Category Archives: Jewish History/Culture

Philippians and an Upside Down Hero

Philippians and an Upside Down Hero
Paul had a great affection for the Philippian church. He had been imprisoned by the Romans there and was warmly cared for. His first recorded baptism, the businesswoman Lydia, was at the local river. Yet the Philippians were not without issues. Philippi was a very proud city. They were proud of their Roman citizenship, proud…
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Jehovah Nissi: Under His Banner

Jehovah Nissi: Under His Banner
And Moses built an altar and named it ‘The LORD is my Banner.  Exodus 17:15 When Moses called God “Jehovah Nissi,” his Banner, the Israelites had just struck down one of their fiercest enemies, the Amalekites. Banners were used by the military and could refer to a flag on a pole or something larger, something easily…
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The Precious Thoughts of God

The Precious Thoughts of God
How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God!  Psalm 139:17 The thoughts of God are wondrous. They are above our ways and even our imagination. And yet He gives us glimpses. So what do we know of His thoughts? His thoughts are beyond our understanding If I could understand God’s thoughts, He wouldn’t be…
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Creating a Gold Calf

Creating a Gold Calf
The Israelites were anxious. They didn’t know their future and wanted some security. Sure, God had just delivered them from Egypt with a Mighty Hand and miraculous signs, but they had been in the desert for months and now their leader, Moses, had gone up mountain and hadn’t returned yet. They became impatient and worried.…
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