“Lord, God of Israel, You are righteous, for we survive as a remnant today. Here we are before You with our guilt, though no one can stand in Your presence because of this.” Ezra 9:15 HSCB A remnant of Israelites had been allowed to return to Jerusalem after long captivity in Babylon. God had called Ezra to minister to the …
In Numbers 21:4-9, the children of Israel rebelled against God and were punished for their sins by being bitten by fiery serpents. Many people died. Moses interceded on behalf of the people, and God provided a remedy, salvation, for them. He told Moses to make a brass serpent and lift it up for everyone to see. If they looked up …
Love Was When God Became A Man, Locked In Time And Space, Without Rank Or Place; Love Was God Born Of Jewish Kin; Just A Carpenter With Some Fishermen; Love Was When Jesus Walked In History, Lovingly He Brought A New Life That’s Free, Love Was God Nailed To Bleed And Die To Reach And Love One Such As …
The Magi (wise men) traveled a great distance, following a miraculous star that led them to Jerusalem, searching for the King born in Bethlehem. In Jerusalem, they sought counsel from King Herod (Herod the Great), where the King of the Jews was born. Herod, fearing the security of his throne because he wasn’t fully Jewish, but Idumaean (descendent of Esau) …
I celebrated Christmas with my piano teacher organization and piano students this past week. As the designated “Games Person,” one of the activities we do is figure out our “Elf Name.” Mine is “Angelic Angel Ears”. Some of the funnier ones have been “Sprinkle Twinkle Toes,” “Sprarkle McJingles,” and “Perky Jolly Holly.” When I met my husband, Dave, I …
Her circumstances should have given her anxiety, deep concern, and fear of open rejection from family and friends. She was so very young and pregnant. Facing an untenable situation, she goes to her elderly cousin, Elizabeth’s house, perhaps to hide from the cruel, hateful words of others, maybe to find support and encouragement. From the moment Mary entered the …
As a young mother, I enjoyed a close relationship with my dad, who lived over 12 hours away from me. I would pick up the phone and call him at his office. My heart would swell with joy and importance as he would say to me each time, “Let me shut my office door so I can focus on our …
Did you know that we are to imitate Christ? I first learned about this during a Kid’s Club that I attended as a child. The speaker was talking about the silversmith who refines silver by removing the impurities. When the silver is refined completely, the silversmith can see himself in the reflection of the pure silver. In the same way, …
