As children, we were taught that some days were magical. We were led by parents and peers to look forward to a celebration, a reward, a graduation. Christmas, Easter, birthdays, Halloween, Valentine’s Day – all these days felt different from “regular” days. Some days held darker power, like the last day of school before summer, when we would see friends […]
You who live in the shelter of ‘Elyon, who spend your nights in the shadow of Shaddai, who say to Adonai, “My refuge! My fortress! My God, in whom I trust!” —he will rescue you…(Psalm 91:1-3a Complete Jewish Bible) Psalm 91 is a hymn of protection. Even in verse 13, when the blessed are trampling lions and cobras, the whole […]
What are we free to demand of others? Respect? Love? Kindness? Generosity? When are others free to demand those or other things of us? When we are in a good mood? When we have enough to pay our bills? When it’s christmas? Every day is an opportunity to encounter Jesus. One of the most astonishing things in the Book for […]
Matthew was a traitor to his nation. He worked for the government that empowered Herods to rule over them, providing the Herods with resources extracted from the victims of the imposed government. Jesus invited him to follow Him. He threw away the lucrative job and powerful position and followed Him. He shared his life with us through His writings, offering […]
Let me experience Your faithful love in the morning,for I trust in You.Reveal to me the way I should go,because I long for You.(Psalm 143:8 Holman Christian Standard Bible ©®) His unfailing love is where we find Life. Dive in the deep end, with your clothes on, your money, your phone, your to-do list, and don’t come up for a […]
You did not choose Me, but I chose you. I appointed you that you should go out and produce fruit and that your fruit should remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you. This is what I command you: love one another. But now God has placed the parts, each one of them, […]
The days of the week are named after gods and demons, just as the planets are. Yahweh just called them after their numerical order. Constantine worshiped the sun. Under his influence, Yahweh’s declared day of worship (the seventh) was usurped and replaced by the prominence of the Sun god (first day) over Saturn (seventh day). I am hoping it is […]
The more our desire is to serve with love and humility, the more we will be called by the Spirit to lead with authority and power. When Jesus had washed their feet and put on His robe, He reclined again and said to them, “Do you know what I have done for you? You call Me Teacher and Lord. This […]
Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” he answered, “but right now he’s tending the sheep.” Samuel told Jesse, “Send for him. We won’t sit down to eat until he gets here.” So Jesse sent for him. He had beautiful eyes and a healthy, handsome appearance. Then the Lord said, “Anoint him, […]
I have talked with quite a few people this year and many others who have “given up” things for the religious season they call “lent.” Usually, the thing given up was something the person enjoyed, like dessert, or alcohol, or television. Recently, a friend was digging in the chocolate dish by my front door as he left after a visit. […]