John 3:1-17 Click on this link to read the passage. You may select your preferred version of the Bible after the link opens. This passage of scripture is very familiar to those who have grown up in any denomination that follows Christian teachings. In this passage is found the roots that most evangelicals cling to for their beliefs in what one must do to be saved. Nicodemus was one of the Pharisees. He came to see Jesus at night for a
“Happy Purim! ” “Happy what?” “Happy Purim! You know, when Queen Esther saved all the Jews from getting killed.” Are you one of the people “in the know” about Purim, or is this a holiday you have never heard of?Chances are you remember something about the story of Queen Esther from the Old Testament. It is one of my favorites. The Jewish holiday Purim begins at sundown on Saturday, March 19, 2011 and continues twenty-four hours until sundown on Monday, March 20. (Like Easter,
Matthew 4:1-11 Click on this link to read the passage. You may select your preferred version of the Bible after the link opens. Jesus’ ministry began at the time of his baptism by John the Baptist. During the next forty days he went into the desert (or wilderness depending on your Bible translation) for a time of fasting and prayer as he talked to his Father for guidance and direction. Satan was lurking around waiting for an opportunity to
Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Click on this link to read the passage. You may select your preferred version of the Bible after the link opens. When you hear the expression “passing the torch,” what comes to mind? The Olympics? Our schools’ track teams have relay races in which a baton is passed instead of a torch, but the idea is the same. One runner carries it for the first part of the race, then passes it to the next runner who
Psalm 46:10 Click on this link to read the passage. You may select your preferred version of the Bible after the link opens. This has been a difficult weekend for me. I have felt both misunderstood and abused through a very touchy situation I am not free to explain on this public blog. But my heart has ached and grieved for someone unable to defend herself. I spent much of the day Saturday in tears as I struggled to know