Faith in a Time of Pandemic – Blessing God

Last updated on: June 15, 2020 at 5:09 am By Bruce Epperly

LXXX Blessing God (6/15) I will bless God at all times. (Psalm 34:1; read Psalm 34:1-6) What does it mean to “bless” God? We usually think of blessing others or asking for God’s blessing. But blessing God? Can our blessings contribute to God’s wellbeing? Can we add to God’s joy by our lives? I think it means honoring or glorifying God. I think it means giving God praise. But what does it mean to praise God? When I think of... Read more

Faith in a Time of Pandemic – Fear in Perspective

Last updated on: June 14, 2020 at 5:12 am By Bruce Epperly

LXXIX Fear in Perspective (6/14) The Lord is My Salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid. (Psalm 27:1. Read Psalm 27 in its entirety.) There is a difference between fear and prudence. There is a difference between courage and folly. It is said that courage is prayer that has said its prayers. I believe that prudence is concern that has prayerfully explored the interplay of cost and benefit... Read more

Faith in a Time of Pandemic – The Earth Belongs to God

Last updated on: June 13, 2020 at 6:10 am By Bruce Epperly

LVIII The Earth Belongs to God (6/13) The Earth is God’s and all that is in it; the world and those who live in it. (Psalm 24:1) In a time of pandemic, it is important to remember who’s ultimately in charge of the universe and to whom our ultimate allegiance belongs. It’s important to place our challenges within the larger perspective of God’s presence in the created order – the earth, sky, land, and sea, the flora and fauna, ponds,... Read more

The Adventurous Lectionary – The Third Sunday after Pentecost – June 21, 2020

Last updated on: June 12, 2020 at 8:47 am By Bruce Epperly

The Third Sunday after Pentecost Genesis 21:8-21; Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17; Romans 6:1b-11; Matthew 10:24-39 The Third Sunday after Pentecost highlights God’s presence in conflict and threat, both internal and external. Fear and violence are not denied, but God is faithful, whether we are wandering in the wilderness, facing our own sin, or trying to live, despite our imperfections, by our highest values. In the course of the challenges we face, we may need to take a stand, and God is... Read more

Faith in a Time of Pandemic – The Darkest Valley

Last updated on: June 12, 2020 at 5:20 am By Bruce Epperly

LXXVII Walking Through the Darkest Valley (6/12) Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil, for you are with me. (Psalm 23:4; read Psalm 23 in its entirety.) As I child, I memorized Psalm 23, using the King James Version as my model. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me.” Some days, I feel like I am surrounded by darkness and... Read more

Faith in a Time of Pandemic – The Lord is my Shepherd

Last updated on: June 11, 2020 at 4:45 am By Bruce Epperly

LXXVI. The Lord is My Shepherd (6/11) The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want…God restores my soul (Psalm 23:1, 3; read Psalm 23 in its entirety) Each weekday morning our Zoom Morning Prayer Service reads Psalm 23 as its anchor scripture. Psalm 23 grounds the service and gives context for the gospel of the day. Psalm 23 is a powerful witness because it recognizes that God is present in the darkness as well as light. In times of... Read more

Faith in a Time of Pandemic – Forsaken

Last updated on: June 10, 2020 at 5:02 am By Bruce Epperly

LXXV. Forsaken! (6/10) My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? O God, I cry by day, but you do not answer; and by night but find no rest. (Psalm 22:1-2, read Psalm 22 in its entirety.) Many of us feel God forsaken these days. We don’t know the social and personal context of Psalm 22. Some commentators believe it was written during a time of national upheaval, when David’s future as a leader was in doubt and his... Read more

Faith in a Time of Pandemic – In a Time of Trouble

Last updated on: June 9, 2020 at 5:32 am By Bruce Epperly

LXXIV In a Time of Trouble (6/9) The Lord answer you in a time of trouble! The name of the God of Jacob protect you!…May God grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans. (Psalm 20:1, 4) Most of us are privileged. We have homes in which to shelter. We have enough food. We don’t have to work in unsafe places. We are, for the most part, safe as we consider how to respond to the “reopening of... Read more

Faith in a Time of Pandemic – May My Word and Meditations be Holy

Last updated on: June 8, 2020 at 5:57 am By Bruce Epperly

LXXIII. May My Words and Meditations be Holy and Loving (6/8) Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my Rock and Salvation. (Psalm 19:14) Words matter! Truth Matters! Facts matter! Faith requires a commitment to love, truth, and fact! The Psalmist is reminding us to notice the relationship between our hearts, minds, and words. Our inner realities become manifest in our language and behavior. The Psalmist calls us to... Read more

Faith in a Time of Pandemic – God’s Glory is Everywhere

Last updated on: June 7, 2020 at 5:24 am By Bruce Epperly

LXXII God’s Glory is Everywhere (6/7) “The Heavens are Telling the Glory of God.” (Psalm 19:1; read Psalm 19:1-6) We live in a God-filled world. Every moment reflects God’s glory and wisdom. The infinite and the intimate give witness to God’s creative wisdom over the past 14 billion years, giving birth to our cells and our cells. Yes, there is pandemic, and there is fear and death. In light of our nation’s violence, there is also pain and protest. But... Read more