Allow me to digress from our reading. Last evening as beautiful as it was outside, we took our chairs out, put them in a circle, prayed and pondered the Word. Even two Zoomers joined in. As we sat in the outdoor sanctuary, the presence of God was clearly with us. No cloud covered that sanctuary as it did for Solomon's temple dedication, but the witness of God's presence was felt. We took some time...  Read More

Have you ever thought of delighting God with your prayers? What would that look like? King Solomon was a prime example in the moment of his life we read about in 2 Chronicles 1:1-13. God: "Ask for any thing, Solomon." Solomon: "Give me wisdom." God heard his request, looked in his heart and gave him wisdom with everything that he did not request added. Jesus is the supreme example of delighting Go...  Read More

God rules and overrules His purpose to complete. From the Sanhedrin (Israel's political-religious ruling council) suggesting that they could control Jesus...'if we let him go on like this' (John 11:48)...to the High Priest believing he could manage the execution of one in place of the many (John 11:50), their arrogance becomes prophetic. For, behind the scenes and in front of their eyes, God was u...  Read More

Perhaps the most personally endearing words about the Man, Christ Jesus, are: "Jesus wept" (John 11:35). The Complete Jewish Bible records: "Yeshua cried," while The Passion Translation expands the recorded scene: "Then tears streamed down Jesus' face." There are no words beyond the greatest encounter with Jesus in which He declares, "Your sins are forgiven!" that draw me into His intimate presenc...  Read More

Today is Pentecost Sunday, the 50th day from Easter (Resurrection Day), the celebration of the giving of Torah (the Law), and, the Birthday of the Church. It is no accident that we read King David's preparation for the building of the temple which Solomon would undertake (1 Chronicles 22-23). Today we celebrate what Paul affirms, that in establishing His Church, God transitioned the temple from an...  Read More

David answered Gad, “I’m in anguish. Please, let me fall into the LORD’s hands because his mercies are very great, but don’t let me fall into human hands.” (1 Chronicles 21:13, CSB)It is true! God forgives completely and remembers our sins against us no more! On the other hand, humans have long memories and, apart from God, can hold our sins over us for a lifetime. Sometimes the recipients of merc...  Read More