Men in places of power and leadership have too often silenced stories of abuse like Tamar’s. So I felt very convicted that I was about to skip over her story in our David series, sweep it under the rug, move quickly to a more uplifting and less disturbing text for our Sunday gathering. I was about to become one more man in spiritual leadership failing to let Tamar’s story be told. … More Tell Tamar’s Story!
King David is called “a man after God’s own heart” because in his best moments he prefigures the ultimate King of Israel and most famous Son of David to come — Jesus the Christ. One of those great moments is the story of David and Mephibosheth. Briefly appearing in 2 Samuel 9, Mephibosheth is the … More David, Mephibosheth, and Elon Musk’s DOGE
The story of Uzzah in 2 Samuel 6 illustrates the grave responsibility of carrying God’s presence. Although Uzzah acted with good intent, he disregarded divine instructions, resulting in his death. This serves as a warning for Christians today to treat God’s name with reverence, avoiding unholy alliances that damage His reputation. … More Holy Priests or Unstable Jackass?
This week’s “David” series examines David’s refuge in the cave of Adullam while fleeing King Saul. Despite hardships, this experience fosters community and leadership, shaping David for future kingship. The cave symbolizes refuge, divine deliverance, and the importance of gathering in adversity, echoing the biblical theme of hope in difficult times. … More In the Cave with Dave
David’s life is a compelling study of contrasts—victor and sinner, poet and warrior. The upcoming series at MainStreet Covenant will explore some key episodes from David’s life which reflect humanity’s struggles and divine connection. Participants are encouraged to read and choose a Psalm that represents the season they are living in as we begin a new year together. … More David and the Psalms
A shocking, even offensive detail, jumped out as I read the account of Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, this time. Why would Jesus ask a blind man to come to him? Wouldn’t it be easier and more considerate for the able-bodied man to go over to the disabled man? Perhaps there’s a deeper spiritual lesson here to ponder. Let’s dig in. … More Blind Obedience
In Mark 7, we encounter a Jesus who is a bit more intrusive and hands-on than we were prepared for. We want God’s healing touch, but we would prefer if he worked the miracle from a safe distance. We desire God’s healing and pray for him to show up in our lives, but are we willing to embrace the messy, personal boundary-breaking processes by which God may choose to show up? … More The Sigh of Jesus
This Sunday we baptized our son, Isaak David, in a beautiful service under an oak tree next to our chicken coop in our neighbor’s horse water tank. The weather was beautiful, the music was fun, and I was nervous as I shared a message God had placed on my heart for Isaak. Instead a water-themed Scripture, I was led to a desert text where Jacob wrestles all night with God and walks away with a holy hobble and new name. … More Isaak’s Baptism
Physical touch has profound effects on well-being, as shown in studies, yet many feel deprived. This week’s Gospel lesson of the woman healed by touching Jesus’s cloak emphasizes the significance of physical contact. In today’s digital world, there is a growing need to prioritize face-to-face interactions and embrace the healing power of physical touch. … More Healing Touch & Touch-less Faith
I love reading familiar Bible stories with an eye for the odd and often missed detail that invites further inquiry. In the beloved story of Jesus calming the storm, we jump right over one strange detail and focus on the storm, the frightened disciples, Jesus sleeping on the cushion, and his divine power over the sea. But what ever happened to the “other boats” that set out on the seas with Jesus that stormy night? Buckle up. … More What about the Other Boats?
My kids are learning to play the piano. While we could have had them watch YouTube instruction videos, we signed them up for private lessons. Once a week they sit side by side at the piano, Miss Liz “taking them by the hand” and tailoring lessons to their skill level and needs, manipulating their fingers, correcting and encouraging, addressing their questions and meeting each student where they are at. This reminds me of Jesus and discipleship. … More Parables and Private Lessons
Let’s dig into Genesis 3, a text ripe and juicy with deep insights. Humanity, estranged from God after disobeying, feels exposed and fearful, hiding from God. But God seeks them out, asking where they are not for location, but for the state of their souls. They are covered in grace, as God clothes them, revealing His relentless pursuit of His wayward children. … More Evening Breeze in the Garden
This morning I came upon a friendly painted turtle on the road and pulled over to help him to safety. Yesterday I joined several other cars pulled over to watch another more daring Good Samaritan helping a large and intimidating snapping turtle across the highway to his wetland destination. What is it about turtles that evoke such concern and compassion? I think we see something of ourselves in these creatures. … More The Turtle’s Shell
This week a PGA golfer was found dead in his home by suicide at the age of 30. He had battled depression and anxiety for years, being quite open about his struggles. I have also faced recurring bouts with depression and anxiety. I call it a “dark cloud” that occasionally settles over my thoughts and emotions, blocking out the light and leaving me in the shadows. Psalm 139 can help us through the darkness and back into the light. … More Weighty Thoughts: On Depression
My mom took us three kids to the mall when we were at prime begging age. Mom probably intended to simply return something and come home empty handed. Instead, she came home with a kitten from the mall pet store. That lucky kitten was rescued from bondage, adopted into a new family, and brought into a new realm of life and possibilities. Let’s explore Romans 8:12-17 in this light. … More “Here, Kitty, Kitty!”
