The nation of Judah faced an impending invasion from two neighboring nations. This threat left them shaking like the trees in the forest in a windstorm. So King Ahaz made an alliance with an even larger nation—Assyria—rather than run to the Holy One, God Almighty. Then God gave Ahaz and Judah a promise, a sign, a reminder that he had not abandoned them and they should rely on him alone.
Author: Eva Burkholder
I Am Holy Because He Is Holy Holy Holy
“In the year that King Uzziah died,” [Isaiah] saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on the throne” (Isaiah 6:3 NIV). But while Uzziah left his earthy throne vacant, someone still sat on that throne. The Apostle John identifies that someone. “Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus’ glory and spoke about him." Isaiah goes on to describe the Lord/Jesus.
Let Us Walk in the Light
"Needs further explanation" my editor commented in the margin of my book manuscript, "The general public will not understand this phrase even though it's in the Bible." Again and again, she forced me to creatively explain Biblical phrases that seem second nature to Christians. We say them but we might not know what they mean or how to live them out. One of these phrases caused me to pause in my study of Isaiah.
Obey Because, Not So That
I first studied Isaiah in high school. I can’t remember what it was about the prophet that I loved, but this class instilled in me a love for this book of the Bible. Now I am starting a new walk through with the ladies in my church. I am older. I am in a new season of my life. I have continued to grow, change, and learn new things and Isaiah is striking me in new ways. Uncomfortable ways. I hit my first snag in chapter one.
What Does It Mean to Be Faithful?
What is faithfulness? How does it differ from loyalty? Should one be loyal to an agency? A team? For how long? Under what circumstances? Is one unfaithful if they leave? Is seeking change wrong or simply another approach to life? What constitutes a long term commitment? Fifty years or five?
These Were All Commended for Their Faith
I recently lead a devotional on the topic of faith to a group of global workers. After defining faith, checking cross-references, and looking up the Greek meaning, I took them to the Hall of Faith chapter in the Bible and sent them off to reflect of one or more of the well-known characters in that passage. A few weeks later, a guest speaker added a dimension to faith I missed.
A Liturgy After Times of Intense Ministry
I'm concluding about eight weeks of intense ministry that came on the heels of a book launch by practicing what I preach—taking time to rest and rejuvenate. This prayer was born only after three days of vegging out, catching up on household chores, and sleeping long hours. In a quiet coffee shop, I was finally able to put words to my feelings.
A Liturgy for Travel Woes
My recent overseas travel was a good reminder of what global workers (or anyone who travel a lot) frequently experience.
