Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is … Continue reading From The Valley, Mission.
Category: Wednesday Worship
Empathy
A man, traveling down a long road, falls into a deep dark hole. He cannot find a way out of the hole and sits waiting for his demise. After a long while, another man walks by and looks down into the hole. He assesses the situation and realizes he can see a way for the … Continue reading Empathy
Turning Tables
As a little girl, I always was fascinated by the story of Jesus turning over the tables in the temple. I am not sure if it is because the action of the scene was compelling or if I found comfort in the fact that Jesus would give action to his frustration. As a little girl … Continue reading Turning Tables
A King on a Donkey
Jerusalem was crowded with the people who would partake of the feast of the Passover. The city bustled with the excitement of gathering together in the Holy City for the most holy of days. The news of the day passed quickly from ear to ear. Those who had arrived from out of town were given … Continue reading A King on a Donkey
Bearing One Another’s Burdens: Church and Autism
God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy. But he makes the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land. Ps. 68:6 I think one of the worst feelings in the world is feeling lonely when you are surrounded by people. Feeling lonely and isolated is a horrible feeling by … Continue reading Bearing One Another’s Burdens: Church and Autism
Adopted through the Spirit: Thoughts on Identity
For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we … Continue reading Adopted through the Spirit: Thoughts on Identity
Who Do You Say That I Am? Thoughts on Identity
He stood before His accusers, exhausted from the evening’s activities. His head was encircled by a blindfold and the rejection of those who claimed to love Him. As the morning sun rose, the world was in full denial. Just outside the walls, Peter was denying,Him. Inside, the very men who should have recognized Him, spat … Continue reading Who Do You Say That I Am? Thoughts on Identity
Who Am I? Thoughts on Identity
He was born an Israelite. He became royalty. He was a murderer. He ran away, an outcast. He currently found himself a shepherd in a foreign land. In the routine of his occupation, he heard his name being called. "Moses! Moses!' Barefoot he finds himself on holy land in front of God. In the moment … Continue reading Who Am I? Thoughts on Identity
Favor
One of my favorite parts of being the Mom to children I did not give birth to is hearing the phrases, "I see so much of your husband in this one" or "The little one and his big brother really favor." or "Your children favor so much." I usually just smile to strangers, but to … Continue reading Favor
Ash Wednesday: Saturday
S.M. Lockridge’s sermon, “It’s Friday, but Sunday’s Coming” is among my most frequented orations in times of hopelessness. Several years ago, I was teaching a women’s Bible class on the life of Christ. As we studied the death of Christ, I played the presentation of the sermon for them. My precious friend, Ruth, shared with … Continue reading Ash Wednesday: Saturday
Sara Jones Presents.... 