Justin Miller
@jcrew1982.bsky.social
Episcopalian, Father & Husband, Disney Addict, Bassist, Progressive, Runner, Trekkie, and Whovian. One impossible thing at a time.
John 5:1-18
The Good News is that God is working right now. Jesus reveals that the Father is constantly active in the business of redemption.
The Good News is that the command to "Get Up" is valid 7 days a week. The Work of God is the healing of our lives, our communities, & that work never stops.
The Good News is that God is working right now. Jesus reveals that the Father is constantly active in the business of redemption.
The Good News is that the command to "Get Up" is valid 7 days a week. The Work of God is the healing of our lives, our communities, & that work never stops.
Consistently Upwards (@consistentlyupwards)
John 5:1-18
The Set-Up
Jesus walks into the Pool of Bethesda, which was essentially the overflow room for Jerusalem’s broken and forgotten.
The legend there was unusually cruel: an angel stirs the ...
substack.com
January 28, 2026 at 12:03 AM
John 5:1-18
The Good News is that God is working right now. Jesus reveals that the Father is constantly active in the business of redemption.
The Good News is that the command to "Get Up" is valid 7 days a week. The Work of God is the healing of our lives, our communities, & that work never stops.
The Good News is that God is working right now. Jesus reveals that the Father is constantly active in the business of redemption.
The Good News is that the command to "Get Up" is valid 7 days a week. The Work of God is the healing of our lives, our communities, & that work never stops.
Looking at our streets today—at the protests, the grief, & the uncertainty—it is tempting to think, “The church can’t fix this.”
The truth is, the Church was built for times of crisis.
Timothy and Titus remind us that we don’t have to fix everything overnight. We are simply called to be present.
The truth is, the Church was built for times of crisis.
Timothy and Titus remind us that we don’t have to fix everything overnight. We are simply called to be present.
Consistently Upwards (@consistentlyupwards)
Timothy and Titus
The Set-Up
Today is the Feast of Timothy and Titus, and honestly, it lands on a day where the air feels heavy. Those in Minneapolis know the sound of sirens and the tension in the ...
substack.com
January 26, 2026 at 4:02 PM
Looking at our streets today—at the protests, the grief, & the uncertainty—it is tempting to think, “The church can’t fix this.”
The truth is, the Church was built for times of crisis.
Timothy and Titus remind us that we don’t have to fix everything overnight. We are simply called to be present.
The truth is, the Church was built for times of crisis.
Timothy and Titus remind us that we don’t have to fix everything overnight. We are simply called to be present.
The State calls it "restoring order." The press release calls it "defensive measures." But anyone who has ever read the Gospels without the filter of Empire knows exactly what this is: it’s Rome protecting itself from the people.
January 24, 2026 at 11:00 PM
The State calls it "restoring order." The press release calls it "defensive measures." But anyone who has ever read the Gospels without the filter of Empire knows exactly what this is: it’s Rome protecting itself from the people.
John 4:16–26
The Good News is that Jesus seeks out the ones the church ignores. The Good News is that you are the sanctuary. When you start living in "Spirit and Truth," you become the place where heaven meets earth. The well is open, and the water is free.
substack.com/@consistentl...
The Good News is that Jesus seeks out the ones the church ignores. The Good News is that you are the sanctuary. When you start living in "Spirit and Truth," you become the place where heaven meets earth. The well is open, and the water is free.
substack.com/@consistentl...
Consistently Upwards (@consistentlyupwards)
John 4:16–26
The Set-Up
Jesus is sitting by Jacob's well in Samaria … and talking to a Samaritan woman … already a double scandal. She’s shocked he’s even asking her for water.
But then the convers...
substack.com
January 23, 2026 at 7:38 PM
John 4:16–26
The Good News is that Jesus seeks out the ones the church ignores. The Good News is that you are the sanctuary. When you start living in "Spirit and Truth," you become the place where heaven meets earth. The well is open, and the water is free.
substack.com/@consistentl...
The Good News is that Jesus seeks out the ones the church ignores. The Good News is that you are the sanctuary. When you start living in "Spirit and Truth," you become the place where heaven meets earth. The well is open, and the water is free.
substack.com/@consistentl...
Vincent of Saragossa
The Good News is that while they broke Vincent’s body, they couldn't touch his joy. The Good News is that when the world tries to press you, grind you down, and torment you, the Spirit does its best work.
substack.com/profile/4765...
The Good News is that while they broke Vincent’s body, they couldn't touch his joy. The Good News is that when the world tries to press you, grind you down, and torment you, the Spirit does its best work.
substack.com/profile/4765...
