Love's Sacrifice: two broken people discover Jesus's redemptive love and in each other

Love’s Sacrifice by Evangeline Kelly is a story of love, faith and discovering the strength to overcome the past. Avery Loggins has learned to depend on no one but herself. Her mom couldn’t be trusted and her father walked out years before. When she landed a job at a popular diner as a kitchen assistant to Dean Galloway, the very handsome but grumpy chef. Eventually Avery agrees to a night out with Dean and before they know it, they do not want the night to end. So they end up eloping. Avery has a shocking moment of reality and leaves Dean with a goodbye letter. However, Dean doesn’t want to let her go. When he shows up, determined to show her how much she means to him, they both learn the true meaning of sacrifice and find a love that can last a lifetime. 

Love’s Sacrifice is a contemporary Christian romance in which two broken people discover Jesus’s redemptive love. The story is fairly fast paced with a sweet romance with hard hitting issues and beautifully explains the love and sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. I loved both Avery and Dean as individuals who have been deeply hurt by life’s circumstances. I also loved these two people who rejected even talking about God and God placed people in their lives that quietly opened their eyes to His love. From the good friend to a family who has lost it all and still has joy and a man who has turned his life around all show Dean and Avery the power of God’s love. Overall, I could not put this book down and I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I highly, highly recommend Love’s Sacrifice. 

Love’s Sacrifice is available in eBook

Judas Iscariot: the most hated disciple and the story I thought I knew

Everyone knows the story of Judas Iscariot. I thought I knew the story of Judas Iscariot. I thought his story would be an easy and straightforward blog post. Because why not? He has become one of the most hated individuals in the Bible. Jesus called him “a devil” (John 6:70-71). To many, he is the villain in Jesus’s story. Throughout history, believers have used his story to humiliate their enemies. He has been hated for his betrayal. He has been pitied. He couldn’t have known what his actions would set in motion. Some even called him a hero of sorts for simply playing his part in God’s plan (Psalm 41:9, Zechariah 11:12,13). While Jesus chose Judas as a disciple, Judas would betray him. Who was Judas? Why would he betray Jesus? What motivations were at work? Why would he jeopardize his relationship with Jesus? What lesson can we take from his life? 

Little is known about Judas’ life before he was chosen by Jesus. It is believed that he came from the town of Kerioth in Judea. Iscariot is Greek derived from the Hebrew ish Kerioth or man of Kerioth (Tate, 2025). His name means “praised” and would have been the fourth most common name of the time, behind Lazarus, Joseph and Simon (Tate, 2025). However, he was known as treacherous and greedy. Judas was a thief as keeper of the money bag and he would help himself to its contents (John 12:6). He would betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16) and a kiss (Matthew 26:48-49, Mark 14:43-51, Luke 22:47-53, John 18:1-11). After he saw Jesus condemned by the Jewish High Council, Judas returned the blood money and killed himself (Matthew 27:3-10, Acts 1:18-19). The saddest statement about Judas is he was so remorseful that he committed suicide and yet he was unrepentant (Tate, 2025). To contrast with Peter’s denial. Peter was remorseful, repented and was restored. It is the different paths remorse can lead us. One without repentance leads to destruction and one with repentance leads to forgiveness.

Judas, like all the disciples, misunderstood Jesus’ mission on earth. They expected Jesus to make political moves and yet he spoke of dying. The Irish band U2 has a great song Until the End of the World (1991 album Achtung Baby) which gives a picture to Judas’s possible internal monologue. The constant topic must have led to feelings of anger, fear and disappointment. When Jesus praised Mary for pouring the perfume (John 12:1-8), Judas’s greed for money and status blinded him to the significance of Mary’s gesture. His desires allowed him to be in a place to be manipulated, seeking favor with the religious leaders instead and when he tried to undo what he had done, it was too late. God’s sovereign plan was already moving. It was not God who rejected Judas, but Judas who rejected God (Winger, 2022). The exact motivation of Judas’ betrayal is unknown; however, it is theorized that he was trying to force Jesus’ hand, He may have wanted to see Jesus fight back and to rebel against the Romans and set up a new Jewish government.  Was he hoping for a prominent place in this new kingdom? Judas’s misunderstanding of Jesus’s mission on earth reminds me, once again, that God’s thoughts and plans are not our thoughts and plans (Isaiah 55:8-9). I cannot pretend to understand his thoughts; but I trust he knows more than I do. 

Judas didn’t lose his relationship with Jesus because he didn’t have one in the first place. One important clue is in Matthew 26:20-30 at the Last Supper. When Jesus spoke about the one who would betray him, the other disciples asked “Surely not, I Lord?” (verse 22) except Judas who asked “Surely, not I, Rabbi?” (verse 25). He was called the “doomed to destruction” (John 17:12). He is a great example of how a person can hear amazing biblical teachings, say and do all the right things and still reject Christ (Faith Bible Church, 2020). There are still Judases among us today. Paul warns in 1 Timothy 4:1, “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” Men and women who will publicly convert to Christianity and yet do horrible acts. Men and women who will service in ministry and yet walk away. We are told to examine ourselves (2 Corinthians 13:5) and test ourselves to see if we are in the faith. The saddest aspect of Judas’s story is he took his life not realizing he could seek forgiveness and he would have received it from Jesus. You can’t outsin the grace of God, but you must seek his grace to receive it (Tate, 2025).

