Forrest Gump would likely summarize James 2:14-26 by saying, “Faith is as faith does.” And one Old Testament woman gives us a beautiful picture of that kind of living, doing faith.
She’s referred to as only “the Shunammite” in reference to her home in Shunem, whose people lived in the light of Israel’s God while simultaneously in the shadow of Baal worship. (more…)
You have been a pariah for more than a decade. Cries of “unclean!” and stares of condemnation follow you everywhere. The social isolation and loneliness add insult to injury. You’ve been bleeding for 12 years, and doctors have done nothing more than bleed your pocket dry.
You’re weak. You’re broken. You’re desperate. You have no money and have earned no sympathy.
But then (more…)
You may not realize it, but you’re faced with a decision that will define your life. Everyone around you is screaming for you to do something you know isn’t the right thing. You want peace, though you realize it comes at a high price.
But one person, one whose opinion should carry significant weight, begs you to ignore the crowds and act (more…)
Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.”—John 5:8
If you’re anything like me, getting up in the morning can be a challenge. Maybe you sleep hard, and it takes the banging of metal trash can lids to get you going. Or maybe you—like me—struggle with insomnia. But most of us are able to get up out of bed (more…)
Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.—Isaiah 41:10
Most of us would run from someone who admitted having voices in her head. But in reality, most of us do, just not to the kind that tell us (more…)