From the ministry of housekeeping
Servants, do what you’re told by your earthly masters. And don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance.… Read the rest “A Servant’s Heart”
In the Bible darkness is not just darkness; it is a powerful metaphor.
Darkness is viewed as the opposite of light – sin and evil versus righteousness and good. Darkness symbolizes moral corruption and its punishment, trouble and suffering, and death.… Read the rest “When Darkness is just Darkness; a devotional by Rev. Amy Grogan April 12, 2018”
While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts?… Read the rest “The Resurrection Life, a Devotional by Rev. Amy Grogan”
The Amazing Easter Egg
… Read the rest “The Amazing Easter Egg, an Easter Devotional by Rev. Amy Grogan”When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
Matthew 5:3 NRSV
Then he looked up at his disciples and said:
“Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
“Blessed are you who are hungry now,
for you will be filled.… Read the rest “The Color of Easter – a devotion by Marci McGowan”
If God didn’t think twice about taking pruning shears to the natural branches, why would he hesitate over you? He wouldn’t give it a second thought. Make sure you stay alert to these qualities of gentle kindness and ruthless severity that exist side by side in God—ruthless with the deadwood, gentle with the grafted shoot.… Read the rest “A Lenten Pause: The Master Gardener – a devotion by Marci McGowan”
The changing of the guard is always hard;
whether it be in civilian, religious, or military life.
It is to ourselves that we must first show mercy.
At the retreat center where I work, we are getting a new “gatekeeper.” This is the main security person who works at the front gate.… Read the rest “The Changing of the Guard: A Lenten Preface”
Life in a Jar: The Irene Sendler ProjectIt is so important to remember Psalm 34:18, The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in Spirit.… Read the rest “Life in a Jar – A Book Review with Poetry by Marci McGowan”
Psalm 148: 5 Praise him, sun and moon, praise him.
Psalm:104:20 The moon keeps track of the seasons, the sun is in charge of each day.
Isaiah 55: 6 Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.… Read the rest “TOTALITY, A Devotion by Marci McGowan”
God holds me head and shoulders above all who try to pull me down. I’m headed for his place to offer anthems that will raise the roof! Already I’m singing God-songs; I’m making music to God.
Psalm 27:6, The Message Bible
Easter Sunday, March 23, 2008, was an exciting day at our church-- and a time that to this day affects how I see Easter season when it comes around each year.… Read the rest “The Mimes of Easter Times, a Devotion by Marci McGowan”