e82 Learning to See: The Future

A reflection on John 21:15–19

In this episode, we sit with a quiet conversation between Jesus and Peter.

After the resurrection, after the meal, Jesus turns toward Peter—not to revisit failure, but to restore and prepare him for what lies ahead.

Through a series of questions and responses, Jesus meets Peter in love, entrusts him with care, and calls him forward.

This passage shows us how Jesus holds both our past and our future—

healing what has been and leading us into what is still to come.

SoulWork

1. Where do you carry a memory of getting it wrong—with God, with others, or within yourself?
2. What do you notice about the way Jesus speaks to Peter—and what does that show you about how He meets you?
3. Where might Jesus be inviting you to respond to His question, “Do you love me?” in your life right now?

SoulWork Homework

This week, make space for a simple, honest response to Jesus.

Set aside a few quiet moments and pray:

“Jesus, you know that I love you.”

Then choose one small, concrete way to live that love:

• offering care to someone
• tending to a responsibility you’ve avoided
• showing up faithfully in a relationship or task

Let your love for Jesus take shape through one act of faithfulness.

Closing Blessing Prayer

Gracious and faithful God, thank You for meeting us in our failures with mercy, patience, and love. Thank You for restoring us and calling us again. Teach us to love You with honesty and trust, and to follow where You lead. And as we go, shape our lives into a reflection of that love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

If this episode met you in a meaningful way, you’re welcome to receive Notes from the Sanctuary—quiet reflections, writing prompts, and occasional updates shared as an extension of this space.

If you’d like to help sustain this work, you’re welcome to support it here.

Disclaimer: The content shared on the SoulWork Sanctuary podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only. While I am an ordained minister and trained spiritual director, I am not a licensed therapist or medical professional. This podcast does not provide medical or mental health advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional care. Please seek support from a qualified provider if needed.

e81 Learning to See: The Lord Made Known, a meditation on John 21:1–14

The disciples return to what they know—fishing.

They work through the night and come up empty.

Then Jesus speaks.

The water is the same.

The nets are the same.

The men are the same.

What changes is His word.

At His instruction, their empty nets are filled with abundance.

And in that moment, they recognize Him.

“They knew it was the Lord.” (John 21:12)

This moment echoes the wedding at Cana (John 2), where Jesus also provides in abundance.

In both places, He makes Himself known—not through explanation, but through provision.

In John’s Gospel, abundance is a sign of life—

life that comes from Jesus and is sustained by Him (John 10:10).

The miracle happens within their ordinary work.

Not apart from it.

And recognition comes through encounter—

through His voice,

through His presence,

through what He does.

SoulWork

1. Where have you been showing up faithfully and still experiencing emptiness?
2. What might Jesus be inviting you to do differently—even if it feels small or ordinary?
3. Where have you seen a glimpse of His provision or presence recently?

SoulWork Homework

1. Choose one ordinary area of your life—your work, your home, a conversation, a routine.
2. As you enter that space, pause and pray: “Jesus, I’m listening. Show me where You are at work.”
3. Then take one small step of trust in response to what you sense—something simple, concrete, and faithful.
4. Stay attentive throughout the week to how He meets you there.

Closing Blessing Prayer

May the Lord who makes Himself known meet you in the ordinary places of your life. May you recognize His voice, trust His word, and see His provision where you once saw lack. And as you walk through this week, may you come to know—quietly and surely—that He is with you, and that He is at work. In Jesus’ name, amen.

If this episode met you in a meaningful way, you’re welcome to receive Notes from the Sanctuary—quiet reflections, writing prompts, and occasional updates shared as an extension of this space.

If you’d like to help sustain this work, you’re welcome to support it here.

Disclaimer: The content shared on the SoulWork Sanctuary podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only. While I am an ordained minister and trained spiritual director, I am not a licensed therapist or medical professional. This podcast does not provide medical or mental health advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional care. Please seek support from a qualified provider if needed.

Learning to See: The Truth, a meditation on John 20:24-29.

Welcome back to our series, Learning to See, where we are walking closely with Jesus through the Gospel of John, learning to see him as he reveals himself using Lectio Divina, Latin for a close reading of a passage of scripture.

