The lament of the psalmist originates in the exile of Judah in Babylon, however, the pain of exile is one that reverberates across time and culture.   Read More

“Look, the tears of the oppressed.” One can imagine that the writer has witnessed atrocities like this before with sickening regularity.   Read More

We – not me. The prophet warns the people what faithfulness to God’s covenant means: “…and what does the Lord require of you?   Read More

From the beginning the Book of Proverbs sets out to provide wisdom and instruction in “wise dealing, righteousness, justice, and equity” (1:2).   Read More

According to Isaiah, God wants Judah not only to practice justice but to embrace the principle of always doing the right thing.   Read More

Here’s the thing about God’s love: it’s not earned; it’s freely given.  Read More

Paul essentially says that GOD is the one who is at work within us, giving us the desire to please Him and the power to actually live the way He calls us to. So, while it’s true that we cannot “work out our salvation with fear and trembling” in our own strength, it’s also so powerfully true that by surrendering to the work of God within and through us, we’ll live the way we’ve been called to...  Read More

How can you act like shepherds, telling everyone about Jesus, particularly during this time of year?   Read More

The world is quiet, and there's a coolness to the air. Imagine Joseph's surprise as the angel of the Lord suddenly appears to him. Does he cry out in surprise? Does he humble himself and change his posture? What is going through his mind as he hears that his people's long-awaited Savior is finally arriving?   Read More

As Mary and Joseph traveled to his hometown, many of us go home for Christmas as well. We journey near and far to gather with family and friends, some of whom we may not see at any other time of year.  Read More

When I was a child, though my family was Christian, we didn’t celebrate Christmas. I remember seeing families going to church on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning, singing carols, gathering to celebrate, and doing all the merry things; but not us.  Read More

This verse puzzled me the first time I read it. How can thanksgiving be a sacrifice? I thought a sacrifice was supposed to be something difficult. What’s so hard about being thankful, and why is it so important?  Read More