This is the third of seven posts highlighting lessons we can learn from a variety of different Bible characters. I’ve always been drawn to the story of the incredible bond of friendship between David and Jonathan. They were able to transcend differences in position and power, because their friendship was based on mutual trust and a mutual faith in God.  When they first meet, Jonathan is a prince; the son of a King. David is a shepherd boy; the son of a farmer and sheep breeder. They are unequal socially and economically. They have nothing in common. Yet a friendship springs up when David stands alone, without any support from the Israeli army, and single-handedly kills the giant Goliath. Jonathan witnesses this short, yet fateful battle and is amazed at David's skill.  His bravery.  And, most of all, David’s unwavering faith in God. The Scripture tells us that Jonathan "became one in spirit with David and loved him as himself." In fact, Jonathan...

This is the second of seven posts highlighting lessons we can learn from a variety of different Bible characters. “Your faith has made you well.” Who is it that is privileged to hear these words from Jesus? A woman who has been bleeding for 12 years, and who touches his cloak in a desperate bid for healing.  I’ve read this story numerous times and Jesus’ words always catch my attention.  Why? Because doctors…trained to know the human body and the healing arts…have failed her. In fact, she has spent all of her money pursuing the wisdom that the physicians of her day have to offer. Nothing. Furthermore, because of her incessant bleeding, she is considered ritually unclean under Jewish law. As a result, she is not able to freely socialize. She cannot participate in the spiritual life of the community. This woman’s life is tragic. No relief. No community. No access to God. Yet, she continues to have faith, despite being stigmatized and marginalized and isolated. A situa...

For the next seven weeks I will highlight lessons we can learn  from a variety of different Bible characters.  I love the story of Joshua, especially in this moment where uncertainty in our world is at an all-time high. It’s easy for us to feel overwhelmed, yet Joshua reminds us that we can have confidence in God at all times.  Consider how Joshua was shaped by his experiences...many of which were not easy. Soldier : Soon after the Israelites left Egypt, Moses appointed Joshua to defend Israel against an attack from the Amalekites. Moses watched while the battle raged. His arms were continually raised to God, because – if he lowered them – the Amalekites would seize the advantage, so other men held Moses’ arms aloft. The fighting was fierce, but Joshua courageously led the Israelites and refused to give up. And yet…can you imagine how it felt to be on the front lines, but the battle was being determined by whether or not Moses was acknowledging God? Joshua learned th...

This is the last in a series of six posts leading up to Easter. This period – often called Lent - can be a time of preparation and observance as we reflect on what Jesus did for us. In these last few days before we celebrate Easter, we are confronted by the image of a God who came to earth, loved and healed people, and died an excruciating and unjust death…all on our behalf.  It’s not to say we are unaware of this fact, or deny it, but more that we often forget about the cost of God’s great gift through Jesus. There are three ways we can help ourselves be more thankful for what he has done: by remembering the prophesies which Jesus fulfilled, the preparation he took during his time of ministry, and the pain he endured on the cross.  Remember the Prophesies The Old Testament contains well over 100 distinct prophesies about Jesus. Jesus could not control how all of these prophesies were fulfilled – particularly the prophecies about his betrayal – because they ...

This is the fifth in a series of six posts leading up to Easter. This period – often called Lent - can be a time of preparation and observance as we reflect on what Jesus did for us. When I first started teaching English to fifth graders, I was teaching in a Catholic school. Every week all the students took turns going to the chapel where they stepped into the confessional booth to confess their sins to a priest, and seek repentance for their sins from God.  Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of  refreshing may come from the Lord. (Acts 3:19) Being a Protestant, I never had viewed this experience before, and found it interesting to observe the reactions of my students. Some of them made light of it and seemed to get little out of it. Others approached this as a way to humbly…and sincerely…repent and get right with God. They took God seriously, they took confession of sin seriously, and they believed in a lovin...