The key lessons from Judas’s life are simple and highlight what evil can do in our lives. First, evil, hateful thoughts and motives leave us open to being used for an even greater evil plan of Satan. We must guard our hearts as Proverbs 4:23 calls the hearts “the wellspring of life,” Paul tells that the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds in Jesus and think on praiseworthy things (Philippians 4:7-8). Second, the consequences of evil are so devastating even small lives and little wrongdoings have serious effects. Judas’s story gives us the opportunity for self-reflection on how small ethical compromises can lead to significant moral failures (Roat, 2024). Third, God’s plans and purposes work out even in the worst possible events. God was not blindsided by this betrayal, he used it to help bring salvation to the world (Roat, 2024). Judas’s story helps us evaluate our own relationship with Jesus and our commitment to God. We can ask ourselves: are we true disciples? Or are we uncommitted pretenders? Judas is an example that you can have an abundance of knowledge of who Jesus is, and even experience life with him, and still reject him (Faith Bible Church, 2022). 

Before studying Judas’s story, he was a man I despised. He walked with Jesus and yet betrayed him. After studying his life, I felt pity for him. To be so close to Jesus and yet not see him. I also found myself asking. What would I have done? In conclusion, Judas is a tragic character. Tragic because he is an example that it is not enough to be familiar with Jesus’ teachings. True followers love and obey Jesus and his teachings. Judas’s failure to have a true relationship with Jesus is terrifying. To have someone that close to Jesus and do something so terrible should be a sobering reminder to us all. For Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:21, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” I pray that we all truly know Jesus and follow him. 

Resources

Faith Bible Church (August 27, 2020). Judas Iscariot: Chosen or not? Blog post. https://www.faithtwincities.com/blog/post/judas-iscariot-chosen-or-not. Retrieved November 22, 2025. 

Roat, Alyssa (August 12, 2024). Who Was Judas Iscariot? Christianity.com. https://www.christianity.com/wiki/people/who-was-judas-iscariot.html. Retrieved November 22, 2025. 

Tate, David (November 28, 2021). The Life of Judas Iscariot (Part 1). Now Let’s Be Honest. YouTube. https://youtu.be/5NTIK5jFwBA?si=4TfLEGrjvtelogMD. Retrieved November 9, 2025.

Tate, David (December 5, 2021). The Life of Judas Iscariot (Part 2). Now Let’s Be Honest. YouTube. https://youtu.be/snM9zmFM9eQ?si=bIXihizJlznzxuhI. Retrieved November 10, 2025. 

Winger, Mike. (December 16, 2022). 20 Questions with Pastor Mike (Episode 90). Mike Winger. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/live/shxFzoZt-UQ?si=odluAxo_nXXMqyCh. Retrieved November 10, 2025. 

Andrew: a disciple eager to bring people to Jesus

Andrew is the brother of Simon Peter and very little is known about him. He was a fisherman with his brother. He was called by Jesus to follow him. Despite being an early follower of Jesus, Andrew is only mentioned by name twelve times and four of those are in the list of the disciples. In Catholicism, Andrew is the patron saint of fishermen, singers and the patron saint for the countries of Scotland, Romania, Russia, Ukraine, and Patras. Tradition holds that Andrew died by crucifixion around 60 AD and he didn’t seem himself worthy to die as Jesus did. He was bound, not nailed, to a X and not a T. This is what the Saint Andrew’s Cross flag is an X. Who was Andrew? What is special about him? And what is the key lesson we can take from Andrew? 

Andrew was a special man. He seems to be the opposite of his brother. As Simon was rash and impulsive, Andrew might have been quiet and reflective. The gospels do not record much of Andrew’s words, mostly likely because he didn’t have much to say. He may have been more focused on listening and learning. He could be seen as the silent partner but still essential; in building the church and bringing people to Jesus. Andrew accepted John the Baptist’s testimony about Jesus and told his brother and friends about it (John 1:35-42). He was one of the men that Jesus would say he would be a fisher of men. When the large crowd needed to be fed, Andrew brought forward the boy with the five small barley loaves and two small fish (John 6:8-9). Even when he questioned how such a small amount would feed the large crowd, he still brought it to Jesus’s attention. 

Andrew was eager to bring people to Jesus. When he heard John the Baptist call Jesus the Lamb of God, he immediately ran to tell his brother (John 1:35-42). Andrew was first a disciple of John the Baptist. He knew without question that Jesus was the Messiah. I can imagine a very excited Andrew rushing to tell Simon and even may have been a bit incoherent in his excitement. Think about it. Remember a time when you were so excited to tell someone good or exciting news that the words just flowed out and you had to be told to take a deep breath and slow down? That is how I imagine Andrew as he rushed to inform Simon about Jesus. He, along with Philip, informed Jesus that a few Greeks wanted to speak with him (John 12:20-22). In verse 22, Andrew and Philip told Jesus about the Greeks request to see Jesus. They didn’t question if they deserved to even ask, as some of the other disciples may have, because they were Greeks. I think at this point, Andrew had seen Jesus preach to, heal and forgive so many people, Jews and Gentiles alike, that he knew Jesus was here for all who seek him.

