So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own. Luke 14:33 In the New Testament, scriptures discussing money do not begin with budgeting, inheritances, or tithing, they begin with the beauty and value of Yeshua Messiah. Is He really worth everything you own? Is He really worth your money? Your land? Your… Continue reading Entering the Costly Kingdom: Giving up Everything?
Mercy. It’s the first request that comes out like a breath when I go to pray. Why am I asking for mercy? My heart is a mystery to me. Show me what's going on, Holy Spirit. To be honest, there have been so many moments of shock and flashbacks lately when I remember what I… Continue reading A Confession from the Wilderness
Many of you know our story. We left home about nine months ago out of a desire to follow the Lord as fully (perfectly) as we can so that we can have as much of Him as we can this side of eternity. We quit our jobs as University professors, sold our home and our… Continue reading The Wilderness Part I: The “In-Between Land”
יְהוָ֥ה רֹ֝עִ֗י לֹ֣א אֶחְסָֽר The Lord is My Shepherd, I shall not want. I am a sheep and the Lord is my shepherd. He knows what I need before I need it, so I do not need to have any fear of lack. I may not have everything, but I always have what I need.… Continue reading The Lord, My Shepherd
Have you ever wondered what the big deal is about Israel and the Jewish people? Are you confused about their place in modern world and in theology? Maybe you don't feel anything special toward them--to you they are just another nation. Maybe the politics have confused you and frustrated you. But I want to make… Continue reading Getting God’s Heart for the Jewish People
Have you ever had God ask you a question? It's a strange feeling. As I sat in Sabbath today, resting in a beautiful place, I floated around an uninhabited island in the Philippines with my brothers and sisters in Christ. One year ago, I would never have guessed I would be here swimming in crystal… Continue reading A View from Paradise
Who is that coming up from the wilderness, leaning on her beloved? Song of Solomon 8:5 Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel,… Continue reading The Staff: Leaning on the Hand of God
Are you hoping to be a leader in the church? In your generation? There's a lot of advice out there for you. Most of it is terrible because it is based on the idea of a good leader being a successful top-down corporate-type leader where "bigger is better," "the highly educated are better," "richer is… Continue reading Lineage of the Lowly: Lead Like Moses
I sit watching you again. My strong-willed, smart, curious son. You are deciding whether or not to trust me...again. How many times have we been through this same place? Going around in circles it seems. Back into the wilderness of testing. More natural consequences. More frustration and anger on both our parts. More difficult navigation… Continue reading A Parent’s View of Obedience
Build altars in the places where I remind you who I am, and I will come and bless you there. Exodus 20:24 The people of God were always building altars in places where God showed up and did the impossible. These are the places where He told them who He was. These are the places… Continue reading Altar Stones
