Category Archives: Devotional Reflection

End of Ezra

Posted on July 26, 2019 by PaulVK

The Persians were very religious. It makes perfect sense in a polytheistic world to let a thousand temples bloom. It’s how religion works. If all the gods of all the people in your empire. Read the Cyrus cylinder. https://www.livius.org/sources/content/cyrus-cylinder/cyrus-cylinder-translation/ [32] … Continue reading →

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Woke Judas

Posted on April 4, 2019 by PaulVK

In Judas' objection to Jesus' costly anointing by Mary we see a show of concern for the poor empty of first person action. Jesus' "the poor you will always have with you" may seem callous coming from a cis-male to … Continue reading →

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Eulogy for My Sister Lori VanderKlay Johnson

Posted on November 15, 2018 by PaulVK

  The Bible is the original divine comedy composed of a thousand tragic stories. There are almost no happy families in the Bible. The first son kills his brother. Judah, son of Israel decides the only thing wrong with murder … Continue reading →

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The Recognition Fantasy Come True

Posted on December 26, 2016 by PaulVK

Following up on the reflections on glory in yesterday’s sermon. It is normal for us to want to be recognized, appreciated and rewarded when we do a good thing. This normal desire leads to a fantasy, that some person of … Continue reading →

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Happy (Christian Liturgical) New Year!

Posted on November 29, 2015 by PaulVK

Ahhh, now we can all breath a sigh of relief. The priests of modern knowledge have established a narrative through which we can view the Planned Parenthood shooter. Finding the narrative, usually disguised as a “motive” is the first quest … Continue reading →

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“Things Move Fast When You’re Me”

Posted on June 23, 2015 by PaulVK

Daniel is back. He did some time in jail and the hospital. Sunday was the first day he saw me since I got back from Synod. I had been holding $400 of his money for him since he’s sure that … Continue reading →

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My Golden Rule of Speaking in a Context of Relational Conflict

Posted on May 1, 2015 by PaulVK

Avoid the second person. In conflict we become afraid and fear makes us defensive. Sometimes we are afraid for our safety, often we are afraid for our reputation or our self-image. We immediately look for the faults of those across … Continue reading →

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David Brook’s Moral Bucket List, My Dying Friend and the Cross of Christ

Posted on April 22, 2015 by PaulVK

The Doctors Say A Friend of Mine is Dying He’s nearly my father’s age and his body just can’t take much more of his life. When I came to this church he knew we would be friends. He was always … Continue reading →

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Jesus Welcomes Mockers, Skeptics, Spitters, Abusers

Posted on January 15, 2015 by PaulVK

Defending Insecure Gods Reputation matters. We all know this. We get into it with each other on Facebook, at family gatherings, in magazines, through cartoons, even to the point of shedding blood. The lectionary text this week from the Gospel … Continue reading →

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Stephen Colbert and Friends Gives us a Wonderful Taste of Advent

Posted on December 19, 2014 by PaulVK

Stephen Colbert concluded his series.  I found great delight in his sing-along. Why? To me it is an image of the age to come. No I’m not a universalist. Yes, I realize these are all celebrities. What is my point? A … Continue reading →

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