Consistently Upwards (@consistentlyupwards)
Vincent of Saragossa
The Set-Up:
Today we remember Vincent of Saragossa - deacon to Bishop Valerius in Saragossa, Spain, around 304 AD.
Here’s the dynamic: Valerius had a speech impediment. He was ...
substack.com
January 22, 2026 at 1:56 PM
Vincent of Saragossa
The Good News is that while they broke Vincent’s body, they couldn't touch his joy. The Good News is that when the world tries to press you, grind you down, and torment you, the Spirit does its best work.
substack.com/profile/4765...
The Good News is that while they broke Vincent’s body, they couldn't touch his joy. The Good News is that when the world tries to press you, grind you down, and torment you, the Spirit does its best work.
substack.com/profile/4765...
John 3:22-36
The Good News is that there is profound freedom in "decreasing." You don't have to maintain the image or carry the weight of the world. You can point to Jesus, do your work, and then happily step out of the frame, knowing the celebration is in good hands.
substack.com/@consistentl...
The Good News is that there is profound freedom in "decreasing." You don't have to maintain the image or carry the weight of the world. You can point to Jesus, do your work, and then happily step out of the frame, knowing the celebration is in good hands.
substack.com/@consistentl...
Consistently Upwards (@consistentlyupwards)
John 3:22-36
The Set-Up
Jesus and John are each baptizing near one another - making John’s disciples a bit nervous and insecure so they run to John and share their concern in their dwindling numbers...
substack.com
January 21, 2026 at 8:49 PM
John 3:22-36
The Good News is that there is profound freedom in "decreasing." You don't have to maintain the image or carry the weight of the world. You can point to Jesus, do your work, and then happily step out of the frame, knowing the celebration is in good hands.
substack.com/@consistentl...
The Good News is that there is profound freedom in "decreasing." You don't have to maintain the image or carry the weight of the world. You can point to Jesus, do your work, and then happily step out of the frame, knowing the celebration is in good hands.
substack.com/@consistentl...
John 3:16–21
The Good News is that you don't have to be afraid of being seen. John 3:17 promises that the intent of the Divine is to rescue, repair, and restore you, not to discard you. You can step out of the shadows. The One who created the Kosmos loves you.
The Good News is that you don't have to be afraid of being seen. John 3:17 promises that the intent of the Divine is to rescue, repair, and restore you, not to discard you. You can step out of the shadows. The One who created the Kosmos loves you.
Consistently Upwards (@consistentlyupwards)
John 3:16–21
The Set-Up
John 3:16 is the neon sign of American evangelicalism. But the Greek word here is Kosmos. God didn't just love the "church" or the "believers." God loved the Whole Damn Syste...
substack.com
January 20, 2026 at 3:34 PM
John 3:16–21
The Good News is that you don't have to be afraid of being seen. John 3:17 promises that the intent of the Divine is to rescue, repair, and restore you, not to discard you. You can step out of the shadows. The One who created the Kosmos loves you.
The Good News is that you don't have to be afraid of being seen. John 3:17 promises that the intent of the Divine is to rescue, repair, and restore you, not to discard you. You can step out of the shadows. The One who created the Kosmos loves you.
“I would argue that God isn’t “inefficient” - instead, God uses what others’ might see as frivolous to create beautiful moments, demonstrate love, and embrace the Holy.”
"The Gospel of Inefficiency"
I would argue that God isn’t “inefficient” - instead, God uses what others’ might see as frivolous to create beautiful moments, demonstrate love, and embrace the Holy.
open.substack.com
January 16, 2026 at 3:44 PM
“I would argue that God isn’t “inefficient” - instead, God uses what others’ might see as frivolous to create beautiful moments, demonstrate love, and embrace the Holy.”
John 2:1-12
The Good News is that religion is supposed to be Wine—something that gladdens the heart, brings people together, and tastes like life. If your life often feels like a well drink at Happy Hour, Jesus is ready to transform it into something amazingly good, without the hangover.
The Good News is that religion is supposed to be Wine—something that gladdens the heart, brings people together, and tastes like life. If your life often feels like a well drink at Happy Hour, Jesus is ready to transform it into something amazingly good, without the hangover.
Consistently Upwards (@consistentlyupwards)
John 2:1-12
The Set-Up
Jesus, Mary, and the disciples are at a wedding in Cana. This is a big deal - a multi-day celebration in community, and full joy.
But then, the worst thing imaginable happens...
substack.com
January 16, 2026 at 2:02 PM
John 2:1-12
The Good News is that religion is supposed to be Wine—something that gladdens the heart, brings people together, and tastes like life. If your life often feels like a well drink at Happy Hour, Jesus is ready to transform it into something amazingly good, without the hangover.
