A woman came in about a month ago to the Christian bookstore where I work. When she walked through the doors I greeted her, asked how I could help, and listened as she told me her journey of trying to understand the Bible. In recent months she had purchased a stack of Bibles–different translations, study … Read more
**Some of the links below are affiliate links*, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Read my full disclosure here.** I used to think that there was a “right way” to spend time with the Lord. I was convinced that I had … Read more
**Some of the links below are affiliate links*, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Read my full disclosure here.** Growing up in the church, I’ve had numerous encounters with the Bible. I’ve read bits and pieces, and several years ago I … Read more
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. ~Philippians 4:19 (ESV) Based on John 6:1-15 (CSB) As Philip looked out over the landscape, everywhere his eye fell, all he could see were people. Probably thousands of them, stretched out in this large mass, everyone having … Read more
Based on 1 Kings 17:8-16 (CSB) The woman bent, reaching for another small twig to add to her measly bundle. The famine had lasted far longer than anyone expected, and the city had nearly exhausted all of it’s supplies. What was left was being strictly rationed. With her jars nearly empty, the woman had ventured … Read more
Based on Exodus 16 (CSB) Moses wiped his brow as the desert sun beat down on him. The heat of the day would be behind them soon, but for now they would have to endure. Moses sat outside his newly erected tent, watching the rest of the community rest in the shade. It had been … Read more
Here we are at the end of our Esther study. We’ve celebrated Esther, the heroine of the story, and the one often remembered for her courage and humility. We’ve celebrated Mordecai, a man of faith and action who played an important role in spurring Esther to act on behalf of her people. And today we … Read more
Esther is often the person celebrated in this book. She’s the one chosen as queen. She’s the one who risks her life and goes before the king. But sometimes I wonder why the book of Esther wasn’t named for Esther’s cousin and adoptive father, Mordecai. Though often behind the scenes, this man plays an important … Read more
There are some topics I struggle to put words to when I write. Sometimes it’s out of fear. Sometimes it’s just plain writer’s block. Sometimes it’s doubt that I’ll have anything new to say. Esther has been one of those topics. The young Jew-turned-Persian-queen has long been celebrated for her courage and bravery, yet I’ve … Read more
**This study is an invitation to talk about those hard questions our hearts have trouble asking. Is God good? Is He really in control of everything? Is He here? Is He really my priority? Through this study, I hope you gain some wisdom, but even more, gain the courage to ask God the hard questions … Read more