“Shiphrah” and “Puah”, I stumble over the pronunciation of their names, but they, on the other hand, did not stumble when it came to obeying God. They stood firm.
All in God's Character
The Lime Blessing
Ever since we moved to South Texas, my concern about the lime trees in our back yard increased. I knew nothing about taking care of fruit trees, so I searched for help online.
Big Roy
I cannot wait to see Big Roy every morning when I wake up. He brings me so much pleasure and joy. He thrills me.
Lest I confuse you, no, my husband’s name is not Roy. Big Roy lives in my small garden outside my bedroom window. Big Roy is a tomato plant. His stature, seven inches tall when I planted him now reaches five feet a few short months later.
In My Way
I looked down at my text and laughed, “About to be in my way.” What I meant to say was, “About to be ON my way.” I had intended to let a friend know of my plan, but had inadvertently led myself to ponder my mistake.
In my way – how many times have I done just that – gotten in my own way of doing things God’s way?
The Real Super Glue
My professional background is in healthcare, and ever since my very first anatomy and physiology class I have been fascinated with the beauty, complex simplicities, and precision of God’s creation-----us!
Hello! My Name Is: Day 5
Jehovah Mekoddishkem (mek-KAH-dish-KIM) is a long, tongue-twisty name for an incredibly important truth.
It is God who set us apart for His purposes and accomplishes sanctification in our life. Our job is to follow Him in trust and obedience.
Hello! My Name Is: Day 4
So far, it has been a week of a big God. Today, we will look at a small moment and the God who was in it.
First, a brief recap: Ten years had passed since God had promised Abram, a wealthy shepherd and future father of Israel, that he would have an heir. Nothing had happened and the biological clocks were ticking. Sarai, Abram’s wife, came up with a logical conclusion to the problem; Have Abram father the next generation through Hagar, her young Egyptian maid. Abram agreed. Hagar likely didn’t get a vote. However, after Hagar became pregnant by Abram, it began to dawn on her how her fortunes had improved. In an unwise move, she acted contemptuously toward her barren mistress. Sarai complained to Abram who said. “Do whatever you want.” The resulting mistreatment by Sarai caused Hagar to flee to the desert.
Hello! My Name Is: Day 3
Throughout history, people believed that a Supreme Being brought the physical universe into existence and continued to act upon it. In the mid-1800’s, with the introduction of evolutionary theory, a new worldview emerged. It centered around a universe that not only thought itself up, but continued to keep itself running. Today the creation vs. evolution debate is still alive and well.
Hello! My Name Is: Day 2
What is that old saying? “You never have a second chance to make a first impression.”
Like English, Hebrew has small letter gods and capital letter gods. The Elohim of Genesis 1:1, is as big as they get. He is the “all-powerful creator of the universe who knows all, creates all and is everywhere at all times.” Creators are, by definition, bigger than and outside of what they have made. Because of this, they decide what they will create and the rules by which it will operate. (True, though not always popular.)
Hello! My Name Is: Day 1
You are at a large party where most of the faces are unfamiliar. However, everyone is wearing a stick-on name tag—always helpful among strangers. A nice lady comes over and introduces herself and, as you catch a quick glance at her name tag, you notice: “Hi! My Name is Mary and I am generous.” What? You look around and notice, “Hi! My Name is Jim and I am kind and understanding.” And “Hi! My Name is Alice and I am Intelligent and Wise.” And so on…
The Lord Will Provide (Yahweh Yireh)
“Where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” asked Isaac.
Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb..., my son” (Genesis 22:14).
God Almighty (El Shaddai)
My husband and I lead a newlywed class at church. The couples progress through stages. They usually begin the class dating or engaged. Next comes the commitment of marriage. Eventually the class size increases as babies are born. Five babies have been born this year in our class. They are obeying God’s command to be fruitful and multiply! “I am [El Shaddai]. Be fruitful and increase in number ”(Genesis 35:11).
The God Who Sees Me (El Roi)
She ran. She wouldn’t stop until she was far away. Maybe the wilderness would offer some relief from the harsh treatment she had endured at the hands of her mistress, Sarai. Hagar could go no longer. She stopped by a rare spring in this parched land.
Lord (Yahweh)
Yesterday, we looked at God as Elohim, or Creator. Our Creator is involved in every aspect of his creation. The painting, The Creation of Adam by Michelangelo, depicts God reaching down from heaven touching Adam, fingertip to fingertip--the perfect, divine Creator initiating a personal relationship with his creation.
Creator (Elohim)
“What’s in a name?” young Juliet asks in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Juliet argues that a name is an arbitrary label with little meaning. However, in the Bible names carry much significance. As God’s relationship with His people unfolds, He reveals His nature through various names.
God’s Goodness
For some reason, God prepared my heart last year about the seriousness of living with an epidemic. I was viewing websites of colleges our granddaughter was considering attending in the fall, which included Abilene Christian University. It was there I read the featured story of Alumnae Kent and Amber Brantly.
Cows in the Pasture!
“They’re back! I see four cows and a calf from the neighbor’s west pasture! I can’t tell where they came through!” yelled my husband. We donned our boots and gloves to search the fence line. Sure enough, broken wires and a rotten fence post solved the mystery. Time for repairs.
Think About It
What thoughts run through our minds during this time of a pandemic! Whoever would have dreamed something like this virus would happen during our lifetimes? We can so easily sink into a state of depression.
Let Go!
Our daughter recently got a puppy which had been rescued from a trash bin. She named it Gwinny -- cutest little black and white thing you ever saw. Of course, she stocked up on all sorts of puppy items for Gwinny including a comfy little bed with soft sides.
He is Mindful of You
Female carpenter bees bore holes the size of a small finger into wood every spring.
These bees are often mistaken for bumblebees and are capable of drilling about one inch every 5-6 days and in the end, their tunnels can be up to several feet long with several egg chambers. They are about one inch long, do not have teeth, but they have mandibles like teeth that cut and tear through wood in circular patterns to perfectly fit their bodies.