IMHO the traits that make America great, when they are translated to the realm of spirituality, may tempt us to leave the words of “Amazing Grace” as a hymn to be sung, and not as a way of life.

From “What will I get?” to “Who will I become?”

Jesus fully embraced His humanity.  So much so, that even His risen body still bore the marks of the Cross.

Jesus came to be the Light of the world, so the world can see Creation through God's lenses of love, mercy, and grace.

No good thing will the Lord withhold from those who walk with integrity.

If the Christmas story tells us something is that God is not afraid to come into the mess of our lives. 

“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.”

Anyone who would like to know more about God, should follow the scent of mercy and truth, of justice and peace. 

Hope encourages us to believe that out of what it may be considered the end of times, life and love will still flourish.

“Be strong, and do not fear, for your God, our God is already present working out the miracle of life in yearning-for-God hearts.”

The relationship into which Jesus invites us to partake it is not based on a scorecard, but on God’s deep and eternal bond of love.

Christians are to be known by their love, not by the carefully worded statements of faith nor by how many people seat on their sanctuaries.

The Resurrection is a celebration of love over sin, of life over death, of hope over despair, and of mercy and grace over guilt and shame.

Like the Samaritan, can we be the right person at the right time?

Baptism is not about what we do, but about what God does out of his own goodness and kindness of heart.

And rising up, he rebuked the wind, and said to the sea: Peace, be still.

Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us...

Sometimes it is not so easy to strain out what it is worthless from what it is precious. Even Jesus recognized it.

Prayer is where the threshold of heaven and our human spirit is as it thinnest.

The Resurrection is more than resetting the clock, or going back to the same old, same old. It is a new beginning.