Life and Faith Together
Your life moves at a hectic pace. This makes it difficult for you to live your faith-based values every day. All too often, by the time you get to the middle of a busy week, your Sunday morning inspiration is a distant memory. This podcast will help you to connect your day-to-day life to your Biblical faith. With new episodes posted each Wednesday, we will read through the Bible each year. Our host, Dr. David H Green, is an experienced pastor, preacher, and teacher of the Bible. In addition to a weekly Bible lesson, Dr. Green will introduce important tips and resources to help you to grow in your faith. This weekly study of the Bible will help you to bring your hectic Life and your Biblical Faith Together. If you have a specific question about the Bible, you can connect directly with Dr. Green ([email protected]).
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Tips for Reading the Creation Stories (Genesis 1-3)
03/02/2024
Tips for Reading the Creation Stories (Genesis 1-3)
Very few words have caused more disagreement than the opening stories in the Book of Genesis. As you read through these familiar words, here are a few tips to help you discern the powerful importance of and meaning within the words. To understand the Bible, you must let the words speak for themselves, without adding to or taking from the powerful message within the text. These steps may help you to do this: First, forget everything you have ever heard or thought about the creation stories. All too often we read between the lines and add unwritten editorial comments. Then focus on the words themselves and work to read with an open mind. This fresh reading of the written words will likely reveal important words and phrases that you have missed in the past. Finally, allow room for mystery, uncertainty, and miracles. Ancient readers of the Holy Writings were more comfortable with the knowledge that there is more to be revealed. By contrast, modern readers often make the mistake of believing that we have all relevant information available to us. Keep reading through the Bible! Your faithful efforts will result in real and powerful blessings for you and for others around you. Be blessed, my friend!
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A Bible Study Journal for Your Lifetime: Make Your Own Bible Study Journal
01/10/2024
A Bible Study Journal for Your Lifetime: Make Your Own Bible Study Journal
The Lifetime Bible Journal is a place to keep your personal notes as you read and study the Bible. This journal will help you to grow in your faith, year after year. For those who teach or preach from the Bible, this tool is essential for a lifetime of effectiveness. The more attention to give to it, the more likely this journal will become one of most important resources for your ability to grow in faith and in wisdom. Here you can follow your curiosity to study people, places, and events. Here you can leave questions unanswered. Perhaps here you can note the answers to these questions, sometimes years after you first contemplated the mysteries of God. Building your own Lifetime Bible Journal requires little more than paper and a notebook. Over time you may find it useful to use notebooks and dividers as a system to keep and to use this journal. Or perhaps you will keep a drawer filled with file folders. For some, the convenience of keeping a paperless journal will use a tablet and maybe even a notetaking app. Having used all of these at one time or another, my system is a bit of a hybrid. When studying with focus, I use Bibles in the Olive Tree Bible App. Here it is easy to keep two translations open side-by-side. For me, this is ordinarily an English translation (usually the ESV) next to it original language (Hebrew for the Old Testament, Greek for the New Testament). At the same time, I write with pen and paper to maximize the benefits of the mind-hand relationship. There are important benefits to slowing your thought process by using your hand to write. Some can do this using a paperless system with a tablet and a notetaking app. My point is this: Know which system works best for you. And don’t be afraid to make changes over time. This is your journal. You are both the author and the audience. Do what works for you. As mentioned in this podcast episode, here is a list of some of the resources that I use. If you use these links to purchase items at Amazon, I might receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you. When you purchase resources from Olive Tree, I do not receive a commission or any other financial benefit. Having used these resources for more 20 years or more, I recommend them without reservation. Bible Tabs: Majestic Rainbow Bible Tabs: Tabbies Catholic Gold-Edged Bible Indexing Tabs, Old & New Testament Plus Catholic Books, 90 Tabs Including 71 Books & 19 Reference Tabs (58330): Cardstock (for dividers): Reskid Blank White Cardstock - Thick Paper - Heavyweight 110 lb Cover Paper 5.5x8.5 inches: Notebook Paper: Avery Mini Binder Filler Paper for 3 or 7 Ring Binders, College Ruled, 5.5" x 8.5", 100 Sheets (14230) White: Avery Mini 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" Binder Filler Paper , Case Pack of 6 (14230),White: Notebooks: 1.5" Small Binder 3 Ring 9.5" x 8" Vintage PU Leather Book Style - Fits 8.5" x 5.5" Notebook Paper: Samsill Vintage Hardback Jr. Book Style 3 Ring Binder, 1 Inch Round Ring, Holds 200 Sheets - Dark Brown: Samsill 1 Inch 3 Ring Binder, Leather, Brown with Contrast Stitching: Avery Mini Durable Binder for 5.5 x 8.5 inch Pages, 1 inch Round Ring, Black, (27257) (2 Pack): Tops Cardinal Mini Round Ring Binder, 1-Inch, 8-1/2-Inch x 5-1/2-Inch, Black (07201): If your 2024 Goals include studying the Bible, you may be interested in using electronic resources from Olive Tree (). The 15% off coupon code (lifeandfaith15) is valid through February 28, 2024. The coupon code can only be used on OliveTree.com and not in the in-app stores within the app.
