“A Starting Place” 3 The Lord proclaims: Do what is just and right; rescue the oppressed from the power of the oppressor. Don’t exploit or mistreat the refugee, the orphan, and the widow. Don’t spill the blood of the innocent in this place. Jeremiah 22:3 Common English Bible (CEB) Every morning I find myself in the same struggle. My… Continue Reading→
Advent: Week 2, Day 6
Seeing teaming masses of humanity, yearning to be free, has a way of cutting through the sinful lenses and labels to which we addict ourselves. Seeing ones made in the image of God in person, and seeing them as persons, challenges us to remember…
Advent: Week 2, Day 3
Children on the Borders “You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.” — Psalm 51:16-17 (NLT) “In his grace, God has given us different gifts for… Continue Reading→
Advent Week 2, Day 2
“Don’t you have a saying, ‘Four more months and then it’s time for harvest’? Look, I tell you: open your eyes and notice that the fields are already ripe for the harvest. Those who harvest are receiving their pay and gathering fruit for eternal life so that those who sow and those who harvest can… Continue Reading→
Advent: Week 1, Day 7
What Causes God’s Heart Hurt? 36 “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. 37 For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage,… Continue Reading→
Advent: Week 1, Day 7
— Ismael Ruiz-Millan
Advent: Week 1, Day 6
“Things Hoped For” Friday, December 6th, 2019 Hebrews 11:1 – Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. -NRSV Millions of Christians, from diverse traditions across the world, seek to prepare for the celebration of Christmas during this season of Advent. It is because of the privilege of… Continue Reading→
Advent: Week 1, Day 5
Hope What is hope? Modern culture tells us it is a “maybe,” a kind of unsure optimism. But in Scripture, hope is an indication of certainty. “Hope” means “a strong and confident expectation.” As many of us watch the news, both from our own country as well as other places in the world, we can’t… Continue Reading→
Advent Week 1, Day 3
“Christ, Occupied” Luke 2:1-10 Matthew 2:1-18 Luke 2:1-20, Matthew 2:1-18 What do we pray for when we pray for children in other parts of the globe? Do we pray that they might have security or community? Do we pray that they will have access to food and shelter, that they might know the love of… Continue Reading→