Monthly Archives: April 2015

Matthew 13:36 “The Kingdom of God is like a treasure hidden in a field.” Jesus keeps his focus on the Kingdom of God, always. That kingdom is here now but is certainly coming in its fullness.  He likens it to … Continue reading →

Matthew 13:36  “Explain this parable to us.” Jesus did not hesitate when his disciples asked him to explain the parable of the weeds. As I read his words, I find this a big help in trying to understand the meaning … Continue reading →

We inherited a bed of these lilies from Charlie and Alverna Hess, the former owners. I have not gone to the trouble to get the name but I am charmed by their wide-open welcome for bees, sun and even rain.

Matthew 13:34 “Jesus did not say anything to them without using parables.” Matthew may have been puzzled by Jesus’ constant story telling rather than the direct didactic propositional teaching that the learned Jews used. They spoke and wrote in legal terms. … Continue reading →

Lovely scene from our back yard. It is permissible to enjoy the beauty of the neighbor’s trees and plants. After all it is spring! Taken this morning, April 27, 2015

Matthew 13:33 “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast.” “Still another parable,” Matthew wrote. This one is especially challenging for me because I am not absolutely sure that I apprehend the core truth Jesus wants to bring out. That is the … Continue reading →

Matthew 13:31 “He told them another parable, ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed.’” The parable preceding this one shed light on the kingdom of God – the central feature of all Jesus’ parables, I do believe.  Jesus … Continue reading →

I must stop and express my love and gratitude for Anna Ruth, my dear partner in a life of faith and service.  What a blessing she has been to us – and to our world from here to Tanzania and … Continue reading →

Matthew 13:18 “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means.” Here Jesus interprets his own parable, his little story. He us trying to help all of us who read his many, many parables to make sense of them … Continue reading →

This 8 petaled white flower growing from rather strange broad leaves snug on the ground is the blood-root. Rare but seen at Shenk’s Ferry where I photographed this one last week.