Read: Ruth 2 There is so much to gather from this chapter... the hard work ethic Ruth demonstrates, the way the harvest was set up to help provide for those in need, the first meeting of Ruth and Boaz... but there are two main things I want to focus in on today. Note that our … Continue reading Under His Wings (Ruth, Part 2 of 4)
Category: Resources
I Will Go (Ruth, Part 1 of 4)
Read: Ruth 1 Ruth experienced challenges and loss. Her husband died, leaving her a widow. She had no children after 10 years of marriage, her brother-in-law also died, and her mother-in-law was leaving to return to her native land. Ruth could have gone home to her family. She could have stayed in the land where … Continue reading I Will Go (Ruth, Part 1 of 4)
Peace and Proof (What the Disciples Saw, Part 4 of 4)
Read: John 20:26-29 As we have just celebrated Easter, it seemed fitting to end this Weekly Word series with a recounting of one of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances. At this point Jesus had already appeared to most of the disciples (see verses 19-25 of the same chapter) but Thomas had yet to see Him. Even though … Continue reading Peace and Proof (What the Disciples Saw, Part 4 of 4)
A Friend Restored (What the Disciples Saw, Part 3 of 4)
Read: John 11 (whole chapter is best but if you're in a time crunch focus on verses 38-45) One of the recurring themes of this account is that Jesus' act of raising Lazarus from the dead was to be used for God's glory and so that others would believe. We see it first when Jesus hears the … Continue reading A Friend Restored (What the Disciples Saw, Part 3 of 4)
More Than Enough (What the Disciples Saw, Part 2 of 4)
Read: Matthew 14:13-21 The account of Jesus feeding the five thousand is a familiar one to many. Five loaves, two fish, five thousand men plus women and children to feed... and after everyone was served there were twelve baskets of leftovers. More than enough food. Jesus had had a long day. He was mourning the loss … Continue reading More Than Enough (What the Disciples Saw, Part 2 of 4)
Forgiven and Healed (What the Disciples Saw, Part 1 of 4)
Read: Mark 2:1-12 There are multiple accounts of healing throughout Jesus' ministry, but one of my favorites is this passage (found also in Matthew 9:1-8 and Luke 5:17-26). I try to picture myself there. Squeezed shoulder to shoulder in a house full of people, listening to Jesus. All of a sudden the sound of footsteps … Continue reading Forgiven and Healed (What the Disciples Saw, Part 1 of 4)
Waiting for the Promise (Hebrews 11 Series, Part 4 of 4)
Read: Hebrews 11:13-16, 39-40 I love the anticipation of waiting for something special that you know is on it's way. The traditions and excitement leading up to Christmas. The plans and packing before a vacation. To me that time of waiting only helps make the occasion even more special. But there's another kind of waiting... … Continue reading Waiting for the Promise (Hebrews 11 Series, Part 4 of 4)
Imperfect People and Yet… (Hebrews 11 Series, Part 3 of 4)
Read: Hebrews 11 (yep, the whole chapter again!) Sometimes, when we read this chapter and it's accounts of incredible faith, I think it can be intimidating. Noah built an enormous ark out of faith. Abraham (as we saw last week) was willing to sacrifice his own son. Moses parted the Red Sea, the walls of … Continue reading Imperfect People and Yet… (Hebrews 11 Series, Part 3 of 4)
Faith Like Abraham (Hebrews 11 Series, Part 2 of 4)
Read: Hebrews 11:7-12, 17-19 What do you think of when you hear the name Abraham? Maybe the way he was called by God and given a promise that he would be a father of nations? Or perhaps the fact that he became a father to Isaac at the age of 100? Maybe the words of … Continue reading Faith Like Abraham (Hebrews 11 Series, Part 2 of 4)
What is Faith? (Hebrews 11 Series, Part 1 of 4)
Read: Hebrews 11 then re-read verses 1 and 6 From the end of the kitchen I hear her little voice, "One, two, three, go!" Scampering feet as she runs to the family room, straight at me, and leaps into my arms. I hold her close and we tumble together into a pile a pillows. "Again, … Continue reading What is Faith? (Hebrews 11 Series, Part 1 of 4)
Come Sojourn 