The Lord appeared to Solomon at Gibeon in a dream at night. God said, “Ask whatever you wish, and I’ll give it to you.” I Kings 3:5 The newly anointed King Solomon does not ask for great things from God. Not money, or power, or fame or any of the other accompanying pleasures that come […]
“Herod . . . had John the Baptist beheaded in the prison . . . John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus. When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place.” Matthew 14:9-13 Jesus’ day had a hard beginning. Early […]
“You Care for the earth and make it fruitful, you greatly enrich it.” Psalm 65:9 REB “The meadowlands are covered with flocks, the valleys decked out in grain they shout for joy; they break out in song!” Psalm 65:13 CEV Psalm 65 sings of the joy of creation, and God’s providence. The earth is flush […]
Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. He said to himself, “The days of mourning for my father are near; then I will kill my brother Jacob.” Genesis 27:41 If you think you’ve got problems, consider the home life of Rebecca and Isaac. With two sons, neither […]
The prophet Jeremiah said to the prophet Hananiah, “Listen, Hananiah, the Lord has not sent you, and you made this people trust in a lie.” Jeremiah 28:15 In the year 597 BCE, Jerusalem experienced a devastating defeat by Babylon. Royalty, government leaders, artisans who worked in brass, silver and, wood along with soldiers, priests and […]
The prophet Jeremiah lived in a period of turmoil, conflict, and denial of truth. He had the difficult task of being the nation’s truth teller. From 627 BCE until the fall of Jerusalem in 587 BCE, Jeremiah lived and prophesied among people, who scorned his words and his efforts. While he desperately, tried to save […]
This week, the Supreme Court ruled in a way that will devastate lives of thousands of people in the United States. In 1990, Congress created a status called TPS, allowing people living in violent situations, or in places shattered by natural disasters, to apply for temporary protection in the United States. Over the years, that […]
A Pastor's Heart 
I have always seen that Psalm as being about the Temple or tabernacle, because of what’s in the rest of the verses. But in thinking about it some more, I remember that the tabernacle and the Temple were made with God’s specifications down to the last detail. (Like the flowers He created!) The builders made it exactly as He had instructed, which was why it was so beautiful. And I believe God sees true beauty in obedient servants, whatever things large or small we do to serve Him. HE is what makes any place beautiful, and when we are in the center of His will, we are, too. <3
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Thanks for your reflection. The words popped into my mind as I was thinking of day I had spent at an Arboretum, with all the beautiful flowers and blossoms around me.
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I love the way Scripture pops into our minds in unexpected but appropriate places. :) <3
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Wow I like this message.
You see I think if we meditate on this powerful scripture we get a glimpse too .
I recall Jacob making a similar remark Gen 28:17
New Living Translation
But he was also afraid and said, “What an awesome place this is! It is none other than the house of God, the very gateway to heaven!”
I think there are moments when you can sense the presence or His aura but you feel like its just a glimpse, then you think how excellent is actually His dwelling place.
The answer we will be looking for is, “There is more from where its coming from”
Great work!
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Thanks for your reflection on this piece. I believe there are places made sacred by the prayers of God’s people. Certainly, places of joy and praise are among them.
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