from the margins
exploring faith’s foundations from the edge
Book of the Bible
- 1 Chronicles
- 1 Corinthians
- 1 John
- 1 Kings
- 1 Peter
- 1 Samuel
- 1 Thessalonians
- 1 Timothy
- 2 Chronicles
- 2 Corinthians
- 2 John
- 2 Kings
- 2 Peter
- 2 Samuel
- 2 Thessalonians
- 2 Timothy
- 3 John
- Acts
- All
- Amos
- Colossians
- Daniel
- Deuteronomy
- Ecclesiastes
- Ephesians
- Ezekiel
- Ezra
- Galatians
- Genesis
- Habakkuk
- Haggai
- Hebrews
- Hosea
- Isaiah
- James
- Jeremiah
- Joel
- John
- Jonah
- Joshua
- Jude
- Judges
- Lamentations
- Luke
- Malachi
- Mark
- Matthew
- Micah
- Nahum
- Nehemiah
Moving: A Forgettable Nightmare
Moving is a universally dreaded experience, often erased from memory once the final box is unpacked. Now imagine moving across a desert with all your possessions in a caravan, like Jacob, who fled under the cover of night with over 1000 livestock in tow. The sheer noise and chaos of such an escape must have been unforgettable, echoing across the sands and shaking the ground.
Family Tensions
Genesis 31 delves into the complexities of family relationships, highlighted by Rachel and Leah's poignant accusation that their father, Laban, treated them like outsiders. The Hebrew term "nokri," meaning foreigner, adds depth to their grievance, reflecting feelings of exclusion and alienation. This chapter invites us to explore themes of identity, belonging, and the ways we communicate value within our own relationships.
Who Comes First? Surprising Stories of Firstborns in Genesis
In Genesis, the theme of the firstborn repeatedly surfaces, challenging cultural norms and expectations. From Cain to Esau, these stories explore the tension between tradition and divine choice, where younger siblings often take center stage. This blog reflects on how these narratives question established ideas about inheritance, authority, and identity, offering a lens into the complexities of ancient family dynamics.
Blessings: More Than Meets the Eye
Genesis 25-26 explores the intriguing concept of blessings, from ancient promises of land and wealth to modern debates about their meaning. By diving into the stories of Abraham and Isaac, we see blessings as markers of trust, struggle, and enduring relationships. This blog unpacks how these timeless themes resonate today, challenging us to rethink the connection between faith and prosperity.
Divine Connections and Instant Responses
Genesis 24 captures a remarkable story of a servant's prayer answered with immediacy, raising questions about the nature of prayer and divine response. By examining the four types of prayer—adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication—the narrative invites a deeper exploration of its purpose. Is prayer transactional, or does it serve a more complex role in shaping understanding and connection?
Scene of Divine Judgment and Human Defiance
Genesis 19 recounts the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and the unforgettable moment when Lot’s wife looks back, disobeying God’s command, and turns into a pillar of salt. Her act of defiance offers a lens to explore the human struggle with letting go of the past and embracing uncertainty. What does this story reveal about the consequences of hesitation and the pull of familiarity?
Exploring Human Desires and Divine Promises
Explore the timeless narratives of Genesis 16-18, where human emotions meet divine promises. Dive into Sarai’s impatience, Hagar’s wilderness encounter, and Sarah’s skeptical laughter. These ancient stories reveal insights into waiting, trust, and the unexpected twists of life.
Lessons in Giving
Abram’s story in Genesis 12-15 highlights the timeless principles of giving generously and prioritizing what matters most. From the first mention of tithing to the concept of first fruits, this narrative explores cultural and personal insights into meaningful acts of gratitude.
Wrestling with Chaos: Leviathan’s Role
Leviathan in the Book of Job is more than a mythical sea creature—it symbolizes chaos and the unknown forces of life. This blog explores how Leviathan connects to ancient mythology and what it reveals about our struggles with unpredictability and moral questions. Discover a fresh perspective on thriving amidst uncertainty.
Mystery of Wisdom and Understanding in Job 38:36
How do wisdom and understanding shape our view of the world? Job 38:36 asks a profound rhetorical question, challenging us to reflect on the mysteries of insight and intuition. Explore the richness of this verse through different translations and the Hebrew words chokmah and binah.
What Does Justice Really Mean?
Elihu’s speeches in Job 35-37 explore the concept of justice, raising timeless questions about fairness, accountability, and morality. Is justice simply about balancing scales, or does it involve something deeper, like fostering trust and equity? This reflective piece delves into these ideas and their relevance today.
Boldness of Youth versus Patience of Experience
Elihu’s youthful fervor bursts into the conversation with boldness and conviction, challenging traditional wisdom with unfiltered passion. Yet his brashness raises questions about the balance between youthful energy and the steady perspective of experience. How can bold ideas and seasoned patience complement each other to spark progress in life’s most complex debates?
Why Do We Long for the Past?
Why do we often look back on the past as the "good old days"? In Job 29, the longing for a time of security and purpose resonates deeply, touching on universal questions of identity and meaning. Explore how Job's reflections connect to our shared human experience of searching for significance.
A Search for Wisdom
Job 28 explores the elusive nature of wisdom, contrasting humanity’s ingenuity in mining treasures with the deeper, harder-to-grasp concept of understanding life’s truths.
The Personal Nature of Grief
Grief is deeply personal, stripping us down to our most vulnerable selves. In Job 21-23, we see how Job’s friends fail to truly listen, offering answers instead of understanding. This reflection explores the importance of showing up for others with empathy and genuine presence rather than rushing to solve their problems.
What is the Role of Friendship?
Job's ongoing dialogue with his friends sparks questions about the role of friendship in our lives. How can we balance honesty with support, especially during tough times? Reflecting on Job 17-20, this blog explores what it means to be a true friend.
Concepts of the Underworld
The idea of the underworld appears across cultures, from Valhalla to Hades, and in the Old Testament as Sheol—a concept that evolves from a neutral unknown to a darker, judgmental realm. In Job, Sheol reflects the raw human fear of mortality and uncertainty, tied closely to his personal suffering. This exploration raises timeless questions about how we confront loss and the unknown, shaped by the stories we inherit.
A Conversation That Feels Timeless
Job 10-13 offers a raw and relatable dive into suffering, silence, and the human search for understanding. Chapter 12 stands out with Job's cutting honesty and parallels to grand Old Testament themes. These timeless questions and struggles still resonate, inviting reflection on how we approach pain and the unknown.