Exploring the role of faith in our lives through personal narrative and critical reflection
Fear Not! by Chad Johns
I have often wondered how we got from the angel described in this passage from Matthew to the American understanding of angels as beautiful women in gowns or naked babies, as neither of these appear in the Bible. I have often wondered how, but I think I know why.
Continue reading “Easter Sunday: Lenten Devotional Series 2020”
The Morning After by Pastor John
I am always struck by the contrast between this day, Holy Saturday, and the rest of Holy Week. The crowds and turmoil of Good Friday have given way to silence and stillness. There is no meal or intimacy like on Maundy Thursday. The excitement and hope of Palm Sunday’s triumphal entry have ended with two women seated before a sealed tomb.
Holy Saturday feels lifeless.
Continue reading “Holy Saturday: Lenten Devotional Series 2020”
God’s Plan by Christin Wallace
It’s crazy to think that Jesus knew what was coming and yet he still went through with it even though it was unwarranted and incredibly hard and painful. It’s truly wild to me. There are very few things that I would knowingly go through that are hard and painful.
Continue reading “Good Friday: Lenten Devotional Series 2020”
Serving One Another by Charlie Knerr
When the hour comes to depart this world, Jesus wants his disciples to know that they ought to be servants to each other. The will be blessed if they follow his example.
Continue reading “Holy Thursday: Lenten Devotional Series 2020”
The Paradox of Love by Pastor John
In his last days on earth, Jesus was betrayed by his beloved disciples whom he had walked closely with for the past three years.
Continue reading “Holy Wednesday – Lenten Devotional Series 2020”
Finding Our Strength by Hannah Elhard
Growing up Lutheran, we referred to the Trinity often. The pie chart of God in my childhood mind held three equal parts, each all-knowing and all-powerful.
Continue reading “Holy Tuesday – Lenten Devotional Series 2020”
A Poet’s Look at the Story of Jesus by Heather Monkmeyer
There is so much beautiful humanity in this passage and so much to wonder about. Can you imagine being at a dinner party with someone who had just been brought back from the grave? Perhaps you had attended the burial and now he is right in front of your eyes! What would that be like for you?
Continue reading “Holy Monday – Lenten Devotional Series 2020”
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.
Peace Prayer of Saint Francis
Transformed Lives by Christin Wallace
This story of Jesus, like so many, is inspiring. His strength and his cool, calm, and collected attitude are clearly shown. That is not me. I am an anxious person who is eager to please, but that is not who Jesus was. He was righteous above all else and yet he did not act that way. He asked questions to try and understand. He was patient and kind and willing to do hard things for the good of the kingdom.
The Challenge by Hannah Elhard
“You look for an opportunity to kill me, because there is no place for you in my word.”
As the audience in this passage does, it is easy for us to disregard this passage. Make ourselves separate, “I would never KILL Jesus. This passage doesn’t apply to me.” But are there other ways to understand the word “kill” here rather than the literal death?
Living Light by Eileen Cooper
Reading this text made me instantly link back to the scripture and sermon from February 9, 2020 at Stone Village.