Many of us have been brought up to believe that we’re wholly sinful, that our bodies aren’t beautiful, and we’re too busy to notice goodness. In contrast, Psalm 145 puts us in touch with the original created goodness of the world and encourages us to pass down images and convictions of that goodness. How might…
Pastor Mara interviews Jeremy Hoekstra about his music, his hopes for the Church, how music is part of heaven breaking through to us, and the vision of the New City in Revelation 21.
Pastor Mara explores the reckoning our culture is having around our work lives in light of what scripture teaches about work. What is one step you could take toward working AND resting/playing with all your heart?
The author of Psalm 139 discovers that being fully known by God goes along with being fully loved by God. Pastor Mara explores the ways that allowing ourselves to be fully known by a loving, safe person (or being the loving, safe person who receives that vulnerability) is like a sacrament – it brings God’s…
Pastor Mara interviews Rev. Justin Meyers (Executive Director of the Al Amana Centre in Oman and scholar of reconciliation) about the chronically and gracefully unfinished work of reconciliation in the stories of Jacob and Esau, Paul and Barnabas, and present day Christians and Muslims. The vision of all nations, tribes, and tongues around God’s throne…
What does it take to actually be truly cheerful about your giving in a “no good deed goes unpunished” world? Pastor Mara explores connections between Brene Brown’s work on boundaries and generosity and Paul’s instruction that we should avoid regret in our giving.
Some people interpret the Parable of the Talents as a warning against laziness. Pastor Mara wonders whether this is actually only the bare minimum of Jesus’ intention in the parable. Maybe faithfulness looks like taking some risks with what God has given us.
Two things happen at the same time when Jesus declares that salvation has come to Zacchaeus and his house: his relationship with money is transformed and he is restored to his place in the community. What does this mean for how we live with our money and our community?
What Times Square in New York City and Proverbs 8 have in common: they’re both a crossroads where voices compete for your attention. Whose advice will we heed? Pastor Mara explores how we can tune in to the voice of Lady Wisdom, whose way offers life. Pastor Mara presents a guide for those seeking God’s…
The Holy Spirit speaks our languages. Pastor Mara explores why this is good news.
