You want to wash my what? You want to serve me how? Why would you do that? On that fateful night, Jesus the foot-washer shows us that we are loved, that this love changes us, and empowers us to love others. In this Lenten season we have pictured Jesus with images of Jesus as the … [Read more…]
On some level, everyone knows Psalm 23. What is it about these words that have stood the test of time and translation and context? What is it about these words that they still provide consolation and hope and a profound connectedness to God? Psalm 23 (ELW) 1The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be … [Read more…]
What’s the difference between a good magic trick and one of Jesus’ miracles? Actually, a lot! There is much more impact to these miracles than to just those who experienced them first-hand. This is the “long-game” of God’s presence and power in the world. Read John 2:1-11 Today’s “Picture Jesus” image is that of the miracle … [Read more…]
Can we believe in the gift and promises of Jesus? Can we trust in this ‘bread of life’ from heaven? We, like the crowds that surrounded Jesus, would welcome just one more miracle, one more sign, one more ‘coincidence’ to prove that these words of Jesus are true. John 6:25-40 Right out of college I … [Read more…]
The gifts that Jesus gives are unlike anything else we will ever receive – like a well that will never run dry – and a life that is abundant and satisfying. In a world that challenges us every day, where do we get this living water? In these weeks of Lent we will be reflecting … [Read more…]
There is an immediacy in Jesus’ invitation to follow – a right now tone – God is not far off, but has come near – things are going to change. Even though we are 2000 years removed from those fisherman on the shore of Lake Galilee, we too can respond to Jesus’ invitation “immediately” – … [Read more…]
In the season of Advent we are given a fresh start, a new year, an opportunity to elevate our minds and our imaginations – to take a God’s-Eye View of the world – as we dare to hope, like Elizabeth and Zechariah and Mary – dare to hope, that the seemingly impossible is possible. That … [Read more…]
We are a part of a cycle of generosity – where the lives of both the givers and the receivers are changed and transformed because of what God first gave. As Paul writes, “Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!” I can remember coming home as a kid and my mom would be … [Read more…]
The Holy Spirit has a way of nudging or tugging at us when there are opportunities to serve and act as God’s hands and feet in the world. More effective in the life of Gloria Dei member Marge Andersen, is the whack of the proverbial 2×4 between the eyes. She shares her profound experience and … [Read more…]
What kind of church did Martin Luther envision? What would his hopes be for us today? Perhaps he would pray that we would trust in the Mighty Fortress that is our God, but also lean into the freedom that Christ brings in the Cross. A freedom that opens us up to God using us to … [Read more…]