 That is the key lesson from Andrew’s life is Christians are to be willing to tell other people about Jesus. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus calls us to make disciples of all nations. Talking to others about Jesus can come easily to some and for others, it is a daunting task. Some people can easily talk with just about anyone and others speak more easily with people they know/ Simon Peter was most likely an extroverted person who could easily preach and outreach among large crowds as recorded in Acts. This thought of speaking like this to an introverted person, like myself, makes them feel anxiety. It is important to draw on your strengths. If you are great at speaking to large crowds, that’s great. You can do that to talk about Jesus to others. If you are better at one-on-one personal, intimate conversations, you can still talk to others about Jesus. The size of the crowd is not the requirement. 

In conclusion, while information about Andrew is limited, what we do know is amazing. Considering he was not in the forefront as his brother, Andrew may have more reserved, humble, and patience with the willingness to listen and learn. He is an example of enthusiasm and passion for Jesus and His message. He did not delay in his belief in Jesus and he demonstrated great faith and confidence. When he heard the good news of Jesus, he could not contain himself and told his brother. He also left his entire life to follow Jesus and continued to follow him even when he saw what it meant to truly follow him. He served Jesus in any way he could, including bringing people who wanted to know Jesus more. This attitude speaks volumes as much as a fiery speech or sermon. 

Simon Peter: the man who is an example of God's forgiveness and restoration

The first words Jesus said to the fisherman, Simon, were “Come, Follow me” (Mark 1:17) and his last words were “You must follow me” (John 21:22). Simon had heard Jesus speak before this invitation as his brother, Andrew, would bring him to listen to speak. While Simon would stumble, he never failed to follow. He was an ordinary fisherman going about his ordinary day when his life and world would drastically change. He would become a new person with a new vision and a new purpose. However, he would be far from perfect. We may wonder what Jesus saw in Simon, and I’m sure even Simon wondered what he saw in him as Jesus would rename him Peter, the rock. Simon was hotheaded and impulsive, far from the steady rock he was supposed to be. His impulsivity would become boldness as he preached Jesus and his gospel. 

The Sea of Galilee was a large lake with approximately 30 fishing towns along its shores, Capernaum was the largest. As a fisherman, Simon didn’t shy away from hard work and long days. Along with his brother, Andrew and their friends, John and James, son of Zebedee, he spent hours on the waters of the Sea of Galilee, casting large nets in order to gather large amounts of fish. He was a strong man with many accomplishments as one of Jesus’s chosen twelve. He became a recognized leader among the disciples and one of the inner three with John and James. Simon Peter would be there to witness the Transfiguration and get a glimpse of the glorified Jesus. He was the great voice of the gospel before, during and after Pentecost. He may have given Mark the information he needed to write his gospel. He was also flawed and the gospels are filled with his weaknesses and shortcomings. Simon Peter often spoke rashly, brashly and without thinking. He would deny Jesus three times as Jesus predicted, despite Simon Peter’s adamant statements that he never would. He also had a hard time accepting that Jesus’s message was for all: Jews and Gentiles alike. Traditions hold that Peter was crucified upside down as he felt unworthy to die as his Lord did. 

While tradition holds that Peter gave John Mark, a fellow follower of Jesus, his account in order to write the Gospel of Mark, Peter did write his own letters to believers. 1 Peter is a letter to encourage those Christians who were suffering. He had known suffering. Peter had been persecuted, brought in front of Sanhedrin and imprisoned by the Romans for preaching the gospel. He wrote in 1 Peter 4:12-13, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the suffering of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed where his glory is revealed.” 2 Peter was a warning against false prophecies and false teachers. False teachers will tell people anything for money (2 Peter 2:3). It is a warning that believers today need to heed as many false teachers have profited off believers’ faith and reverence for teachers. False teachers will “introduce destructive heresies” (2 Peter 2:1) and will exploit believers for their greed (2 Peter 2:3).

There are lessons we can learn from Simon Peter’s life. First, enthusiasm for the gospel has to be backed by faith and understanding. It is not enough to believe in the gospel and have faith in it; we need to know it, by reading it and studying it. Second, God’s faithfulness can compensate for our moments of great unfaithfulness. Peter had one of the greatest moment of unfaithfulness when he denied knowing Jesus three times (Matthew 26:69-75, Mark 14:66-72, Luke 22:55-62, and John 18:17,25-27) after swearing that he would never deny him (Matthew 26:33.35 and Mark 14:29,31). When Jesus appeared after the resurrection, He would offer forgiveness by having Peter profess his love three times (John 21:15:17). By professing his love three times, Peter is forgiven and restored. Third, it is better to be a follower who fails and gets back up than one who fails to follow at all. Peter is a follower who failed many times. He was often rebuked for speaking rashly. He started to sink in the water as he took his eyes off of Jesus. But he was a follower who got back up after each failure and became a revered figure. Jesus doesn’t need us to be perfect. He needs us to believe and follow. 

As a disciple, Simon Peter is considered a saint and therefore perfect. He was far from perfect. He was a flawed man, a working man, chosen by Jesus and his impulsivity became boldness for the gospel, becoming a great leader of the early church. However, it is important for us to remember he wasn’t perfect, even as he walked with Jesus, he was ruled by his emotions, spoke his mind even when he should have been listening and often acted before he should have. Remember, God doesn’t want perfection. He wants us to love Him with all our hearts and with all our souls and with all our minds (Matthew 22:37). Simon Peter is an example for us that when we fail, God is there to forgive and restore us when we repent. We will make mistakes, but what is important is to turn to God when we do. 

