Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” – John 8:12 The lighting of candles in a worship service symbolizes Jesus’ presence with the worshipping community. In many churches, lighting the candles is the responsibility of an acolyte. The […]

God’s salvation and redemption of our sinful world will not be fast and easy. God’s redemption is not something happens “out there” nor is it only for a few. It will be complete. Governments, political and economic systems, social structures will be exposed for their inability to make a safe and free world and will […]

Focus Experience silence in the midst of your busy day. Take some time to relax into a time to be with God. Read Psalm 67 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) To the leader: with stringed instruments. A Psalm. A Song. May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine […]

Focus Pay attention to the tension in your body. Let go of it and any expectations to do anything, but God’s will today. Prepare yourself to hear God’s word. Read Psalm 67 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) To the leader: with stringed instruments. A Psalm. A Song. May God be gracious to us and bless […]

Focus Relax, reflect and embrace the ever-presence of God in our lives who cares for all. Read John 10:22-30 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered […]

Focus As you quiet yourself for this brief time, be willing to be open to God in whatever way that may take place. Read Psalm 122 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) A Song of Ascents. Of David. I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!” Our […]

Focus Let yourself become open to God and the knowledge that comes from the Word. Ask God for peace at this time. Read Esther 8 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) On that day King Ahasuerus gave to Queen Esther the house of Haman, the enemy of the Jews; and Mordecai came before the king, for […]

Focus Stop and thank God for being present with you today. Ask for God’s guidance as you hear God’s voice through scripture and the writer. Read Psalm 122 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) A Song of Ascents. Of David. I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the […]

One of the watchwords today is “user friendly.” This means that the organization’s actions, activities, physical plant and their social media platforms are welcoming to visitors. The church has especially taken this issue to heart and in many congregations much time and effort has been spent in making the facility and the worship service “user […]

Focus Are you tired? Take this time to rest. Relax every part of yourself. Breathe slower. Be ready for what God has before you today. Read Daniel 3:19-30 (NRSV) Then Nebuchadnezzar was so filled with rage against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that his face was distorted. He ordered the furnace heated up seven times more […]