So one of the priests whom they had carried away into exile from Samaria came and lived at Bethel, and taught them how they should fear YHWH. 2 Kings 17:28 Taught – Lions were eating people. Not a very pleasant thought. But in Near Eastern thinking, this isn’t about lions. It’s about offense. The question…
Now flee from youthful lusts, and pursue after righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22 Flee – In most poverty-stricken areas of the world, “numbers” is a game of irrational hope. The only ones who profit from this form of gambling are the…
I am in Seattle now to be with my youngest, my daughter Rachel. She turned 18 on Friday, was baptized on Sunday and graduates from high school today. Saturday we hiked a trail in the Cascades, talked about life, visited with a wonderful group organized by Christina, and spent some really great time together. Rachel…
Now flee from youthful lusts, and pursue after righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22 Youthful Lusts – A look at the Greek text provides a better picture of Paul’s warning. First, the Greek text says, “And the youthful lusts.” The inclusion of…
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; when shall I come and appear before God? Psalm 42:2 Thirsts – It’s dry today. The heat of the noonday sun bakes the earth that made me. The ‘adamah that bore me is cracked, parched and turning to dust. I hear David’s lament deep within my…
Then he said to them, “Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10 Joy – The rare word hedvah is found in…
Let them be as chaff before the wind; and let the angel of the Lord chase them. Psalm 35:5 Angel Of The Lord – There are about 100 occurrences of the noun combination malak YHWH, malak elohim or some similar construction. This being is not like other angels. He is not simply a messenger. He…
Since only a few people read the blog regularly, you might have missed this prayer request from Pam on Dr. Tom’s behalf. I am posting it so all of us can intercede. We are here to serve Him by being His hands and feet for each other – and in this case we can lift…