The Good News is that religion is supposed to be Wine—something that gladdens the heart, brings people together, and tastes like life. If your life often feels like a well drink at Happy Hour, Jesus is ready to transform it into something amazingly good, without the hangover.
John 1:43-51
The Good News is that you don't have to fake anything to get Jesus's attention. He loves a "no deceit" attitude. He sees you exactly as you are- skepticism, ego, and all - and still invites you to His inner circle.
The Good News is that you don't have to fake anything to get Jesus's attention. He loves a "no deceit" attitude. He sees you exactly as you are- skepticism, ego, and all - and still invites you to His inner circle.
Consistently Upwards (@consistentlyupwards)
John 1:43-51
Set-Up
Jesus decides to head to Galilee - the working-class district. He finds Philip and gives him a simple command: “Follow me.” Philip doesn't hesitate and runs to find his friend N...
substack.com
January 15, 2026 at 2:22 PM
John 1:43-51
The Good News is that you don't have to fake anything to get Jesus's attention. He loves a "no deceit" attitude. He sees you exactly as you are- skepticism, ego, and all - and still invites you to His inner circle.
The Good News is that you don't have to fake anything to get Jesus's attention. He loves a "no deceit" attitude. He sees you exactly as you are- skepticism, ego, and all - and still invites you to His inner circle.
John 1:29–42
The Good News is that you are not stuck with your old name. Simon was a fisherman; Jesus made him a Rock. Whatever label has been slapped on you, Jesus looks at you and gives you a new name that speaks to your potential. You are seen, you are invited, and you are being rebuilt.
The Good News is that you are not stuck with your old name. Simon was a fisherman; Jesus made him a Rock. Whatever label has been slapped on you, Jesus looks at you and gives you a new name that speaks to your potential. You are seen, you are invited, and you are being rebuilt.
Consistently Upwards (@consistentlyupwards)
John 1:29–42
The Set-Up
John the Baptist has been out in the desert, screaming at the establishment, baptizing people in the river, and building a massive following.
Jesus walks by, and John poin...
substack.com
January 14, 2026 at 12:41 PM
John 1:29–42
The Good News is that you are not stuck with your old name. Simon was a fisherman; Jesus made him a Rock. Whatever label has been slapped on you, Jesus looks at you and gives you a new name that speaks to your potential. You are seen, you are invited, and you are being rebuilt.
The Good News is that you are not stuck with your old name. Simon was a fisherman; Jesus made him a Rock. Whatever label has been slapped on you, Jesus looks at you and gives you a new name that speaks to your potential. You are seen, you are invited, and you are being rebuilt.
Today is the Feast Day of Hilary of Poitiers - Patron Saint of Not Selling Out
Hilary spent his life dismantling bad theology and reminding the church that truth isn't decided by who sits on the throne. And for that, he was named a Doctor of the Church.
Hilary spent his life dismantling bad theology and reminding the church that truth isn't decided by who sits on the throne. And for that, he was named a Doctor of the Church.
Consistently Upwards (@consistentlyupwards)
Hilary of Poitiers - Patron Saint of Not Selling Out
Today is the Feast Day of Hilary of Poitiers - aka "Malleus Arianorum" - or the “Hammer of the Arians”.
The Setup:
It’s the mid-4th century and...
substack.com
January 13, 2026 at 2:09 PM
Today is the Feast Day of Hilary of Poitiers - Patron Saint of Not Selling Out
Hilary spent his life dismantling bad theology and reminding the church that truth isn't decided by who sits on the throne. And for that, he was named a Doctor of the Church.
Hilary spent his life dismantling bad theology and reminding the church that truth isn't decided by who sits on the throne. And for that, he was named a Doctor of the Church.
Fixed it!
“No walls. No masters. Just one radical commandment to love your neighbor as yourself—no exceptions.
Remember your Baptism, pilgrim.”
“No walls. No masters. Just one radical commandment to love your neighbor as yourself—no exceptions.
Remember your Baptism, pilgrim.”
January 12, 2026 at 11:34 PM
Fixed it!
“No walls. No masters. Just one radical commandment to love your neighbor as yourself—no exceptions.
Remember your Baptism, pilgrim.”
“No walls. No masters. Just one radical commandment to love your neighbor as yourself—no exceptions.
Remember your Baptism, pilgrim.”
John 1:1-18
The Good News is that God came down. The direction of the Gospel is always down—into the flesh, into our mess, into the neighborhood. The Creator of the stars became a human being so that you could know, with absolute certainty, that you are not alone in the dark.
