Throughout the Psalms there is a word that pops up frequently. This word, often seen sitting by itself on the right side of text column, is “selah” and is a Hebrew word with a meaning that is both unknown and debated. Some believe this word to be a praise meaning “to praise” or “to lift up”. Other scholars believe the word is a musical demarcation meaning “to pause” (the Psalms are songs after all). Finally, some have suggested that the word “selah” is a combination of both m

“As the Bible class goes, so goes the church.” Bible class is an important part of a church’s ecosystem. Bible class is a time when we can gradually work through a text or topic together in a more relaxed environment. This time of discussion is vital to not only your personal understanding of the Bible, but to our growth as a church. Here are some of the great subjects we’re studying this upcoming Bible class quarter (March-May): Following In His S.T.E.P.S. – a class on how w

In our devotional reading today (Lev. 1:1-17), God instructs Moses on how Israel is to worship Him. These laws on sacrifices lay out how Israel can both come to God and be forgiven of their sins. Throughout this text there are a few repeated ideas, ideas that still apply to us today: "Without blemish" (1:3, 10) - This speaks to the quality of the offering. God desires for us to bring our best to Him. "Offering" (1:2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 10, 13, 14, 17) - This speaks to loss. What we

A few years ago, while I was living in Texas, my wife and I from one unit to another in the same apartment complex. When we initially moved into those apartments we wanted a downstairs double-bedroom, but they only had upstairs units available. After a year of living upstairs, a downstairs unit opened up and we jumped on the opportunity to move. Having moved several times before then (a few times in Oklahoma, Oklahoma to Colorado, Colorado to Oklahoma until finally settling i

It didn't take long for Israel to start walking away from God once they left Egypt. Think about your reaction when people wrong you. Think about the child that does what you told them not to immediately after you told them not to do it. Think about the spouse who has betrayed your trust. Think about the friend who ignored your feelings and hurt you. Consider now how God must have felt about being betrayed by the very people He just rescued. Think about the pain and anger God

A common theme throughout the writing of 1 John is that of love. Twenty plus times the word “love” is used either in reference to the audience (Beloved), as an action of God, or as an action Christians are to carry out. The most concentrated section of this theme is found midway through the letter in 1 John 3. It is in this chapter that John gives the Christian the clearest view of what love really looks like: “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we o

In today's reading of Five Minutes with God, we read about the introduction of the Ten Commandments to Israel (Ex. 20:1-21). These commandments serve as the framework for the 700+ commandments that will follow. Thousands of years later, Jesus would be asked the question "which is the great commandment in the Law" (Mt. 22:24-40) in an effort to try and trap Him. He responds saying: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your m

In last year's epic superhero movie, Avengers: Infinity War, there is a scene towards the end where our heroes are overwhelmed and all hope seems lost. As the enemy closes in, the sound of thunder reverberates around the battlefield and Thor, the God of Thunder, appears clearing away the threat with his incredible strength to the adulation of his fellow heroes (and moviegoers). A line in the song "Everytime" says this "every time I watch a storm, I see the awesome power of my