The Apostle of Love’s Cherry Tree Pt. 1 – Lord, He Stinketh

My earliest recollections of being in a church was when I was in third or fourth grade. A school friend of mine, Ray, invited me to a summer vacation Bible school in my then hometown of Duluth, Minnesota. It was in a little white Baptist church within walking distance of Grandma and Grandpa’s house. InsideContinue reading “The Apostle of Love’s Cherry Tree Pt. 1 – Lord, He Stinketh”

Eating of the Tree of Life Today

“But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first.” (Revelation 2:4-5). Volumes has been said about maintaining our first love with Jesus. This is a good thing! But what does this mean?Continue reading “Eating of the Tree of Life Today”

Giving Treasures to Jesus by Following

There’s a popular song nowadays among many churches whose melody and lyrics I enjoy worshiping the Lord with, but one particular line gives me heartburn. It goes like this: So I throw up my hands And praise You again and again ‘Cause all that I have is a Hallelujah, hallelujah And I know it’s notContinue reading “Giving Treasures to Jesus by Following”

The Future-Present Tree of Life

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit eachContinue reading “The Future-Present Tree of Life”

Jesus Son of Multiplication

No name is more wondrous, more amazing, more astounding, or more fascinating than the name “Jesus”! Recently I’ve been reacquainted with Jesus not as a brand new name announced in lowly Nazareth but as the rebirth of an ancient name, “Joshua,” for that is its meaning in Greek. The Greek Septuagint translation of “Joshua” sonContinue reading “Jesus Son of Multiplication”

Leviticus 14’s Love Story Grand Finale: The Gospels’ Grand Reveal Pt. 2

The cleansed leper starring in Leviticus 14’s unexpected love story has a face. Mark expertly integrated the gospel-drenched symbols of this remarkable play to reveal a flesh and blood person. It’s Mary of Bethany, the one who broke her alabaster jar of precious nard upon the Lord Jesus. She epitomizes a bride who loves JesusContinue reading “Leviticus 14’s Love Story Grand Finale: The Gospels’ Grand Reveal Pt. 2”

Leviticus 14’s Love Story Grand Finale: The Gospels’ Grand Reveal Pt. 1

The grand finale of Leviticus 14’s surprising love story has arrived at last! With the blueprint of the šemen-anointed (olive oil christened) leper in hand, Mark’s Gospel constructs in striking literary artistry the bride that captivates the heart of Jesus! Mark has masterfully integrated the good news Leviticus play into the good news of JesusContinue reading “Leviticus 14’s Love Story Grand Finale: The Gospels’ Grand Reveal Pt. 1”

Shorts: Awake, O Sword, Against My Valiant Shepherd

“Awake, O sword, against my shepherd,against the man who stands next to me,”declares the Lord of hosts. “Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered;I will turn my hand against the little ones. – Zechariah 13:7 (ESV) Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane, applied this to Himself, stating, “Strike the shepherd, and the sheepContinue reading “Shorts: Awake, O Sword, Against My Valiant Shepherd”

Leviticus 14’s Love Story: Act Two: Anointed with Abundance!

Can anything captivating come out of Leviticus? Yes! Amidst a litany of sacrifice specifics and priestly protocols, the law of the leper on the day of his cleansing ingeniously choreographs a dance of symbols performing a love story. This two-act play presents heaven’s Prince Charming sacrificing all, interlaced with His bride’s returning home motif! What’sContinue reading “Leviticus 14’s Love Story: Act Two: Anointed with Abundance!”

Leviticus 14’s Love Story: Act Two: A Homecoming’s Fresh Start

How startling to discover how so beautiful a romance could be tucked inside a book with such an off-putting reputation, Leviticus, filled with painstaking details of sacrifices and priestly protocols. Boring. Confusing. Irrelevant. Chapter 14, however, though equally meticulous in its priestly protocols for the leper on the day of his cleansing, when properly understood,Continue reading “Leviticus 14’s Love Story: Act Two: A Homecoming’s Fresh Start”