Redeeming the Time

Redeeming the Time

Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Ephesians 5:15-17 We usually use the word “redeem” in relation to sin. It means...
The Affirmation of Identity

The Affirmation of Identity

As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew...
A Servant to Others

A Servant to Others

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. –Philippians 2:3-4 Humility does not come naturally to...
The Strength of Our Breath

The Strength of Our Breath

Even as a child, I loved looking up at the sky. Afternoons would find me imagining fluffy clouds in different shapes: alligators, dogs, rabbits… you name it.  When rain fell, I’d marvel at how dark the sky turned. If beautiful rainbows followed, I’d be overjoyed!  At...
Walking in the Garden

Walking in the Garden

And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?”...
Arise, Joseph!

Arise, Joseph!

Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had...