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The Gospel of Luke with a Summary of the Synoptic Gospels
12/30/2023
The Gospel of Luke with a Summary of the Synoptic Gospels
The Gospel of Luke is a magnificent telling of the life and work of Jesus. But there is much more to this writing than what meets the eye. There are some elements of this writing that cannot be translated into 21st century American English. Dr Green will discuss Luke's Gospel and the life-changing resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Dr Green will also compare the three Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). Reading these three together will give you insight into the world of the eyewitnesses to the life of Jesus, and their commitment to sharing these events with you. There is one final important similarity shared by the Synoptic Gospels -- a call to action for all who have faith in God through Jesus Christ. The work is to teach and preach to others. Even in the earliest years of Christianity, followers of Jesus are instructed to live an honest life together with an honest faith.
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The Christmas Story (The Gospel of Luke)
12/25/2023
The Christmas Story (The Gospel of Luke)
Merry Christmas! This special episode is the Christmas Story, as found in the Gospel of Luke (chapter 2). Resources mentioned in this video (with links to purchase the books): Read On! A Guide for Reading Through the Bible by David H Green ( This link is part of an Affiliate relationship with Amazon. If you use these links to make a purchase, I may receive a small commission (at no added cost to you). Olive Tree Bible App (available at ) The app and some of its resources are free. Use coupon code "LifeAndFaith15" for a 15% discount on online purchases. This offer is valid through February 28, 2024. This coupon can be used only on and not for purchases within the app itself.
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The Gospel of Mark
12/24/2023
The Gospel of Mark
The Gospel of Mark is a foundational part of the New Testament. Written earlier than other New Testament texts, the Gospel of Mark is an unvarnished presentation of the life and work of Jesus. In this show, Dr. Green will look to the beginning and the endings found in the Gospel of Mark. Together these clearly reveal the heart of Mark's message. Mark is clear that Jesus is the Messiah, the anointed Son of God, who has come to fulfill the work predicted by the ancient prophets. This video series encourages you to read through the Bible each year, using Read On! A Guide for Reading Through the Bible in One Year (available exclusively at Amazon). Resources mentioned in this video (with links to purchase the books): Read On! A Guide for Reading Through the Bible by David H Green ( This link is part of an Affiliate relationship with Amazon. If you use these links to make a purchase, I may receive a small commission (at no added cost to you). Olive Tree Bible App (available at ) The app and some of its resources are free. Use coupon code "LifeAndFaith15" for a 15% discount on online purchases. This offer is valid through February 28, 2024. This coupon can be used only on and not for purchases within the app itself.
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Five Speeches by Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew
12/15/2023
Five Speeches by Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew
Jesus teaches some of his most important lessons in the Gospel of Matthew. Here you can find five speeches that, when read together, reveal details of the relationship between Jesus and his disciples. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus speaks to his original audience. Even more than that, Jesus speaks through them to our modern world. His lessons are powerful and personal. The invitation to follow Jesus is an invitation to a life filled with opportunities and challenges and blessings beyond imagination. A life of true faith – a faith that is part of your day, every day - begins with reconsidering your priorities and your practices. You can then see more clearly the work that you are created to do. Learn more as you make a commitment to read through the Bible this year. Read On: A Guide for Reading Through the Bible in One Year is available only at Amazon.