I highly recommend You Will Be Peter by Jerry Lathan with Steven Manchester. It is a great emotional account of who Simon Peter was and how he became the Bible figure we know today. It is available in hardcover and eBook

Martha: a woman of faith who worked hard and often lost sight of what's more important

Everyone knows Martha. She often gets a bad rep as the active and pragmatic woman who was all work, work, work and never at a loss for words. There is a popular book called Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World which focuses on the busyness of Martha. As the oldest sibling, Martha was used to being in charge. She actively questioned, challenged and asked Jesus to rectify what she felt had gone wrong. Like Jacob, she wrestled with her faith. Like Job, she questioned Jesus in her suffering. Like Peter, she stumbled forward in faith despite her mistakes. Martha’s story points to what is really important in life. She learns that there is a proper time to listen to Jesus and a proper time to work for him. What is her story? Why would she focus on her work and not her guests? 

Martha lived with her brother, Lazarus, and her sister, Mary, in her home in Bethany, a village a few miles from Jerusalem. The siblings were close and intimate friends with Jesus. During one of his frequent visits, Martha becomes upset with Mary as her sister sits with Jesus and the men while Martha struggles to provide for the guests. Feeling ignored and unappreciated, Martha demanded that Jesus tell Mary to help her. She probably felt that Jesus was the only person who could get Mary on her feet and help Martha with the necessary preparations. However, Jesus did not do that. Instead, he gently rebukes Martha for her worry and focusing on the wrong things. While her properties were good, they were not the best at the time. The personal attention to her guests should be more important than the comfort she provides. Martha may have become embarrassed and startled as she did not realize that Jesus would turn the tables on her. Distracted by the need to serve, as was the custom of the day, Martha forgot to enjoy her time with her guest.

The work of women was clearly defined in Martha’s day. Women of the time kept busy with a variety of tasks from sunup and sundown. Their tasks probably included:

• Grinding grain for the daily bread, then mixing, kneading, and baking the bread

• Purchasing the meats or preparing meats from the household’s flocks for the day’s meals

• Carding, spinning and weaving threads for cloth (i.e. clothing, bedding and other uses)

• Sewing

• Drawing the day’s water

• Washing the dishes and laundry

• Teaching and disciplining the children

The list is not so different from today’s women and their responsibilities as wives and mothers. Tasks that become tedious, exhausting and overwhelming but are never not unimportant. Jesus’ words to Martha was not to mean that “women’s work” was unimportant and be left undone. However, these tasks should not take the place of daily and intimate contact with our families and the Lord. For example, when your child wants to color with you but you tell him no because there is laundry to fold. The laundry can wait for twenty minutes while you color a page with your child. I know from experience, it is easier said than done. It takes an active push to ignore certain tasks for the unplanned. 

Another interaction with Jesus, Martha greeted him with a mix of disappointment, grief and hope. After the illness and death of her brother, Martha ran to Jesus when she learned that he was approaching the village. She greets him with a complaint but faith as well. In John 11:21 says Martha greeted Jesus with “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” This statement shows that Martha deeply believed in Jesus and trusted that he came to do God’s will. What she didn’t understand is that Jesus has power over death, not just against death but over it. Through Jesus, death no longer has any power over us. We do not need to fear death any longer. Jesus responds to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26). She replies that she believes and her statement reveals a woman of deep faith. 

In conclusion, the more we delve into Martha’s story, the more she looks familiar. A woman who focuses on her own activity and not openly sitting with Jesus. She pleads for fairness without realizing that her vision of fairness was in fact, unfair. Her approach made life and faith too difficult. However, she loved Jesus and was confident in his love for her. How else could she find the courage to keep pressing him for answers? As her friend, Jesus helped her stretch her faith, refocus her vision and see the power of what God can do. Jesus meets us where we are and shows us where we should be. Like Martha, we can take our complaints, our questions and our doubts directly to Jesus. We can tell him what is bothering us and ask for his guidance to deal with or respond to any situation. 

Joanna: an important woman to Jesus's ministry

Joanna was a woman of high rank in Herod’s court when she experienced healing at the hands of Jesus. She was a woman of means, political influence, devotion and perseverance for Jesus. And at a time when women were viewed as unreliable witnesses, she is one of a group of women who first heard the news of Jesus’ resurrection. Joanna would be known as a disciple and apostle of Jesus. However, her name is only mentioned twice in the Scriptures and both times are very important. As her name means, “The Lord gives graciously,” she responds to her healing by giving herself totally to his ministry by following him and with her monetary support. Very little is known about Joanna; but why is she important enough to mention by name? As Jesus healed lots of people during his ministry, why is mentioning her healing important? 

Joanna was a wealthy woman who was accustomed to the atmosphere of worldliness and intrigue surrounding the royal courts. She was married to Cuza, the manager of Herod’s household (Luke 8:3). She would most likely be well aware of Herod’s corruption and evil deeds including the death of John the Baptist. The Scriptures don’t specify what Joanna suffered from; however, she is one of three women mentioned as being healed from evil spirits and disease (Luke 8:2-3). Scriptures also do not say if Jesus had been in Herod’s court. I think it is safe to say she sought him out outside of the court. After she was healed, she and the other women helped support Jesus and the disciples with their own money. She may have accompanied Jesus during his ministry for at least two years. And considering his ministry was roughly three years, her time with Jesus is significant. The next time the Scriptures mention Joanna, she is with Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of James, as they encounter the angels who proclaim that Jesus has risen (Luke 24:10) and spread the word to the disbelieving disciples (Luke 24:11).

