"The warriors of Ephraim, though armed with bows, turned their backs and fled on the day of battle. They did not keep God's covenant and refused to live by his instructions. They forgot what he had done the great wonders he had shown them, the miracles he did for their ancestors on the plain of Zoan in the land of Egypt. For he divided the sea and led them through, making ...

Strength for Every TemptationThe Collect (prayer) for Sunday:O God, you know that we are set in the midst of many grave dangers, and because of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright: Grant that your strength and protection may support us in all dangers and carry us through every temptation; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and...

When I preach, I often say, "Now, that's good news!" I say this because I believe it's essential to share good news whenever we encounter it. The good news of grace resonates through this week's collect. In it, we ask God for grace to respond to Christ's call of salvation, to understand the depths of God's immense love forus, and to share his good news with all people.As I...

The Apostle John beginshis gospel: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it (John 1:1-...

The opening Collect (prayer) designated for this week is:Eternal Father, at the baptism of Jesus you revealed him to be your Son, and your Holy Spirit descended upon him like a dove: Grant that we, who are born again by water and the Spirit, may be faithful as your adopted children; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, ...

I hope everyone reading this missive had a good Christmas time of worship and family celebrations. We all have different ways and customs surrounding our celebration of the birth of Jesus, and that is a good thing. How boring it would be if we all did the exact same thing. Of course, I know that my family's way was the best; as you know yours is the best. Personally, my fa...

Hear us, Shepherd of Israel,you who lead Joseph like a flock.You who sit enthroned between the cherubim,shine forthbefore Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh.Awaken your might;come and save us. Restore us, O God;make your face shine on us,that we may be saved. (PSALM 80:1-3) In the 1730s and 1740s, a spiritual awakening swept through New England and the Middle Colonies of Ameri...

O Lord Jesus Christ, you sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Grant that the ministers and stewards of your mysteries may likewise make ready your way, by turning the hearts of the disobedient toward the wisdom of the just, that at your second coming to judge the world, we may be found a people acceptable in your sig...