I’m not impressed by much in life, but I am impressed by this eager desire to know more about Jesus Christ’s Israel and to learn about the people God set apart for His purposes before time began. Being part of a contingent of people from all over the world who chose to journey to Israel to learn more about God's purpose's for Israel and our individ
Women in the Bible: JESUS & WOMEN
Jesus and Women Grace Communion International, http://www.gci.org/jesus/women In first-century Palestine, the way Jesus treated women was considered revolutionary. When she became a teenager, her father made the arrangements. This was the custom of the times. Mary would be married to a carpenter, Joseph, the son of Heli. From birth, Mary’s role in life was set,Continue reading "Women in the Bible: JESUS & WOMEN"
Women Who Spoke the Word of God
Women Who Spoke the Word of God by Michael Morrison, from Grace Communion International, http://www.gci.org/church/ministry/women Women have an increasing role in the work of the church. Women not only lead women in "women's ministries," but also lead men and women in music, prayer, teaching and speaking. Some people wonder why women should be allowed toContinue reading "Women Who Spoke the Word of God"
Women in the Bible: RUTH
Ruth is the leading character in this book, which is named after her. The name Ruth means "mercy." The story shows that God’s grace and mercy extend beyond Israel to include all peoples. The religious truths found in this book relate more to practical life than to abstract theology. Loyalty, love, kindness, the value of persons, and the need to understand one another stand out. In the midst of the chaos then in the land, meaning could be found by returning to the first principles of simple truth. The book of Ruth tells us that no matter how bad things may be, goodness can exist, if we are willing to make the effort. [Follow the link to read the full article.]
Excerpt: What does it mean to “repent”?
In our contemporary language we “apologize” or say we’re “sorry” for causing offense. However, neither being sorry (feeling regret, sorrow, grief or sadness) or offering an apology (expressing regret, remorse or sorrow for having insulted, failed, injured, or wronged another) is the same as repenting (to feel such sorrow for sin or fault as to be disposed to change one's life for the better). So what does it mean to "repent"? Follow the link to read the full article.
Excerpt: The Psalm 51 Example: Repent and Live
The first thing David uttered after hearing Nathan’s story was that such a man deserved to die. Spiritually, he had died because God was not with him in His sin. This is such a glaring example of what happens to interpersonal relationships when there’s a huge offense separating the two parties. Each party is able to see the other person’s transgression so clearly and barely have awareness of their own. Until the person who caused offense steps up to say, “I am the one at fault, what can I do to make amends” the relationship will remain fractured and the parties will remain separated. Repentance leads to life – when you repent in your interpersonal relationships you breathe life into them.
Song & Verse: One and Only by Adele
From the first time I heard her song, One and Only, I envisioned Jesus serenading me - serenading us all, actually: Come on, let Me be your one and only. I promise I'm worthy to hold in your heart. I know it ain't easy giving up your heart... but you'll get all of Me in return - so come on and give me a chance....
Song & Verse: Whitney Houston & The Greatest Love of All
Love evolves. Love stretches us. It grows us. It teaches us. Love is more than an emotion and a feeling – it’s a way of life. Where would I be today without love? Without learning that love lives in me? Without learning that I can offer love as a gift? Without learning that I can accept love as a peace offering to heal a relationship? Where would any of us be without love? The life of Jesus is by far the greatest example of the process of love and its evolutionary results. Jesus was given to the world first as a seed in a young woman’s womb. He was nurtured as a child and educated as a disciple of the One True God, who made Him a leader to the masses. In the process of His physical death, Jesus provided the opportunity for eternal life for every human being. Jesus came for a purpose. He died for a purpose. He rose for a purpose. Jesus was given for a purpose. For Love.
Podcasts: The Process of Asking for, Receiving and Giving Love and Forgiveness
Take a listen to recordings of LaShawnda Jones discussing her book, The Process of Asking for, Receiving and Giving Love and Forgiveness. The author speaks about the purpose of the book, what she hopes readers get from it. There is also a "When Your Love is Rejected."