Hebrews 2:10-18 Question for reflection: Gerontologist Jane Marie Thibault writes in 10 Gospel Promises for Later Life that suffering plays a role in shaping us as human beings. Suffering can be a source of spiritual growth and increase our empathy for the suffering of others (p.84). What suffering have you experienced, or witnessed in
prayer
Oreo Jesus
Hebrews 2:1-9 Question for reflection: “The Jesus in Me Loves the Jesus in You” is often sung at Church of the Brethren intercultural gatherings. As we sing, we move from person to person, holding their hands as we acknowledge that we see Jesus in each other. It is energizing to connect with each other
A clear call
Luke 18:31- 34 Question for reflection: Glimpses of discernment flutter briefly across our preoccupied mind like rays of sunshine trying to break through the dense morning fog. We sense that “something important is happening, here” (Henri Nouwen), but the full meaning remains hidden from us, just beyond our grasp. How can we clear our
Abide in me
1 John 2:18-28 Question for reflection: What do you listen to on the radio? Online? On television? Which songs have you memorized the lyrics of? Whose calls do you always answer? Whose words do you pay attention to? What messages do you want to remain with you? Prayer for the day: As I quiet
Mutualizing
Hebrews 10:19-25 Question for reflection: Who do you worship with? Who do you gather with to play? To eat? To work? Who is in your community? Who would you want to welcome into your community? Prayer for the day: O God, your faithfulness and forgiveness extends to me, to my family, to my community
By way of sorrow
Psalm 126 Question for reflection: What are the things you dream of? What are the things that make you laugh? What are the things that give you joy? How would your life be changed, if during this season of Lent, your dreams, laughter, and joy reflected the Lord? Prayer for the day: Lord, who
God’s microphones
John 11:45-57 Question for reflection: The chief priests and Pharisees called an emergency meeting to ask, “What are we accomplishing?” The people in their communities, witnessing the signs and miracles of Jesus had been begun to believe in Him. Though we may not be able to turn water into wine, what are the signs
God’s witnesses
Isaiah 43: 8-15 Question for reflection: When you look back in your life, when do you remember the presence of God being most with you? Have you shared this story with others? How has the story changed in each retelling as you have a better understanding of how it is part of God’s will
Anne with an e
Isaiah 43: 1-7 Question for reflection: Do you feel that you might be washed away in the rivers of obligations and work and family? Has the heat of conflict and stress felt like it might engulf you? God promises that He is with us and we will not be burned or washed away. When
Scarcity and abundance
2 Kings 4:1-7 Question for reflection: Where are there signs of abundance in your congregation and life that offer hope and vitality? Prayer for the day: Lord God, help us to care for one another and for your world. Remove our fear and tendencies to assume scarcity. You are the one from whom every family