Presentation of our Lord

When the time came for their ritual cleansing, in accordance with the Law from Moses, they brought Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. (It’s written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male will be dedicated to the Lord.”) They offered a sacrifice in keeping with what’s stated in the Law ofContinue reading “Presentation of our Lord”

all

21 But now God’s righteousness has been revealed apart from the Law, which is confirmed by the Law and the Prophets.22 God’s righteousness comes through the faithfulness of Jesus Christ for all who have faith in him. There’s no distinction. 23 All have sinned and fall short of God’s glory,24 but all are treated as righteous freely by his graceContinue reading “all”

Do Not Worry:God Will Provide

25“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, andContinue reading “Do Not Worry:God Will Provide”

Waiting and watching

The oracle that the prophet Habakkuk saw. O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not listen? Or cry to you “Violence!” and you will not save? Why do you make me see wrong-doing and look at trouble? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. So the law becomes slack and justiceContinue reading “Waiting and watching”

Holiday Bucket List

I shared this picture on Facebook and have seen it several places. I think it is a great way to orient ourselves at this time of year. But it also reminds me that sometimes we fall short of the mark. Some of you may be aware that St. John’s received an anonymous letter early inContinue reading “Holiday Bucket List”

Whom shall I fear?

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh—my adversaries and foes—they shall stumble and fall. Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident. One thingContinue reading “Whom shall I fear?”

What can separate…

What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else? Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is GodContinue reading “What can separate…”

Magic Jesus Dust…

Today in the gospel lesson (John 14:26-31) we hear Jesus tell the disciples as the head up the Mount of Olives that they will all desert Him, and that Peter will deny Him 3 times. Peter vehemently said, “Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.”  And all of the disciples agreed…Continue reading “Magic Jesus Dust…”