I cannot read Psalm 22 without thinking of my friend Andie, whom I met when she was about seven years old. Andie grew up living her faith enthusiastically. She was funny,...

Peter demonstrates the nearly universal human aversion to pain and struggle—and seemingly even discussion of them. Jesus tells the disciples “quite openly” that he must suffer and die. Peter doesn’t want...

God’s covenant with Abraham was a sovereign act. Over and over in Abraham’s story, God takes the initiative, speaking to Abraham apart from any apparent intent by Abraham to seek God....

As a spoiled and somewhat pampered American, I have struggled with the whole idea of Lent. With its call to fasting and self-denial, Lent runs counter to my culture and the...

In today’s poetic discourse, David cries out to almighty God for help and assistance. David, who was powerful, invincible, secure, and successful according to human standards, yields all of his societally...

Jesus leaves his hometown of Nazareth in Galilee and journeys through Samaria down into the region where John is baptizing followers. Jesus, an outsider, presents himself to be baptized by John—a...

After Jesus’ baptism, the same Spirit who descended like a dove as God proclaims Jesus beloved immediately drives him to the wilderness to be tempted and tested. This is perhaps the...

Who likes to suffer? We are rarely willing to suffer for our wrongdoing and even less willing to suffer for doing what is right and just. Set in the context of...

Lent begins today, as does the forty-day period of fasting. We fast as a spiritual practice with the intention of coming closer to God. We exchange our normal habits for diligent...

In today’s reading, the psalmist sings a petition for guidance and a change of heart to follow God’s paths and to learn God’s truth. As the psalmist cries out for forgiveness,...