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Reflections on Prodigals

A prodigal recklessly spends, not counting the cost, is wasteful, often with another’s possessions or with trust capital or with her own life.

“He Called Its Name Rehoboth”

Watch what happens as the Lord allows you rest in a broad place where you can drink in his healing and helping grace.

If Jesus Did Not Rise . . .

John 20:11-18 tells of a woman named Mary Magdalene who, upon discovering the empty tomb, is clearly panicked by the idea the Lord has been “taken away” (John 20:13). First she must deal with Jesus’ death, and now the possibility someone has stolen his body, perhaps as some cheap stunt. [...]

A Gift from the Heart

Six days of silence must have left Moses ready to hear something—anything—from the LORD. Having been summoned by God to the top of Mt. Sinai, Moses expected some kind of interaction. But silence? Yet, Exodus 24 implies that for six days Moses—while shrouded by God’s glory—awaited God’s verbal initiative. Finally, “on the seventh day the LORD called to Moses from […]

Matthew R. St. John 2 min read

Doing the Ignoble Thing

Elijah had invited the prophets of Baal to join him in building two altars. They were to see which altar would be set afire by the ones they each worshipped—Baal, or the Holy God of Israel. Baal was not responding, an indication of his falsehood. Note how Elijah prepared for God’s anticipated response. Elijah took twelve stones (18:31). With these […]

Matthew R. St. John 1 min read

Rummaging Thru the God Box

Though we are now a few weeks beyond that date in which we arrived so enthusiastically in Fargo, North Dakota, we still have a plethora of boxes filling our garage like one of those obscure government warehouses in the Indiana Jones movies. Floor to ceiling, front to back . . . boxes are everywhere. What we need to do is […]

Matthew R. St. John 1 min read

Taking Note of the Little Things

Endless are the times when the cares of the heart are many. That is why one helpful encouragement, found in Psalm 94:19, is so worthy of your attention. Read it carefully: When the cares of my heart are many, Your consolations cheer my soul. Webster tells us that “consolation” has to do with comfort in the midst of grief or […]

Matthew R. St. John 1 min read

From This Morning’s Journal

“Frankly words are hard to find to describe my experience last night with Bethel’s elders. First was the transparency of the whole group. It was unbelievable . . . refreshing! “Secondly was the respect and trust. It is a culture of empowerment and not one of control. Their deference . . . was amazing; but not in a weak way. […]

Matthew R. St. John 41 sec read

“He Will Act”

With the lazy days of summer slowly slipping away, and the rush of a busy fall looming, one question pesters the mind: Are you ready? Some of you are preparing to head toward college. Some of you are determining just how to give special care to a needy loved one. Others are discerning how to spend precious dollars in an […]

Matthew R. St. John 1 min read