Exploited in the church, I’m Leah no more
“I’m Leah!” I cried. I had given myself to a church culture that had used me and used me, while profoundly rejecting my personhood, my adulthood, my worth, me.
Treachery and divorce: When God sees betrayal
If you have been betrayed by a spouse: The God who sees you has been there. And as Malachi 2 tells us: The Lord hates treachery. The Lord defends the betrayed.
Where have all the women gone?
Here’s something I did not know for a long time, because I was afraid to look: In letter after letter, the man with the reputation for putting women down, instead treats women as fully human, fully adult – and welcome into the fullness of the redemption that is ours in Jesus Christ.
God who teaches us his ways
In English Bible translations, phrases beginning "God who" often tell us what he has done or is doing. They show us God's works. But more, these phrases can give us insight into the heart of the One who does the works. They can teach us God's ways.
And the future starts now
Even in suffering, even in exile, may you find growing within you: A life energetic and blazing with holiness, conceived by God himself. Life healed and whole. Laughter and singing. Genuine faith proved genuine. Living hope. One-anothering love. A future that starts now.
A future filled with hope
It's the best-loved verse in Jeremiah, and God says it to exiles. He announces to people who feel they have no future at all: "I know what I have planned for you. I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled with hope."
Feast of Joy, Day 8
The joy of the week-long Feast of Tabernacles spills over into an eighth day. On this day, celebrate the joy of resting in God's promises.
Feast of Joy, Day 7
On Day 7 of the Feast of Tabernacles, celebrate the joy of embracing the Spirit's indwelling.
Feast of Joy, Day 6
On Day 6 of the Feast of Tabernacles, celebrate the joy of welcoming God's Word.
Feast of Joy, Day 5
On Day 5 of the Feast of Tabernacles, celebrate the joy of courageously following through.