Mess, Message, Messiah

May 19, 2024
We want—and, indeed, need—time for ourselves.  Self-care is important!  And Christ shows us a model of sacrificial living that may well feel exhausting: when do I get time for me,…

More Than Anything

January 14, 2024
Not purification but preparation.  Jesus didn’t need any purification.  His baptism wasn’t for his purification; rather, it was a sign of his dedication, his official consecration, if you will.  His…

Water, Tree, Word

December 31, 2023
It’s hard to know what to make of Revelation.  It can feel daunting, and not just because there’s so much going on, so many things to try to keep track…

Those Who Pour

May 28, 2023
Eastern Oregon is, most of the year, a dry place of grassy hills and prairies.  In the northeastern part of the state is the town of Milton-Freewater, known for orchards…

In God’s Abundance

September 4, 2022
Jesus sent the apostles out with authority to cast out demons and to heal.  Oh, how we’d love some healing, just now.  Can you feel the need for it, out…

Not What You Know but . . .

February 13, 2022
Between what we last heard from Luke and what we just heard, Jesus has performed additional healings, called additional disciples, and established that he is the Lord of the Sabbath:…

Faith That We Are Chosen

February 6, 2022
Many are called but few are chosen (Mt 22:14).  Is this an ad for the Marines?  It’s not a really encouraging doctrine, at first glance.  How about everyone called and…

Poor, Chained, and Blind?

January 23, 2022
Luke wants to keep us mindful of the presence of the Holy Spirit.  Things are happening, developing, maturing, bearing fruit through the power and presence of the Spirit—that has huge…

Joy’s Foundation

January 16, 2022
“[T]he eternal Son of God was a guest at a feast.”[1]  You could do worse than to have Jesus as a guest at your celebration.  I haven’t been sure how…

Come with Weeping

January 2, 2022
Hosanna!  Lord, save us, please!  That’s what hosanna means: save us!  Make your praises heard, and pray that God would save His remnant (31:7).  Did you notice the order of…