III. ENDURING LOVE, NEW EVERY MORNING The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” (Lamentations 3:22-23) The story is told of the night of the shooting stars. As they saw the falling stars, the villagers ran for their lives. They saw only destruction. “The sky is falling. We are doomed,”... Read more
Meditation Two – FAITH IN THE FURNACE King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up quickly. He said to his counselors, “Was it not three men that we threw bound into the fire?” They answered the king, “True, O king.” He replied, “But I see four men unbound, walking in the middle of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the fourth has the appearance of a god.” (Daniel 3:24-25) On Sunday morning, we will be joined in spirit, though... Read more
This is the first of a daily meditation during this time in which churches and schools are closing and anxiety is in the air. God is with us. +++ I. CRISIS AND OPPORTUNITY I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of hands; for God did not give us a spirit of fear, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7) One version of... Read more
The Adventurous Lectionary – Fourth Sunday in Lent – March 22, 2020 Samuel 16:1-13, Psalm 23, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41 Today’s readings are full of twists and turns, theologically and spiritually. They invite us to look at the world and our beliefs with new eyes. They challenge glib theological reflection, including the bloviations of pastors who connect COVID-19 with divine judgment. In the reading from I Samuel, the unexpected child becomes a leader. In Psalm 23, we feel safe a... Read more
For theology to make a difference, it must be all-season. It must relate to concrete situations as well as abstract doctrines. Meaningful theology must address the headlines as well as encourage quiet moments of prayer, meditation, and worship, making it both heavenly minded and earthly good. Isaiah goes into the Temple during a time of national crisis, looking for a spiritual respite, and then encounters the Living God and receives a vocation to challenge the injustice and idolatry of his... Read more
The Adventurous Lectionary -The Third Sunday in Lent – March 15, 2025 Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 95; Romans 5:1-11;. John 4:1-42 Today’s readings might be described as “grace in spite of ourselves.” While we were yet sinners, God sets into motion the healing process. When we doubt God, God gives us living waters. Our questions, and challenges, awaken new possibilities. God doesn’t demand perfection and even faith to reach out to us. God takes the initiative – and like a first... Read more
The Adventurous Lectionary -The Third Sunday in Lent – March 15, 2025 Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 95; Romans 5:1-11;. John 4:1-42 Today’s readings might be described as “grace in spite of ourselves.” While we were yet sinners, God sets into motion the healing process. When we doubt God, God gives us living waters. Our questions, and challenges, awaken new possibilities. God doesn’t demand perfection and even faith to reach out to us. God takes the initiative – and like a first... Read more
The Adventurous Lectionary – The Second Sunday in Lent – March 8, 2020 Genesis 12:1-42; Psalm 121; Romans 4:1-5; 13-17; John 3:1-17 God’s call is universal and ubiquitous. God is still moving and speaking, and faithfulness to God invites us to be on the move, too! The story of Abraham’s call celebrates forward movement. Despite the brevity of the text and the absence of Sarah as an equal protagonist, the passage points to forward looking spirituality. With Abraham Joshua Heschel,... Read more
Ash Wednesday: A Boomer’s Meditations on Beauty and Mortality Bruce G. Epperly For the past year, I have been interviewing retired pastors for my upcoming book on adventures in clergy retirement. Although I am now in the Medicare Generation, I often describe myself as being in midlife, provided I live to be 134! This September I will be attending my 50th high school reunion. I’m looking forward to it, but, oh my, we boomers from the class of 1970 have... Read more
Ash Wednesday is on the horizon. In just a few days, we place ashes on congregants’ foreheads and embark on the Lenten journey. Lent, Holy Week, Advent, and Christmas are the most challenging seasons of the Christian year for spiritual leaders. During Lent, pastors usually have at least one more service or program each week and often spend extra time visiting shut-ins and giving home communions. Then, there’s Holy Week with at least two and often as many as six... Read more
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In