Today I compare God’s transforming power to a home renovation project, emphasizing the importance of visualization and imagination. Did you know Ezekiel’s vision of the valley of dry bones played a pivotal role in the launch of MainStreet? I share how and explore the need for God’s transformative breath to revive and transform souls, and the need for a vivid, colorful vision of God’s desired future for us to enliven dead faith. … More Dry Bones TV Network
The “truth” has always been a slippery thing, easily manipulated, easily spun, misplaced or lost in the couch cushions of public discourse. The atomic, bone rattling, earth-shaking radioactive Truth Bomb of the ages is that since the incarnation of the Word, all human ideas, arguments, concepts, abstractions, formulas, presentations, editorials, principles, etc. of “truth” must now stand before and buckle its knees in the presence of the Truth Incarnate. … More Truth Bomb
We walked into the travel agency and nervously picked through the brochures on the wall, each advertising exotic destinations filled with sun and ocean-scapes. We were teenagers dreaming and scheming about our senior trip that spring. After much deliberation and bargaining with our parents, me and my five best friends were preparing for a spring break cruise together in the Caribbean. … More Jesus, Travel Agent
The passage from Acts 8:26-40 reminds us to be open to the Spirit’s leading, even when we don’t understand why. Jeremy then offers a spiritual reading of the Ethiopian’s “Chariot” encouraging us to seek out spiritual mentors and sacred spaces where we can go for “chariot chats”: asking questions, grappling with Scripture, learning and worshiping and growing together. … More Your Chariot Awaits!
This podcast series explores the question of who or what influences our lives, drawing on Psalm 23. It emphasizes the contrast between the true shepherd, Jesus, and false shepherds like Fear and Addiction. Jeremy discusses the concept of the “Good Life” and upcoming episodes will delve into topics such as Addiction, Worry, Depression, and Financial Debt. … More Podcast #141 – The Good Shepherd
If I’m being honest, my heart has been condemning me quite a bit lately. My heart desires to honor God by living a life of love and acting in ways worthy of Christ. But I keep falling short. I keep missing the mark. This week’s lectionary text brings us into a section of 1 John that is equal measures reassuring and unsettling. … More Ease Up, My Heart
The story of Jacob’s dream in Genesis 28 reveals a stairway connecting Heaven and Earth, with angels ascending and descending. This reminds us of God’s presence in our lives – especially in the dry seasons – bringing hope and carrying our burdens. Jesus, as the gateway to Heaven, brings the heavenly realm to Earth, uniting believers with God’s supernatural activity.
… More Angels in the Desert
This week’s psalm lands us on the Divine Counselor’s couch, and we pour out our soul in his presence. If you think you’re having a bad day, sit in on the psalmist’s session and count your blessings! Some days we study and learn from Scripture. Other days we curl up in the fetal position and groan along with Scripture. … More On the Divine Therapist’s Couch
Last night was a sweet kind of homecoming for me. I was invited back to speak at the church of my childhood, where I was baptized and confirmed and the early seeds of my faith were sown. I brought my two boys along to show them where it all began for me. Here’s what I shared. … More Goodness & Mercy Follows
The Fifth Sunday in Lent reminds us of the necessity of enduring hardships for growth and maturity, both spiritually and in all aspects of life. Just as a diamond forms under pressure, Jesus’ suffering leads to glorification. We are called to embrace present challenges for future joy, allowing God to shape us into immortal diamonds through adversity. … More Crushed Bones into Spiritual Diamonds
Jeremy L. Berg 