Gates were crucial to the protection of ancient societies. Trustworthy guards were commonly stationed at the entrance to a city to maintain constant vigil against wild beasts or invading armies. A watchful and alert gatekeeper was the first line of defense for vulnerable citizens. One who was lax in his duties could bring about the […]
The words of Numbers 6:24-25 (above) are familiar to most people who attend traditional church services since it’s common to hear the pastor, priest or minister repeat these verses at the close of a service. However, many believers hear the words as little more than a feel-good prayer without ever giving much thought to their meaning. So […]
Most people who have been in church for very long are familiar with the story of Solomon. He was son of David and Bathsheba and successor to the throne of Israel. Tasked with governing such a vast kingdom, Solomon gets what appears to be a guarantee from God to get whatever one thing he asked […]
Have you ever felt like the world was coming apart at the seams? Conflicts, factions and in-fighting seem to erupt with almost predictable regularity these days. Love, generosity, patience, and civility seem to wither while the seeds of outrage, distrust and suspicion find fertile ground to thrive. Sharply contrast that with the words of John […]
This Sunday the calendar reminds us that it’s Easter, but with churches closed, large gatherings prohibited, and a vast majority of our population sequestered at home, celebrating seems somehow out of place. I mean, why bother, right? Especially when we’re inundated by real concerns about what’s going on in the world and dire predictions on […]
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Philippians 4:4 Periods of prosperity make it easy for us to be happy, hopeful and content. Those good times often trick us into believing that we are faithfully following Paul’s instructions to ‘rejoice in the Lord.’ But are we really doing what the scripture says if joy is our response only when […]
