This is the seventh and final post highlighting lessons we can learn                                                from a variety of different Bible characters. [From Judge 4-5)  Deborah sits under a palm tree, helping to resolve disputes and adjudicate law cases. As Israel’s judge and prophet, people come from far and wide to hear her reasoned deliberations. She has a unique position, for she is the only female judge the Israelites have had and is a leader for her people.  One day, having felt a strong prodding from the Lord, Deborah summons an Israelite general named Barak. She relays a message that is God’s command - gather men for battle against their Canaanite oppressors. As a prophetic leader, her job is to sing encouraging war chants – and a victory song – during and after the battle.  But Barak wants more from her tha...

This is the sixth of seven posts highlighting lessons we can learn from a variety of different Bible characters. [From 2 Kings 4:1-7] The woman faces her day with groans of sadness and despair. She is destitute. Her husband - a member of the prophetic guild - has died, and her debts are beyond any ability she has to pay. In fact, the creditor is coming to take her two grown sons… as payment …which means they will be enslaved for the rest of their lives. She cannot see a way to stave off what seems inevitable: not enough food to supply her needs, not enough money to save her sons. She will lose her sons and become a beggar. In a moment like this, where can turn? Who is willing and available to help? She cries out to Elisha. Elisha the prophet. Elisha knew her husband, so he perhaps might consider aiding her in some way. Thankfully, Elisha does come. Yet when he shows up, he does not arrive with an answer…but with a question: “Tell me, what do you have in your house?” The widow repl...

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 fourth 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. On the last night of his life, Jesus is arrested by a large mob. Have you ever been struck – as I have – by the vastly different way that Jesus and his disciples respond to this horrible and unjust event? Peter lashes out with a sword, trying – in vain – to physically protect Jesus. Then, in just a few moments, he and all the other disciples run away in fear. Yet Jesus, the one who actually is the focus of the mob’s anger, accepts his fate peacefully and calmly. What explains these two widely differing reactions? Why isn’t Jesus fearful like the disciples? And don’t say, “Because he’s Jesus.” The real difference is prayer .  The extended time of prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane just prior to the arrest.  The time of prayer that Jesus embraces…and the disciples ig...

Our new barn is being built as I write. It’s a huge project, with numerous steps and massive amounts of labor and materials, and it’s exciting to see it go up day by day.  Like many visions, it’s been an unfolding story; one that started several years ago. Soon after we bought our historic farmhouse, on an acre of land, we started to talk about re-building our present barn. It’s old, the roof leaks, the walls have weeds growing through, and some of the siding is missing.  Sadly, we realized the old barn was beyond repair, so the conversation moved to building a new one. And when our son relocated here, our idea…our dream…our vision…became a reality. Months of planning, discussion and design-creation ensued.  As materials arrived and excavation began, my anticipation began to build. In June the cement footings were poured, and a month ago we started to frame the building. Week by week, I’ve seen the pieces move into place with the labor of my son, my husband, an...