Category: Ruling in Life
Partnership with God in ruling on the Earth. Entering the spheres of influence to bring His Kingdom into society. Speaking His decrees and working to bring about His will.
-
Surrendering from Positions of Strength
Introduction In military engagements, diplomatic negotiations, even business discussions, it is a well- known necessity to confront one’s opponents from a position of strength. On the other hand, the Christian religion teaches that one best wins confrontations from an attitude of meekness and the surrender of one’s own interests. Bible stories, even the life of… Read more
-
King’s Treatment of Vashti: Immoral or Socially Acceptable?
Introduction The first chapter of the biblical book of Esther records the events of a great feast that King Xerxes (or Ahasuerus) gave for all his nobles and officials. At the height of it, as she was giving her own feast for the women in the royal palace, Xerxes summoned his wife to appear before… Read more
-
Intermingled Pictures of Armies Invading Israel
Introduction The book of the prophet Joel gives vivid descriptions of armies come to destroy the land of Israel. Though these armies are different in nature from each other, they have the same devastating effects on the land. Joel gives intermingled pictures of armies invading Israel. Three Different Armies Joel gives us pictures of an… Read more
-
Importance for Mavericks in Entertainment
Introduction Originally, a maverick was a wild, untamed horse, not a conforming part of a herd. In the entertainment industry, a maverick is a character who bucks established traditions, the orthodox methods of the crowd. There is an importance for mavericks in entertainment. Mavericks in Entertainment Mannix was such a TV show in the late… Read more
-
Passing through Chaos Waters in Baptism
Introduction I listened to Tim Mackie and Jon Collins of the Bible Project talk about four major metaphors used in the Scriptures. In the episode, The Mountain Garden and Human Ideal, Tim spoke of the Creator being a Rock in the dry land where people live. He also said that the waters of chaos were… Read more
-
Strategic Value of High Places in the New Testament
Introduction In a recent post, I wrote of the strategic value of high places in the Old Testament. I explained these as intersections of Heaven and Earth, where the Creator met with people to further His plan to make the whole Earth like Heaven. This time, I want to explain how the Creator’s Son embodied… Read more
-
Strategic Value of High Places in the Old Testament
Introduction In any military battle, high places give one a tactical advantage over one’s enemies. The opposing forces have to struggle uphill to reach one’s position. It is also possible to hide reserve forces below the hilltop on the other side of the hill. (See the ultimate battle in The Patriot). In the spirit realm,… Read more
-
Jezebel Embodied the Unfaithful People of Israel
Introduction I have been listening again to The Mountain series of podcasts from the Bible Project. Tim Mackie and Jon Collins discussed the ancient Middle Eastern concept of the Cosmic Mountain as portrayed in the Bible. One of these is Mt. Carmel, where Elijah confronted Israel with the reality of Yahweh’s power. He killed hundreds… Read more
-
My Favorite Response Is “Yes”
Introduction I thoroughly enjoy occasions, especially in Bible study, when there is a choice between one perspective or another, and it turns out the best answer is “Both”. When asked to choose between two options, my favorite response is “Yes”. Who Is the Son of Man? Throughout the Hebrew Bible, from Genesis to Daniel, the… Read more