“Mandrakes, Please”
GEMS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT The Bible mentions more than one hundred plants, herbs, and trees; everything from acacia and aloe to wheat and wormwood.… Read More »“Mandrakes, Please”
Gems from the Old Testament
A Fixer-Upper
GEMS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT Anyone familiar with the DIY Network has heard of Chip and Joanna Gaines. They are the married couple from Waco,… Read More »A Fixer-Upper
Sacrificing Love on the Altar of Misunderstanding
GEMS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT (Please read Joshua chapter 22.) The Reubenites, Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh fought alongside the rest of Israel… Read More »Sacrificing Love on the Altar of Misunderstanding
Prepared for the Journey
GEMS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT Life is a journey. As Christian travelers, we’re simply passing through the Temporary on our way to the Eternal. During… Read More »Prepared for the Journey
Going Awl In
GEMS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT “Going all in” is a phrase commonly used by poker players. With a short stack of chips, the player bets… Read More »Going Awl In
“Is Anything Too Hard for the Lord?”
GEMS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT “And the Lord said to Abraham, ‘Why did Sarah laugh, saying, “Shall I surely bear a child, since I am… Read More »“Is Anything Too Hard for the Lord?”
The Gospel of Jesus Christ Gives Real Meaning to Our Lives
GEMS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT (Please read Ecclesiastes 2.) Many find Ecclesiastes rather gloomy. They think it says that life and everything in it are… Read More »The Gospel of Jesus Christ Gives Real Meaning to Our Lives
Skirting the Issue
GEMS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT
King Saul, along with three thousand men, was again on the hunt. Out of jealousy, the king was pursuing a most elusive prey: David, the king-elect. Time and time again the outlaw king had eluded Saul with superior tactics and speed. But now David and his men were cornered in a cave near the “Crag of the Wild Goats,” located on the mountainous slopes west of the Dead Sea (1 Samuel 24).
Into the very cave in which David was hiding, Saul entered to relieve himself. Consider David’s position and frame of mind. For months Saul had chased him like a dog, even though David had given Saul no cause for his jealous rage. David’s men were quick to encourage him to take advantage of this golden opportunity to strike a blow for freedom and justice.Read More »Skirting the Issue
When God Comes with a Still Small Voice
GEMS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT (Please read 1 Kings 19:1-18 for context.) Elijah was feeling tired and dejected. To him, all his devotion and hard… Read More »When God Comes with a Still Small Voice
Palm Prints
GEMS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT “Can a woman forget her nursing child, and not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may… Read More »Palm Prints