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Matthew's Story
12/06/2023
Matthew's Story
The Gospel of Matthew appears in the form of a story. Written and presented for ordinary people, the story is understandable and deeply moving. Written for an audience that lives in a world much like ours, the faith of the church becomes accessible. This video introduces Matthew's story. A great way to begin reading through the Bible, you can start today! Resources mentioned in this video (with links to purchase the books): Read On! A Guide for Reading Through the Bible by David H Green ( Matthew as Story by Jack Dean Kingsbury ( These links are part of an Affiliate relationship with Amazon. If you use these links to make a purchase, I may receive a small commission (at no added cost to you).
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Read the Bible in One Year
11/29/2023
Read the Bible in One Year
Many people try. Some even succeed. This is your invitation to join us as we read throught the Bible, beginning December 1, 2023. We will start in the Gospel of Matthew. Our daily readings can be found in "Read On! A Guide for Reading Through the Bible in One Year." The guide is available on Amazon. Reading through the Bible each year may be the most helpful discipline for living your life of faith in your daily life. Reading through the Bible can be difficult. But it is well worth the effort. Reading through the Bible will change your heart and reshapre your priorities. By reading the Bible, you will learn about God. But more than that, you will learn about yourself. Read On! A Guide for Reading Through the Bible in One Year is available in a () and for a (. These links are linked to an Amazon Affiliate program. By using these links to make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. There is no added cost to you.
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Thanksgiving Day and Giving Thanks
11/23/2023
Thanksgiving Day and Giving Thanks
Thanksgiving Day and Giving Thanks “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV) In the United States we are preparing to celebrate our annual Thanksgiving Holiday. This event is celebrated with a national holiday, sporting events, and a great feast. Millions of people will travel great distances to be with family and friends. But, in all this hectic work of going, doing, visiting, and eating, are we taking time to be grateful and to give thanks? Today we reflect on the importance of giving Thanksgiving Day and thanks. Contemplating the idea of a “Life Verse” from the Bible, we will consider several statements about giving thanks. In this episode, there will be some mention of the importance of keeping a journal. If you are interested in keeping your own journal, the following products might be helpful to you. (Please Note: Links to Amazon pages may be links to Affiliate Sales pages. When you make a purchase using these links, I may receive a small sales commission. There is no added cost to you.) Journals and Planners: , including the , and the Fine Writing Notebooks: Through the years, this has proven to be my personal favorite. My shelves are filled with these notebooks in varying shapes, sizes, and colors. Spiral-Bound Notebooks: Sharpie Pens (to write on the notebook covers): Program Note: On December 1, we will begin reading through the Bible in one year. Each Wednesday, this podcast will add depth and understanding to the readings. Occasionally we will take time to study something that piques our curiosity. Even though you don't need to read through the Bible to benefit from these 20-minute lessons, you may wish to do so. The Bible Reading Guide can be purchased online at Amazon in or editions. (Because this is an affiliate link, I receive a small commission from each purchase. There is no added cost to you.)
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Gratitude and Hope
11/16/2023
Gratitude and Hope
Without gratitude, there is no hope. Without hope, there can be no gratitude. Our national tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving is an enduring observance of hope for the future. In the past, our nation has had an annual thanksgiving observance, even in a time of uncertainty or tragedy. Looking at a few of these difficult celebrations (1793, 1863, and 1963), we can see the pattern of hope that inspires and defines our nations. Looking to a similar moment in Biblical history (Lamentations 5), we will see the same pattern connecting gratitude and hope. Program Note: On December 1, we will begin reading through the Bible in one year. Each Wednesday, this podcast will add depth and understanding to the readings. Occasionally we will take time to study something that piques our curiosity. Even though you don't need to read through the Bible to benefit from these 20-minute lessons, you may wish to do so. The Bible Reading Guide can be purchased online at in or editions. (Because this is an affiliate link, I receive a small commission from each purchase. There is no added cost to you.)
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Your Lot in Life is Your Legacy
11/08/2023
Your Lot in Life is Your Legacy
Your Lot in Life is Your Legacy. After a year of multiple surgeries and an unexpected retirement from parish ministry, Dr. Green reflects on his lot in life and the legacy of his pastoral work. With much gratitude he compares his feelings with comforting words from Psalm 16. "The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance." (Psalm 16:5-6, ESV)
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Amen!
