In Matthew 21:23–32, Jesus challenges the religious authorities who question where his authority comes from. He responds with the parable of two sons: one says no but eventually goes, while the other says yes but does not. Jesus exposes the difference between outward words and inward transformation, reminding us that what we ultimately do matters more than what we say.
Philippians 3:4b-11..“Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ.” vs. 7 Paul had impressive credentials. Not only was he a proud member of the tribe of Benjamin, he had the best education possible for an up and coming religious leader. He was a member of the Pharisees, the strictest branch of Judaism, and he’d made a name for himself by hunting down and terrorizing Christians. His zeal was unmatched! But a chance…
Psalm 80:12-15…“Why then have you broken down its walls, so that all who pass along the way pluck its fruit? The boar from the forest ravages it, and all that move in the field feed on it.” vss. 12-13 After Martin Luther had published the 95 Theses in Wittenberg in October of 1517, a firestorm erupted all across Europe. There were scholarly debates and conferences as various scholars weighed in and attempted to refute Luther’s teachings. Rome was aware of…
Psalm 80:7-11..“You brought a vine out of Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it. You cleared the ground for it; it took deep root and filled the land.” vss. 8-9 The psalmist seems to be aware of the vineyard parable used by the prophets to describe the chosen people and doesn’t hesitate to use that same imagery in his prayer for the restoration of Israel. It is a powerful metaphor. Grapevines covered the slopes of the mountains in…
I came for the Healing of Memories workshop for veterans, and I almost didn’t come because of the trauma I wrestle with, but your staff, the workshop leaders and the quiet and safe campus held me there and I’ve found a new sense of peace and healing.