Is the world groaning with more suffering today? It seems so. I know people living in their car. A neighbor (family of five) is facing eviction after struggling for two years with loss of income, loss of health, and mounting medical bills. Personally, I’ve been on the cusp of homelessness more than once. What can you do for friends in such difficult situations? How can you understand their challenges?…
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Grab your favorite brew and visit a few minutes with Encouragement from Living History. That sums up my blog: thoughts grounded in the Bible, sprinkled with interesting tidbits from history, all applied to life today. Readers say, “I learn something new every time I read your blog.” Here’s an open invitation to sit a few minutes now and come back often to share your thoughts.
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Daniel’s Life in Babylon: Prevailing Prayer
Have you ever tried to view a panoramic painting? Its sheer size and scope overshadow the details that comprise the picture. The same is true for the panorama of Daniel’s life. When he was first taken captive, false prophets claimed the Babylonian captivity would be short. But, as the years wore on, the apostate Hebrews lost sight of God even more than they had before. The Israelite nation seemed to be all but annihilated. That was certainly their captor’s goal….
Daniel in the Lions’ Den: A tale of conspiracy and conviction
Daniel in the lions’ den is one of the Bible’s best known stories. It speaks to the risks and rewards of standing for one’s convictions. But if we leave it at that, we overlook an important message for today….
What Wondrous Love Is This?
Dear God,
You love us with a love that I can’t fully comprehend. We often seek it for selfish reasons instead of reflecting it back to You in worship and adoration of You. We don’t deserve Your love, yet You give it freely.…
Daniel and Belshazzar: Radically different responses to cancel culture
As a result of the Israel-Hamas war, all public Christmas celebrations have been canceled in Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and Jordan to mourn the recent suffering. However, religious services are still allowed….
How to Walk Through Fire Like Daniel’s Friends Did
Daniel’s Early Years in Babylon: A new name
Decades before Daniel spent a night in the lions’ den, he was a teenager in Jerusalem, looking forward to the rest of his life. Little did he know how his life would abruptly change—even down to his name….
Obstacles or Opportunities: 7 lessons from the Israelite spies in Canaan
Part of my journey in getting treated for Lyme disease involved three cross-country moves. The second was to Texas. Maps told me it was big, but I had no idea HOW BIG….
Lord, Make Me a Pillar when the Earth Shakes
Have you ever felt like everybody is doing OK except you?…
How Much Should Your Heart Weigh?
Ancient Egyptians believed that they gained entry into the afterlife only after Ma’at, the goddess of justice, weighed their heart. She placed it on a balance scale opposite virtue, represented by a feather. If the heart balanced the scales, the deceased would gain a wonderful afterlife. A heart laden with misdeeds would tip the scale, condemning the person to a horrible oblivion….
