devotional
-
He Appeared at the Right Time
This week’s Torah reading covers the same passage that was read not long ago for Rosh Hashanah, the binding of Isaac. In my post for the readings of Rosh Hashanah, “Rosh Hashanah: Isaac, Ishmael, and the Well,” I discuss how… Continue reading
-
In the Beginning: Remaking of You
The Very first prophecy we have of the Messiah comes immediately after the first sin was committed. Eve ate the fruit she was told by God not to eat, and she shared with Adam. The serpent’s deception had worked. The… Continue reading
-
Noah: Mercy Triumphs over Judgement
God promised Noah he wouldn’t flood the earth again, not because future generations would be any better than the past ones (He actually said human hearts are still evil from youth (Gen. 6:5, 8:21), but because God chose mercy for… Continue reading
-
Sukkot (Tabernacles/Booths) 2nd Day
As I mentioned in my last entry, a tabernacle, booth, or tent is used Biblically as an image of the physical body, which is a temporary dwelling place for the soul. Similarly, the Tabernacle of God was a temporary dwelling… Continue reading
-
Vayelekh: He Went Ahead of You, For You
Moses gave Israel the Torah, but Joshua led them into the promised land. They miraculously crossed the river that dried up at their crossing point and piled up upstream. The walls of their enemies in Jericho fell down for them.… Continue reading
-
Rosh Hashanah: Isaac, Ishmael, and the Well
Today, Muslims of Mid Eastern descent claim their lineage to Abraham through Ishmael. Jews claim theirs through Isaac. God tells Abraham, “through Isaac shall your offspring be named” (vs. 12), though God would “make a nation of the son of the… Continue reading
-
Nitzavim: The Tree that Made Wormwood Sweet
The root bearing poisonous fruit in Deuteronomy chapter 29 is associated according to Hebrew tradition with hemlock, an herb deadly to humans. Socrates was executed by drinking hemlock. This phrase in Deut. 29 literally is translated “a root bearing a… Continue reading
-
Preparing to be Called Out
I think believers can find great relevance in this history. Passover is when Jesus, our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7), was sacrificed for us. As we enter the spring, a season for new life, we must prepare ourselves to meet… Continue reading
-
The Appointment of Christmas
Sometimes Christmas presentsAre last-minute things—We rush to just buy something—Hope for joy it brings. Sometimes gifts are well thought outAnd studied with care,But executed hurriedlyWe hope the idea’s fair. Sometimes our grand designsAre thwarted in some way:The store’s sold out,… Continue reading
-
The First Present of Christmas
The first present of ChristmasWas not wrapped with bright paper,Shiny ribbons, sparkling bows,Or ties with ends that taper.The first present of ChristmasWas not large in any way,No impressive size,And not containing much to weigh.The first present of ChristmasDid not rattle,… Continue reading
Valley Princess 