A few days ago I was deeply frustrated over something that had gone wrong while planning our family vacation. The problem was my own mistake, but I still felt outraged that no one could help me fix it. I also knew, of course, that this was the epitome of a...

Thank you, God, for so much is a gift. Amen.


3 Comments
Log In to leave a comment
Lectionary Week
October 12–18, 2026
Scripture Overview

As Christians, we know we believe in Immanuel—God with us. We cling to this idea in theory, but in the everyday messiness of life, we sometimes still wonder where God actually is. This week’s readings offer various perspectives on God’s presence. In Exodus, Moses feels insecure about the calling on his life and asks to see God. The psalmist remembers the story of God’s presence with the Israelites in the wilderness. The Gospel reminds us that even when we ponder momentous decisions about weighty topics, our ultimate security is in our belonging to God. And Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians gives us an example of experiencing God’s love in everyday friendship.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Exodus 33:12-23. When have you struggled to believe that God is with you? How did you find a sign of God’s presence?
Read Psalm 99. How has God heard your cry? How can you listen with God for the cries of others?
Read 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10. When does your faith call you to live in a counter-cultural way? How do you show the world how to live?
Read Matthew 22:15-22. You belong to God. How do you experience God’s call on your life?

Respond by posting a prayer.