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
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
Jesus’ life of scandal
something that is shocking, upsetting, or unacceptable Jesus began his life with scandal—a young girl impregnated by the Holy Spirit. Who’s going to ever believe that crazy story? Not Joseph, the man she was betrothed to. Not her parents. Not her friends. Not the village elders. Or the gossips or… Read More
Any Life But This One!
What if you could wave a wand and erase all the circumstances in your life that you’re unhappy with? Wouldn’t that be great? Let’s continue with the wand idea, but this time, apply it to a lovely little girl Gabriella. Once you read through the outline of her life, you have five minutes to wave… Read More
Who are you waiting for during this advent season? Will you recognize him when he gets here? Or are your circumstances so tough that you’re having second thoughts? “I was just diagnosed with cancer. This is not my idea of a loving God.” “What am I really doing for Christmas? Sitting alone in my empty… Read More
spending time in King David’s family
The Bible tells us David was a man after God’s own heart. He sinned very publicly over and over again, yet he is a wonderful model of repentance. When confronted with his sins, David owned them, confessed them on his knees, and was forgiven. David knew from experience that sin doesn’t happen in a vacuum.… Read More
Growing to maturity
If you are a victim of abuse, you remain a victim until you choose to enter into the healing process–which includes forgiveness. When you choose to forgive your abuser(s), it releases the hold that the abuser(s) has over you. Your choice to forgive begins to remove the pain and scars they have left in your… Read More
Kathleen S Evenhouse 