Life in Exile

The one who is able to obey the Law would live. There is just one problem. No one is capable to live by the Law. That's why we need Christ Jesus. It's a lesson from the past we need to remember.

From beginning to the end, this life is full of struggles. Our challenge is to determine what is worth our efforts. Often it's not what we can see that requires our energies but the unseen. Thankfully, we're not in this fight alone.

What does it mean to be holy as God is holy? It started all the way back in the Torah.

One of the many lessons I learned in overseas living surrounded food. Anytime you move to a new place, there are adjustments to be made to what you eat and how it affects you.

Can past examples help us when we're faced with current temptations? Absolutely! Paul wanted the believers in Corinth to know they were not alone in what they faced.

Can we assume everyone within our church fellowship is a Christ-follower? What about those who are actively working against the cause of Christ? Jude helps us know what to do.

The writer of Hebrews shows us the importance of remembering that God has a pattern for all we do in life. Just as the tabernacle is a reflection of the heavenly one, we are a reflection of the perfect relationship between God and Christ.

What is one of the lessons I've learned from life in cross-cultural service? I must listen and learn before I can speak and teach.

The writer of Hebrews reveals that just as blood must be shed for the old covenant, the New Covenant in Christ required blood--his own. Unlike that of the first, this sacrifice was a one-and-done for all!

Words behind initials make a difference. I choose today to replace those of DEI to RJE--Righteousness, Justice, and Equity. These words come straight from the book of wisdom and thus from God.

Living by the higher law of Christ seems impossible, especially when facing an enemy. It is. That's why we need the Holy Spirit in us and leave the vengeance to God.

A big lesson I learned on the mission field was the reality check on the source of my confidence. It was painful but needed to know I must shift it from me to Christ.

Is the Law sin? What's the purpose of the Ten Commandments? Paul has something to say about all this and it's worth hearing.

Some keepsakes are worth keeping. I found one recently that my father had left just for me.

Break one, break them all--even when it's committed in our heart or mind. That's the righteousness that even the scribes and Pharisees couldn't maintain. We can in Christ alone.

One of the lessons I've learned in living abroad is the importance of keeping Christ above culture in my words, actions, and witness.

Is following the Ten Commandments enough to get into heaven? A young man wanted to know. Jesus had the answer.

Does your soul praise the Lord? Are you remembering all the benefits of knowing him? Reflect with me on Psalm 103 today.

The fifth commandment to honor your father and mother has more than one application. Either way, it reminds us that God's Law is best and for our good.

We need the local church in our efforts to reach the nations for Christ. There are several ways to connect and engage support while not forgetting the church in your prayers too.

God loves his children equally and wants them to both give and receive in equal measure. The church in Corinth would learn this lesson from God's distribution of manna in the wilderness. We must not hoard what God wants us to share.

Dying to self, or as Oswald Chambers calls it, internal martyrdom: This is what is required to follow Christ. Peter understood the cost but also knew the blessing.

Is there significance for Jesus to have been born into a Jewish home which followed the Law of Moses? Yes, for in the act of consecration, Mary and Joseph are paving the way for Jesus to fulfill all righteousness.

Do you have a favorite recipe you use with guests? Mine is Spice Cake, and it's guaranteed to add spice to any conversation.

What binds the Old and New Testaments together? Jesus, the Lamb of God, who fulfills all prophecy by his sacrifice and resurrection. John goes all the way back to Exodus to show us.