The Good News is that God came down. The direction of the Gospel is always down—into the flesh, into our mess, into the neighborhood. The Creator of the stars became a human being so that you could know, with absolute certainty, that you are not alone in the dark.
Consistently Upwards (@consistentlyupwards)
Monday after the 1st Sunday after Epiphany: John 1:1-18
The Set-Up
John opens his Gospel by going all the way back: “In the beginning was the Word.”
The Greek is Logos. John is saying: Before the w...
substack.com
January 12, 2026 at 3:22 PM
John 1:1-18
The Good News is that God came down. The direction of the Gospel is always down—into the flesh, into our mess, into the neighborhood. The Creator of the stars became a human being so that you could know, with absolute certainty, that you are not alone in the dark.
The Good News is that God came down. The direction of the Gospel is always down—into the flesh, into our mess, into the neighborhood. The Creator of the stars became a human being so that you could know, with absolute certainty, that you are not alone in the dark.
John 8:12–19
The festival lights are out, leaving the Temple in the dark. Jesus steps in: “I am the Light of the World.” The religious elite object; Jesus told them: You know the rulebook, but don’t know God. Don't settle for the temporary lights of the system. Follow the Light that never goes out.
The festival lights are out, leaving the Temple in the dark. Jesus steps in: “I am the Light of the World.” The religious elite object; Jesus told them: You know the rulebook, but don’t know God. Don't settle for the temporary lights of the system. Follow the Light that never goes out.
Consistently Upwards (@consistentlyupwards)
Friday after Epiphany - John 8:12–19
The Set-Up
Jesus is continuing his…engagement…with the Pharisees in the Temple following the Feast of Tabernacles. In the Treasury of the Temple he says, “I am t...
substack.com
January 9, 2026 at 3:09 PM
John 8:12–19
The festival lights are out, leaving the Temple in the dark. Jesus steps in: “I am the Light of the World.” The religious elite object; Jesus told them: You know the rulebook, but don’t know God. Don't settle for the temporary lights of the system. Follow the Light that never goes out.
The festival lights are out, leaving the Temple in the dark. Jesus steps in: “I am the Light of the World.” The religious elite object; Jesus told them: You know the rulebook, but don’t know God. Don't settle for the temporary lights of the system. Follow the Light that never goes out.
Thursday after Epiphany: John 7:37-52
The Good News
Jesus says the Living Water will flow "from within you." You don't have to go to the building, pay the fee, or get the priest's approval to access God. You are a carrier of the Divine flow.
The Good News
Jesus says the Living Water will flow "from within you." You don't have to go to the building, pay the fee, or get the priest's approval to access God. You are a carrier of the Divine flow.
Consistently Upwards (@consistentlyupwards)
Thursday after Epiphany: John 7:37-52
The Set-Up
The last day of the Feast of Tabernacles - a ritual where priests pour water out on the altar to pray for rain.
And right in the middle of it, Jesu...
substack.com
January 8, 2026 at 3:35 PM
Thursday after Epiphany: John 7:37-52
The Good News
Jesus says the Living Water will flow "from within you." You don't have to go to the building, pay the fee, or get the priest's approval to access God. You are a carrier of the Divine flow.
The Good News
Jesus says the Living Water will flow "from within you." You don't have to go to the building, pay the fee, or get the priest's approval to access God. You are a carrier of the Divine flow.
The Good News is that God doesn't offer us a set of instructions to memorize; God offers us a life to consume. It is an invitation to deep intimacy with the Divine. You can stop trying to live off quick fixes.
The feast is here, it is alive, and it is for you.
The feast is here, it is alive, and it is for you.
Consistently Upwards (@consistentlyupwards)
Wednesday after Epiphany: John 6:30–33, 48–51
The Set-Up
The crowd is begging Jesus for a reminder of the past, specifically Moses providing manna.
Jesus shuts it down - Moses didn’t provide the br...
substack.com
January 7, 2026 at 7:04 PM
The Good News is that God doesn't offer us a set of instructions to memorize; God offers us a life to consume. It is an invitation to deep intimacy with the Divine. You can stop trying to live off quick fixes.
The feast is here, it is alive, and it is for you.
The feast is here, it is alive, and it is for you.
We don’t go back to DaySpring because the pain is gone. We return to a place that hurts, a place of grace, because God is not just in the light that overshadows death, but in the stubborn, defiant, laughter that refuses to let death have the last word.
When Our Sacred Places Ache
How do we keep up our ministries in the face of tragedy?
open.substack.com
January 6, 2026 at 8:06 PM
We don’t go back to DaySpring because the pain is gone. We return to a place that hurts, a place of grace, because God is not just in the light that overshadows death, but in the stubborn, defiant, laughter that refuses to let death have the last word.
