Monthly Archives: March 2015

A wonderful harbinger of Easter. We “pushed” our lily to bloom on Easter. It could not wait and so it bloomed luxuriously, full of life and vitality two weeks ahead of time – a good Easter icon of hope and … Continue reading →

Matthew 10:11. The Mystery of Belief Let me try to paraphrase this text.  “Do not spend time trying to persuade unbelievers that they should believe. Seek those who have a need, a desire and a readiness to believe.” Jesus does … Continue reading →

An oyster catcher maybe looking for oysters! Jane and Glenn whisked us off by Prius for a superb day on the New Jersey coast. We enjoyed every moment.

Matthew 10:5 “These twelve Jesus sent out.” Jesus called these 12 to love him, of course, and to proclaim to the world the coming of the Kingdom of God. I think this records the first “official” sending of the 12. … Continue reading →

On March 20 this young lady, Twila Jacobs Armstrong, will reach her birthday number 101. Anna Ruth and I were pleased to attend her birthday party a little ahead of time last week. Of our 11 siblings, 5 were born … Continue reading →

Who would have thought that we would get our heaviest snow of the year in early March! Anyway we do enjoy the snow but look forward to some welcome signs of spring. This is an evergreen tree in our front … Continue reading →

Matthew 10:2 Matthew now lists the names of his new friends, also called by God, and obviously people who will make up a new team on which he is included.  Among the 12, Matthew names himself – “Matthew the tax … Continue reading →

Matthew 10:1 “He gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.” Matthew is astounded by what is happening to him. A few days before he was sitting at his tax-collecting table, receiving from … Continue reading →

Matthew 9:36 “Jesus had compassion on them.” Matthew noted that Jesus was not particularly disturbed that the people had difficulty understanding “Kingdom of God.” What broke his heart was that the people did not have heralds or carriers of the … Continue reading →

Matthew 9:35 In light of this growing gap Jesus pressed on – from village to town. He had an earth-shaking ministry.  As a Jewish man he had certain rights to speak in the synagogues – so he used that opportunity … Continue reading →