Forward Day By Day – April 20, 2019

Saturday, April 20, 2019

In our Old Testament reading, Job is having a personal pity party, feeling his life is hopeless. To be honest, Job has every reason to feel this way. He has lost his children, property, and livelihood. Job is suffering indescribable pain and loneliness....

Forward Day By Day – April 19, 2019

Friday, April 19, 2019

When Good Friday draws near and we remember the sounds of the nails and the shadows of Golgotha, we should also remember who we are as beloved members of the body of Christ. Hopefully this day will remind us of the One who loved us enough to suffer and die for us....

Forward Day By Day – April 18, 2019

Thursday, April 18, 2019

In my work, I am often afforded the grace of being present with people during their death processes. There are many “blessin’s and lessons” witnessed in these sacred moments and quiet rooms. Occasionally, the person dying may want to leave a message f….(View...

Bishop’s Lenten Book Study: Ten Reasons Visitors Do Not Return

Wednesday, April 17, 2019

Week Seven: Ten Reasons Visitors Do Not Return Autopsy of a Deceased Church by Thom S. Rainer We have come to the end of our Lenten studies. I have been interested to hear feedback from those of you who read along with me. In Autopsy of a Deceased Church, Thom S....

Forward Day By Day – April 17, 2019

Wednesday, April 17, 2019

As a member of the body of Christ, I am grateful to be surrounded with a great cloud of witnesses, past and present. I love that I am welcomed and encouraged to sit with those who will both comfort and challenge me. I want to hear sermons that cause discomfort...

Forward Day By Day – April 16, 2019

Tuesday, April 16, 2019

All of us have weaknesses and limitations—emotional, spiritual, or physical. These characteristics are there for a reason. God’s best work is accomplished using weak, broken, and wounded people to transform communities into forces that can accomplish great things. The...

Forward Day By Day – April 15, 2019

Monday, April 15, 2019

New tree saplings require support to ensure they grow upright. Once a sapling grows strong enough, the supports are removed and the tree remains straight, having grown strong inside and out. Old Testament laws provide an external support to the growing children of...

Forward Day By Day – April 14, 2019

Sunday, April 14, 2019

The daughters of Jerusalem accompany Jesus to Calvary, weeping as a sign of their deep love for Jesus and lamenting his fate. Through parched lips, Jesus tells them to weep for their children and not for him. In the presence of weeping women, Jesus offers...

Forward Day By Day – April 13, 2019

Saturday, April 13, 2019

The image of God writing on our hearts is so endearing. During seasons in which we struggle, it is good news to our souls to learn we can be used as a canvas for God to do something beautiful. I know for certain my canvas may not be the best medium. There are...

Forward Day By Day – April 12, 2019

Friday, April 12, 2019

This passage from John reminds me of the late, great Aretha Franklin’s version of “O Mary Don’t You Weep.” The song describes the emotional story of Mary and Martha grieving the loss of Lazarus, disappointed that Jesus was not available to heal him. When...