Category: Devotionals

Remember 'Red light, Green light?' Find out how the virtue of prudence can lead us well during these days - and prudence is better word than you thought! Join me for 5 minutes with Matthew 12:9-21 to see Jesus doing God's will in the right way at the right time - and how we can as well.

Music today: Gillian Welch, 'By the Mark'
'The King of heaven can be told from the prince of fools.'
A beautiful song on Jesus' sign of prudent, passionate leadership.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzfzRUCB-Nc

Kansas, 'Carry On Wayward Son'. Who knew the search for prudence could be so cool? 'You will always remember, nothing equals the splendor (of God).'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2X_2IdybTV0

What can a puppy teach us about our relationship with God? Join me (and little Schubert) for a few minutes with Psalm 131 and finding our sufficiency in God.

Music today: Josh Garrels, 'Zion and Babylon'. The first half of the song describes the mindset of 'Babylon': the secular world. The second the mindset of Zion: a very different approach that finds its hope in God rather than material power.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfsdVvcubnA

Also: Vladimir Horowitz, 'Traumerei (Dreaming)' Live in Moscow, 1986. One of the most peaceful, hopeful pieces I know, played by a Russian exile back in Moscow in the latter stages of the Cold War. I believe meditating on the reality of the Lord's love in the midst of our broken world looks something like what we see on the faces of this audience.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3BXcKgpvcs

Outlaw haircuts and anger. Let's find some help for patience from a surprising source: Ecclesiastes 7:8-12. Join me in the battle against turning into a werewolf dragon.

Music today: Wilco, 'War on War'
'If you want to live, you gotta learn how to die.'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5j2ykHinIPg ,

'Hands and Feet'
Warning: Sudden dance spasms may result upon listening.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDWRtJR4o_s

'Your brain on anxiety.' Are you in need of an antidote to those persistent voices about worries you can't control?
Our faith provides powerful medicine, and it may be best applied through a 'prayer of the heart.' Join me and Hebrews 11:1 for a few minutes to learn more!

Music today: 'A Love Supreme: Acknowledgement', John Coltrane. The singing portion comes around the 6:00 mark.
The phrase runs through major and minor keys, as if God's love carries us in all of life's situations. It's worth looking for Coltrane's liner notes and love poem to God that he released with this album, the only time he included written material with his music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHUapMTgWD0

Taize: 'Jesus, Remember Me'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6tVReXsioM

Want something filling from God's word? Join me for the 'Great Scottish Scripture Show.' While I can't provide the charm of Mary Berry, Psalm 1 with the S.P.E.C.K. ingredients list provides one basic way to pay attention to and apply the Bible.

Music Today: Caroline Cobb, 'There Is a Mountain'
'There is a mountain only the lame can climb.' Welcome to God's kingdom in Scripture!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xR2THytiZUs

Maurice Ravel, String Quartet in F Major, 2nd Movement
Sunny pick-me-up with plenty of pizzazz.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2KUTa6P6lM