Living Wide and Deep

Ever notice how the Bible doesn't record a single sermon Jesus ever gave focusing on the pagan theology of the Romans? But he railed a lot against the bad theology of the Jewish leaders. Why? Is it possible that twisted and distorted truth does more harm to people than outright lies? The Word of God is "sharp and powerful," whether it's wielded by someone with good intent or someone with selfish m...

Why did Jesus ask the man who had been an invalid for 38 years, "Do you want to be well?" I mean, isn't the answer obvious? Not necessarily. Pain can have a payoff. This must be understood in the correct context and never applied with a judgmental, condemning attitude. It's an insight to be used primarily in self-assessment ("Learn yourself") and not diagnosing others (except in rare circumstances...

Their meeting was unexpected -- at least for her. She came thirsty. For water, she thought. But his words stirred a deeper thirst she'd been trying to satiate in other ways. She left transformed. Not by the "magic water" she'd asked for; but by miraculous words. The story of the "woman at the well" is a familiar one to many Christians. Yet the story is always worth reviewing because it's packed wi...

Get followers! Grow your contacts! Gather a tribe! It's what every person with something to market hears. People pray for a video to go "viral" and pay for courses "guaranteeing" to build a successful email list. I don't think John the Baptist would have been much impressed. I can't see him selling a course on how to get someone else to increase their following while decreasing your own. But that'...

John 3:16 . It's been inked on parchment with fancy swirls. It's been printed on $4.99 t-shirts. It's engraved on silver mugs and carved in rosewood. It's been whispered in prisons and shouted from pulpits. The gospel -- "Good News" -- in one sentence, spoken by Jesus. And on what occasion? The Sermon on the Mount? Nope. Feeding of the Five Thousand? Nada. Upper Room with the Disciples? Try again....

He holds power and position. He recognizes God's calling. He still sneaks out. Nicodemus seeks to visit with Jesus at night, likely because he wanted a private conversation away from the crowds. Was it because he was embarrassed? Or he thought it was the only time to catch Jesus alone? Scripture isn't clear. But their conversation displays Jesus' kindness and grace. Jesus accepts where Nick (Nicod...

If he was looking to curry favor with the rich and powerful, this wasn't the way to go about it! It's easy to read the story of Jesus driving people out of the Temple and simultaneously think "Hooray!" and "What does this have to do with me?" Because the message isn't to take a course in making and using whips. It is, however, a vivid reminder of our call to fight injustice, especially when people...

You'd think the master of ceremonies would have been delighted. Instead, it seems he was more focused on himself than the guest of honor. If only I couldn't relate to this guy...but I can! In our look at one of Jesus' most famous miracles -- turning water into wine -- we see how showing up in the ordinary situations of life can create extraordinary opportunities. We also see how not everyone is go...

Did you know the first chapter of the Gospel of John records nine of history's most powerful words? Yep! Not only does this account begin with the same three words as the first book in the Bible -- "In the beginning" -- but John wrote nine words which changed everything. "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." God didn't need to know what it was like to be human. We needed to know God care...

What do you say when someone cuts you off in traffic? "They're an idiot" or "They didn't see me." What's the language you use when your toddler resists putting on their "park" shoes because they want to wear their "dress-up" pair? They're "throwing a tantrum" or "they're upset"? What do you say when your spouse disagrees with the budget you want set aside for vacation? The stories you tell yoursel...

While sneaking off to barley threshing floors and exchanging sandals isn't likely to be a part of too many engagement stories today, there's much to be said about how to select a spouse in the story of Ruth and Boaz. Why did they choose one another? Boaz wasn't desperate, and Ruth could certainly have wooed younger men. So what attracted them to each other? Turns out their story showcases characte...

Long before Jane Austen's Emma Woodhouse, there was Naomi. But this is no 19th century England with ladies in ball gowns and men in top hats. This is a millennium before Christ, and the couple is more akin to Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre and Edward Rochester than Austen's Mr. Darcy and Ms. Bennett. Yet this Biblical story is a marvelous story unveiling the heart's innate desire and capacity to giv...

