The basic assumption here is that blessings bring life and curses bring death, and that living in the ways of God will bring healing and life and hope and favor.

There’s an interesting moment in Israel’s history when Yahweh teaches leaders how to give a blessing.

So who is it going to be today that you bless? What is a way that you could remind yourself to do so?

As we continue the series ‘Into the Mess’, we are looking at the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:1-10

Here we see a modern parable unfolding…

We’re scared to admit that we are poor in spirit

Jesus tackles our pain head on. He doesn’t pretend it’s not there.

Jesus talks about Good News when things are getting worse.

Our culture often celebrates the proud in spirit

Sit with this poem and see what the Spirit might bring up for you.

This week we’re talking about being sent out by Jesus to care for those on the margins.

Today we’re going to look at one of the challenging teachings of Jesus about what it means to serve.

Jesus connected with all kinds of people - rich and poor, men and women and eunuchs (the non-binary people of the day), the sick and the healthy, the insiders and the outsiders.

When Jesus looks out on the people (including the disciples) he sees all their needs.

One of the biggest shifts that we need to make in doing ministry is the realization that we don’t get to wait for a hero to show up who will ‘do the ministry.’ We’re all ministers.

Sometimes the strongest work of evil is to convince us that we can’t make a difference in the world.

There are so many issues that need to be addressed. It often feels like the world is on fire.

John the Baptist gives this challenging word to the normal, everyday people who are trying to connect with God and figure out how to follow God’s ways for just living.

A prayer for the new year

2025 has already started off with plenty of violence in our country and around the world. This is not Jesus’s vision for the world.