HER STORY: Exodus Pioneers, Psalm 73

Psalm 73 was written by one of the four Levites King David had put in charge of the worship music. As soon as the ark was brought back to Jerusalem, and replaced in the tabernacle, David wanted regular times of worship with a full orchestra and choir. Asaph was one of the Levites put in … Continue reading HER STORY: Exodus Pioneers, Psalm 73

Isaiah 60: From Darkness to Light

Light Has Dawned Imagine you’re sitting on a hill in the dark right before dawn, and then you see the sun rise over the horizon. Imagine that feeling, as the new day begins, and you begin to see the sky take on color, and the details of the landscape around you. That is something of … Continue reading Isaiah 60: From Darkness to Light

Revelation 16: Har Megiddo or Armageddon

Then the sixth poured out his ceremonial bowl upon the great Euphrates River, and its water was dried up, so that the road could be made ready for the kings from the rising sun. Then, I saw out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of … Continue reading Revelation 16: Har Megiddo or Armageddon

HER STORY: Exodus Pioneers, Delilah

“A staggering story of strength... And seduction... of the mightiest mortal who ever lived!” so claimed a poster touting Cecil B. DeMille’s masterpiece theater, “Samson and Delilah.” “A story as timeless and tumultuous as the violent age it spreads before you,” claimed another poster, quoting from Judges 16, “And the lords of the Philistines said … Continue reading HER STORY: Exodus Pioneers, Delilah

Revelation 16: The Fifth Bowl, Darkness

Then the fifth poured out his ceremonial bowl upon the throne of the dangerous creature, and the kingdom of it became darkened, and they were chewing their tongues out of pain. Then they blasphemed the God of heaven out of their pain and out of their sores, and did not repent of their deeds. Revelation … Continue reading Revelation 16: The Fifth Bowl, Darkness

HER STORY: Exodus Pioneers, Ruth

Death is one of the more tragic losses all of us experience in life, that final goodbye with someone we love dearly, and the long years of their absence to come. Even though death is part of every life, it can still feel like an affront, and more often than not, you and I are … Continue reading HER STORY: Exodus Pioneers, Ruth

Isaiah 59: The Armor of God

God is not indifferent to wrong, and God knows you and I cannot rescue ourselves. The Armor of God “He saw that there was no one    and was appalled that there was no one to intervene,so his own arm brought him victory,    and his righteousness upheld him.” Isaiah 59:16 (NRSVUE) God will redeem those who turn to … Continue reading Isaiah 59: The Armor of God

Revelation 16: The Fourth Bowl, a Scorching Heat

Then the fourth poured out his ceremonial bowl upon the sun: and it was given to it to scorch the people with fire. And the people were scorched with immense heat, and they blasphemed the name of God, the one having authority over these plagues, and they did not repent to give to him glory. … Continue reading Revelation 16: The Fourth Bowl, a Scorching Heat

Isaiah 59: Sin Separates

Why Are You Not Responding, God? In the previous chapter, Isaiah quoted the people imploring God, “Why do we fast, but you do not see?    Why humble ourselves, but you do not notice?” Isaiah 58:3 (NRSVUE, italics added) Isaiah had much to say about their supplication in light of their lack of heeding God’s word. It … Continue reading Isaiah 59: Sin Separates