“You will be caught by what you are trying to catch!” The words of a friend at work were playful, yet firm, as if she was convinced. Now that I’m away from the situation, looking back I can see where someone would not welcome these words. For instance, if I was trying to catch someone off guard, I certainly would not want to be caught off guard. If I was conspiring to entrap someone, I certainly would not want to... Read more
These are Texts anticipating daybreak, Texts speaking to me or others in the dark season before dawn. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. Romans 13.3 But the story sounded like nonsense to the men, so they didn’t believe it. Luke 24.11 I... Read more
Why am I not a Reformed Protestant? There are many reasons really, but there is one major reason. I do not believe in double predestination. Hollyn Obvious? Predestination, and Reformed scholasticism, is more of a philosophy than it is a Theology. It’s a system of thinking about salvation, usually based on a couple of occurrences of the term in the New Testament. Predestination can mean a lot of things. Usually it refers to God’s salvation plan. In some way He... Read more
The story of Balaam can be found in Numbers 22-24 It is certainly a prophetic story that is unusual. Some scholars believe that Jethro, Job, and Balaam are all contemporaries. They are each Seers or Prophets in their respective regions, possibly also advisors to Pharaoh. Balaam seems to be the one who is most steeped in false religion. He openly practices divination, an alternative way of getting in touch with the spiritual realm. However, there are really not two spiritual realms.... Read more
These Texts are for today. Sometimes I need to encourage myself on Friday, heading into the weekend. Each heart knows it’s own bitterness, and no one else can fully share its joy. Proverbs 14.10 Be still, and know that I am God! Psalm 46.10 After that generation, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the Lord or remember the mighty things he had done for Israel. Judges 2.10 As your name deserves, O God, you will be praised to... Read more
I have yet to address healing. These are some preliminary thoughts and questions, perhaps serving to challenge our contemporary mindsets on healing. Now there was a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years Luke 8.43, NRSV Now in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate there is a pool, called in Hebrew Beth-zatha, which has five porticoes. In these lay many invalids—blind, lame, and paralysed. One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. John 5.2-5 What if God... Read more
A type foreshadows a person later revealed in Scripture. In the love story found in Genesis 24, there are at least 4 types. With my life circumstances, right now does not seem like a very good time to write about love. Nonetheless my oldest will get married this spring, so love is in the air. Ingrid Michaelson Jason Mraz Love Is This last Wednesday night I taught an overview of the book of Genesis. I’m especially struck by Genesis 24.... Read more
When you think about a woman, what do you think of? My mind tends to drift back to scripture for a pattern of womanhood. It is International Women’s Day and I would like to share a recent discovery that may be beneficial for women in general. We have translated scriptures so much over time, that it is quite possible some deeper meanings have been lost in the sands of time. For instance, the linguistics behind the very term woman have... Read more
Uncertainty is one thing we can certainly count on in life. I’m certainly going through a period of uncertainty. As I reflect on these Passages from the last week, the theme becomes clearer. My future is in Your hands Psalm 31.15.a This reminder is difficult to take when I want to control all the outcomes. However, ultimately my life and times are in His hands. John Mayer Heart of Life Pain throws your heart to the ground Love turns the... Read more
There are times of desperation. This is inevitable. There are times when you need hope, when you need someone to throw you a rope. These Scriptures have come to the fore in a season of desperation. You will notice the formatting is different on some of them. I have copied and pasted from personal correspondence. Many of these Texts are not from my own readings. Many of them are encouragements and reflections of the spoken Word in plenary services. I... Read more
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