Women of the Bible: Tamar

Many proofs support the authenticity of scripture, including its mention of the roles women played in accomplishing God’s plan. Another support is its transparency—the way it unapologetically exposes the seamy underside of its key players.

The Bible presents the good, bad and ugly, all for our instruction.

Tamar’s story, told in Genesis 38, checks both boxes. Her story isn’t pretty. Don’t look for (more…)

Speaking Truth to Power

O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
You discern my thoughts from afar.—Psalm 139:1-2 (ESV)

Our society has clung to the idea of speaking truth to power in an effort to effect change. The term often is used in the face of perceived oppression or powerlessness. What if the powers to (more…)

The Dark Side of Christian Nationalism

He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him.—John 1:11

Our nation appears more divided than perhaps since the days of the Civil War. But some of God’s children, all of whom are called to be peacemakers, are instead fueling division with a push for Christian nationalism.

The idea is that force-feeding Christian principles at any price upon those (more…)

When FOMO Matters

But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him . . . ”—1 Corinthians 2:9

For a while, I kept hearing about FOMO, fear of missing out. (For the record, I was definitely missing out when it came to the meanings of our (more…)

Rooted in Faith

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.—Colossians 2:6-7

Years ago, I planted a tibouchina tree at the front edge of a clump of trees in our backyard, right where I could see it from (more…)