The final verses of Esther show Mordecai and Esther establishing a permanent feast. All subsequent generations of Jews are commanded to remember the 13th and 14th days of Adar as the Feast of Purim. Why celebrate days filled with so much death and destruction? Because, as Katie pointed out last week, those days represent the …
A Savior is Born
A cross forms the backdrop for my nativity scene downstairs. There’s a reason for that. I don’t know about you, but I need a visual reminder—not just once, but many times during the holiday season—for the real reason we celebrate. Don’t get me wrong. I love Christmas. I love how the season starts with "thanks …
Drink Deeply
Personal Worship Lesson 5 By Claudine Lehman When I think about praying and quiet times or journal times, I am reminded of a story I once read in a devotional by Dr. Garth Leno: A little girl from a very poor family was in the hospital. The nurse brought her a glass filled to the …
The God Who Saves
John gives us an inside look at an amazing moment that was reserved for Jesus’ closest friends. He came, He spoke peace -- not just with words but with the power of His Spirit -- and He gave a promise of forgiveness. On the evening of the first day of the week, when the disciples …
God is Aware
My favorite part of the newspaper is the comic page. It gives a slice of life. Baby Blues has some insightful family moments. One in particular has stuck with me. The mother looks in the mirror and exclaims in horror that she’s just found a hair on her chin. Her daughter walks by and says, “Oh, …
Equip Her 