In the Lighthouse

The Patriarchs and Their Desperate Housewives - Abraham & Sarah - Part One

“The Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, “Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward, for all the land that you see I will give to you and to your offspring forever. I will make your offspring as the dust of the earth, so that if one can count the dust of the earth, your offspring also can be counted. Arise, walk through the length and the breadth of the land, for I will give it to you” (Genesis 13:14-18, ESV).

In the Lighthouse: Restored!

Curiosity is a wonderful trait for the inquiring human mind. It propels man to seek out and discover things that will teach and inform us. It is the foundation upon which explorers venture into unknown territory tenaciously. There are, however, some places where wisdom cautions the curious seeker to pause before proceeding any further. Knowledge for the sake of knowing that which is forbidden informs us of the consequences that would soon follow. And some consequences are devastatingly life-altering. When the moth flies too close to the flame, it is dangerously close to having its wings singed, rendering its ability to flee useless. One woman learned her learned to appreciate God’s grace amid the consequences of her quest for knowing of things best left unknown.

A Place at the Table - Season Finale

Children have very vivid imaginations, and when nurtured, they grow to produce works of art, excellent storytelling, or musical arrangements that convey the depth of their creativity. When tragedy strikes, and we’re shaken from our moorings, it may take a miracle to restore us to those people, places, and things that bring us back to that place called home. This story is entitled “A Place at the Table,” and provides us with a look into the picture-perfect snow globe of a family in a house that was built for that family. If we look closely, we’ll see that their family picture is not as perfect as it seems from a distance. Perfection will only be achieved when Jesus returns, but for our story, we will look to the hope of this world, a babe, found swaddled and lying in a humble manger in the little town of Bethlehem.

Single and Waiting - Episode 18

Our American culture has specific norms understood by all. Of course, the norms have changed through the years and are more relaxed. For instance, decades ago, a woman wouldn’t initiate a dating relationship with a man because it would be considered forward. Today, the approach is no longer questioned. The culture drives our norms – including dating norms. But not everyone follows the dating culture that is part of the American dating scene. There are social cues and morays to consider. But what happens if you haven’t dated in a very long time because the culture conflicts with your faith? Do you still date?

Joseph - A Story of Grace - Episode 17

Many of us come from dysfunctional families and have parents whose names would never be put forward by their children to a survey of “best parents ever.” When we closely examine the parenting style of the patriarchs of God’s chosen people, we find that they were imperfect and prone to favoritism, lying, cheating, abuse, and all manner of sin acted out in God’s sight. Yet, their children survived and carried on these same behaviors throughout the generations. The hero from the Old Testament, whose name is synonymous with persecution, is Joseph, the second to youngest son of the great patriarch Jacob, who chose to live righteously. His story demonstrates God’s abounding grace amid patience and perseverance under fire.

Why Won’t God Answer My Prayers? - Episode 16

Do you feel as if you’re living through an endless period asking God to help you? You might ask, “Does God hear my prayers? Does he pick and choose which prayers he will answer? Are there certain people who have God’s ear over others?” Yes, there are people whose prayers are heard by God and they are those who abide in Christ Jesus and are not hindered by unconfessed sin. The truth will be his response and if you are not prepared to accept the truth, then you have your answer. Sometimes change can be a painful process, but if we’re willing to trust God to walk us through the storm, we will come out stronger and wiser.

Beyond the Looking Glass: An Escape From the New Age - Episode 15

When we look at our image in a mirror, there are many who will inevitably find flaws and turn away perhaps feeling one way or another. We all look for emotional avenues to express how we feel and much of it occurs when we’re alone. Unspoken truths and feelings can be expressed in the presence of that cold image staring back at us behind the looking glass. If we don’t possess a firm foundation found only in the saving grace of Jesus Christ, the temptation to turn to worldly philosophies to satisfy an immediate need that is accompanied by a deep-seated hurt is imminent.

A Tale of Two Queens: Esther - Episode 14 - Part Two

Hadassah, a young woman whose name was changed to Esther to save her life. A queen, who trusted God and stood in the gap for her people before the king. Queen Esther is the epitome of trust and obedience amid potential genocide. She is the second queen who stands in contrast to the first. Enjoy Part Two of “A Tale of Two Queens: Esther” and judge for yourself.

A Tale of Two Queens: Jezebel - Episode 14 - Part One

A princess is the daughter of a monarch – the ruler of a kingdom. Following her birth, she is cosseted and left in the care of handmaidens who will care for her, dress her and respond to her every whim. She brings value to her family in the form of strategic marriage alliances, and if she is beautiful, she would prove even more valuable through her father’s negotiations for the kingdom and the fortunes of her family. This week we will meet a woman who brought more than her beauty to the northern kingdom of Israel. She is a queen whose name lives in infamy - she is Jezebel.

In Sickness and in Health - Episode 13

Genesis 2:24 says, “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh” to demonstrate the ordinance set forth in the marriage covenant made before God. They are to rely on one another in all things. The mystery (and difficulty) of this type of union implies sacrificial responsibility – putting your spouse’s needs before your own.
Promises made and kept by a trustworthy partner are those that are highly valued. They supply comfort to the suffering soul, knowing that as the dawn breaks, their morning star is still with them. When a debilitating illness affects the family, how will God show his glory?