Ze-rub-ba-bel — what a name. His name meant “Seed of Babylon (or one sown of Babylon)” but his Hebrew pedigree included the future Messiah, Jesus Christ. After the Persians conquered the Babylonians, the Persians appointed Zerubbabel to be governor of Judea, and honored his request to rebuild the Jewish temple at Jerusalem. Zerubbabel led…
In these days of uncertainty, I’ve been soaking in Romans 5:20-21 lately.——— It says: God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant. So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s…
Isa. 64:4: Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him. In other words, his way of deliverance will shock you. You will find no logic in it. Acting on your behalf has its origins…
Have you ever considered how blessed you are, if the graybeards in your family are God-fearing, gentle souls? I look at my own family and feel cheated that my grandfathers hoarded their wisdom and experience during their golden years. I never met Grandpa Smith. He commercial fished in the Gulf of Mexico. He was a…
Like every family, ours has had its share of upheavals and trials. We live out our relationships imperfectly–and radically forgive one another to survive family life. I would be neglecting my calling if I let my 60+ years fade without encouraging you to live a Bible-principled life. I am convinced that knowing Jesus Christ delivers us to…
I worked at the Anchorage Times for about three years. Alaska statehood pioneer Bob Atwood published the newspaper, and his staff kicked out three-to-five editions a day. At the Times, a newspaper headline summarized the content of a story as succinctly as possible. A copy editor would proof a reporter’s story and often write and…
Two young women felt something like insects swarming in their clothing as they hiked Rainbow Mountain near Anchorage. At Rainbow Mountain’s crest, Yvonne brushed away cobwebs from her face. She stopped by a boulder that was shaped like a giant thumb—and it seemed to be humming like a hive. Yvonne’s hiking partner, Ruth, swatted at…
50 Rounds to Freedom God’s mercy is amazing. But, what about consequences for our mistakes? In our world, there is no justice without “consequences.” As an Oakland police officer, Grant is unregenerate and vengeful. Consequences from selling drugs, violence, and graft dog Grant’s steps. In his story, 50 Rounds to Freedom, consequences catch up with Grant in a rural community far-removed from the inner…
Cache of Grace 