Before modern medicine, minor ailments were treated by a family member or a neighbor who was skilled in the healing arts. Severe illnesses were often treated by a priest who also acted as a physician. As most diseases were thought to be the result of spirits or demons, most medical practices relied heavily on spiritual remedies. Before the discovery of germs, illnesses were often thought to be an imbalance of the humors. The humors were chemicals related to the elements and regulated human health and behaviors. The Scriptures detail more on the prevention of diseases rather than the cures. Ill people were considered unclean and contagious and were kept away from people. The New Testament speaks more on leprosy as a source of uncleanliness and therefore social shunning (Mark 1:40-42). The Gospels are filled with examples of Jesus’ healing powers and no disease or deformity was beyond his power. From paralysis (Mark 2:3-12) to mute and blindness (Matthew 9:27-33) to shriveled limbs (Luke 13:11-13). Jesus still heals today. Sometimes through modern medicine and doctors, sometimes without human intervention and some are brought home to Him. Healing with his divine, sometimes seemingly miraculous, but loving touch. 

It is often overlooked that women are named in the Scriptures. However, it is significant, because women are important to Jesus. Jesus lifted women up from degradation and servitude to the joy of fellowship. In Jewish culture, women weren’t allowed to learn from rabbis and yet, Jesus taught them alongside the men. By including women, Jesus was showing that all people are equal and important to God. Joanna and these women supported his ministry with their own money, behind the scenes but equally as important and essential to those in the foreground. It is a great example of how each believer can be a great resource to God whether we are center stage or not. And yes, throughout history and sadly even in modern times, the Scriptures have been used to oppress women. It hurts my heart to hear and see how God’s words have been used to degrade women to second class citizens. However, a true and deep study of the word of God will show that women are important and essential to His Kingdom. Not just to bear and raise children and take care of the home, women are important to his message of salvation. 

In conclusion, Joanna is one example of the importance of women to Jesus and the kingdom of God. She was a woman in need of healing and when she received that healing, she responded by following and supporting Jesus’ ministry. Joanna was also one of the women who the angel revealed the good news of the Resurrection. She may have also continued spreading His message for the rest of her life. While women have been oppressed with the use of the Scriptures, a study of women like Joanna shows that women were important to Jesus. Jesus tells us in Matthew 20:16, “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” To God, the gift of grace is available to all, not just the ones who are viewed as desirable. We are all important to God and all can come to him for salvation and healing. 

The Woman of Samaria: an encounter with Jesus and the Living Water

In John 4:1-42, the Woman of Samaria is a nameless woman whose encounter with Jesus as well as changed her life and the lives of her village. She would not have been the most people’s first choice to advance the gospel in a region it had yet reached. As a Samaritan, she is looked down upon by the Jews. She is an outcast in her village because of her lifestyle. She lived a life that relegated her to the fringes of her society. Yet her encounter with Jesus broke through the barriers of culture, race and religion in order to bring her to his offer of salvation. What is her story? Why is water an important factor in their exchange? And why discuss this nameless woman? 

A woman comes to Jacob’s well, the well of the village of Sychar, to draw water in the heat of the afternoon. She does so to avoid the wagging tongues and scathing comments of the other women who look down upon her. Little did she know that her life would never be the same. When she arrives at the well, she notices a Jewish man seated at the well. She thinks he will ignore her as most Jews avoid any contact with Samaritans. However, to her surprise, he asked for a drink of water. In her shock, she asks why? Her simple questions sparks a conversation that will change her life. This man talks about living water and she scoffs. When he asks her to bring her husband, she looks to the ground and admits she has no husband. He responds with more information about her life that he couldn’t possibly know. Their conversation is the first time Jesus admits to being the Messiah as the woman wonders if he truly could be the one they are waiting for. She goes back to the village and tells her story which leads many in the village to believe too. 

It may seem ridiculous to discuss the importance of water. We know that water is important to our bodies and our health. Water is an important building block for many bodily functions that we don’t even realize need water. Water is as important as food. Many of us are so used to the modern convenience of running water that we never wonder where the water is coming from. However, even today, water takes an amazing journey to come to our homes and businesses. In the village of Sychar and other areas of Palestine, water would be a rarity that measures were taken to make sure water was as plentiful as possible. The people become adept at gathering water during the rainy seasons in cisterns and covered pools. Gathering water from the local well would be a daily chore. Water is symbolically used throughout Scriptures. In Psalms 69:1-2, 14 and 124:5, David describes his troubles as deep waters. Proverbs 18:4 uses water as an illustration for people’s words and wisdom. Good news is described as fresh water (Proverbs 25:25) and washes away sins (Psalm 51:7, Ephesians 5:26, and Hebrews 10:22). And at the well, Jesus speaks of a living water that will quench the spiritual thirst (John 4:13). 

