Put yourself in this situation: you are chopping wood in a field when your ax head flies off and accidentally kills someone. Now imagine that this is a tribal land where due process has not yet been established for situations like these. Instead of a court of law, the custom is that the family of … Continue reading Seeing Jesus in the Cities of Refuge
My father is now in his mid-80s and is retired from pastoring due to health issues, but he still fills the pulpit occasionally. One of the struggles his health gives him is shortness of breath, yet it has never stopped him from preaching. Several times, he has been sitting in the pew waiting to preach, … Continue reading Walking in God’s Strength
We often live as if we deserve mercy from the hands of the Lord. Some seem to believe He is obligated to provide it to us. Many people seem to assume he is at fault if he does not give equal mercy to all. All of these assumptions are wrong. A god who is required … Continue reading God’s Mercy Truly is Mercy
If you are burdened with heavy responsibilities or battles, you will find encouragement in the book of Joshua as the Lord fights for Israel. You may be in over your head, unable to match the strength of what is before you, but you have a heavenly Father who can effectively act on your behalf. Right … Continue reading The Lord Will Fight for You
We are all vulnerable to deception. Even the church, which has the truth of God's word and clear commands, can make poor choices if we do not seek the Lord's guidance. An illustration of our vulnerability can be found in the story of Israel and the Gibeonites in Joshua chapter 9. God had commanded Israel … Continue reading Avoiding Gibeonite Deception in Modern Churches
The Fight of Faith 