Meet the Kings | Truth in Bloom SeriesScripture Focus:1 Kings 15:27–16:7Reign: 909–886 BC (24 years, King of Israel) Who Was Baasha? Baasha rose to power through assassination. He killed Nadab, son of Jeroboam, while Nadab was laying siege to the Philistine city of Gibbethon. With Nadab out of the way, Baasha seized the throne and … Continue reading Baasha – From Conspiracy to Curse
Truth in Bloom
The Sacred Places: Bethlehem
The Shepherd’s Watch “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.” — Luke 2:8–9 (NIV) Background Just outside Bethlehem, hills roll gently like waves frozen … Continue reading The Sacred Places: Bethlehem
Nadab – A Brief Reign, A Bitter Legacy
Meet the Kings | Truth in Bloom Series Scripture Focus:1 Kings 15:25–32Reign: 910–909 BC (2 years, King of Israel) Who Was Nadab? Nadab was the son of Jeroboam I, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel. He inherited not only his father’s throne — but also his father’s sinful legacy. Though Jeroboam had … Continue reading Nadab – A Brief Reign, A Bitter Legacy
Sacred Places: Bethlehem
The Fields of Boaz “So Ruth left and entered the field to gather grain behind the harvesters. She happened to be in the portion of land belonging to Boaz…” — Ruth 2:3 (CSB) Background Long before Bethlehem became known for a manger and a star, it was known for its fields. Fertile, sloping hills outside … Continue reading Sacred Places: Bethlehem
Asa – A Heart Set on Reform
Meet the Kings | Truth in Bloom Series Scripture Focus:1 Kings 15:9–24 | 2 Chronicles 14–16Reign: 911–870 BC (41 years, King of Judah) Who Was Asa? Asa was the son of Abijah and the great-grandson of Solomon. He became the third king to rule Judah after the division of the kingdom, and his reign marked … Continue reading Asa – A Heart Set on Reform
Sacred Places: Bethlehem
The House of Bread “Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod…” — Matthew 2:1a (CSB) Background The name Bethlehem means “House of Bread.” Nestled just a few miles south of Jerusalem, it was a small, unassuming village—but one that held deep prophetic weight. Long before Jesus, this is where … Continue reading Sacred Places: Bethlehem
You will not always be loved Alice
A reflection on grace, self-worth, and the armor of God “Do you love Me?” Alice asked. “No, I don’t love you!” replied the White Rabbit. Alice frowned and clasped her hands together as she did whenever she felt hurt. “See?” replied the White Rabbit. “Now you’re going to start asking yourself what makes you so … Continue reading You will not always be loved Alice
Abijah – A Legacy of Half-Heartedness
Meet the Kings | Truth in Bloom Series Scripture Focus:1 Kings 15:1–8 | 2 Chronicles 13Reign: 913–911 BC (3 years, King of Judah) Who Was Abijah? Abijah (also called Abijam in 1 Kings) was the son of Rehoboam and the grandson of Solomon. He inherited the throne of Judah after his father’s death and ruled … Continue reading Abijah – A Legacy of Half-Heartedness
Pilgrimage: The Sacred in the Small Places
There’s a quiet church I’ve never been to—but my heart already knows it. It sits nestled in a small English village, stone walls weathered by time, ivy creeping toward the bell tower, and a wooden door that creaks open like an invitation. I haven’t walked its aisle. I haven’t heard its choir. But in my … Continue reading Pilgrimage: The Sacred in the Small Places
Jeroboam I – Counterfeit Altars, Real Consequences
Meet the Kings | Truth in Bloom Series Scripture Focus:1 Kings 11:26–14:20 | 2 Chronicles 10:1–19Reign: 931–910 BC (22 years, Northern Kingdom of Israel) Who Was Jeroboam I? Jeroboam was never meant to be king — and yet, God gave him the opportunity. He was a servant under King Solomon, recognized for his leadership and … Continue reading Jeroboam I – Counterfeit Altars, Real Consequences