So, water is important both physically and used symbolically to describe the gift of salvation that Jesus offers. So a conversation at a well makes sense. But why this nameless woman? It is really simple. She represents the lowest of the low. A female in a society in which they were traditionally demeaned and disregarded. She was a member of a race that was traditionally despised by the Jews and she was living in shame as a social outcast. Despite all this, her holy encounter with Jesus not only brings her to salvation but many in her village as well. Her story is significant for three reasons. First, it shows Jesus' love for the world. His heart for all people is revealed as he speaks so directly, as equals, with her, the lowest of the low. Second, it reminds us that only Jesus can provide salvation. He is the Living Water that comes from God and lasts forever. Third, it is an example of the importance of our own testimony. Our stories may seem insignificant and unremarkable. And yet someone, somewhere may believe and receive salvation because of our story. 

In conclusion, the story of the Samaritan woman is the offer of the Living Water of Jesus and salvation. Are you thirsty? Is there a longing that you can’t seem to understand or meet? Is there a void that you hunger to fill. An emptiness you can’t explain? Have you tried to fill it with relationships? Material things? Alcohol? Drugs? There’s nothing in this world that can fill a spiritual thirst and hunger. Only Jesus can provide the living water that your soul thirsts for. To satisfy every longing. To soothe your soul. God knows everything about us, even the things we wish he didn’t. Despite this all, He loves us. All we need to do is confess our sins and He will provide the strength to overcome the ugliness of ourselves. 

For as high as the heavens are above the earth, 

so great his love for those who fear him; 

as far as the east is from the west, 

so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”

-Psalm 103:11-12

Potiphar's Wife: a story of temptation and how to resist it

Potiphar’s Wife was not a nice woman. She was a prosperous and influential woman who was unfaithful and vindictive. Her name is never mentioned. She is just the spoiled, bored wife of Potiphar, a prosperous Egyptian official, a captain of Pharaoh’s executioners. She was ready to lie to protect herself and ruin an innocent man, all because she didn’t get what she wanted. Her advances toward Joseph, a slave, were rebuffed and her pride was wounded. She is featured briefly in the story of Joseph in Genesis 39:6-20. This story is an example in temptation and Joseph, an example of how to resist it. As well as Jesus, another example of how to resist temptations with the use of Scripture.

She determined to use her charms to seduce Joseph, the handsome, young Hebrew slave, in her husband’s household. At 17, Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers and Potiphar bought Joseph and gradually entrusted him with more and more responsibility. When his wife saw Joseph, she immediately wanted him and invited him into her bed. Joseph was quick to rebuff her advances and did his best to avoid being in her presence. Unfortunately, she would not take no for an answer. When Joseph refused one last time and ran away, he leaves his cloak behind. She then takes her “evidence” and accuses him of attempted rape. It is possible she accuses him out of fear that Joseph would tell Potiphar of her behavior. Or most likely, she accuses him into punish him. How dare he say no! Joseph was thrown into prison and we know the rest of his story. However, Potiphar’s wife is never mentioned again. She was a hollow woman who was fueled with the corrosive power of lust and hate.

When Joseph tells Potiphar’s wife no, he says “How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9). And when she later tells her husband and Potiphar is outraged that his trusted servant would do such a thing. He sends Joseph to prison when he could have easily sent him to his death. Why didn’t he? Did Potiphar know about his wife’s advantages and he knew Joseph was innocent? Did he throw him in prison instead of ordering his execution to save him? Was he forced to believe his wife over a slave? Whatever the reason for Potiphar’s decision to send Joseph to prison, God took away her “victory” and gave Joseph the blessing of an even higher status. After two years in prison, he comes before Pharaoh and can interpret his dreams when no one was able to (Genesis 41:14-32) and then given great responsibility with only the Pharaoh greater than him (Genesis 41:39-40). Whatever happens to Potiphar and his wife? Did she finally get caught in a web of lies? In tangled sheets? Did she eventually lose her wealth, status, and luxurious life? We may never know.

The resistance of temptation is at the center of this story. While Joseph did not have Scripture to tell him that it was a sin against God. For us, our example is Jesus as he uses Scripture to resist sin. Satan uses Scripture against Jesus in his weakness. In Matthew 4:1-12 and Luke 4:1-13, Jesus spends forty days and forty nights fasting in the desert. He was hungry, tired, and weak, ripe for Satan’s temptation. In his weakness, Jesus towards Scripture to battle against temptations. We can use Scripture for the same purpose. Satan tells him, “you’re hungry, make bread.” Jesus replies, “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Deuteronomy 8:3). Satan then tells him, “If you are the son of God, throw yourself down, for God will command his angels concerning you (Psalm 91:11). Jesus answers him with “Do not put the Lord your God to the test” (Deuteronomy 6:16). Satan tries a third and final time and says, worship me and I will give you all the kingdoms of the world. Jesus rebukes him with “Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only” (Deuteronomy 6:13).

In conclusion, Potiphar’s wife wasn’t used to be told no and a young slave dared to do so. She takes her revenge by accusing him of a horrible crime. She taught she won; but God had other ideas. He took the virtuous Joseph and elevated him even higher than being a slave in an official’s household. Joseph becomes the highest man in the land, only answering to Pharaoh himself. What happens to Potiphar’s wife? The Bible is silent on the rest of her life, but we know that her desire to punish Joseph for his rebuff was used by God for his glory and purpose. While the story is an example of resisting temptation, Jesus gives us the ultimate example of resistance temptations to protect us and glorify God.

