The book of Psalms in the Bible gives great comfort. Throughout the poetic words there is a plea for God’s help and acknowledgement of his love and mercy. The Psalms offer both lament and worship. Here is one of my favorite verses as recorded in the Complete Jewish Bible. You…
The cherries were abundant this year. My daughter and the grandchildren helped me pick and pit them. The birds were a little intimidated by the shiny CDs that I hung in the tree and left us more to ripen than other years. The rabbits have enjoyed the cherries that fell…
Peter and Paul wrote encouraging letters to the church during challenging times. These letters are for us also! Many of the letters wrap advice with a final thought. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there…
In the Land of Blue Burqas by Kate McCord The author of this book has a pseudonym to protect herself and the experiences that she relates. She worked at an NGO in Afghanistan, providing service to poor Afghan women. She was there for five years. As I read this book,…
Throughout history there have been women who have made a difference. The Bible records the story of the midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, who stood up to Pharaoh in the first book of Exodus. And there is Hannah (mother of Samuel), Ruth from Moab and Queen Esther. Recently I read a…
People of faith are recorded in the Bible. Currently I am studying Daniel who lived in exile. Despite being separated from Israel and living in Babylon, he kept his faith in God. The 9th chapter of the book of Daniel records that Daniel was reading the words of Jeremiah. He prayed…
When I was looking over my list of prayer requests, I realized that some of the requests had already been answered. I thought about the ways that I have seen God at work in my life. It is important to remember, to store up our life experiences of God’s love…
The account in the Bible of Naomi & Ruth and Elizabeth & Mary is a wonderful part of the Christmas story. The friendship of women and the mentoring of young women by older women is apparent. Because of Naomi, Ruth came to Israel. We have a glimpse into their relationship…
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. 1 John 4:18 On the evening before Jesus’ arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus demonstrated perfect love. Over the past week I have read and reread chapter 17 in the gospel of John. After the last supper…
The Bible records episodes in the lives of families. It is amazing the genealogy that is maintained in detail. The lives of two women mentioned in Matthew 1:5 intersect in a fascinating way. Rahab and Ruth left their country and culture because the were attentive to God’s work in the…