DEVOTIONAL:
When I read this passage, I was struck by Jesus and Simon Peter’s conversation. Jesus predicts Simon’s denial in verses 31-32 saying that, “Simon… But I have pleaded in prayer for you … that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen and build up your brothers.” I think this is truly amazing because Jesus let go of the rejection that Simon would cause him in his self-serving denial and extended grace, forgiveness and encouragement. This was a truly loving thing God allowed to happen. (more…)

DEVOTIONAL:
I have to confess that Lent has seemed really long to me this year. I feel like the child in the backseat asking, “Are we there yet?” Haven’t we repented and fasted enough? Aren’t we good now? (more…)

DEVOTIONAL:
Loneliness is one of the most profound human emotions. Isolation from other human beings, from the vital connection of community, can be devastating. Sometimes this isolation is physical; at other times, we can be in a room full of people and not feel connected to a single soul. (more…)

DEVOTIONAL:
The theme of this week is “Alive in Christ.” I am reminded of second century theologian St. Irenaeus’s saying, “The glory of God is a human being fully alive.” Yet what does it mean to be fully alive? For insight, I often turn to Luke’s story of Martha and Mary welcoming Jesus to their home. Luke suggests that the fullness of life is constituted by both service and prayer. Through service we direct our attention towards welcoming and creating a hospitable place for others. All of Martha’s careful preparations are sacraments of her love and care for Jesus. Yet this service, though essential, may not be enough. In spite of Martha’s service and our good works we can sometimes forget to attend and be present to each other. (more…)

DEVOTIONAL:
In Sunday School long ago, I remember creating construction paper palm leaves to illustrate this text. Another Palm Sunday, I might have acted as a palm waver in the church’s Passion Play performance; one young voice among many shouting the familiar line, “Hosanna, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” Known as Christ’s triumphal entry, Jesus’ popularity hit a new high in the polls. This became the focus of the passage in the previous times I’ve read it. (more…)

DEVOTIONAL:
I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard this Scripture read, preached about or reflected on. Its popularity is shown in the countless songs written to reflect the last few verses. But at the root of it all, the text helps us remember the very reason God sent his Son to earth, and gives us specific examples of how to live our lives just as Jesus did. (more…)

DEVOTIONAL:
As a kid I faced a daunting personal dilemma known as “indecision.” With two stubbornly opinionated older sisters dominating matters at home, I learned from an early age that to “agree” was a survival tactic. No use holding a dissenting opinion of my own if it would conflict with that one universal greater good: peaceful sister interactions! Right? (more…)

DEVOTIONAL:
“Nothing’s going right,” I quietly moan. It’s 12:23 a.m., and the computer screen in front of me flashes, taunting in its robotic hum. “An error has occurred in a third party module”…. (more…)

DEVOTIONAL:
This past December, 13 months after being diagnosed with cancer, my mother passed away. Growing up, I often took for granted the times with my mother. While my mother was sick, I often anticipated and hoped for the day when she would get better. Future memories of weddings, graduations and grandchildren seemed to hang in the balance. I became frustrated projecting my own hopes of a future on the reality which was happening. Many people from church, coworkers, friends and family prayed for her healing. However, as time went on and her disease progressed, it became clear that my time with her was indeed limited. (more…)

DEVOTIONAL:
In John 12:1-8, Jesus’ friends hosted a dinner party in honor of him. It was a time to give thanks and a time for friends to fellowship with one another. Those throwing the party had much to be thankful for. The party was held in the town of Bethany, the residence of Lazarus, Mary and Martha. In Mark 14 we are told the celebration was held in the home of a man known as Simon the leper. All of these individuals had their lives drastically changed through their relationships with Jesus and thus had many things to be thankful for. Jesus restored life to Lazarus, showed Martha how to truly serve, blessed Mary for her devotion to his message, and healed Simon restoring his exile from society. (more…)