DAILY READING John 12:1-19 REFLECTION   How Do You Smell? By Julie Ogg When John recounts Jesus’ anointing at Bethany, he encourages us to remember what recently happened in that same family and town: Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead  (12:1). As Mary (sister of Lazarus) anoints Jesus’ feet I imagine she is remembering her recent anointing of Lazarus' body for burial.  Mary was known to sit at the feet of Jesus listening.  She was one of his...

DAILY READING Luke 1:26-33 REFLECTION   Favor? By Julie Ogg “Would you do me a favor?”  The ease with which you respond to this question probably says a lot about the strength of your relationship with the person who asked.  I’m much more likely to respond without qualification if I know the person who asked will not take advantage of me.  This is favor as a noun.   Favor as a verb implies that you will benefit from preferential treatment.  Life will be easier and more comfortable due to this...

DAILY READING Hebrews 4:14-16 Hebrews 5:1-10 REFLECTION   Sympathy or Empathy? By Julie Ogg Have you ever had a friend who was going...