bible stories

I remember hearing about the story of David and Goliath when I was a kid growing up in Sunday school. David, the young shepherd boy, went to battle with a large giant, Goliath. Goliath was the enemy’s fighting champion. Adorned in bronze armor from head to toe, he taunted the Israelite army for forty days and forty nights. His sole…

Have you ever had high expectations concerning a situation in your life? For example, you’ve been searching for a new job. You have tons of experience with high-profile employers and figure that not only will you get hired, but you’re sure to be offered a substantial salary. Because you’re so good, you will most likely get promoted within a year…

I once had someone tell me that being a leader of others is equivalent to adult babysitting. (Whew, the accuracy.) Being a leader can be challenging. Some of you are leaders in the workforce, while others are leaders in their home and familial life. You may even be a voluntary leader at church, in a community service group, or on…

I have a secret . . . I normally skip church on Mother’s Day. That may sound odd to several of you because you know of so many CME People. (CME People = people who only go to church on Christmas, Mother’s Day, and Easter.) In 2020, I was delighted that I didn’t have to think twice about attending church…

Emotions ran high this week. I didn’t always have the words when someone asked, “how are you?” at the beginning of a Zoom call. Or when I received a heartfelt text from a colleague or acquaintance, I didn’t quite have an authentic expression to share. I found myself with a clenched jaw that I had to remind myself to release.…

The sharp sting of the wind whipping off the sea caused a chill to run from the top of their heads to the bottom of their toes. The constant hum of charging chariots filled their hearts with terror. The people cried out with complaints and questions. The Red Sea sat before them and Pharaoh’s armies closed in behind them. Mothers…

It has been over a year since the world turned upside down. This means it has been over a year since a lot of us have hugged a loved one in person or shared special times with those who matter most in our lives. Living away from immediate family or close friends can lead to a feeling of isolation. When…

Sarai felt desperation tugging at her heart, seeping in the edges of her sanity. She had never wanted anything more than to have a family with Abram. Each passing year of wandering felt as if they were wandering farther and farther from hope. Hope deferred was making her heartache. She racked her brain regularly to figure out how to make…

Jacob paced back and forth outside the tent. He stopped in his tracks and his shoulders went up to his ears when I let out a loud groan from the labor pains. This was my fourth child. Seeing him tense and worried during my labor actually gave me comfort. Perhaps he really did love me more than I realized. Maybe,…

She peeled her arm from underneath his head, hoping not to wake him. It’s rare that someone stayed overnight. They normally left immediately afterward to keep their secret safe. Coins were left on the nightstand. There were a few who would throw her money on the ground and watch her crawl like a dog to pick it up. Looking down…