Strongholds and Strong Towers
“Do not stay in the stronghold. Go into the land of Judah.” I Samuel 22:5 If anyone needed a stronghold, it was David. Pursued by a maniacal king, hell bent on destroying his life – David needed a stronghold, a place of safety. He had escaped King Saul, and was lying low in the cave…
Marked by Peace
Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace… 2 Peter 3:14 When I was growing up — one of the things that I could look forward to every summer (in addition to freedom from school, lazing around watching re-runs on T.V. and sticking my head in the freezer…
The Promise and the Presence
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9 Three times in Joshua chapter 1 — the Lord commands Joshua to be strong and courageous. Moses – the only leader the people of Israel had ever known,…
Conspiracy
11 For the Lord spoke thus to me with his strong hand upon me, and warned me not to walk in the way of this people, saying: 12 “Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread. 13 But the Lord of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let…
Darkness
1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Genesis 1:1 Whenever there is darkness – its an indication that God is not far off. Though the waters…
Jesus Responds to the Angry Mob
Last night, I stayed up late, reviewing videos and images of looters pillaging and burning the city I work in every day; of banks, businesses and neighborhoods I walk through regularly; of the community I have served professionally for the past two decades. How you see these images likely depends on who you are. Some…
Belonging to Jesus
In my personal devotions, I am reading through Colossians. Chapter 1 begins with a heavy dose of theology and doctrine discussing the person and the work of Jesus and the position of believers. To the uninitiated, this can be a bit daunting. One of the things that sticks out to me is this one verse:…
Practical Resurrection
As I woke up this morning, reflecting on the Easter story — my mind scrolled back to the rehearsal for this event — the story of Jesus raising his friend Lazarus from the dead. Despite receiving a message from Martha that her brother Lazarus was sick, Jesus arrived, seemingly, too late. By the time he…
Ugly People
It has happened to me many times before. I bump into something, it hurts for a moment, but doesn’t really seem like a big deal. Soon enough though, the area under my skin becomes discolored and gives way to a bruise. Bruises can be unsightly, uncomfortable and just plain ugly. From a different perspective though,…
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