Genesis 29:31, “And when the LORD saw that Leah was hated (loved less or neglected), her opened her womb: but Rachel was barren.” Unrequited Love In Genesis 29, we read a gripping narrative of deception, silent suffering, and the most tormenting kind of love: unrequited. Every time I read the story about Leah and Rachel’s competing beauty, their father’s disregard for propriety, and Jacob’s overt declaration of love for Rachel and his dismissal of Leah altogether, I cannot help but feel compassion for the two sisters. It would be awful to be Leah, living in someone else’s shadow, never being…
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. Genesis 1:27, KJV. I am enamored with the Genesis creation narrative and have always thought the conversations of origin and worldview to be fascinating. Most people during their lifetime will ask themselves, “Why am I here? What is my purpose? Who is my creator?” I remember when I was a little girl asking my mom, “If God created me, who created God?” It is amazing that you an I are masterpieces designed by a God who has no creator; because he is the master creator. Without God everything would cease to exist. Last year as I was teaching a Bible study about the creation of the world, I was asked by a curious individual, “If humans are so important to God, then why did He wait to create them last?” So, I ask you that same question. Why is humanity the last creation in the book of Genesis? It is because God is a God of divine order. Incandescent light Genesis 1:1–2 begins with an explanation of the earth’s condition before God’s first creative acts declaring, “In the beginning God created…
Acts 7:22 (KJV): “And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.” Mighty In Words In Stephen’s defense before the Sanhedrin, he paints a striking picture of Moses. He says Moses was not only educated in all the wisdom of Egypt, but also “mighty in words and deeds.” This scripture is surprising when we recollect Moses’ own words in Exodus 4:10: “I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.” So what happened? Either Moses lost his confidence somewhere along the way, or maybe Moses was always a capable orator, but he believed a lie about himself. Letting Go Of Internalized Limitations Like Moses, we can internalize false identities based on external opinions of others, or substantiated by our failures and fears. These lies become self-imposed limitations that conflict with who God says we are. Our identity in God can be easily splintered by the lies of our insecurities. Can we all do something right now? Can you think about at least one lie that you have believed? Whatever the lie is… I’m unlovable. I’m a victim. I’m forgotten. I’m worthless. I’m a failure. I’m hopeless. Right now I…
Everyone has their own signature coping mechanism to deal with stress, grief, and the general chaos of life. Some people take the healthy route, like journaling, praying, or making a strategic action plan. And then, there’s me in my early twenties. I typed into Google’s search engine what I do to deal with stress, and it told me that I lean toward maladaptive coping, also known as the art of avoidance and denial. Now, if you’re someone who faces your problems head-on, you deserve a gold star, and maybe a TED Talk. As for me, I am making progress slowly…
“And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” (Mark 11:25, ESV) Have you ever observed a parent intervening in a childish squabble? It may have started with a push, a hit, or just angry words. With a stern voice, the parent admonishes, “Say you’re sorry.” Reluctantly, half-heartedly, a mumbled word comes out. “Sorry.” The other child mumbles a quick, and also half-hearted, “Okay.” “I’m sorry. Forgive me.” Those words are so difficult to squeeze out for adults and children. It is often just as difficult to respond with a sincere, “I forgive you.” None of us goes through life without having been on both sides of the situation. Sometimes we are the one offended; other times we are the offender. If not handled correctly, wrongs often alter relationships, sometimes forever. That’s why forgiveness is so important. While often difficult, it is necessary. Forgiving others allows us to receive God’s forgiveness. Matthew 6:14 tells us, “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you” (ESV). The parable of the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18:23-35 also stresses the need…
“For the thing that I fear comes upon me, and what I dread befalls me. I am not at ease, nor am I quiet; I have no rest, but trouble comes.” (Job 3:25-26 ESV) Do the words of Job strike a chord with you? To say that he was stressed would be an understatement. So much is happening in his life, and he doesn’t know why. Everything is gone. His children, his servants, his flocks and herds. This is stress—to the extreme. His world is upside down, and nothing indicates that God ever told him why. A UNIVERSAL PROBLEM Stress is universal. Yes, it happens to the child of God as well as the non-believer. I’ve never met anyone who has lived totally stress free with no fear or worry. So many things will bring on stress: work situations, financial worries, relationship problems, wayward children, health issues. And the list goes on. It’s not just a modern-day woe. We find numerous examples in the Bible. Moses was stressed as he led a grumbling multitude through the wilderness. Hannah lamented her infertility and unfulfilled desires for a child. Naomi grieved the loss of her husband and both sons while living in…