A Rabbi, a Priest and a minister walk into a bar …   Now that we have your attention, it was actually, a Syrophoenician who walked up to Jesus and the disciples and started shouting, “Have mercy on me Lord!” The thing is, Jesus didn’t respond the way we might expect. Only through the woman’s…

Do you sometimes feel like you are tossed about by the “stormy seas” of life? Why is it that we often wait until times get tough to reach out to God? In this week’s gospel passage, Jesus reminds us, through action not words, that self-care and preparation are important in helping navigate the storms of…

Ever had one of those days where you’ve worked hard and you just want to go somewhere quiet, get a bite to eat and put your feet up? That’s the situation we find ourselves in this week with Jesus and the disciples. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for this week’s journey to a…

“Of course we get it, Jesus! Why do you ask?” Imagine the looks on the faces of the disciples as they try to comprehend the laundry list of parables Jesus shares regarding the Kingdom of Heaven (aka the reign of God). One thing is clear though… the reign of God leaves no one out.  Join…

Do you sometimes find yourself surrounded by “toxic weeds” in your life … people whom you’d rather not be around for one reason or another? Have you ever wondered if you are the toxic “weed” in someone else’s “field?” In this episode of Coffee to Go, hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith take a look…

Are you the seed, or are you the soil? If you’re the soil, you may find that some days you are more like rocky ground than fertile soil.  Life happens, and we don’t always find ourselves in the most nurturing state of mind.  The great news is that God continues to sow seeds on all…

Do you ever feel like you’re under the scrutiny of “Goldilocks?” Too soft, too hard, not enough, too much … rarely just right? Do you try hard to please everyone only to realize there are just some people you may never please. It’s tiring, isn’t it? It’s a good thing that Jesus gives us permission…

When was the last time you welcomed a stranger? Back in the “day,” houses had front porches, or stoops, and privacy fences were almost unheard of … at least in most neighborhoods. Now, we live in a time where back decks and privacy fences have become the norm. Welcoming the stranger may not be easy,…

Nobody said it would be easy.  Certainly not Jesus! If you’re looking for an easy ride, it could be that discipleship is not for you.  It actually comes with a cost that is higher than some are willing to pay. The question is, what is too much for you and me?  Only we can decide…

Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons.  Is this how we’ll know when the Kingdom of God has come near? What kind of Kingdom is this anyway? Did someone say it’s an “upside down” kingdom?  Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith as they explore this week’s Gospel text in…