In Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Jesus reveals the surprising nature of God’s kingdom through parables of a mustard seed, yeast, hidden treasure, a pearl of great value, and a net. The kingdom may begin small and unseen, yet it transforms everything.
We often want to pull up the weeds immediately. Jesus teaches a different way—one marked by patience, wisdom, and trust that God alone sees the whole field. Matthew 13 reminds us that God’s justice always arrives in God’s perfect time.
Isaiah 55:10-13 and Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 beautifully complement one another. Isaiah compares God’s Word to rain and snow that water the earth and always accomplish God’s purpose. Jesus builds on this image in the Parable of the Sower, showing that God’s Word is generously scattered like seed. When it falls on receptive hearts, it takes root, grows, and produces an abundant harvest of love, faithfulness, and transformed lives.
Romans 8:26-30…“We know that all things work together for good, for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” vs. 28 This verse gets a lot of attention from believers, particularly at those times in life when things aren’t going particularly well. Sometimes we can’t figure out any reasons for the things that are happening and our best efforts at living the good life are being thwarted. Things like disease, divorce, job loss, and depression take a…
Psalm 119:133-136…“My eyes shed streams of tears because your law is not kept.” vs. 136 This psalmist was saddened by the wholesale disregard for the precepts of the Lord. People were not walking in the way of righteousness and his heart was broken. While we don’t know the psalmist or his situation we can surmise that the pain came, not because he was angry at sinners, but because he was seeing the consequences of careless and lawless living. Such behavior…
Psalm 119:129-132…“The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple. With open mouth I pant, because I long for your commandments.” vss. 130-131 Psalm 119 is the longest of the psalms and is devoted to lifting up the law as God’s most loving gift to Israel. Today’s chosen verses call to mind an image of little birds opening up their mouths to receive food brought by a parent. They crowd the nest, their little beaks open…
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.
A retreat for religious leaders who have experienced emotional, psychological and spiritual distress in their personal or professional lives — facilitated by the Institute for Healing of Memories — is coming June 3-6, 2024.