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
**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
I had a dream the other night, one I haven’t been able to stop thinking about. I was at dinner with a group of friends, and when one friend stood to get seconds, he said, “I actually think people lose when they marry in their own league.” Dream-me had turned to him with a … Read more
Now we get to my favorite chunk of Genesis–Abraham. There’s something about this guy that just calls for me to come sit in his story for a while. Every time I read it, I walk away learning something new… Abraham–or Abram as he’s called when he first enters the story–is called away on an unexpected … Read more
For the joy… That phrase has been playing in my head for the better part of a week. It’s a phrase from Hebrews. Right after the list of the faithful like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who endured and trusted God, we read about a Man who surpasses them all in faithful living toward God’s calling. … Read more
Ask and it shall be given to you. Seek and you shall find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, … Read more
Last week we looked at God’s ways and how they really don’t match up with ours. He has a weird way of doing things that goes against what we understand or expect. A city was brought down by an army marching around it and blowing trumpets. A prostitute was used as a way to protect … Read more
I’ve started digging into the book of Joshua in the Old Testament, and what I’m finding is a new understanding of a section of Scripture that I thought I understood well. The book opens with God’s call of Joshua. Moses, the leader of Israel, has died and God is raising up Joshua to lead his … Read more
I can’t stop thinking about that first Christmas. I keep picturing the scene—Mary kneeling beside her child, smiling. Joseph with a protective hand on his wife’s shoulder. The animals gathered around, calm and quiet. The shepherds standing outside the tiny stable. The Magi kneeling with gifts. Such a serene image. But I doubt it actually … Read more
This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. ~1 John 4:10 The last several hours had crawled by. From the garden to this bloody hill, Jesus had very little time to rest. His accusers had toted Him around Jerusalem looking … Read more