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
TEXT Mark 1:14-20 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And Jesus … Continue reading Bible Leads: Mark 1:14-20
TEXT Luke 10:25-37 Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. ‘Teacher,’ he said, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ He said to him, ‘What is written in the law? What do you read there?’ He answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your … Continue reading Bible Leads: Luke 10:25-37
In listening to Kim Davis defend her stance against same-sex marriages, I hear familiar arguments and punch lines. Ms. Davis vaguely cites scripture and claims God as her authority. She uses fundamentalist lingo, like telling a gay couple they would be answering to God at judgement. How did she learn to speak and reason like that? She has her own story of waywardness and salvation. But … Continue reading Kim Davis and the Case for Clergy Education
TEXT Luke 2:1-20 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was … Continue reading Bible Leads: Luke 2:1-20
When it comes to Kim Davis, the lady refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples in Kentucky, there is part of the story that remains unsaid. Most of the complaints against her are that she is a hypocrite: refusing marriage licenses while having been divorced three times. The most legally compelling argument says she is violating court orders. That would bring us to religious freedom … Continue reading Kim Davis: Decent Freedom Fighter, Not-so-Decent Christian
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