This week’s Humpday Devo is about Forgiveness. Scripture Matthew 18:21-22 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. Poem “Forgiveness” Each moment things forgive you. All your hours Are crowded with rich penitence … Continue reading Humpday Devo: Forgiveness
TEXT Mark 12:38-44 As he taught, he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.” He sat … Continue reading Bible Leads: Mark 12:38-44
This week’s Humpday Devo is about Children’s Spirituality, in recognition of Children’s Sabbath: this weekend. Scripture Matthew 18:1-5 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of … Continue reading Humpday Devo: Children’s Sabbath
I’ve been preparing for this Sunday’s worship, which will feature the story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10). Zacchaeus was a tax collector. Tax collectors in Jesus’ day were Jews contracted by the Roman government to extract “tolls” from their fellow Jews. The tax collector was expected to reach a quota to satisfy the governor. Anything else was his to keep. If necessary, Roman force was utilized to procure … Continue reading What is the Penance for a Country that Bombs a Hospital?
TEXT Luke 19:1-10 He entered Jericho and was passing through it. A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was rich. He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, because he was going … Continue reading Bible Leads: Luke 19:1-10
This week’s Humpday Devo is about St. Francis of Assisi, whose feast day in the Roman Catholic church is today. Scripture Matthew 5:1-12 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. … Continue reading Humpday Devo: Feast of St. Francis of Assisi
With the indictment of Don Blankenship for violating Mine Safety regulations leading to the deaths of 29 miners at the Upper Big Branch mine, comes several opportunities for West Virginia in particular and central Appalachia as a whole. I’m sharing a series of these reflections for your consideration. If West Virginia is the Mountain State, then why are so many of us “Friends of Coal”? Coal … Continue reading Opportunities for West Virginia now that Don Blankenship has been Indicted: A Fresh Look at Coal and WV’s other Resources
I am trying to be a better pastor. How does one do that? What makes a good pastor? How does one quantify such an amorphous position? Really, almost all of it is subjective. The job description is ridiculous and unobtainable. Most of what I’m expected to do is not even in the job description: be nice, be caring, don’t get angry, be available, don’t be … Continue reading Inspirations: The Pennant Wall
TEXT Matthew 15:29-39 After Jesus had left that place, he passed along the Sea of Galilee, and he went up the mountain, where he sat down. Great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the maimed, the blind, the mute, and many others. They put them at his feet, and he cured them, so that the crowd was amazed when they saw the … Continue reading Bible Leads: Matthew 15:29-39
This week’s Humpday Devo is about Fall. Scripture From Psalm 8: O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. Out of the mouths of babes and infants you have founded a bulwark because of your foes, to silence the enemy and the avenger. When I look at your heavens, the work of … Continue reading Humpday Devo: On Fall
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