Author Archive | janej

All in a Day’s Work “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”–Psalm 90:12 Many years ago, a friend of mine wrote a simple chorus that began with the words “From everlasting to everlasting, you are God” (Ps. 90:2) and ended with the phrase, “Teach us to number our […]

Changed in an Instant “In the beginning, Lord, You laid the foundations of the earth…” –Hebrews 1:10a The earth has been on my mind lately, probably because talk of climate change has been so prominent in the news. The belief that humans—according to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson—are trashing the planet “like a teenager on […]

Food, Glorious Food “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” –Psalm 34:8a When Sunday Adult classes and Wednesday Bible studies got under way a few weeks ago, I thought it would be fun to ask participants to share one of their favorite foods. The answers varied; from ice cream to meatloaf, blueberry muffins to […]

Labor Day by Jane Josephs “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” –Isaiah 40:29 Maybe it’s because the COVID-19 pandemic shows no sign of abating. Or it could be the depressing news cycle we’re in right now. But whatever the reason, the word weary keeps coming to my mind. […]

The Bread of Life “At this the Jews there began to grumble about Him because He said, ‘I am the bread that came down from heaven.’” –John 6:41 It would probably be unfair to blame the Jews too much for being confused when Jesus said He was the bread from heaven, right? I mean, up […]

The Search Party “’For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search for My sheep and look after them.’” –Ezekiel 34:11 Inspired by Pastor Rob’s message series, I had some fun the other day thinking about the word search. The first thing that came to mind was search and rescue, followed by […]

Creating Space for God – Never Alone “The Lord said, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.’” –1 Kings 19:11 In all the years that I’ve been studying the story of Elijah, the repetition in the conversation between Elijah and the […]

Creating Space for God – No Striving “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place to rest.” –Mark 6:31b The spectacle on Mount Carmel is over. God has brought fire, followed by rain. And Elijah, tucking his cloak in his belt, has run all the way to Jezreel ahead of King Ahab, only to […]

Creating Space for God – No Wavering “Elijah went before the people and said, ‘How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.’” –1 Kings 18:21 When Elijah steps up to challenge the people of the Northern Kingdom of Israel to choose […]

Creating Space for God – No Comparison “My whole being will exclaim, ‘Who is like you, Lord?’“ –Psalm 35:10a Most of us would readily admit that we’re a little uncertain and intimidated by what the Bible calls the gift of prophecy. Speak on behalf of God? Foretell the future? Let’s leave that to the paid […]