Have you ever noticed that in the story of Noah’s ark God doesn’t just destroy everything and start all over; rather, He preserves a human family and animals from the judgment to be carried forward into the new creation. Through this, God is...
In the opening chapters of Amos, the prophet (who was a shepherd), proclaims oracles against the nations. In those oracles, the charge against each nation is that they have been inhumane to their enemies and neighbors. They are charged with failing...
Everything God commands is for our good. But what about giving God our firstfruits? How is that for our good? Some argue that God never commands us to give to the church. That claim simply doesn’t hold up. The Old Testament is filled with commands...
In the Old Testament, God commanded his people to give back to him their “firstfruits.” This practice was more than an agricultural ritual—it was a spiritual discipline. By bringing the very first portion of their harvest to the Lord, the people...
We’ve all had those moments we wish we could take back—awkward missteps, painful failures, or betrayals we carry with us long after the moment has passed. One of my most memorable came during my early days in Haiti. I was learning Haitian Creole...
8 He waited seven days, the time appointed by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and the people were scattering from him. 9 So Saul said, “Bring the burnt offering here to me, and the peace offerings.” And he offered the burnt offering...
As we move from Easter Sunday toward Pentecost, the rhythm of the Christian calendar invites us to consider the person and work of the Holy Spirit. Easter proclaims that Jesus is risen—Pentecost proclaims that He reigns through the Spirit poured out...
As a follow up to this post, one of the most debated questions in the conversation around women in the church and home is whether God intended for women to be subordinate to men—or whether that subordination was the result of sin. A common...
What do a fig tree and a temple have in common? At first glance, not much. But in the final week of Jesus’ earthly ministry, He performs two dramatic, symbolic acts that are deeply connected: He curses a fruitless fig tree, and He drives money...
As Jesus approaches Jerusalem in Matthew 21:1–11, he knows exactly what lies ahead—conflict, betrayal, crucifixion. And yet, he rides in openly, publicly, intentionally. The crowd cheers. Palms wave. Coats fall on dusty roads like royal carpets. But...