6 Pure in Heart
Conform to Who You Are: Sermon on Romans 12:1-8

Conform to Who You Are: Sermon on Romans 12:1-8

I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so...

Sparrow’s Honor and Mine (poem)

Sparrow’s Honor and Mine (poem)

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows (Matthew 10:29-31). Yes, teacher, but they sell...

The Authenticity of Birds (poem)

The Authenticity of Birds (poem)

Birds do not deceive: They hungrily fly from limbs to feeders and back until, God- knows-why, they glide sunward and bank past trees to some interesting morsel or perch out of sight. Birds sing. Even hidden, they hide nothing except, perhaps, their death. No agendas....

What Only a Broken Heart Can Know: Sermon on John 1:1-18

What Only a Broken Heart Can Know: Sermon on John 1:1-18

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the...

After Disillusionment (poem)

After Disillusionment (poem)

After Disillusionment J. Marshall Jenkins Hagar said, “Have I really seen God and remained alive after seeing him?” (Genesis 16:13b). Life mercifully disillusions you in increments: Mother forgets to hug or hear. Playmates shame or exclude just to see you cry. Grades...

What We Want Is Glory: A Reflection on Isaiah 4:2-6

What We Want Is Glory: A Reflection on Isaiah 4:2-6

On that day the branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land shall be the pride and glory of the survivors of Israel. Whoever is left in Zion and remains in Jerusalem will be called holy, everyone who has been recorded for life in...