acceptance

Reflect In one of the most familiar stories in the Old Testament, the story of Joseph and his brothers, we see what happens when a parent favors one child over the others. The reason itself does not matter—the fact that the brothers witness their father’s greater love for Joseph simply because he is the son […]

Focus As you quiet yourself for this brief time, be willing to be open to God in whatever way that may take place. Read Luke 10:13-16 (NRSV) “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented […]

Focus Relax and listen. Consciously prepare to hear God’s Word. Clear your mind of the worries and tasks that lie before you. Open your heart and allow it to refresh. Read 2 Timothy 1: 8-12a (NRSV) Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with […]

Focus Pay attention to the tension in your body. Let go of it and any expectations to do anything, but God’s will today. Prepare yourself to hear God’s word. Read Luke 7:1-10 (NRSV) After Jesus had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. A centurion there had a slave […]

There has been a lot of news recently concerning conflicts over “freedom of conscience” and/or one’s freedom to behave within the constraints of her/his “sincerely-held religious beliefs.” Like any good partisans, folks on both sides of the issues have turned to the principles of marketing in labeling their causes, claiming that their position “protects freedom” […]

Focus As you quiet yourself for this brief time, be willing to be open to God in whatever way that may take place. Read John 10:31-42 (NRSV) The Jews took up stones again to stone him. Jesus replied, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these are you going […]

Focus Let yourself become open to God and the knowledge that comes from the Word. Ask God for peace at this time. Read Luke 13:18-21 (NRSV) He said therefore, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what should I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in […]

Focus Pay attention to the tension in your body. Let go of it and any expectations to do anything other than God’s will today. Prepare yourself to hear God’s word. Read Philippians 3:17-20 (NRSV) Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. For […]

Focus Let yourself become open to God and the knowledge that comes from the Word. Ask God for a peace at this time. Read 1 Corinthians 1:3-17 (NRSV) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace […]