“Jesus and the Lions’ Den”— it’s not a misprint!

There are some Old Testament stories that pop up in almost every toddler Bible: Noah and the ark, Jonah and the big fish, David and Goliath…

Daniel in the lions’ den is one of those—but there’s far more to it than most infant Bibles show—which is why we have cheekily called the story “Jesus and the Lions’ Den” instead.... continue reading

Have you ever lost trust in God?

I once did. It felt like a balloon in my chest quickly deflated. As I ransacked my mind for Scripture to keep me hopeful, my faith’s air level neared zero, and then it was too late—my heart decided to blame God. I never experienced this before. Even when life served its worst circumstances, I had faith that God saw and heard me.... continue reading

Peculiar Passages: The Case of the Cows and the Fishhooks

Some Old Testament prophecy is pretty weird. And it gets even weirder if we actually stop to imagine what it’s describing. That’s certainly the case with this snippet from Amos...... continue reading

His Testimonies Are My Heritage

I have grown up the majority of my life not really knowing or understanding much about my Mexican, Spanish and Native American heritage.... continue reading

Peculiar Passages: the Strange Case of the Forbidden Raisin Cakes

There are plenty of actions and attitudes that the Bible describes as wrong. Lying, thieving, adultery, anger, selfishness, pride, boasting… and eating raisin cakes.... continue reading

Peculiar Passages: The Case of the Wise Ants

It turns out there are ants in the Bible. But how can insects make you think about God? When you first read about the ants in Proverbs 30 v 24-28, you might not find them inspirational, exactly.... continue reading

Peculiar Passages: The Case of The Prophet, the Dead Boy, and Some Very Strange Events

2 Kings 4 v 14-37 is strange. We’re in Israel in about 800BC, and a barren woman living in Shunem gives a room to (well, builds a room for) Elisha, God’s prophet, and is given a son by God (v 14-17).... continue reading

Peculiar Passages: The Case of Ruth, Boaz and the Contractual Sandal

One of my favourite phrases in the Old Testament is “kinsman-redeemer”*. It comes up several times in the book of Ruth, along with some weird things about sandals and uncovering feet. If we unpack those verses, we not only find out what’s going on in Ruth, but also learn something wonderful about the Lord Jesus.... continue reading