Be it the English Sally Lunn, Germany's Pretzels, France's Crepes, the Tortillas of Mexico, the Kulich of Russia, the Kouloras of Greece, or the Hebrew Challah, bread is the staff of life in many cultures. Which is why breaking bread signifies friendship, unity and hospitality. Whether breaking bread over the communion table or sharing it with … Continue reading Breaking Bread and Standing Together
Friday Finds
Welcome to Olive Tree Faith's Friday Finds - Olive Tree Pickings! Just like olives are often harvested with special combs, I've combed the web to find useful or inspiring material about this week's topic, Sheep and Shepherds. I hope you enjoy them! From amusing to informative and from scholarly to timeless, we've got some good … Continue reading Friday Finds
Success in God’s “Upside Down” Kingdom
Modern society is success oriented. But toward a success which is measurable, provable, and usually enviable. Successful businesses earn more money. Successful parents turn out children who become professionals, who in turn climb to the top of their profession. And successful writers publish best sellers. But what does success mean in God's upside down kingdom, … Continue reading Success in God’s “Upside Down” Kingdom
Old Testament Historical Books
Following the Bible's law books, the historical books often read more like exciting narratives than mere factual accounts. And this is because they focus mostly on Israel's relationship to God. Covering nearly 1000 years of Israel's history, the events of these 12 books occurred from approximately 1400 - 425 BC. Starting with Joshua, which deals … Continue reading Old Testament Historical Books
I Have to Do It Again? (A Lesson in Diligence)
When it was time for a son of some good friends to start kindergarten, I'm afraid he didn't really understand what all the excitement was about, and to me he seemed somewhat indifferent over the big event. Until that is, his parents awoke him on the second morning too... "You mean I have to go … Continue reading I Have to Do It Again? (A Lesson in Diligence)
How to Cultivate a Faith Deeply Rooted Like the Olive Tree
Olives and olive trees were important in Bible times and Scripture, providing food, ointment, illumination, and in the making of soap. Our 30 years of serving here in Italy, have given me ample opportunity to observe the trees (right in our backyard), talk to farmers, and study them in Scripture. And I have come to … Continue reading How to Cultivate a Faith Deeply Rooted Like the Olive Tree
