Jesus told us during his time on Earth that we will always have the poor among us (John 12:8). That statement doesn’t make God harsh - just practical. He is the same way in the book of Leviticus. God knows not every person will be able to sacrifice a lamb every time they became unclean, so he made another method for those less fortunate:Leviticus 5:7 KJVAnd if he be not able to bring a lamb, then ...  Read More

Exodus 40:38 KJVFor the cloud of the Lord was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.This final verse of the book of Exodus tells us God was visibly present to the Israelites by day and by night. God even changed the manifestation of his presence to make him most visible in each part of the day. All throughout...  Read More

Exodus 18:5 KJVAnd Jethro, Moses' father in law, came with his sons and his wife unto Moses into the wilderness, where he encamped at the mount of God:We learn from Exodus 3 that Jethro was the priest of Midian. From Genesis 25, we know that Midian is one of the sons Keturah born to Abraham. So Jethro is a direct descendant of the Father of the Faithful just as Moses is.Scripture does not clearly ...  Read More

Exodus 12:22 KJVAnd ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning.The blood referenced in the verse above came from an innocent lamb (representing Christ). They placed the lamb’s blood about their door to show the...  Read More

Psalm 30:5 KJVFor his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.The second part of this verse was the promise I received from God when I was pregnant with Maci. Long before God gave me the promise, I had already decided on Joy as Maci’s middle name. Little did I know how much I would need that Joy.When I was about 2/3 through ...  Read More

In last week’s reading, we saw Jacob scheming and deceiving. First, he schemes Esau into giving him his birthright. Second, he deceives his father into giving him the blessing Isaac intended for Esau.In the New Testament, Jesus tells us we should be cautious in our judgments and actions against others:Matthew 7:2 KJVFor with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete...  Read More

Many years ago, I heard a preacher say, Jewish Rabbis actually claim Keturah is Hagar. The romantic in me absolutely loves this idea. Hagar was forced out, but after Sarah dies, Abraham goes looking for her and brings her back into his life. While this notion would make a great Hallmark movie, does it have a Biblical truth? Let’s explore…First, the verse where we are introduced to Keturah is Genes...  Read More

From Monday’s reading this week, we read the beginning of the story of Sarai, Abram, and Hagar. You don’t need a soap opera for love triangles - just read the OT!It all begins because Sarai is childless. She believes God’s promise about Abram having countless descendants, but she doesn’t trust God to bring about the promise. As a result, Sarai intervenes:Genesis 16:2 KJVAnd Sarai said unto Abram, ...  Read More

Life has 7 characteristics:1. Cellular organization2. Growth and development3. Energy use4. Homeostasis5. Response to environment6. Ability to adapt7. Ability to reproduceThe last ability is one God has given us strict instruction on:Genesis 1:28 KJV[28] And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish ...  Read More

While listening to “Isaiah Song” during a run, the line “you who are empty I AM the well” rang in my ears. Our Pastors study of faith began running through my spirit, and then I thought that we are given a measure of faith. Romans 12:3 - 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, acco...  Read More

John 11:44 KJVAnd he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.If we get ourselves bound up with the things of this world, it only takes the voice of Jesus to make us free. He can command we are loosed and let go, but that’s not the end of the story.Once we’re free, it’s our choice w...  Read More

1 Samuel 8:1,3 KJV[1] And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel. [3] And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.No child of God is perfect. Samuel placed his sons in his office when they were not fit for ministry. David served the Philistines, committed adultery, and ordered the killing of a fa...  Read More