What do you think the Biblical character, Ruth, would wear today? I think Chapter 2 Ruth would wear jeans, a denim work shirt, and cowgirl boots. Maybe even a straw hat or baseball cap. After all, you don't work in grain fields in flowing prairie dresses! Why does this matter? It's easy to romanticize Biblical stories, and sometimes reimagining them in today's setting helps us see the life lessons...

Have you ever yelled "Why?" into the unresponsive cosmos? It's humankind's universal response to tragedy. "Why?!" The question erupts from fractured souls every day, only to be met with silence. On the cross of crucifixion, one of the most excruciating forms of death ever devised by man, the God-Man, Jesus, screamed this into the air. Not because God had turned his back on his beloved son. Nothing...

It's easy in the Biblical book of Ruth to be so focused on the headline character (Ruth) that Naomi's story gets lost. But she has powerful lessons for us! Grit. Authenticity. Courage. Grief. Self-less. And entirely captivating! When she returns home and hears, "Naomi, is that you?", her answer can be quick to dismiss. But dig deeper and she models a principle we desperately need to practice in li...

Whoever started writing stories with the "and they lived happily ever after" ending might have read the Old Testament book of 1 Samuel. Why? They were desperate for a happy ending after reading this book! Eli's story ends with the death of his sons, capture of the Ark of the Covenant, and his death by broken neck. Samuel ends well as a faithful prophet, but his grown sons don't follow in his foots...

Don't you hate it when someone apologizes and you're not entirely sure it's genuine? How do you respond? Be "gracious" and hope for the best? Be "smart" and believe the worst? David's midnight run into Saul's sleeping camp gives us some clues. Saul admits he is wrong. He even goes further and invites David back home. Why doesn't David go? Learn key points about how to assess the difference between...

Abigail marries David. They ride off into the sunset. They have children together. That's usually the way the story is presented. But skipping over Abigail's first marriage to Nabal deprives people of valuable lessons about the purpose of marriage, boundaries, and how a person's responsibilities as a human aren't eliminated in the name of unity, leadership, or submission. Also, in today's episode...

Ever feel like you're losing your mind? Don't know which way to turn? You may not be in a good place, but you are in great company! David, as in "man after God's own heart," is in that spot in the 21st chapter of 1 Samuel. However, he doesn't take time to pray and seek God's direction. He runs -- smack into trouble. The result is he's humiliated and endangers others. That's what fear always pushes...

What if David was "Plan B?" What if the story was supposed to have been "Saul and Goliath?" Learn the critical mistake Saul made in this battle so you can choose differently in your trials and not have wasted days and resources. Be encouraged that your calling doesn't depend on the accolades of those closest to you. You can turn this podcast into a complete Bible study for yourself or your family!...

You have a calling! Perhaps there's some anxiety that goes with it? Learn what not to do by hearing what Saul does on his coronation day. The fear that motivated him only grew and eventually resulted in a decision that cost him the kingdom. Learn from his mistakes to ensure your success! You can turn this podcast into a complete Bible study for yourself or your family! Subscribe to Hi(Lights) and...

Are you open to God interrupting your ordinary tasks? What if it's in the middle of running your errands that God redirects your steps -- and your entire life? What if stepping into this calling requires telling someone else to move on down the road? What if you're the person who needs to go forward to let someone else step into their calling? Join the current hike through 1 Samuel and see how los...

Can a lack of self-awareness make you vulnerable to misusing what's sacred when you're afraid? Think an encounter with divine intervention will transform you or someone else? Not necessarily! See what 1 Samuel 5 shows us about fear, misusing God, and not responding to divine intervention in the beginning. Turn this podcast into a complete Bible study for yourself or your family! Subscribe to Hi(Li...

What book includes romance and murder, war and peacemaking, surprise protagonists and complex antagonists, divine encounters and dreary days? 1 Samuel! Yes, this ancient book in the Bible covers most of human experience and packs powerful lessons for modern times. Today we begin a multi-part series exploring this fascinating record and mining truths to make a difference in our lives and families t...

Nothing will trigger more excitement, curiosity, hope, frustration, sorrow, devotion, and awareness than exploring Truth. The greatest route to Truth is in the study of Scripture. But you can be honest. No one's going to check your answer. Do any of these phrases create more stress than eagerness: "Family devotions" or "Personal Bible study" or "Family Bible study"? I get it! That's why you 'll lo...