The story of the golden calf is usually preached as a cautionary tale about the dangers of idolatry and the heroic prayers of Moses. What is often glossed over is the...

In today’s passage, we read the dire circumstances of the religious elite. And it stems from dynamics of control: “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who...

I believe choice, as a requirement for spiritual growth, inherently pushes us out of our comfort zones and into deeper discernment with God. In our reading for today, we can sense...

Attending seminary became a transformational experience for me, especially in the way in which I was taught to engage the scriptures. I remember taking notes in my first New Testament class...

I grew up in the country along the dirt roads of Pine Mountain Valley, Georgia. I found our home, ensconced by hundreds, if not thousands, of trees (pines and oaks) to...

As we conclude our reading of the Ten Commandments, we notice how Moses reiterates to the people that the law is to keep sin at bay. In other words, he points...

When I began full-time congregational ministry, I was very fortunate to have a wonderful mentor who was my boss as well as the church’s senior minister. He took me under his...

My parents and grandparents passed on their most treasured values to me: Finish what you start, live a life of integrity, value education, and lean on God and family for strength....

In Jesus’ parables, it can sometimes be hard to determine which characters we’re supposed to identify with. Perhaps in this parable, though, we are called to identify with both sons, recognizing...

The chief priests and elders were furious and probably a little frightened. This upstart rabble rouser, who wasn’t even officially a rabbi, had been making a name for himself all over...