I was really excited when I received this latest book on Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. It is entitled, Ephesians and all that Jazz: Riffing with Paul, by Tom Anderson (Eugene, Resource Publications, 2020). The Jazz in the title caught my imagination. I thought the book might be similar to Blue Like Jazz, by Don […]
Author: Kevin Ruffcorn
Luke 18:31-19:10, Jesus and Zacchaeus
Jesus and Zacchaeus Devotions on Luke 18:31-19:10 Fifth Sunday in Lent Monday–Jesus and Zacchaeus “See we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished” (Luke 18:31) While visiting an Arab country several years ago, the tour guide explained the rather aggressive […]
Luke 16:19-31, Rich Man and Lazarus,
Rich Man and Lazarus Rich Man and Lazarus Devotions on Luke 16:19-31 Fourth Sunday in Lent Monday, Rich Man and Lazarus “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously everyday” (Luke 16:19). The headlines screamed, “Twenty-four million predicted to lose their health care coverage.” Tom […]
Parables of Jesus, Luke 15:1-32
Devotions on Luke 15:1-32–Parables of Jesus Third Sunday in Lent Monday–Parables of Jesus “Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to him” (Luke 15:1). Perhaps the idea started with little boys—that dirt is attracted to whatever is clean. Put a freshly washed boy in clean clothes and then wait a short […]
An Informative Introduction
The Hidden Gospel of Thomas, William G. Duffy (Silverwood, Bristol, UK, 2020) An Informative Introduction William G. Duffy shatters this decades old tradition, with his book, The Hidden Gospel of Thomas. Duffy provides his readers with the complete text of the Gospel of Thomas—a collection of 114 sayings of Jesus—and commentary on each saying. The […]
Luke 13:1-9, 31-35, The Judgment of God
The Judgment of God Devotions for Luke 13:1-9, 31-35 Second Sunday in Lent Monday, The Judgment of God “There were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices” (Luke 13:1). Carlos chose not to live in fear. He was an undocumented immigrant who lived is a […]
Parable of the Good Samaritan, Luke 10:25-42
Devotions for Luke 10:25-42–Parable of the Good Samaritan First Sunday in Lent Monday, Parable of the Good Samaritan “A lawyer stood up to test Jesus, ‘Teacher,’ he said, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life” (Luke 10:25)? When we were growing up, we sought the approval of our parents. The approval of our […]
Reflections on a Life Changing Experience
The Tea Shop, Karl Forehand (Quoir Publishing, Oak Glen, CA, 2020). Life is full of gifts. Some gifts sustain us, while others enrich our lives. There are gifts that make us laugh and gifts that bring tears to our eyes. A few gifts change our lives forever. These gifts, or experiences, are common enough that […]
Luke 9:28-45, Transfiguration of Jesus
Transfiguration of Jesus Devotions on Luke 9:28-45 Transfiguration Sunday Monday–Transfiguration of Jesus “Jesus took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray” (Luke 9:28). Jesus was a man of prayer. Conversation with his Father was woven into the fabric of his life. Jesus also knew that prayer […]
Luke 7:1-17, Jesus Heals a Slave
Jesus Heals a Slave, Devotions on Luke 7:1-17 Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany Monday, Jesus Heals a Slave “A centurion there had a slave whom he valued highly” (Luke 7:2). During a Habitat for Humanity build, Don Anderson worked alongside of Raul Nunez. They hammered in shingles together for an entire day. As they […]