Jeremiah 23:1-6 Psalm 23 Ephesians 2:11-22 Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 Dear Friends, The prophet Jeremiah condemns the leaders of Israel who have failed to act as proper shepherds to the people.  The Lord declares that He personally will gather his scattered and mistreated flock and raise up shepherds who will genuinely care for …Read More

Amos 7:7-15 Psalm 85:8-13 Ephesians 1:3-14 Mark 6:14-29 Dear Friends, Mark 6 contains the unpleasant story of Herod being tricked into beheading John the Baptist.  Put simply, this is a reminder of how the world often works.  The level of violence and manipulation that “make the world go round” is truly …Read More

Ezekiel 2:1-5 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 Mark 6:1-13 God calls the prophet Ezekiel to speak to the people of Israel.  They may or may not listen, but they will know that a prophet has come to them! In Mark 6 we have the story of Jesus visiting his hometown.  Most of his fellow villagers are …Read More

Lamentations3:21-33 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 Mark 5:21-43 Lamentations 3 contains a powerful affirmation of God’s daily love and mercy that never end.  When we fail to understand what we are experiencing, or perhaps understand it all too well when confronted with adversity, grief and death, this scripture calls on us to keep quiet …Read More

Job 38:1-11 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 Mark 4:35-41 Dear Friends, Job 38 contains a small portion of God’s reply to the challenge of a suffering man.  This “opening statement” from God clearly depicts the great distance between what human beings can know, and the reality of God who has created all things.  …Read More