After Evangelicalism: a call to refocus on Jesus

After Evangelicalism: A Path to a New Christianity by David P. Gushee is an examination into evangelicalism in the US as well as the forces behind the massive exodus from evangelical churches and Christianity in general. Mr. Gushee, a Christian ethicist and a self-described progressive evangelical, offers a way forward for the disillusioned post-evangelicals by providing a detailed analysis of what went wrong with US evangelicalism in terms of identity, biblical interpretations, church life, sexuality, politics, and race. His goal is to offer clues for getting out of the maze he calls Evangelicalism and refocus on a relationship with Jesus. Arguing against the white, male Christian leaders, Gushee sets to use biblical scripture and history to a new way of Christian belief, belonging and behaving which includes all who want to believe in Jesus and seek a relationship with him as he believes that following Jesus out of Evangelical Christianity is not only possible but necessary.

After Evangelicalism is the second book I’ve read by Mr. Gushee and he offers a no-holds-bar investigation into the history of evangelicalism in the US. Many Conservative Christians will not like this book as they will see it as a direct attack on Christianity itself. And many liberal Christians will see his proposals as a way true to Christianity as it should be. As someone who left the evangelical church in my mid-20s, I found many of his arguments against evangelicalism to be relatable. While I do not agree with all his points, he makes a great argument against the rise of the prosperity theology, which he condemns the main premise of the theology that God wants us to be “wealthy, lovely and thin.” In After Evangelicalism, Gushee offers an honest look into the history of the evangelical movement since the 1940s and its failures as it pushed people away from Jesus, rather than drawing them to him. If you find yourself disillusioned with the mega, mainstream church, I recommend checking out After Evangelicalism.

After Evangelicalism:

A Path to a New Christianity

 is available in paperback and audiobook

A Prophetic Calendar: linking the festivals of Israel to Jesus the Messiah

A Prophetic Calendar: The Feasts of Israel by Jill Shannon is a powerful book that takes the reader through the Feasts of Israel and how each one points to Jesus, his life and his second coming. It also paints a wonderful picture of God’s timeless desire to draw all people to Him and have an intimate relationship with them. Ms. Shannon sets out to detail how the seven festivals all foreshadow the life and ministry of Jesus the Messiah and goes in depth on the origins and details of how each festival is celebrated. She details how each festival can be celebrated today in a world and culture dictated by busyness and work. Details from each festival are thoroughly examined for their symbolism and meaning, Ms. Shannon uses Scripture as evidence that the requirements for the festivals aren’t random and point to Jesus as the Messiah and Lamb of God. From the festivals laid out in Leviticus and the festivals of deliverance in celebration from historical events, readers can appreciate that God has left no detail to chance. Even the importance of celebrating the Sabbath, which means a day to cease and desist, whatever day you choose to celebrate it. Let the Sabbath be a day to focus on the Lord.

A Prophetic Calendar is a great book for Christians who want to know more and possibly celebrate these festivals. She uses Scripture, historical records and her own personal experiences to provide an experience of each festival as many Christians may not ever experienced before. Overall, I enjoyed the book and Ms. Shannon’s in depth examination of every detail. Although, she kept repeating that the Jewish holidays are hard to find on a “normal” calendar which isn’t true. My yearly calendar always has the major holidays like Passover, Purim, Yom Kippur, etc. Although I disagreed with a few of her statements, I found her to be insightful and genuine. I recommend for anyone who wants to know more about the history of the festivals and their link to Jesus.

A Prophetic Calendar

is available in paperback and eBook

Land of Silence: a fictionalized story of one woman's journey to Jesus and ultimate healing

Land of Silence by Tessa Afshar is the story of Elianna, a young girl torn apart by guilt. When her younger brother, the pride and joy of her family, dies while under her care, Elianna seeks forgiveness by working in her father’s textile trade and caring for her grieving parents and younger sister. She finds herself in the sole charge of the business, her talent for design brings amazing success; however, despite her success and work ethic, she doesn’t receive the forgiveness she seeks. As her world unravels, she breaks off her engagement with a man she loves, sacrificing her feelings so that he can find a wife worth of him. Illness strikes, leaving her at the misery of doctors with different cures but to no avail. Soon she is isolating from everyone and everything she loves as Jewish law dictates. Soon whispers of a man who heals sweeps through the land. Can this Jesus be the answer to her healing? Can she finally find the life she always dreamed of?

Land of Silence is a fictionalized story of the woman who suffered from a bleeding issue. Her encounter with Jesus is told in Matthew 9:20-22; Mark 5:25-34, and Luke 8:43-48. All we know of her is what happens during her encounter with Jesus but what lead her to this state of desperation? A bleeding issue would have put her on the fringes of Jewish society as bleeding made her unclean. What happened to her after she is healed by Jesus? Ms. Afshar writes an amazing story of guilt, struggles, redemption and freedom that forgiveness can bring. At times you will sympathize with Elianna and other times you want to shake her and tell her to stop being so stubborn. I liked that everything about her changed after her encounter with Jesus. Her demeanor, her attitude and her outlook on her life and her future changed. I highly recommend Land of Silence.

