Why Could We Not Cast It Out?

When Jesus saw that a crowd came running together he rebuked the unclean spirit and said to him:  “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you.  Go out from him, and never enter him again.”  And after shouting and convulsing him greatly it went out.  And he became like a dead man so that many[read more]

The Writing On The Wall

Suddenly, opposite the lampstand, the fingers of a human hand appeared, writing on the plaster of the wall in the king’s palace. When the king saw the hand that wrote, his face became pale; his thoughts terrified him, his hip joints shook, and his knees knocked. Daniel 5:5-6  It will lead to your giving testimony.[read more]

Love and Courage

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?  As it is written:  “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through[read more]

The Light of Goodness

When Barnabas arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart, for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. Acts 11: 23-24 Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good[read more]

Speaking Boldly

“And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and enable your servants to speak your word with all boldness, as you stretch forth your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” Acts 4: 29-30 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter[read more]

Wisdom and the Common Project

It is somewhat striking that in our time we speak so little, and even think so little, of an aspiration to become wise. For much of humanity’s history, cultures and societies would so desire to identify the wise persons among them and to seek their guidance. These would become revered by their society because of a sense that they knew something about the true significance and purpose of human life and, perhaps, could communicate this wisdom to others. Our society, on the other hand, reveres the wealthy and the powerful. If we look at who is given recognition and memorialization[read more]

Like A Mustard Seed

Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like?  To what can I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in the garden.  When it was fully grown, it became a large bush and ‘the birds of the air dwelt in its branches.’” Luke 13: 18-19 In his[read more]

Being Moved To Act

When they sow the wind, they shall reap the whirlwind: / The stalk of grain that forms no ear / can yield no flour; Even if it could, / strangers would swallow it. Hosea 8:7 At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned,[read more]

Discovering Courage

For this reason, I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands.  For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.   2 Timothy 1:6-7 This morning’s  news features a story about a famous fashion[read more]

Knowing Our Place Is The Way

“Do not let your hearts be troubled.  You  have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.  If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you,[read more]