Isn’t it STRANGE?
by Douglas Dill
Fear
Jesus’ Baptism Is Important
Old Testament Isaiah 43:1-7 Psalm Psalm 29:1-11 New Testament Acts 8:14-17 Gospel Luke 3:15-22 The story of Jesus’ baptism must be important. It is one of few stories that are contained in all four gospels. … [Read more…]
Keep the Faith
Audio Version Sunday, November 29, 2015 Advent First Sunday of Advent Year C Jeremiah 33:14-16 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 Luke 21:25-36 Isn’t it interesting that our Gospel for today, during the first Sunday of Advent, when we wait for the Messiah, the Son of God, to be born, has the Son, telling of His coming. … [Read more…]
Good-Evil Pressures and Decisions
Audio Link Sunday, July 12, 2015 2 Samuel 6:1–5, 12b–19 Mark 6:14–29 On the surface, the story of John the Baptist’s beheading can be seen as a tragic consequence of good versus evil. We might even be naive enough to believe that this cannot happen today. The pressures and decisions surrounding the event, cannot … [Read more…]
Fear and Faith: Jesus Responds
Sunday, June 21, 2015 | After Pentecost Proper 7 Year B Job 38:1–11 Psalm 107:1–3, 23–32 2 Corinthians 6:1–13 Mark 4:35–41[2] Prior to our Gospel from today, Jesus and His disciples spend the day at the seaside. When you hear that, did you think, wow, what a nice day at the beach? A mini … [Read more…]
God’s Power and Majesty Uses All: Even in our Ambiguity
Audio Version Sunday, May 31, 2015 Holy Trinity Old Testament Isaiah 6:1–8 Psalm Psalm 29:1-11 New Testament Romans 8:12–17 Gospel John 3:1–17[1] I don’t know about you but for myself, in the texts for today, I hear ambiguity and reliance upon the Father, Son and Spirit in our lives and … [Read more…]
The Light in the Darkness
Audio version Second Sunday of Easter April 12, 2015 New Testament 1 John 1:1–2:2 Gospel John 20:19–31 The story of Jesus’ death and resurrection is a story of hope for us. It is also a story that helps us to see God in a different light than in the past. We are … [Read more…]
Jesus is with Us: In Our Darkness & During Our Temptations
Audio Version Old Testament Isaiah 50:4–9a Psalm Psalm 31:9–16 New Testament Philippians 2:5–11 Gospel Mark Mark 15:1–39 Jesus enters Jerusalem triumphantly. He is welcomed as the King of Israel. How quickly this all changes for Jesus, His disciples and subsequently for us as well. We wave our palms, shouting Hosanna in the highest. Next thing … [Read more…]
Into the Wilderness
Audio Version Sunday, February 22, 2015 First Sunday of Lent Genesis 9:8–17 Psalm 25:1–10 1 Peter 3:18–22 Mark 1:9–15 I read the gospel this week and it struck me very starkly about Jesus being driven into the wilderness. When I read this, I had a sense of relief. That may seem a little strange; so … [Read more…]
Sowers of Love to All
[youtube:http://youtu.be/Pfm3aRkcb_I] Isaiah 55:10-13 Romans 8:1-11 Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 Whenever I have planted a garden, I am very careful about prepping the soil, adding in fresh soil, compost and other things that will help retain moisture and provide nutrients for the seeds I am about to plant. Then I till all that together and make nice … [Read more…]