Hagar knew the desert and she knew grief. Two times she mourned in the desert, and her tears are the first ones recorded in the Bible.[1] She was not the favored wife of Abraham but instead was Sarah’s servant. Sarah gave Hagar to Abraham in the most intimate way...
Wesley’s definition of salvation was more than a way to gain eternal life after death. To Wesley, salvation included the present deliverance from sin, a soul restored to its original purity before the fall of humankind, and access to the divine nature of God enabling...
The role of women in the church often brings heightens emotions and differing views. Why does the issue of women’s role bring so much angst and division? Perhaps for some, as was for me, the idea of opening myself up to further/new understandings of long-held...
Through contemplative prayer and simplicity, seventeenth century mystic Madame Jeanne Guyon guides her readers toward the heart of God. Born in France on April 13, 1648, Jeanne Guyon became both a beloved and a controversial, persecuted woman, primarily because of her...
Introduction I lost my reading glasses and could not see clearly, so I headed to the store to buy new glasses. As I walked past a mirror, I saw in the reflection my glasses resting on my head. They had been there during my entire search, but I did not see them....
Behind the astounding accomplishments of Mother Teresa lived a tortured soul. Her writings reflect not just a dark night of the soul, but a dark life of the soul. Although her hands-on, sacrificial service to the destitute changed and inspired countless lives, my...
Introduction For thousands of years the Old Testament has transformed the lives of men and women, and it continues to transform mine. These Scriptures refresh, renew, and build my faith as I more clearly find my story in His story. Throughout the Scriptures “spiritual...
Dallas Willard’s, The Divine Conspiracy, reaches deep into the heart and soul of Christianity. In contrast to fleeting worldly philosophies and pop culture, Willard assures that Jesus is forever relevant and gives wholeness to one’s life. (Willard, 20) He then invites...
Christian communities reflect the presuppositions and lived experiences of their members, so formation must take into consideration the backgrounds and cultures of the participants while intentionally building a “kingdom of God” culture. This requires a posture of...
He knew His time was short. This carpenter from Galilee, Jesus, thought of you and me as He looked into the heart and eyes of twelve unschooled, ordinary men. He would depend on these men to carry His redeeming message of salvation to all the world from generation to...
Introduction Often referred to as the water that divides, baptism holds significant scriptural significance while employing varied meanings in religious traditions. Divided waters, however, have a positive connotation in the Scriptures—often leading to deliverance for...
Introduction God’s gift of community embodies His extraordinary love and sacrifice for His people. As Bonhoeffer reminds, “It is not simply to be taken for granted that the Christian has the privilege of living among other Christians.”[1] From the beginning of time,...