When we put too much hope in a candidate or a party we set ourselves up for disappointment. When I see a poster with [Barak] Obama's image with the word "hope" under it, something in me cringes - our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness, the old hymn goes, all other ground is sinking sand.

There are financial bankruptcies in many parts of the church. No question about that. But we see the possibility of reimagining and revitalizing the church.

There are people who are dangerous, and evil is real.

All around you, people will be tiptoeing through life, just to arrive at death safely. But dear children, do not tiptoe. Run, hop, skip, or dance, just don't tiptoe.

One thing that's clear in the Scriptures is that the nations do not lead people to peace; rather, people lead the nations to peace.

Believe in miracles. And live in a way that might necessitate one.

Jesus taught us a prayer of community and reconciliation, belonging to a new people who have left the land of 'me'.