Are you awake?” our mother inquires while knocking on the bedroom door, making sure we are ready for school. “Are you awake?” our spouse asks when our eyes close halfway through...

The people living in Thessalonica expected Jesus’ quick return. While it’s only been two decades since his death and resurrection, the early followers do not expect to linger this long. They...

Psalm 123 is one of several “Songs of Ascents” that pilgrims would pray as they journeyed to Jerusalem. The psalm, while short in length, carries rich imagery and words that proclaim...

When did you last stand in the middle of a circle? If you’ve ever faced a challenging medical diagnosis, then you may know the power of people circling around you, placing...

The Israelites again did what was evil in the sight of the LORD.” How often have we read these words? The Israelites repeatedly worship other gods, receive punishment, call upon God...

Listen to the teachings! We close this week with our starting point of Psalm 78 and its recounting of God’s compassionate love for Israel. Throughout the psalm we read of God’s...

Listen to the teachings! Joshua reminds the people of God’s faithful history with them. He invites them to revere and serve God. The people respond positively, but then comes a hard...

Listen to the teachings! The kingdom of heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who await the groom. With the delay of the groom, five bridesmaids do not have enough oil to...

Listen to the teachings! What emotional response arises in you as you read today’s text? Many people read Paul’s text as though it foretells the exact way in which the “end”...

Listen to the teachings! Sometimes in our zeal to follow the ways of God, we discern odd paths. This week’s texts remind me of William Miller, an American Baptist who studied...