Called Out of Jericho: Rahab

What does it mean to be a Biblical woman, a woman of God, a woman who fulfills the calling of God in her life? For Rahab, it meant doing whatever it took to be with God and Godโ€™s people. It meant espionage, undercover plans, danger, and the courage to stand her ground when that ground shook.

Advent For the Broken-Hearted

This devotional was adapted from a service that Mari wrote in 2023, created to honor the thrum of sorrow and loss that undulates beneath the largely cheerful Christmas songs sung throughout November and December.

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

HER STORY: Season 3, Exodus Pioneers, Rahab

Bawdy innkeeper, canny businesswoman, Canaanite idolater, she was called out of Jericho, and into Bethlehem. #Rahab #Jericho #BibleStudy #Joshua #BookofJoshua #Tamar #Judah #Ruth #Boaz #Bible #BrokenSearchingTrustedPowerful

Arad, and a View of Moab

One of the distinctive features of Arad are their lookout points giving a view of the vast valleys and grand mountain ranges surrounding the area. It was an admitted thrill to stand in the foothills of what was once Judah and gaze across to the mountains of Moab.

Minor Prophets: Malachi, Faithless Marriages

The next two offenses God listed had to do with marriage: marrying outside the faith, and divorce, problems that existed among the priests as well, even in the high priestโ€™s own family.

Ruth

The story of Ruth is one of redemption. In fact, the word redemption shows up twenty-three times in this little book of only four chapters.

Hebrews: Faith of the Judges

Having made his point with these six pioneers of faith, the writer then recalled to mind other men and women whose mention would have conjured up vivid memories of mighty deeds, great bravery, and fervent faith.

Second Day of Advent: Bathsheba

I wonder if Matthew, ex-tax collector and publican that he was, identified with these women and men at some level. Through this record God is displaying Godโ€™s grace to all people, victims and perpetrators. Even in this genealogy Matthew was already giving us a clue there is something unique and earth-shaking about Jesus.ย 

First Sunday of Advent: Tamar, Rahab, and Ruth

If Matthew had ransacked the entire Hebrew scriptures he would have been hard-pressed to find four more unlikely candidates for the Messiahโ€™s genealogy!