Devotional

Luke 24:13-35 The Lenten season is in the rearview mirror, and Easter decorations have been stored for another year.  It is easy to move from one season to another without fully processing what has just passed.  As a therapist I practice a form of therapy called Lifespan Integration.  It is a therapy that works to build new neuropathways for those who have experienced trauma.  What strikes me about that work is how the brain continues to process the session for…

A while back a movie was recommended to me called “The Walk”.  It told the true story of a French high wire artist by the name of Philippe Petit, who, in 1974 became the only human, that has ever “scaled the immense void between the World Trade Center towers”.  You read that correctly!  Mr. Petit, along with a team of accomplices, was able to covertly suspend a high wire between the towers and successfully traverse it, not once, but 8 times!  His planning had…

I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word. That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and…

Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus replied, “That’s what you say.” (Luke 23:3, CEB) As we continue the journey through Lent and consider the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion, this scene in scripture where Jesus is brought before Pilate always draws me into the narrative. Pilate was told Jesus had claimed to be a king, but this was a label that was given to him. In John’s gospel, Jesus’ longer reply to Pilate explains,…

We all know the weight of guilt, the nagging feeling that lingers when we fall short or mess up. In Psalm 32, David reflects on the powerful gift of God’s forgiveness and the peace that comes with it. He begins by proclaiming, “Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven,” reminding us that true joy comes from experiencing God’s grace and mercy. David knows what it’s like to carry the burden of unconfessed sin. In verses 3-4, he describes how…

It was a short friendship. He walked into the church, and I introduced myself to the newcomer as Pastor Wanda. We instantly became friends, and everyone introduced themselves that first day. He said he felt like family.  I told him he was family.  He loved coming to church and only missed when he was ill. He loved eating the noon meal with us and I tried to always send food home with him.  He sat at the same table every…

2 Corinthians 4:18 “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” One of the last conversations my nephew had with his father was about perspective, “Dad, it’s all about your perspective”.  And while my brother-in-law was unable to revive his son, my nephew is now in heaven in the presence of Jesus.  If Jesus gave him a choice of whether to…

Luke 4:18,19 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, Because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed, To proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”   These words show up twice in the Bible, here in Luke and in Isaiah 61. Jesus read these words from Scripture on the appointed…

10 The Lord proclaims: When Babylon’s seventy years are up, I will come and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. 11 I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the Lord; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope. 12 When you call me and come and pray to me, I will listen to you. 13 When you search for me, yes, search for me with all your heart, you will find me. 14 I will be…

This last week, I had the opportunity to attend M25 – a Nazarene conference held every four years focused on evangelism.  I’d estimate there were about 3500 Nazarene pastors, leaders, and laity from across the USA/Canada region in attendance.  It was a powerful time of reconnecting with God and ministry refocus for me.  I was blessed by the twice daily full conference worship services that included preaching by General Superintendent Carla Sunberg, USA/Canada Regional Director Stan Reeder and best-selling author…

This week many of us will celebrate Valentine’s Day. We will spend way too much money on cards, flowers, and a special dinner.  Most spouses or girlfriends will appreciate the special attention they receive on that special day.  But what about the other 364 days of the year?  My years of working as a marriage and family therapist suggests one day is not enough. The word most often used in Scripture for “love” is “agape.”  It is a verb.  It…

And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:5,6 I used to think…