You just heard words of hope in today’s gospel text. And you know that what I’m going to say not only applies to Jesus and Zacchaeus. It applies to us. I’ll include a personal story to illustrate the point of Luke telling the story. And...
Listen to key themes in today's readings: The importance of knowing who you are and what you need cannot be understated. Also, knowing who to ask for help can determine one's future. This is true not only of individuals, but entities like churches. There are lessons to be...
As someone who thrives on their efforts being both recognized and appreciated, I struggle to hear Jesus speak of a servant who does what’s expected and counts it for naught. Afraid to become anyone’s servant or slave, I don’t much care for job descriptions or...
There’s a board game called Creature Comforts. Players pretend to be woodland animals collecting items for winter. To paraphrase the publisher’s description, “For three seasons, life in the forest is fun…while the sun is shining and leaves are on the trees.” “But those days don’t last...
A rich man had a manager, lucky him. He was already successful and possessed wealth, now he had enough resources to hire a manager which is different from hiring help. Managers are more capable and can work independently. They supervise, rather than require supervision, and...
Today’s worship service will be a little different as we are in a completely different setting and have the opportunity to be creative beings along with God. I hope you’ll hear prayers, experience worship, feel fed and exchange God’s Peace without the usual prompts. Soon Brad...
Large crowds were traveling with Jesus. I don’t imagine that dealing with large crowds has ever been pleasant. They can certainly be a hassle unless someone sorts them out. What’s your purpose? Tell me your aim. Let’s focus on one step at a time. As a...
As one who hates embarrassment, I rarely choose a seat without first being invited. I try to observe who’s already seated, then figure out who they are in relation to the host or whoever’s most important. As one who also tries to avoid being wrong,...
What I remember of Stephen Covey’s book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, is this: “Do what is both urgent and important.” Jesus understood this method of prioritizing very well. Since the beginning of time, God has tried to teach people this lesson: There’s...
In the Book of Luke, frustration has been mounting. After Jesus tells the parable of the watchful slaves who ought to keep their lamps lit, Peter asks, “Lord, was that meant for us or everyone?” Because I’m of a similar persuasion to Peter, I wonder if...