Recently I listened to a message by a good friend, George Bradley (Hosea 12:7-14:9 — Shepherd’s Gate Church PDX – shepherdsgatepdx.org). He was speaking about Hosea, one of the lesser-known prophets in the Bible. After the nation of Israel divided into two nations, during the reign of Jeroboam, the first king in the north, God […]
It’s heartbreaking to see pictures of homes perilously hanging over empty spaces, the sand and dirt under them having been washed away. The recent hurricanes that have pummeled Florida’s coastlines are a clear demonstration of what Jesus said at the end of His sermon, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and puts them […]
Jesus had just told His disciples that that night they’d abandon Him and run for their lives. Not wanting to be called a coward, especially in front of others, Peter puffed out his chest and said, “Not me. I’ll stand with You even if it costs me my life. These other guys may scatter, but […]
In the Old Testament God refers to the leaders among His people as shepherds. He doesn’t limit the title only to men in religious positions. He also uses it to refer to their political leaders, people who were in places of influence for the welfare of the people. After King Saul died, the people rallied […]
Jesus had just said, “‘If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.’ The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith!’ He replied, ‘If you have faith as […]
Reading the first pages of the New Testament, you encounter the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Many people skim over these names. Yet, the Spirit of God purposely included five women in this list of 39 men. The fifth one is Mary, the mother of Jesus. But who were the other four? Tamar – She was […]
Talking to yourself is not a sign of mental instability. In fact, it is a discipline that every Christian needs to develop. When feelings of anxiety or despondency sweep over us like a sneaker wave at the beach, the Bible advises us to rehearse what is true, getting our eyes off our emotions and back […]
Have you ever been upset with yourself for giving into temptation … again? Have you ever assumed that if you were just more disciplined, you could be victorious? Feel you need to try harder or be more regimented to keep your routines? How many times have you heard it said that if you want […]
Ever felt like you’ve sinned too much? Feel too ashamed to face God again and confess the same sin one more time? Think He’s tired of hearing you, rolling His eyes and doubting that you really mean it since you keep repeating the same sin? Feel like giving up? Let me share three verses and […]
When you think of the Bible’s Love Story, what comes to mind? Many people will respond, “Song of Solomon.” There’s nothing wrong with that choice, but I would like to suggest that there is an even better love story recorded in the book of Hosea. If this short book is not familiar to you, don’t […]