Epiphany
The Good News is the star leading the Magi shines for everyone. You don't have to be part of a "chosen" bloodline or the religious elite to find God. The Magi represent the fact that God is drawing all people: punks, mystics, immigrants, seekers, and even atheists, to the table.
The Good News is the star leading the Magi shines for everyone. You don't have to be part of a "chosen" bloodline or the religious elite to find God. The Magi represent the fact that God is drawing all people: punks, mystics, immigrants, seekers, and even atheists, to the table.
Consistently Upwards (@consistentlyupwards)
Epiphany
The Set-Up
The “heathens” (Magi) show up and freak out Herod. The religious elite aren’t helpful and a star gets them to Bethlehem.
The gifts set the stage for the story to come: Gold (a K...
substack.com
January 6, 2026 at 1:56 PM
Epiphany
The Good News is the star leading the Magi shines for everyone. You don't have to be part of a "chosen" bloodline or the religious elite to find God. The Magi represent the fact that God is drawing all people: punks, mystics, immigrants, seekers, and even atheists, to the table.
The Good News is the star leading the Magi shines for everyone. You don't have to be part of a "chosen" bloodline or the religious elite to find God. The Magi represent the fact that God is drawing all people: punks, mystics, immigrants, seekers, and even atheists, to the table.
John 11:17–27, 38–44
The Good News is that you don’t have to untie yourself. When you stumble out into the light, blind and bound by those things bringing you down, Christ has placed a community around you commanded to help you get free. You are not done. You are just beginning anew.
The Good News is that you don’t have to untie yourself. When you stumble out into the light, blind and bound by those things bringing you down, Christ has placed a community around you commanded to help you get free. You are not done. You are just beginning anew.
Consistently Upwards (@consistentlyupwards)
John 11:17–27, 38–44
The Set-Up
Jesus shows up late to Bethany, where Lazarus has died - and Martha is pissed and grieving. While she tries to find peace in knowing she’ll see her brother again some...
substack.com
January 5, 2026 at 3:19 PM
John 11:17–27, 38–44
The Good News is that you don’t have to untie yourself. When you stumble out into the light, blind and bound by those things bringing you down, Christ has placed a community around you commanded to help you get free. You are not done. You are just beginning anew.
The Good News is that you don’t have to untie yourself. When you stumble out into the light, blind and bound by those things bringing you down, Christ has placed a community around you commanded to help you get free. You are not done. You are just beginning anew.
Because Jesus was named, you are seen. You are a person of dignity, rooted in a story of salvation that is bigger than any empire. The Holy Name is the promise that the work of saving and healing is already underway, right here, with and to every one of us.
Consistently Upwards (@consistentlyupwards)
Luke 2:15-21 - The Holy Name of Our Lord
The Setting:
Eight days after the birth, Jesus is circumcised. It’s the ultimate sign that Jesus is a human being, part of a specific culture, a specific lin...
substack.com
January 2, 2026 at 1:46 AM
Because Jesus was named, you are seen. You are a person of dignity, rooted in a story of salvation that is bigger than any empire. The Holy Name is the promise that the work of saving and healing is already underway, right here, with and to every one of us.
I have had a really hard time defining to others what my “rule of life” is. By definition a rule of life is a “set of guidelines and commitments directing one’s life.” Easier acted out then defined…and I’ve spent a good deal of time in discernment about what it could look like for me.
Compassion With Teeth: A Rule of Life
My Rule of Life Defined
open.substack.com
December 31, 2025 at 2:12 AM
I have had a really hard time defining to others what my “rule of life” is. By definition a rule of life is a “set of guidelines and commitments directing one’s life.” Easier acted out then defined…and I’ve spent a good deal of time in discernment about what it could look like for me.
Big news: I have been officially admitted as a Postulant to Holy Orders in the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida!
If you aren't a church nerd:
In our tradition, you don’t just decide to be a priest on your own. It is a long process of discernment involving community and committees.
If you aren't a church nerd:
In our tradition, you don’t just decide to be a priest on your own. It is a long process of discernment involving community and committees.
December 25, 2025 at 5:54 AM
Big news: I have been officially admitted as a Postulant to Holy Orders in the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida!
If you aren't a church nerd:
In our tradition, you don’t just decide to be a priest on your own. It is a long process of discernment involving community and committees.
If you aren't a church nerd:
In our tradition, you don’t just decide to be a priest on your own. It is a long process of discernment involving community and committees.
My 2026 word!
Three Chords and the Desert Fathers
My word for 2026.
open.substack.com
December 22, 2025 at 2:58 AM
My 2026 word!
