Milk and Honey

“And I have promised to bring you up out of your misery in Egypt into the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites—a land flowing with milk and honey.” – Exodus 3:17 What do you imagine when you hear the description, “A land flowing with milk and honey”? My guess is that you envision a large quantity of white liquid and an abundance of a sticky, sweet substance produced by bees. However, this is not what the phrase means in the Biblical context. The Lord promised His people, the Israelites, a land full of these things, but they are actually an analogy for wealth, not a reference to food. Milk symbolizes livestock such as sheep, cattle, and goats, and honey is a reference to farmland. Therefore, the Promised Land was a place rich with both animals and property, and in those days, that’s what influence was made

January 23, 2021 1 Comment

Born to Triumph

“Then one of the elders said to me, ‘Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.’” – Revelation 5:5 Merry Christmas! Though it’s been an unprecedented and bumpy road that’s brought us to this December 25, today can be a milestone we’ll never forget, because when we walk through seasons of turmoil and loss, God brings our hearts closer to that which is eternal. While our focus in times gone by has been on entertaining, presents, and holiday “perfection,” this year has made it clear what’s most important. In 2020, none of us will take for granted good health, food on our table, a job that pays the bills, or the loved ones who surround us (even virtually). More importantly, we won’t forget the Guest of Honor at our Christmas

December 25, 2020 No Comments

Rejection Becomes Rejoicing

“The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.” – Psalm 118:22-24 Every Sunday for almost 60 years, someone has gotten up on the pulpit of our church and commenced service by exclaiming, “This is the day that God has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Although many know that this verse is from Psalm 118, few are familiar with its context. Strangely enough, this powerful proclamation was made in response to the builders of the temple rejecting a stone that ultimately became the cornerstone. But what does this have to do with being joyful? To better understand, it’s helpful to picture a group of architects and builders standing around picking out the most perfect and pristine stones from a

December 21, 2020 No Comments