A Whimsical Dictionary of Surprising Influences. E is for Empty – When there’s nothing left, like an empty gas tank, or an empty stomach, or an empty feeling; the opposite of full, which as it turns out isn’t so bad; poverty of spirit, which is a blessed invitation to the Kingdom of Heaven (Matt. 5); …
A Whimsical Dictionary of Surprising Influences. D is for Daniel – Quite an unlikely president of the Babylonian government. That’s not all he was, of course. He is certified member of the Judeo-Christian Hall of Fame. There he was, forcibly removed from his home in Israel as a mere lad and brought to Babylon as a …
A Whimsical Dictionary of Surprising Influences. C is for Cain – the world’s first son, first murderer, and first vagrant (Genesis 4:1-16). He was an unlikely recipient of God’s mercy, since he destroyed the first family and disgraced his parents, Adam and Eve, and probably broke God’s heart. Cain murdered his younger brother Abel. Cain …
A Whimsical Dictionary of Surprising Influences. B is for Bronze Serpent – How did Moses do it? How did he continue putting up with all the grumbling and complaining of the wandering Israelites? Although, I imagine I would have been one of those malcontents too if I was stuck in the desert with no water. …
A Whimsical Dictionary of Surprising Influences. A is for Adullam – an unlikely place of fascinating importance; a gigantic cavern in the Judean wilderness, 12 miles from Jerusalem, on the south border of the valley where David slew Goliath. It was the secret headquarters for David and his band of merry men, probably around 600 …
Mercy: Eager love-in-action; steadfast kindness; loyal compassion; faithful favor; the ardent desire to do good to someone; the deep love reserved for someone in an intimate relationship, and if there is no prior relationship, the strong desire to treat someone as if that relationship existed. THOUGHTS AND VERSES ON MERCY: “Without the word ‘mercy,’ the …
“Who is wise and will guard these things and will understand the mercy of the Lord?” (Ps.107:43) Who is wise? What is one key aspect of gaining wisdom? The wise person is one who understands The Mercy, God’s mercy. With all my might, I dearly want to “stand under” mercy, gaze upon it, soak in …
Father, Spirit, Holy Son, You are worthy, Three-in-One. Jesus, Abba, Spirit Free, You are Holy, Trinity. Abba Father, in heav’n above, Hallowed be your name of Love. Lord of Glory, King of Grace, How we long to see your face. Tender Refuge, Raging Fire, You are all that we desire. Pure Creator, First and Last, …
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” (Revelations 5:12) Is God worthy? Yes! Why? Because He is: Better than Perfect. He is utterly complete, doesn’t “need” anything, and never needs to change. God is a 3-Person community of love. …
“…There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24b) The Holy Spirit is that Person of Love mutually and eternally shared by the Father and the Son, revealing a God of Three-in-One. In the gospel of John, the Lord Jesus names their Spirit “Paraclete.” which means “called to come alongside of.” Depending …
Jesus Christ, Y’shua Messiah… the wild card in the pack, the court juggler of grace and truth. He was easy to describe, and impossible to understand. Some of his names were Rose of Sharon, Lion of Judah, Lamb of God, Morning Star, Stone of Stumbling, Root of David, Lilly of the Valley, Great Shepherd, Suffering …
“What is your name, that we may honor you?” He replied, “Why do you ask my name? It is beyond understanding… It is a name of wonder.” (Judges 13:17-18) Hallowing and honoring God’s name is a dangerous business. We could easily delude ourselves into thinking that we are on a strictly first-name basis with the …