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
Keeping the Fire Burning (Without the Fire)
After the temple’s grand dedication, Solomon shifts his focus to something quieter: keeping the worship schedule running like clockwork. No fireworks, no speeches—just routine. This reflection explores the idea that the most enduring work might be the least exciting.
No Saviors on the Ballot: A Psalm's Take on Power
Psalm 146 warns against putting our trust in political leaders—a message that feels surprisingly modern. This reflection explores the limits of human leadership and the temptation to expect too much from those in power. Instead of seeking saviors, the psalm suggests anchoring ourselves in enduring values like justice and compassion.
Putting a Name on It: Why the Temple Still Speaks to Us
Solomon built a temple not to house God, but as a place “for Your Name”—a physical location tied to something intangible. It raises the question: why do humans keep looking for meaning in places, even when the divine is said to be everywhere? From ancient temples to childhood homes, we seem wired to anchor memory, hope, and identity in the spaces we can touch.
Trumpets, Smoke, and Sacred Choreography
What happens when an entire community shows up, in sync, for something bigger than themselves? 1 Kings 8 and 2 Chronicles 5 offer a rare moment of unified attention, complete with trumpets, ritual, and a mysterious cloud. This post reflects on the power of shared experience in a fragmented world.
A Craftsman in a King’s World
In the middle of temple blueprints and bronze measurements, one name stands out: Huram, the artisan from Tyre. He wasn’t royalty or clergy, but his hands shaped the sacred space. This blog takes a closer look at the quiet genius behind the Temple’s most iconic features.
Built to Last (Literally)
Solomon’s temple took seven years to build—and it wasn’t just about bricks and gold. The time, the care, the layers of planning—it's a stark contrast to the fast pace we’re used to. These chapters made me wonder: what happens when we treat sacred or meaningful work like it’s a race?
Chasing Eagles: When Ambition Outruns Wisdom
In a world obsessed with hustle culture, Proverbs 23:4–5 throws in a surprising caution: know when to quit. These verses don’t shame ambition, but they do question whether chasing wealth is always worth the cost. This reflection wrestles with the balance between drive and wisdom—without pretending there's one right answer.
When Life Laughs at Your To-Do List
Plans are part of being human—we make them constantly, often without thinking. But what happens when things don't go the way we envisioned? Reflecting on Proverbs 19:21, this post explores the tension between our intentions and life's unpredictable outcomes.
Loudmouths and Listeners
Why do we talk so much but listen so little? Proverbs 18:2 calls out the tendency to value our own opinions over real understanding—and it still hits hard today. This post explores the tension between speaking and listening, with a dose of self-awareness and a hint of modern commentary.
How to Build a House (Without Picking Up a Hammer)
What does it mean to “build your house” when you’re not holding a hammer? In Proverbs 14:1, a vivid contrast emerges between creating something meaningful and accidentally tearing it down with your own hands. This reflection explores how small, everyday choices either strengthen or strain the life we’re trying to build.
Talk Less, Treasure More: The Value of Quiet Wisdom
Proverbs 10:14 paints a vivid picture: the wise quietly collect knowledge, while fools can't stop talking—and get into trouble for it. This blog reflects on what it really means to treasure knowledge in a world that often rewards quick takes over thoughtful listening. No tidy answers here, just honest questions and a closer look at the wisdom of saying less.
Two Voices, One Crossroad
Proverbs 7–9 paints a vivid scene of two voices—Wisdom and Folly—competing for our attention. Both sound appealing, but only one leads somewhere worth going. This post explores how those ancient voices show up in modern life, especially when we don’t even realize we’re listening.
Who's Talking, and Why Am I Listening?
Who we choose to listen to might be one of the most important decisions we make—every day. Proverbs 4–6 has a lot to say about seductive voices, quiet wisdom, and even ants with a message. This post explores how attention works like currency in a world full of noise.
Trust Issues: When Proverbs Says to Chill on the Overthinking
What happens when ancient wisdom tells you to stop relying on your own understanding? In Proverbs 3, a familiar verse offers a surprising challenge to modern habits of overthinking and control. This post explores what it might mean—secularly and reflectively—to trust without a roadmap.
Honey, Spice, and Sacred Verse
Lush metaphors, fragrant spices, and unexpected intimacy—Song of Songs reads more like romantic poetry than religious instruction. This reflection explores how nature imagery and sensory language reveal desire in a book that rarely says anything directly. What happens when a sacred text speaks in scent, taste, and touch?
Wise Guys Finish... Where Exactly?
Solomon asked for wisdom, not wealth—and got both. But does that mean wisdom guarantees success? This post takes a curious look at what happens when a wise beginning doesn’t lead to a perfect ending.
A Kingdom So Perfect, It’s Suspicious
Solomon’s kingdom in 1 Kings 4 reads like a dream—peaceful, prosperous, and perfectly organized. But is this an accurate historical snapshot, or more of a political highlight reel? This post explores how ancient texts (and maybe even modern ones) blur the lines between reality and idealized memory.
Holding On in the Chaos: A Secular Glimpse at Psalm 119
Psalm 119 might be the longest chapter in the Bible, but beneath its repetition lies something deeply relatable: a search for stability. Without leaning on theology, this post explores the very human need for something steady in an unpredictable world. It’s not about belief—it’s about holding on.