Who was this audacious immigrant?

Philanthropy was practiced in ancient Israel—it was a part of their laws and traditions. Hebrew laws actually provided options to women who had fallen on hard times. Allowing gleaning during harvest is one such law—the corners of fields were to be left for the poor as well as any leavings in the fields after reaping… Read More

pre-fixed attitude affects behavior

Attitude is a state of mind, and your attitude influences your behavior. “I can’t do it.” “I’m dumb at math.” “I always make a fool of myself.” “I don’t have any talents.” “What if I make a mistake?” Does the idea of a pre-fixed attitude make sense to you? Some examples: Are you trusting or… Read More

Salma endured

An extended drought brought about a famine in the land, and food became a precious commodity. Salma, a prince of his people, took the hunger of his people personally. When his son Boaz expressed  concern that their wealth and health would vanish before the famine was over, Salma said, “As famine strips us of flesh,… Read More

light sources: eclipse

Can anyone see you are a Christian? Or, when they look at you, do they see a lunar eclipse? Does the shadow of the earth blanket you, not allowing the sun’s light to reach you so that you can reflect its rays? Don’t you know that, as a Christian, the sun shines within you and… Read More

light sources: faith in the yet unseen

The sun is shining but how can I reflect its rays when storm clouds of fear and pain block their passage to my soul. My bed is floating on a flood of nightly tears; my gut writhes and clenches as I cry out to you for mercy and help. How long, Oh Lord, how much… Read More

light sources: the man in the moon

Do you see him? The moon is full, round, and brilliant— so bright that trees cast shadows and I can find my way in the darkness. I stand still and look at the moon, in awe at the beauty, whispering thanks for the light, and I see him— the man in the moon, looking lovingly… Read More