Gifts multiplied
1 After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. 2 A large crowd kept following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. 3 Jesus went up the mountain and sat down there with his disciples. 4 Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was […]
Proclaiming peace
15 He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, 16 and might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it. 17 So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were […]
A house of peace
Looking at the scriptures with an eye toward mission. Joe Sawatzky shares a Missional Meditation titled "A house of Peace." It is based on the Revised Common Lectionary for Sunday, July 18. The peace of Jesus Christ makes us a dwelling place for God’s presence, and fulfills the promises made to David. Mark 6:30-35, 53-56 Ephesians 2:11-22 2 Samuel […]
Lift up your heads
Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in. Photo by Keith Hardy on Unsplash. Graphic design by Cynthia Friesen Coyle.
Naked and unashamed
Looking at the scriptures with an eye toward mission. Joe Sawatzky shares a Missional Meditation titled "Naked and unashamed." It is based on the Revised Common Lectionary for Sunday, July 11. Though they met hostility, David the king and John the baptizer were not ashamed of their devotion to God. Ephesians 1:3-14 2 Samuel 6:12-19 Mark 6:14-29 Psalm 24 Thank […]
Pondering
We ponder your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of your temple. Photo by Cindy Headings. Graphic design by Cynthia Friesen Coyle.
By the hands
Looking at the scriptures with an eye toward mission. Joe Sawatzky shares a Missional Meditation titled "By the hands." It is based on the Revised Common Lectionary for Sunday, June 27. Hands were a conduit for the healing of two daughters in their respective encounters with Jesus. Mark 5: 21-43 Thank you for joining us! This was initially […]
God will keep us
In the Message translation of the Lord’s Prayer, a single phrase is repeated: "keep us." It is highly reminiscent of the benediction in Numbers 6:24 – the Lord bless you and keep you. Keep, in this case, means to care for, to guard. This is God’s promise of active love. God attends us, guards us […]
New creation
17 So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! Graphic design by Cynthia Friesen Coyle.
God’s steadfast love
22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,[b] his mercies never come to an end;23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash. Graphic design by Cynthia Friesen Coyle.
Fulfilling the heart
Looking at the scriptures with an eye toward mission. Joe Sawatzky shares a Missional Meditation titled "Renewal for mission." It is based on the Revised Common Lectionary for Sunday, June 13. The desires of our hearts do not go unnoticed, and God brings them to fruition at the appointed time. Psalm 20 1 Samuel 15:34-16:13 2 Corinthians 5:6-17 Mark […]
I have decided to follow Jesus
The origins of this hymn come from India. A man and his family had accepted Christ into their hearts and the village chief told them to renounce their faith on threat of death. In response, the man sang his response — this hymn, even as his children and wife died. He was martyred as well, […]