As I was reading in Genesis 17 this evening, one line in verse 26 stood out to me:

That very same day Abraham was circumcised, and his son Ishmael

Let me back up and give a little context.  In the end of ch 15, the Father made the covenant with Abram (who in ch 17 becomes Abraham). The beginning of ch 16, Sarai (later to become Sarah) is talking her hubby Abram into trying to MAKE a prophetic word happen, which could be a blog in itself, but if you’re a wife – you should be aware of the implications of this story.  Then at the end of ch 16, Hagar is struggling against Sarai’s leadership. Now fast forward 13 years and in ch 17 the Father reiterates His covenant, this time clearly specifying that it will occur through Sarah’s womb (she just got her new name). » more »

Recently, I’ve been spending a good deal of time contemplating authority and submission to authority. Partly because my pastor has been doing a teaching that’s touched on it a number of times (last week’s message was awesome – it’s available online if you’re interested). But as I was reading Genesis 16, something caught my eye about submission. This is the story of Sarai (later Sarah) sending her servant (Hagar) into her husband (Abram/Abraham) to bear him a child on her behalf. Hagar gets a little uppity after she becomes pregnant and Sarai complains to Abram. » more »

I have spent the last week rereading my journals at the Lord’s direction, which start in 1987 when I was 16.  I’ve read in order up to within a few years ago (I’m still reading), and it’s been eye opening to say the least.  Amazing how differently we remember things from how they actually happened – something I’m told has to do with self-preservation.

I’m sure there will be longer blogs about my past later, but the thought I wanted to capture aligns with Romans 11:29 » more »

I’ve been chewing on a verse since yesterday that has me pondering what my actions cause.  The verse is Matthew 18:7 and I’ve bolded the part that has me thinking:

Woe to the world for temptations to sin! For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes! » more »

In the US, we all feel VERY entitled to our thoughts and opinions, and we too often make ourselves free to share them – whether they be good or bad. And though the constitution may support our rights to do so, let’s pause and consider if God does.

Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. (1 Corinthians 10:9) » more »

Too frequently I hear stories of what the enemy is doing in people’s lives. I know I’ve been guilty of it myself on occasion, but let me ask a question, who do you want to give praise to? Our God – YHWH, Creator of heaven and earth – the only true and living God? Or the enemy? » more »

As I was reading the scriptures today, a word jumped out at me: presumptuously. Perhaps it was the severity of consequences for presuming that the verse mandated that got my attention. What I’ve realized is I don’t think I previously fully understood this word. » more »

I’ve been pondering the implications of 1 Kings 13 for several days now. There are portions of it I struggle with, which leave me with many questions, but there are some messages that are so clear I’d be remiss not to acknowledge them. So, with that disclaimer, I’ll give you an overview of the story. » more »

There have been questions kicking around in my head for several months and I’ve finally decided to blog some of these thoughts.  This is still something I’m chewing on so feel free to share scripture and we can banter together if you like

Allen started this whole line of questioning when he brought 1 John 3:4 to me:

Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. (KJV) » more »

Hosea 2:6 is a favorite verse of mine because it demonstrates a principle of how God works: He will hinder our way to keep us from going the wrong way.

Therefore I will hedge up her way with thorns, and I will build a wall against her, so that she cannot find her paths. » more »