"All of life is business with God…" John Calvin
Originally posted October 20, 2019, at Women of Purpose. The first nine verses of Hosea chapter 9 are hard to read. The prophet Hosea marches into a festal celebration where the people of Israel are enjoying (apparently) the Feast of Tabernacles—or rather, their version of the feast which had merged with the pagan harvest rituals … Continue reading No Worship in a Foreign Land
Originally posted October 11, 2019, at Women of Purpose. This week in our study of Hosea chapter 8, we continue learning the cost of Israel’s iniquities. Their many sins in breaking God’s covenant and rebelling against his law, which included idolatry, alliances with pagan nations, hypocrisy in worship, and self-reliance, trace directly to the root … Continue reading Israel’s Hypocrisy
A few weeks ago our youngest son, Isaac, and his girlfriend, Maddie, were headed home late at night after an evening out with friends on the other side of town. Isaac is living at home while finishing college, and we had lent him our car for the evening since we were staying in (and it … Continue reading God in Every Detail
Now that Bible study season has begun, I haven't had time to sit down and write these past 2 weeks as I adjust my schedule to include research and preparation for our weekly lessons. (The weekend in Houston with the grandkids didn't help either, but I wouldn't have missed it.) So I'm going to polish … Continue reading Words, Words, Words…
Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you, And therefore he exalts himself To show mercy to you. For the LORD is a God of justice; Blessed are all those who wait For him. —Isaiah 30:18 While reading through Isaiah this morning as part of my daily read-through-the-Bible plan, I came across this verse … Continue reading Therefore, The LORD…
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of … Continue reading Planted by Streams of Water
Originally posted at Women of Purpose. 28 And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. 29 If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him. 3 See what … Continue reading Beloved, Confident Children of God, Lesson 10
We're 8 days into the New Year and I may have gotten the hang of writing 2019 on forms and letters. In the spirit of new beginnings, I have begun a new read-through-the-Bible plan, re-committed to walking the dog daily, started exercising a little beyond the walk, am making healthier eating choices (which, frankly, after … Continue reading New Year, New Disciplines!
Originally posted May 4, 2018, at Women of Purpose. This is the final week of our study, and Peter finishes his epistle with strength and conviction. Urging his readers to remain steadfast in their faith and in the truth of God’s Word, based on what God has done for us in Christ, he begins this … Continue reading Standing in the True Grace of God, Lesson 25
