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
Texts to be Brave & Trust Most of the time, when I post scripture, I am doing so from my personal readings. This time there are scriptures mixed in from years past, and scriptures that people have given to me over the course of the last couple weeks. if there are a couple words that are resonating with me right now, they are the words courage and trust. I need courage to face the day, each day at this time.... Read more
2 Timothy 1.7 | Scripture Interpreted in Community, pt. 2 Not too long ago, I posted a brief article on this verse, sharing how someone at church had shared with me. the church worker “Well, let’s start by remembering 2 Timothy 1.7. God has not given us the spirit of anxiety. So let’s take all of your anxieties and lay them at the feet of Jesus. And how does He help us overcome anxiety? First of all, He helps us overcome... Read more
Texts for Courage of Heart I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living. Psalm 27.13 Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart. Hebrews 12.3 So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4.16 Then... Read more
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