03/01/2023
Amen!
Psalm 106:1-2, 6, 44-48 (ESV) 1 Praise the LORD! Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! 2 Who can utter the mighty deeds of the LORD, or declare all his praise? 6 Both we and our fathers have sinned; we have committed iniquity; we have done wickedness. 44 Nevertheless, he looked upon their distress, when he heard their cry. 45 For their sake he remembered his covenant, and relented according to the abundance of his steadfast love. 46 He caused them to be pitied by all those who held them captive. 47 Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from among the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise. 48 Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting! And let all the people say, “Amen!” Praise the LORD!
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Thine Is the Kingdom
02/22/2023
Thine Is the Kingdom
1 Chronicles 29:10-13 (ESV) 10 Therefore David blessed the LORD in the presence of all the assembly. And David said: “Blessed are you, O LORD, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. 11 Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all. 12 Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. 13 And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.
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Lead Us
02/15/2023
Lead Us
Luke 11:1-13 (ESV) 1 Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” 2 And he said to them, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread, 4 and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.’” 5 And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, 6 for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; 7 and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’? 8 I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. 9 And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 11 What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; 12 or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
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Forgive Us
02/08/2023
Forgive Us
Luke 11:1-13 (ESV) 1 Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” 2 And he said to them, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread, 4 and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.’” 5 And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, 6 for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; 7 and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’? 8 I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. 9 And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 11 What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; 12 or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
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Our Daily Bread
02/01/2023
Our Daily Bread
Luke 11:1-13 (ESV) 1 Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” 2 And he said to them, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread, 4 and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.’” 5 And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, 6 for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; 7 and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’? 8 I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. 9 And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 11 What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; 12 or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
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Your Will Be Done
01/25/2023
Your Will Be Done
Matthew 6:5-15 (ESV) 5 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9 Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread, 12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
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Holy Be Your Name
01/18/2023
Holy Be Your Name
Matthew 6:5-15 (ESV) 5 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9 Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread, 12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
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After the Lights
01/04/2023
After the Lights
To Celebrate Christmas is to embrace two important characteristics of God -- the smallness of a child born in humble circumstances and the grandeur of the Heavenly Host singing to the Glory of God. This episode (After the Lights) focuses on the second characteristic, the Heavenly Host singing to the Glory of God, and its effect on those who were there at that moment in time. The previous episode (The Smallest Light) looks to the the first of these characteristics of God, a child born into humble circumstances. We learn at Christmastime -- and are reminded in our yearly celebration of it -- is that our God is with us in our humble existence and calling us to be a part of the celebration of the Great Heavenly Host. Merry Christmas! And Happy New Year!
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The Smallest Light
01/04/2023
The Smallest Light
To Celebrate Christmas is to embrace two important characteristics of God -- the smallness of a child born in humble circumstances and the grandeur of the Heavenly Host singing to the Glory of God. The episode (The Smallest Light) looks to the the first of these characteristics of God, a child born into humble circumstances. The following episode (After the Light) focuses on the second characteristic, the Heavenly Host singing to the Glory of God, and its effect on those who were there at that moment in time.
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The Light of the World - Part 2
12/28/2022
The Light of the World - Part 2
Speaking to a large and friendly crowd, Jesus says, "Y'all are the light of the world." (Matthew 5:15) Later in his life, Jesus is speaking to a large and UNfriendly crowd. To them Jesus says, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12, ESV) So, which is it? Or, in the power of our God, can both statements be equally true? As we continue to explore the relationship between light and darkness as they are found in the Bible, we now learn that each individual may carry the most powerful light of all.
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Light for the Nations
12/22/2022
Light for the Nations
When we think of the Light of God, it is easy to think of this as something personal, light for you and light for me. But the Bible teaches that the light of God is also Light for the Nations. As we prepare for Christmas and see the images of light all around us, we are reminded that the Light of God is greater than we can even begin to imagine.
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Light of the World
12/21/2022
Light of the World
As we prepare for Christmas, the season is marked by the images of light coming into the darkness. We even decorate our homes and shop with lights and trees. What is the importance of this light? Jesus says to a crowd, "You are the salt of the earth...." and "You are the light of the world." (Matthew 5:13, 14) As Jesus speaks to that crowd, he effectively speaks through them and to each of us. What does it mean to be salt and light? How should this be reflected in the ways that we prepare for and celebrate Christmas?
