Grief demands time, space and acknowledgment. Some people push it aside. Some internalize it and allow it to consume them. And some allow it to boil over into rage.
Michal’s grief expressed itself in rage. She had known hard loss—not once, not twice, but three times. Her first husband was forced to flee for his life. Then she lost her father and (more…)
In biblical days, pouring oil on someone—known as an anointing—designated that person was set apart by God. This was common among prophets, priests and kings. It’s not surprising that Messiah, a title assigned to Jesus, means “Anointed One.” He is, after all, the ultimate prophet, priest and king.
The gospels tell the stories of three different women who demonstrate their worship by (more…)
Imagine being a woman who has lived blamelessly before the Lord all your life, yet you are looked upon with scorn and suspicion. The reason: You are childless in a culture that views barrenness as God’s judgment. And now you are old, beyond childbearing years.
You are destined to die in your disgrace, a shame so great that even having your husband, (more…)
I often think of the Lord as the ultimate recycler. He wastes nothing—not our heartache, our choices or our years of wandering. He transforms broken people, relationships and situations into something new. And He takes what was meant for evil and uses it for good.
Joanna’s story is proof.
It begins with her being under enemy influence while living large on enemy support. (more…)
And the people of Israel did not remember the Lord their God, who had delivered them from the hand of (more…)
Many of us remember the story of Gideon, the unlikely biblical hero whom God used to defeat the menacing Midianites. Gideon went on to judge the Israelites for 40 years.
But Gideon’s death ushered in an ugly chapter for the people of Israel.
And the people of Israel did not remember the Lord their God, who had delivered them from the hand of (more…)