One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came. They told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.” Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!” “My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed. Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” -John 20:24-29, NLT

SoulWork Homework

• Think of a moment when it was difficult to believe or trust again.
• What made that moment hard?
• What did you need in that space?
• Write a few lines reflecting on how Jesus may have been present with you, even if you could not see him at the time.

Blessing for the Week

May you be met by Jesus in the places where belief feels difficult. May you know His peace, even behind closed doors. And may you have the courage to come closer—to see Him, to trust Him, and to call Him, “My Lord and my God.” In Jesus’ name, amen.

If this episode met you in a meaningful way, you’re welcome to receive Notes from the Sanctuary—quiet reflections, writing prompts, and occasional updates shared as an extension of this space.

If you’d like to help sustain this work, you’re welcome to support it here.

Disclaimer: The content shared on the SoulWork Sanctuary podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only. While I am an ordained minister and trained spiritual director, I am not a licensed therapist or medical professional. This podcast does not provide medical or mental health advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional care. Please seek support from a qualified provider if needed.

Learning to See: One Who Sees Us, a meditation on John 20:11-18.

Happy Resurrection Sunday and welcome back to our series, Learning to See, where we are walking closely with Jesus through the Gospel of John, learning to see him as he reveals himself using Lectio Divina, Latin for a close reading of scripture.

Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her. -John 20:11-18, NIV

SoulWork Homework

• This week, make space to notice where Jesus may be calling your name.
• Return to one moment each day—a quiet pause, a breath, a prayer.
• And simply ask: “Jesus, where are You meeting me right now?”
• Write down what you notice.
• Not to force clarity—but to grow in awareness.

Blessing for the Week

May you be reminded that Jesus sees you fully and meets you faithfully. May you recognize His presence, even in places of grief or uncertainty. And may you hear Him calling your name— leading you into the life He has prepared for you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

If this episode met you in a meaningful way, you’re welcome to receive Notes from the Sanctuary—quiet reflections, writing prompts, and occasional updates shared as an extension of this space.

If you’d like to help sustain this work, you’re welcome to support it here.

Disclaimer: The content shared on the SoulWork Sanctuary podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only. While I am an ordained minister and trained spiritual director, I am not a licensed therapist or medical professional. This podcast does not provide medical or mental health advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional care. Please seek support from a qualified provider if needed.

e78 Learning to See: The True Vine, a meditation on John 15:1-5.

Welcome back to our series, Learning to See, where we are walking closely with Jesus through the Gospel of John, learning to see him as he reveals himself. We are using a favorite prayer method - Lectio Divina, a Latin phrase that translates as “Divine Reading” but simply means a close reading of a passage of scripture.

Text

I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. -John 15:1-5, NIV

SoulWork Homework

• Think of a time when you tried to do something apart from Jesus.
• What motivated your decision?
• What lesson did you learn from that experience?
• Write a few lines reflecting on how Jesus remained with you, even in that choice.

Blessing for the Week

May you always live with a desire to stay connected to the True Vine. May you continue to grow in gratitude for Jesus as your true source of fruitfulness. May your hopes for tomorrow be permeated by Jesus’ unwavering love for you. May you always live with the reality that Christ’s presence is just one breath away. In Jesus’ name, amen.

I will be speaking at the Write a Brilliant Bible Study Virtual Conference on April 17th @ 1:00pm.

Registration is Free. I would love to see you there.

REGISTRATION LINK:​https://www.flourishwritersconference.com/brilliantbiblestudyconference26​

If this episode met you in a meaningful way, you’re welcome to receive Notes from the Sanctuary—quiet reflections, writing prompts, and occasional updates shared as an extension of this space.

If you’d like to help sustain this work, you’re welcome to support it here.

Disclaimer: The content shared on the SoulWork Sanctuary podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only. While I am an ordained minister and trained spiritual director, I am not a licensed therapist or medical professional. This podcast does not provide medical or mental health advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional care. Please seek support from a qualified provider if needed.

