Devotionals
(Un)Fulfilled Promises?
Today’s reflection delves into a notable aspect of biblical interpretation: apparent contradictions. While some may relish pointing out such instances to discredit the Bible, it’s crucial to engage earnestly with these passages to grasp their deeper meaning. Let’s examine Joshua 21:43-45, where it’s proclaimed that the Lord fulfilled His promises to Israel, giving them the... Read More →
Exercising Control In Order To Yield It
All to Jesus I surrender,All to Him I freely give;I will ever love and trust Him,In His presence daily live. I surrender all, I surrender all;All to Thee, my blessed Savior,I surrender all. All To Jesus I Surrender // Judson W. Van DeVenter (1896) This old hymn exemplifies what I want to focus on in... Read More →
What Was God Waiting For?
Exodus opens with the Israelites growing into a mighty sub-nation within Egypt. And so the Egyptians seek to subjugate them with slavery. They do so successfully. But God does nothing. Pharaoh orders all the newborn male children drown, and God does nothing. Eventually one little boy is hidden in the reeds down the river by... Read More →
Bold As Love
Anger! He smilesTowering in shiny metallic purple armorQueen jealousy, envy waits behind himHer fiery green gown sneers at the grassy ground Jimi Hendrix rightly recognizes that jealousy often fuels the wrong kinds of anger. Such is the case with Joseph’s brothers. There’s plenty to be jealous about, Joseph is the youngest and the apple of... Read More →
Ashes to Ashes and Dust to Dust
Immediately after Jacob returns home and he and Esau bury their father, Isaac, Esau moves his household out of the land because, basically, this town ain’t big enough for the two of us. He settles outside Canaan in Edom. They appointed kings and traded with Egypt, and eventually warred with Israel. How does Esau go... Read More →
Hard Things are Harder, but They’re Better
This is a little piece of wisdom from my wife. She always laughs at it, but I’ve always thought it was profound in it’s obvious simplicity. I think this is what we see in God’s method of bringing his covenant with Abraham to fulfillment. Sarah had trouble conceiving, but Hagar had no such issues. Even... Read More →
I Don’t Deserve This
Some will read a passage like this and assume unmerited blessing. Others will read it and assume unmerited cursing. Solomon reminds us that both prosperity and adversity come from the hand of the Lord, and that wisdom learns from each. The posture Scripture calls for isn’t suspicion or entitlement, but attentiveness. Abram and Sarai are... Read More →
The Moving of the Spirit
Just before the flood begins to recede, Scripture tells us that a wind moves across the earth. The Hebrew word is ruah—a word rich with meaning. It can be translated as wind, breath, or spirit. This is the same word used in Genesis 1, when the Spirit of God moves over the formless waters at creation.... Read More →