A deeper study of the Psalms is helping me understand why this ancient poetry has continued to be treasured and how they apply to the most challenging contemporary struggles. This came to thought when the Charlie Hebdo killings occurred and the West responded with increasing concern about the jihadist form of Islam. Could the Psalms […]
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Another Reason for Giving Thanks: Our Bible
“Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us” (The Message, Eugene Peterson II Tim. 3:15). Not everyone likes a paraphrased translation […]
Thanksgiving Gratitude for Biblical Artists
Maybe you also have friends who are remarkable artists, talents that their families say began emerging from earliest childhood. Then there are the rest of us who can appreciate art. I long ago reconciled myself to being in the latter category, justifying that someone had to troop through all those galleries and museums oohing and […]
Jesus’ Wilderness Temptations: Lessons for Thanksgiving
What better place for individuals or Bible Study groups to look than the Scriptures for reasons to be grateful this November season of Thanksgiving. That’s why the three blogs this month have a theme of gratitude but you might be surprised by the selections! The first is the temptations of Jesus in the wilderness, that […]
Paul’s Introduction to Romans and “The Gospel of God”
Discovering the variety of ways Paul opens his letters to the early Churches is like mining fields of gold—so many gems to uncover, chew on, then figure out how to apply and his introduction to Romans is no exception. Paul launches his monumental epistle to the Romans with a self-description. That alone is a spiritual aha. […]