By Andrew Hartzler, associate professor of accounting DEVOTIONAL: Within many of us there is an innate desire to believe in something greater than ourselves. For Christians, this belief is rooted in the creator God of the Bible, a God whose Word became flesh incarnate in Jesus Christ. After his death and resurrection, Jesus ascended to heaven … Keep reading »
From Tears to Laughter
Our God is faithful, bringing shouts of joy after captivity and exile. Let us praise this God of the Israelites who is our God too, leading us from sorrow to joy, from tears to laughter.
The Good News of Deliverance
Oh, to be a fly on the wall of that synagogue at Nazareth where Jesus stood up to recite one fateful Sabbath day.
Oh, That You Would Reveal Your Joy
By Jodi H. Beyeler, assistant director of communications and marketing THIS WEEK’S THEME: “Oh, That You Would Reveal Your Joy” THIS WEEK’S SCRIPTURES: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 | Psalm 126 | 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 | John 1:6-8, 19-28 DEVOTIONAL: We recently celebrated Thanksgiving in southeast Iowa. But more than the turkey or pumpkin pie (though those were tasty!), the highlight of the … Keep reading »
A Few Quiet Moments
Waiting in anticipation is something we often associate with the holiday season.
Lord of Changes
God lets me live a beautiful life, even when my heart isn’t, because God is patient.
Kind to Your Land
By Luke Gascho, director of Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center DEVOTIONAL: I looked with amazement and delight into the holes I was digging. Each of the two-foot deep holes had a lovely profile of soil: 10 inches of topsoil, 3 inches of small river stones, and then coarse sand. This rich prairie soil provides perfect conditions … Keep reading »
To Comfort
The world appears to be stuck in cycles of violence that spiral continuously, no matter who is speaking against them. For those speaking for peace, it often feels as if our voices fail to reach the ears of those who most need to hear them.
Oh, That You Would Reveal Your Peace
Oh, that you would reveal your peace! This word “peace” is tossed around on a regular basis, but what does it truly mean for us and for the world?
Resting and Ready
By Regina Shands Stoltzfus, assistant professor of peace, justice and conflict studies DEVOTIONAL: Toddlers are notorious for resisting sleep. Life is much too exciting for boring old naps and the dreaded evening bedtime. Something might happen! Little ones can be quite comical (and/or maddening) in their quest to stay up “just a little while longer.” Teenagers, … Keep reading »