Category Archives: Jewish History/Culture

Freedom: We have a choice

Freedom: We have a choice
The tree in the Garden of Eden revealed the nature of our freedom to choose. By the free will bestowed on us, we can choose obedience or we can choose rebellion. And we continue to make those choices every day. Sometimes we face decisions that could change the direction our spiritual life. The Bible gives…
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Chesed: God’s Steadfast Love

Chesed: God’s Steadfast Love
For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness. Psalm 26:3 David sings of God’s steadfast love, or chesed. Some translations say unfailing love, lovingkindness, mercy or grace. The word has connotations of benevolence and is something that can’t be reciprocated. It also hints at the idea of overflowing boundaries. It is love…
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Fruit of the Spirit: Not mine but His

Fruit of the Spirit: Not mine but His
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23 The metaphor of bearing fruit is scattered throughout the Biblical text. Taken symbolically, fruit is the natural product of something. We even use phrases like “fruits of our labor” in modern conversation to represent the result of our work. When…
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Waiting in Hope

Waiting in Hope
The disciples went through the most incredible season imaginable. Their Rabbi was crucified, raised, and then rejoined them for a time before ascending to heaven. Before He left, He told them to stay together in Jerusalem … and wait. Abraham was told he was going to have a son. Decades later he was still waiting.…
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