Month: August 2016
Michelle Bauer ~ Praying Past Politeness
August 20, 2016
I’m going to call Martha’s the honest approach. She doesn’t stand back and say things like, “Well you must have needed another angel.” Or “It must have been your will.” She looks him right in the eye and tells him exactly what she is thinking. “You let me down. You did not do what I asked you to do. You could have stopped this from happening.” And the thing she doesn’t say but is clearly communicating is “I thought you loved us.”
I’m guessing that the disciples and other people around Jesus all sucked their breath in and waited for the wrath that was surely about to fall on Martha’s head. You can’t talk that way to God… can you?
Andy Stoddard ~ Simple Gifts
August 18, 2016
Today, we all have gifts that seem so small with all the needs around. Offer them anyway.
Kimberly Reisman ~ Scattered
August 17, 2016
let’s look closer at the story of Babel. The first thing we learn is that there was only one language and one people – “now the whole earth had one language and the same words” – that ought to be a red flag for us. It ought to alert us that something isn’t right.
Elizabeth Glass Turner ~ Time During the Year
Repetition does not have to imply boredom or meaninglessness – though advertisers attempt to convince us otherwise. The rhythm of seasons is a necessary beauty, like the measured count behind your favorite music.
Justus Hunter ~ The Walk to School
August 15, 2016
When I walk him to school, and remember the proper procedure, I ask him to teach me their prayers. It changes frequently, alighting upon virtues and visions, my wife’s butterfly spirituality passing down to our son. As he teaches me their prayer, a common refrain rolls across his lips, “Lord, help me be bold and courageous.”
Kimberly Reisman ~ Going Global in the Local Church
This congregation has a fresh, invigorated vision of proclaiming God’s Kingdom in their hometown and around the world (including an appreciation for four-legged outreach).
Matt Hook ~ For Thine Is the Kingdom
August 13, 2016
God’s Kingdom has the power to turn everything right-side up.
Kelcy Steele ~ Old Ship of Zion: AME Zion General Conference Address
August 11, 2016
I’m proud to declare that the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church is my church. It’s my church of birth, it’s my church of choice, and it’s the church I love. It is known by many as “The Freedom Church,” and this I do not take lightly. Yet, while no church can ever claim to be perfect, the church must at least strive to be true. By God’s grace the “Old Ship of Zion” has traversed many dangerous and sometimes tumultuous waters since it first set sail in 1796 from the harbor of the John Street Methodist Church in New York City. We gathered and praised God for the safe arrival at the port of the 50th Session of the General Conference.
Kimberly Reisman ~ Pray Today, Fast Tomorrow
August 10, 2016
In a few short weeks, Methodists from dozens of denominations and countries will gather for the World Methodist Conference in Houston – the first time in several decades that the event has been held in North America. We are excited to reconnect with our brothers and sisters from around the world.
Will you pray with us today for the speakers preparing for this gathering?
Jean Watson ~ Empty Jars of Blessing
Singer, violinist, evangelist and Order of the Flame 2016 speaker Jean Watson reflects on emptiness as a blessing.