Forward Day By Day – January 12, 2019

For his unshakable witness, the man born blind and healed by washing in the waters of Siloam is kicked out of the temple. We can only imagine how desperately he wants answers. Jesus knows the man is in trouble and seeks him out to reassure and calm him. A preacher...

Forward Day By Day – January 11, 2019

Jesus could have ridden a wave of popularity to an earthly kingship. However, his choices demonstrate a commitment to a plan far greater than merely overthrowing the Roman Empire. Defining a vision for the impact of our ministries is crucial to helping us make wise...

Forward Day By Day – January 10, 2019

Homer, a police officer, moved and breathed patience. His report writing was methodical: wipe down the desk, assemble writing materials, write, clear off the desk for the next officer, return to patrol. Whether he had arrested a shoplifter or a more malignant...

Forward Day By Day – January 9, 2019

In today’s gospel reading, Jesus heals a long-time invalid who has no idea who Jesus is, let alone proclaim faith in him. Jesus heals him anyway. Under the management of a savvy director, our region’s food bank has grown in vo….(View this reading and more...

Forward Day By Day – January 8, 2019

The light of Epiphany shines brightly from this story in John. But there is much to ponder. The story ends with a final statement about the official: “So he and all his household believed.” What do these people believe? There’s no Nicene Creed to fall back on, so what...

Forward Day By Day – January 7, 2019

I already miss our Christmas tree and the crèche on the end table. During the dark mornings of Advent and Christmastide, I spend time in silence, staring at the assembled scene illumined by the soft glow of tree lights. Baby Jesus in the manger, arms outstretched,...

Forward Day By Day – January 6, 2019

“Reading of the will” scenes in movies reveal the true nature of the assembled heirs, and it’s usually a pretty dysfunctional picture. The good news of the Epiphany celebration is that this footage from our own lives of faith has been destroyed. Paul writes that this...