The story in the Book of Ruth is about how God comes through to miraculously care for two widows in their distress. But it is truly about so much more. It’s also about waiting, having faith, and the importance of showing kindness to one another and most especially the most vulnerable in our midst. And it shows how God birth’s Jesus the Messiah from their desperate situation.

“Hokmah" is the Hebrew word for wisdom. It describes the God given collective knowledge passed down through the generations planted in one’s gut. The Books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, and Job comprise what is known as the wisdom literature of the Old Testament. In them they ask, how should we live in the world, what is the good life, and what will God do if we try to live this way?

Instant coffee. Instant messaging. Instant photography. We love things we can get right away without having to wait for them. But have you ever noticed that God never seems to be in a hurry for anything? In fact, God’s ways and particularly God’s creative works in us, take time. This is something that requires us to wait though our emotions and the world around us want God to hurry up! Indeed, the way forward is often slow and uncertain. 

Jesus said, ‘I have come that you may have joy and that your joy may be complete.”  So clearly God wants us to have joy.  But so often, the world, life circumstance, politics, and others can rob us of the joy we should have.  Today, we look at joy in order to learn better what is it, what is it not, and how can we have more of it in our lives today.    

Scripture is very clear about the role that community plays in God’s kingdom.  Here, we share life, food, resources, and support.  When times are good, we celebrate with one another.  When times are tough, we provide support to one another.  Community is a reflection of God’s self who dwells in community as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Any follower of Jesus who says they can do without Christian community sells themselves sho

After the assassination attempt against former President Trump, both sides have been calling to tone down the political rhetoric.  Words are incredibly powerful and cultivate the soil from which events happen, both good and bad.  Words can be creative, life giving, enlightening, and empowering.  They can also be destructive, draining, darkening, and belittling.  This week, we look at many things the Bible has to say about our words and the impac

One of my favorite bible verses is Romans 8:28-29 “In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those who God foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son.”  This particularly helps me to know that even when life is hard, that God can even use that suffering to produce beautiful things in and from my life. As a result, I can live thankfully in all seas

Jesus often spoke to people through stories that related to their everyday lives.  Speaking to the people of the fertile plains around the Sea of Galilee, Jesus told this parable about a farmer sowing seed upon different kinds of soil.  Each kind of soil represents the hearts which receive the Good News of God’s Kingdom.  Our job as followers of Jesus is to prepare our own hearts and then sow Jesus’ Good Seed indiscriminately trusting t

I had just spoken to the parents at New Hope Opportunities School on Proverbs 3:5-6 before we left for the airport to return home from Honduras.  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding but in all of your ways acknowledge Him and He will set your paths straight.”  And then we began our crazy two-day journey home after several debauched flights.  I thought…really God?  Do I need to learn this lesso

Our American Culture never rests! Instead, employers send emails late at night expecting a response by morning. We work even on our days off. And studies show that we sleep less than what is healthy. But Jesus invites us into a different rhythm of life. One that is not burdensome, but light. One that incorporates time for much needed rest and renewal so that we can be energized for the journey that lies ahead.