300 words a day

Learning humility.

There’s a story in Luke about the disciples arguing over which one was greatest. This was just after everyone had been marveling about the greatness of God. Which was their response to Jesus healing a boy that nine of the disciples couldn’t heal. So it makes us wonder if the conversation started with Peter saying, […]

by Jon Swanson

Begging

Rich Dixon is talking about being helpful. +++ “Doesn’t begging people for money feel awkward?” The question came up in a conversation about raising funds for the kids at the Home of Hope. I suspect it’s a common sentiment. I’ll confess – when we first started doing this, asking for financial support wasn’t easy. But […]

by Jon Swanson

The bottom.

I was going to call this “Jesus in the family room” but it’s more like Jesus in the courtyard in the center of the house. Small rooms around the sides for sleeping or privacy, and an open-concept space for cooking, eating, gathering, living. It was private as in “away from the crowds.” But not away […]

by Jon Swanson

The greatest.

Jesus and the twelve were walking back to Capernaum. The place Jesus had moved after leaving Nazareth. The place at least a third of the twelve grew up. After miracles and teaching and the mount of transfiguration, after a season of staying away from crowds, they were going back to the most familiar place some […]

by Jon Swanson

A prayer for the fifth Sunday of Easter.

God- A chosen people. That’s what Peter calls your people. That’s what Peter calls us. A chosen people. A royal priesthood. A holy nation.God’s special possession. The people of God. As we come to you, that’s who we are. But here’s the thing. As we come to you, we feel adrift. Inadequate. Neglected.If you see […]