Learning to See: The Way, the Truth, and the Life, a meditation on John 14:1-6.

Welcome back to our series, Learning to See, where we are walking closely with Jesus through the Gospel of John, learning to see him as he reveals himself. We are using a favorite prayer method - Lectio Divina, a Latin phrase that translates as “Divine Reading” but simply means a close reading of a passage of scripture.

Text

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. -John 14:1-6, NIV

SoulWork Homework

• This week, sit with Jesus as your Way, the Truth, and the Life.
• Think of how Jesus has been all three of those things for you.
• Write your own 4-line psalm of praise thanking Jesus for being all that you need.
• Send your praise up to the Lord throughout the week.

Blessing for the Week

May you always live with the knowledge that Jesus is the Way of Holiness. May you continue to grow in gratitude for Jesus as your Way, Truth, and Life. May your hopes for tomorrow be permeated by Jesus’ unwavering love for you. May you always live with the reality that Christ’s presence is just one breath away. In Jesus’ name, amen.

If this episode met you in a meaningful way, you’re welcome to receive Notes from the Sanctuary—quiet reflections, writing prompts, and occasional updates shared as an extension of this space.

If you’d like to help sustain this work, you’re welcome to support it here.

Disclaimer: The content shared on the SoulWork Sanctuary podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only. While I am an ordained minister and trained spiritual director, I am not a licensed therapist or medical professional. This podcast does not provide medical or mental health advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional care. Please seek support from a qualified provider if needed.

Learning to See: The Resurrection and the Life, a meditation on John 11:23-26.

Welcome back to our series, Learning to See, where we are walking closely with Jesus through the Gospel of John, learning to see him as he reveals himself. We are using a favorite prayer method - Lectio Divina, a Latin phrase that translates as “Divine Reading” but simply means a close reading of a passage of scripture.

Text

Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” -John 11:23-26, NIV

SoulWork Homework

1. This week, sit with Jesus as your Resurrection and Life.
2. Think of an area where you desperately need the Resurrection and the Life - no matter how simple.
3. Write your own 4-line psalm of petition and plea for God to minister to that area.
4. Speak your prayer out loud to the Lord until you see the salvation of the Lord.

Blessing for the Week

May you always live with the knowledge that Jesus is above all, including death itself. May you continue to grow in gratitude for Jesus as your Resurrection and Life. May your hopes for tomorrow be permeated by Jesus’ unwavering love for you. May you always live with the reality that Christ’s presence is just one breath away. In Jesus’ name, amen.

If this episode met you in a meaningful way, you’re welcome to receive Notes from the Sanctuary—quiet reflections, writing prompts, and occasional updates shared as an extension of this space.

If you’d like to help sustain this work, you’re welcome to support it here.

Disclaimer: The content shared on the SoulWork Sanctuary podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only. While I am an ordained minister and trained spiritual director, I am not a licensed therapist or medical professional. This podcast does not provide medical or mental health advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional care. Please seek support from a qualified provider if needed.

Learning to See: The Good Shepherd, a meditation on John 10:11-15.

Welcome back to our series, Learning to See, where we are walking closely with Jesus through the Gospel of John, learning to see him as he reveals himself. We are using a favorite prayer method - Lectio Divina, a Latin phrase that translates as “Divine Reading” but simply means a close reading of a passage of scripture.

Text

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me, just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. -John 10:11-15, NIV

SoulWork Homework

1. This week, sit with Jesus as your Good Shepherd.
2. Think of a time when Jesus provided for you, protected you, guided you, or healed you.
3. Write your own 4-line psalm of praise and gratitude for that time.
4. Speak your praise out loud to the Lord.

If this episode met you in a meaningful way, you’re welcome to receive Notes from the Sanctuary—quiet reflections, writing prompts, and occasional updates shared as an extension of this space.

If you’d like to help sustain this work, you’re welcome to support it here.

Disclaimer: The content shared on the SoulWork Sanctuary podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only. While I am an ordained minister and trained spiritual director, I am not a licensed therapist or medical professional. This podcast does not provide medical or mental health advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional care. Please seek support from a qualified provider if needed.