Land of Silence

is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Prayer: the basics, the purpose and examples we can follow

Prayer is an important aspect in the Christian faith as it is with most other religions. Prayer is the communication process to talk to God. It is our direct access to Him as we seek His guidance, His revelation, and provision for our needs and desires. He wants us to communicate with Him. He wants us to come to Him with all our fears, needs, wants and desires. Examples of prayers are found throughout the Old and New Testaments. People make prayer very complicated, but it is truly very simple. Prayer is like talking with your best friend. Just talk. There’s no formula, no right or wrong, just talk and let God know what is on our minds and hearts. What are the basics of prayer? What are examples of prayers in the Bible and how can we use them for our own prayers? What did Jesus teach about prayer?

Many people struggle with what to say in prayer. First, seek forgiveness of your sins. Acts 3:19 says, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”  Second, tell God about our needs and fears. 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Many of my prayers start with speaking to God about my fears and anxiety. Third, pray for each other. In John 17, Jesus prayed. He prayed for himself (verses 1-5) and the completion of his mission on Earth. He prayed for his disciples (verses 6-19). He prayed for you and me (verses 20-25) and that we would be an example of God so that the world would believe (verse 21).  Lastly, thank God for sending His Son Jesus Christ as John 3:16 says “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Many people also struggle with how to pray. First, pray with confidence. Hebrews 4:16 tells us to “approach the throne of grace with confidence.” Second, pray with joy. Acts 2:28, Peter quotes David (Psalm 16:11), “you will fill me with joy in your presence.” Third, pray with expectation. Psalm 5:3 says “In the morning, O Lord. You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. Fourth, pray with faith. Hebrews 11: 6 says “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Lastly, pray in worship and reverence. Psalm 99:5 says “Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his footstool; he is holy.”

There are many examples of prayers in the Bible. When you look at the reasons for their prayers, you can see that they prayed for the same reasons we do. Hannah prayed for a son (1 Samuel 1:11) and she prayed in gratitude when her son was born (1 Samuel 2:1-10). David prayed for guidance (1 Samuel 23:2), for revelation (1 Samuel 23:2) and for forgiveness (2 Samuel 24:10). Solomon prayed for wisdom (1 Kings 3:6-9) and Elijah prayed for fire from heaven (1 Kings 18:36-37). For me, Job’s prayers are some of the most relatable because Job went through trials in his life he didn’t deserve. He turned to God in grief. Job 1:20-22, he prayed in worship, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” Despite his intense grief, Job recognized the Lord’s sovereignty. He prayed to compliant and seek relief and forgiveness (Job 7:17-21, 9:25-10:22, 14:13-22). He prayed to confess. In Job 40:3-5, Job answered the Lord, “I am unworthy- how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth. I spoke once, but I have no answer- twice, but I will say no more.” He prayed in repentance. In Job 42:1-6, Job says he knows that God can do all things and that Job spoke of things he did not understand. With Job’s example, we can come to God with anything. We can question him “why?” We can rant and rave about the trials we are going through and trust that God will answer us. When we pray with requests, God always answers. Sometimes he says yes, and the request is fulfilled. Sometimes he says no, replying that his grace is enough (2 Corinthians 12:9). Sometimes he says not yet, and the fulfillment is delayed.

Another example of prayer is through Jesus. The Gospels gives many examples of when Jesus prayed, some of them I mentioned above. He taught how to pray in Matthew 6:5-15. He said to pray quietly and unseen (Matthew 6:6). He said to pray simply and directly, not to babble with many words (Matthew 6:7). Matthew 6:9-13 has been called The Lord’s Prayer: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one.” The Lord’s Prayer gives us a pattern to pray. First, praise God. “Our Father in heaven” not only acknowledges that God is holy but also personal and loving. It is a statement of praise and commitment to honor God’s holy name. Second, praying for his work in heaven and on earth. “Kingdom come,” his spiritual reign. “Your will be done,” is not a resignation to our fates but praying that God’s perfect purpose will be accomplished. Third, prayers for our daily needs. “Give us today our daily bread” acknowledges that God is our sustainer and provider. We trust God daily to provide what he knows we need. Fourth, we pray for forgiveness. “Forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors” is to remind us that when we seek forgiveness, we must also forgive those who hurt us. Lastly, prayers for help in our daily struggles. “Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one” is a prayer for deliverance. God doesn’t lead us into temptation, but he allows us to be tested (Job is a great example). We ask God to help us recognize temptation and to give us the strength to overcome it.

In conclusion, the exact words of the prayers are not what is important. It is the motivation behind it. Prayers help us communicate with God. Prayers help us bring our thoughts, our troubles, our worries, our wants and desires to Him. And if it is in His will for your life, he will grant it right away or in the future. Prayer is to repent and seek forgiveness. Prayer is for comfort and strength. People may say that repeating certain prayers is how you pray and if you want to pray The Lord’s Prayer, that’s fine. However, remember it is not the words that matter to God, it is you coming to Him. Sometimes its hard to speak the words and pray. Sometimes, coming to him in silence with tears running down our face is prayer enough. Coming to Him in prayer with a simple “Please, Lord, help me” is enough.

“Your silent prayers uttered on tearstained pillows were heard before they were said.

Your deepest questions were answered before they were asked.

He sees you, He hears you, He knows you.”

-Max Lucado, God Came Near (1986)