by Campus Missionary Mary Rowley based on Matthew 22:1-14 Picture this. You’re sitting at home, bored out of your mind, probably watching reruns of Friends, and your doorbell rings. It’s a messenger sent from the President of the United States. You’re personally invited to an incredible feast and celebration at the White House. This is…
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Church Blog (Page 67)
I’m a pastor, so I have a vocational tendency to do what we describe as “running my mouth”. When I get excited or interested, I like to speak those things out loud. Unfortunately, sometimes this means that I run my mouth over the ability of others to run their mouths, or even open them (Hi…
by Campus Missionary Mary Rowley based on Philippians 4:4-13 There are a few familiar verses in this passage, one of them being verse 7: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” When I glanced at my footnote for verse 7, it made me…
By Campus Missionary Mary Rowley Based on Psalm 23 Psalm 23 is one of those passages that all Christians know. It’s comforting in trying times and encouraging during hardship. As I look at it today, attempting to see the familiar words with fresh eyes, what strikes me is not only that God provides for us,…
By Campus Missionary Mary Rowley Based on Isaiah 25:6-9 When I think of a feast, the first thing that comes to mind is Thanksgiving. Typically, my parents and I get together with our extended family and have a delicious Midwestern meal – ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls, a variety of casseroles, and my aunt’s…
By Campus Missionary Mary Rowley – Based on Philippians 3:4b-14 Paul had every right to hold himself high in the eyes of God. After all, he was a perfect Jew: circumcised according to custom, from the tribe of Benjamin, a law-abiding Pharisee, a persecutor of the enemies of the Jewish faith. Why would God frown…
“How long, O Lord?” is a pretty common refrain of God’s people throughout Scripture. We hear it echoed from the Psalms to Revelation. And we hear itechoed in the halls of University Lutheran as we wait for Baby Winters to make her appearance. Today is her due date, and we’re still waiting (at least we…
Based on Isaiah 5:1-7 As this Old Testament parable begins, we hear the language of a joyful love song. The narrator sets the scene: the master of a vineyard carefully cultivates the fertile ground, digging and clearing out the stones and planting it with the best of vines. Beyond that, he built a watchtower from…
Based on Matthew 21:23-32 When I was a kid, I can’t tell you how many times I told my mother, “Of course I’ll brush my teeth!” and proceeded to bed without brushing them. I wanted to please her, but at the same time, I really didn’t want to brush my teeth – so I lied…
From Campus Missionary Mary Rowley: A few weeks ago, I visited the beautiful Wakulla Springs. My friend and I took the river tour and were both delighted and terrified to have our first glimpse of wild alligators. We were very glad to be safely on a boat! One swam across the river and we could see…