to me today. It’s been […]
Encourage: Take Heart
Listen: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV) Reflect: As I write these words, the ‘trouble’ this verse talks about is all around. We await another lockdown as Covid cases rise […]
Encourage: Consider One Another
Listen: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24) Reflection: “Go, Charlotte, Go!! Run, run, run! Wahoo, you can do it!” I shout at the top of my lungs as if my daughter is competing for an Olympic medal. Charlotte was 5 at the time, running in […]
ROL: Forgiveness
Listen: “Then Peter came and said to him, ‘Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, ‘Not seven times, but I tell you, seventy-seven times.’” (Matthew 18:21-22) Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just […]
ROL: Unconditional Love
Listen: Love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. (Romans 12:10 NRSV) Reflect: The unconditional love of God is at the center of our faith. If God so loves us, so much that he came and lived—and died—among us (“moved into the neighborhood”, to quote Eugene Peterson), how can I not love others, […]
ROL: Mercy
Listen: “Be merciful (responsive, compassionate, tender), even as your Father is merciful.” ( Luke 6:36 NRSV) “I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never-I promise-regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst. Our […]
ROL: Grace
Read: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” —1 Peter 4:10 NIV Reflect: Our Christmas giving is a pale reflection of the life changing gifts our heavenly Father gives to us. Gifts that enable us to bless, to serve, […]
ROL: Practicing Gratitude
Listen: Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. —1 Thessalonians 5:18 Reflect: What is God’s will for me? This is likely a familiar question for many of us who read this verse! In my work as a spiritual companion, I’ve sat with many people from age 9 to 90 who […]
ROL: Believing
Listen: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13 NRSV) Reflect: I can add little more to this wonderful prayer and wish written by Paul so long ago. The context of his writing […]