Have you ever faced persecution? Real persecution? Unless you’ve spent time living overseas as a local in a creative access country, the answer is most likely “no”. We like to throw the term “persecution” around a lot these days. The checker at Walmart doesn’t wish us Merry Christmas. Our nephew’s elementary school performs a “Winter Concert” and sings “Frosty the Snowman” instead of … [Read more...]
What do you want me to do for you?
April 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Imagine if Jesus came to you and asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” What would you answer? How would you respond? Would you have to pause and think about it? Would you need to get back to him? Or would you immediately know? Would your response come easily? Would the answer be the very thing you’ve been praying about for weeks - months - years - or even decades? In the story … [Read more...]
Hearing from Prophets
April 17, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Imagine being the wife of the prophet Isaiah. The wife of the man who tradition suggests was sawed in two by King Manasseh. What might you have said to him when he came home after a long day at work? “Isaiah - the people and leaders - they’re not happy, Isaiah. Hold back, Isaiah. Don’t speak so strongly, Isaiah. Say something easier to hear, Isaiah. You’re a father and husband. I need … [Read more...]
Good Friday Thoughts….from the Thief
April 14, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Condemned to die and hanging on a cross. Hoisted upon two wooden boards and on display for crowds to mock and ridicule. An excruciating and shameful way to die, but truth be told, a fitting ending for the life of evil and crime I had led. My final moments took place at Golgotha - the place of the skull. I never could have imagined that at this very place - surrounded by death, pain, … [Read more...]
In the Steps of Moses…
April 13, 2017 By Leave a Comment
If you hear the word “leprosy” you might think of stories of Jesus healing leprous individuals in the gospels. You would be right, but there are several other interesting stories of leprosy in scripture, including one in Numbers 12. If we read carefully, these fifteen verses are fascinating, humorous, and challenging. Let’s dig in: Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses because of … [Read more...]
