Category Archives: Devotion

God is a he (lowercase)

Posted on March 25, 2014 by Sue Edison-Swift

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” —John 3:16 NRSV Why Not Capitalize the Godly He?* 1.       Because pronouns for God are … Continue reading →

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Service dish-washing

Posted on August 16, 2013 by Sue Edison-Swift

Recently, Paul and I took the opportunity to be kitchen crew for two nights at Camp Matz, Watertown, Wis., a ministry of Bethesda Lutheran Communities. It was a week without the usual cadre of kitchen volunteers, so a call went … Continue reading →

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burdens and joys

Posted on July 8, 2013 by Sue Edison-Swift

Laurel, Rod, Sam, Olivia, dear friends and family, May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, keep our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen. I’ve organized my thoughts for today’s message around the stanzas of “The Servant Song,*” the … Continue reading →

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Hand Washing: A Maundy Thursday Devotion

Posted on March 25, 2013 by Sue Edison-Swift

It was 2 p.m. on a hot, dry day in Malawi. Already, the three of us representing ELCA World Hunger had visited a savings and credit cooperative, seen life-saving wells, and witnessed a goat project, piggery, and community seed bank. … Continue reading →

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Fat Stoppers Evangelism

Posted on January 3, 2013 by Sue Edison-Swift

I’m tickled that Jan Rizzo picked up “Fat Stoppers Evangelism” as a Seeds for the Parish post on Living Lutheran. Find it at http://bit.ly/10GashT. Fat Stoppers first appeared in the April 1993 issue of Lutheran Woman Today, now Gather magazine. Oh, my, it’s the 20th … Continue reading →

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Hope-full

Posted on January 1, 2013 by Sue Edison-Swift

The prophet Jeremiah sent the exiles in Babylon a letter from God. It said Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and live … Continue reading →

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Jesus and the ______ Person

Posted on October 9, 2012 by Sue Edison-Swift

Based on the Gospel lesson for October 14, 2012 Mark 10:17–27 as a Gospel dialog Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved… (“Amazing Grace,” st. 2) The Gospel, we’re told, afflicts the comfortable and comforts … Continue reading →

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Loaves + Fish = God’s math

Posted on July 22, 2012 by Sue Edison-Swift

In the story of Jesus feeding the multitude as told in the Gospel of John (6:1-14), Jesus asks Philip a test question: “Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?” Philip, looks over the crowd, calculates supply and … Continue reading →

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Restored for New Life

Posted on June 27, 2012 by Sue Edison-Swift

A devotion for July 1, 2012, based on Mark 5:21–43. O LORD my God, I cried to you for help,   and you have healed me. (Psalm 30:2) There was a woman who bled for 12 years. She had spent all … Continue reading →

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Tempted

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Sue Edison-Swift

Fat Tuesday is the New Year’s Eve of Lent. Many faithful believers are having one last hurrah before “giving up” (chocolate, Facebook) or “adding on” (mid-week worship, devotional walking) during the 40-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Some of … Continue reading →

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