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From the time sin entered the world in Genesis 3, God has been in the work of not wasting the suffering experienced by His creation. Among other things, He allows the heartaches of this world to be utilized for our sanctification, for we grow greatly in the valleys.  John 11 is a perfect example of […]

Kristi McLeland, a Bible teacher focusing on the historical and cultural context of the Bible, talks about the Hebrew tradition of putting titles to stories that differs from our western tradition. Her best known example comes from Luke 15, what we famously call “The Prodigal Son.” In a Middle Eastern context, they know this as

The power of prayer to an almighty and powerful God is unmeasurable. Each day God intervenes, providing for everyday needs that can only be attributed to His great name. Yet, we are passive and forgetful, often using prayer as a secondary solution. We hear the prayer requests of others, acknowledge their need, and then go

Exodus 31 is the first time that the name of God, Jehovah Mekoddishkem, meaning the Lord who sanctifies or makes holy, is recorded. It is no coincidence that this name is embedded in a passage where God is commanding the people of Israel to keep His Sabbath. The Sabbath was meant to be a sanctifying

God’s grace comes in many different forms and packages. Genesis 32 is one of them.  In this story, Jacob is afraid to come home to his father’s land and encounter his brother Esau, whose birthright he’d previously bought and whose blessing Jacob had stolen. In his anxiety, he sends his family, servants, and possessions across

Creation proclaims His name.  His fingerprint is evident as we gaze around. It’s in the mountains as they declare his majesty. The waters in their depth and mystery. And especially in the sun. The sun provides its rays to cast visibility for those walking in darkness. Its warmth comforts the cold and grieving. And it

“Oh be still, and behold him” – Behold Him by Paul Baloche Silence, solitude, and contemplation. These are all beautiful spiritual disciplines that can impact our formation in becoming Christ-like. However, how many of us truly immerse ourselves in these practices? These can be uncomfortable and revealing of how little we intentionally choose to turn down

When the Israelites wandered in the wilderness, they grumbled that the God who brought them out of Egypt – a place of enslavement and captivity – had brought them out to die of starvation.  Out of God’s grace He provided them with a daily sustenance. One that was to be gathered and eaten anew each

From Diana Westfall, Missionary Care Director “Jesus let out a loud cry and breathed his last. Then the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.” (Mark 15:37-38, CSB) What if that was the end of the story? God took on our flesh, lived our life from infant to grave, and died

From Diana Westfall, Missionary Care Director Brothers and sisters, This day is one of simultaneous weeping and rejoicing brought about by our remembrance and ever-growing understanding of the events of “Good Friday.” I encourage you to press into both of these expressions of gratitude, as well as any other you find yourself drawn into by