The Reign of Ahaz

In the seventeenth year of Pekah son of Remaliah, King Ahaz son of Jotham of Judah began to reign. Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign; he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. He did not do what was right in the sight of the Lord his God, as his ancestor David had done, but he walkedContinue reading “The Reign of Ahaz”

Nathan and King David

In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab with his officers and all Israel with him; they ravaged the Ammonites, and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. It happened, late one afternoon, when David rose from his couch and was walking about on the roof ofContinue reading “Nathan and King David”

David’s Words

For David says concerning him, ‘I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand so that I will not be shaken; therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; moreover my flesh will live in hope. For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One experienceContinue reading “David’s Words”

The Marriage of Ruth and Boaz

Now these are the descendants of Perez: Perez became the father of Hezron, Hezron of Ram, Ram of Amminadab, Amminadab of Nahshon, Nahshon of Salmon, Salmon of Boaz, Boaz of Obed, Obed of Jesse, and Jesse of David. (Ruth 4:18-22, NRSV) This is not the beginning of the descendants of Jesus or the end, but it is a partContinue reading “The Marriage of Ruth and Boaz”

The Marriage of Ruth and Boaz

Then all the people who were at the gate, along with the elders, said, “We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman who is coming into your house like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel. May you produce children in Ephrathah and bestow a name in Bethlehem; and, through the childrenContinue reading “The Marriage of Ruth and Boaz”

The Marriage of Ruth and Boaz

No sooner had Boaz gone up to the gate and sat down there than the next-of-kin, of whom Boaz had spoken, came passing by. So Boaz said, “Come over, friend; sit down here.” And he went over and sat down. Then Boaz took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, “Sit down here”;Continue reading “The Marriage of Ruth and Boaz”

Back to School

It is August and for some of us, that means it is time to start preparing to go back to school! Teachers will be in class rooms if they haven’t been already. Getting things ready for the new students to arrive in the fall. Parents will go back school shopping with reluctant children. Kids willContinue reading “Back to School”

Epilogue

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. (1 John 5:13, NRSV) We need to know that we have eternal life, not because of anything we have done or anything we could do.  We have eternal lifeContinue reading “Epilogue”

Testimony concerning the Son of God

If we receive human testimony, the testimony of God is greater; for this is the testimony of God that he has testified to his Son. Those who believe in the Son of God have the testimony in their hearts. Those who do not believe in God have made him a liar by not believing inContinue reading “Testimony concerning the Son of God”

Testimony concerning the Son of God

This is the one who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ, not with the water only but with the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one that testifies, for the Spirit is the truth. There are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood, and these three agree. (1 JohnContinue reading “Testimony concerning the Son of God”