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The Greatest Light
12/07/2022
The Greatest Light
This began with a simple question: What is the relationship between light and darkness? We want to believe that the answer is simple – something like, light always extinguishes darkness. We want to believe this. But we know it is simply not this easy. When you look at the night sky, you see both darkness and light. In the darkest moment of might, there are stars and lights all around you. These lights exist in the darkness. But the darkness surrounds them. What, then, is the real relationship between light and darkness? As we prepare for Christmas, we are surrounded by lights. All of us can see these lights in the darkness. For others, there is a darkness that can be felt. For all of us, there is a real and abiding hope. Let’s explore the relationship between light and darkness. Let’s find and celebrate the greatest light and our greatest source of hope A Season of Light Revelation 22:1-5 “The Greatest Light”
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Gifts of Gratitude
11/30/2022
Gifts of Gratitude
Are you uncomfortable when people talk with you about giving generously? Even if it makes us uncomfortable, the Bible is filled with common sense advice about giving generously. One of these lessons comes from the Apostle Paul when he was writing to the Christians in Corinth. As Paul is writing to this ancient audience, this message is still speaking to us. Even today we can be blessed if we follow through with this lesson about being generous and giving generously.
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Finding Treasures
11/30/2022
Finding Treasures
The month of November is a great time to pause and to give thanks. Farmers have harvested autumn crops and and are now preparing for the winter months ahead. Condsider the reasons for your gratitude. Do more than counting your blessings. Take time to search your soul to find your treasures of Greatest value. Jesus gives helpful insight into ourselves and guides us to find our true treasures. "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21)
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The Vine and The Branches
11/16/2022
The Vine and The Branches
How big is your garden? What kind of fruit are you bearing? With all of the demands on our time - work, family, friends, church, and maybe even a little personal time - we are keeping crazy-busy schedules. We think this is something new, something that has never happened before. But, when we read the Bible, we are reminded that the limitations of life are not new. Jesus says, "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). We receive life from a vine and are care for by the ultimate gardener. Will we yield our lives to his hand?
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Lord of the Harvest
11/02/2022
Lord of the Harvest
A busy schedule can feel overwhelming. The responsibilities that come with family, work, church, friends, and maybe even a little time for yourself, can feel like more than you can do. But when we think about twelve apostles that were appointed by Jesus, it's easy to believe that they were exceptional and that somehow they could do it all. The Bible tells it differently. When Jesus appointed his twelve apostles, he did not instruct them to be all things to all people. He did not tell them to do everything themselves. Jesus told them to pray. Jesus told those closest to him to pray. This is good advice for us, too. “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (Matthew 9:37-38, ESV)
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Death and Life
10/26/2022
Death and Life
Perhaps the most holy and sacred of all places in the side of the grave. Standing beside a tomb, or looking into a grave, we are forced to confront the limits of life. But it is also there, in that place and in that moment, that we bring the full measure of our honest grief. This is the place where we need most to be reminded of the hope that is greater than life on this side of heaven, the hope that comes only through Jesus Christ. For many, we are emerging from a season of deep loss. Others are still painfully aware of all that is missing. The great Christian hope is that there is more than this life. There is a promise of life eternal, a place of peace and wholeness. The Gospel of John tells us about this hope. But, to learn about the resurrection of Jesus from the grave, we must return to the grave itself. Here, at the most holy and sacred of all places, we find the greatest gifts that are promised by our God.
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Holy Water
10/19/2022
Holy Water
When we think about Holy Ground, we tend to look down at the solid earth, the soil beneath our feet, and think that this is all there is. But Jesus and his disciples worked on the water. It is there – on the waters of the Sea of Galilee – that the disciples witnessed first-hand some of the magnificent and awe-inspiring work of Jesus. In the Gospel of Mark, the disciples become frightened when a storm threatens to sink their boat. Waking Jesus from a sleep, there is no indication of their expectations of Jesus. Jesus surprised them all. He warned the wind and commanded the sea to be still. The disciples then seemed to be troubled by the great calm. Often lost in this story is Jesus' subtle judgment that we act with too much timidity and too little faith. What then does this mean for us?
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