Can we really go that far? Can we really say God wants what’s best for us? All the time? In every circumstance? Many of his words are positive and reassuring. Full of tender love and care. The Father delights to give good gifts to his children, right? But when Jesus says, “Deny yourself,” things seem to … More God Always Wants What’s Best
Do you think it’s possible to do great things for God and yet be completely unaware of what God is doing? To be in on something big and not even realize it? To see everything, but see nothing at all? Until recently, my answer might have been “no.” But I had the disciples all wrong . . … More So Close and Yet So Far
You might be a homeschooler if . . . you made phylacteries as a school project. No joke. I, of all people, should know what a Pharisee is. Ironically enough, though I tied cardboard boxes of Bible verses to my head and wrists, the object lesson never made it from my head to my heart. So … More But I Want to Be a Pharisee
This one is just so you can join me in saying, “Whoa.” Maybe it’s old news to you. Just humor me for a sec . . . In my incredibly slow, intricate study of the book of Mark {eight months down, eight months to go}, I spent several weeks reading chapter seven repeatedly. Then someone asked, … More When a Verse Goes Missing
This is a story of two women. Two stories of two women. Of their beauty. Of a banquet. Strikingly similar stories. Shockingly different outcomes. For when Herodias’ daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests. The young woman had a beautiful figure and was lovely to look at. The king loved Esther … More Beauty and The Banquet
Journey of the Word 