Author Archives: Jim Gleason

The book of Nehemiah in the Bible tells the story of rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem. It had been destroyed along with the rest of the city when the Babylonian king conquered the Hebrew kingdom and took the people captive to Babylonia. Nehemiah served King Artaxerxes. He would be the one to ask the kingContinue reading “God’s Favor”

Many years ago the expression “many happy returns” was routinely used. It was supposed to be a wish for many blessings for the recipient. Unfortunately only some of our returns are happy. Sometimes we are blessed to return home to reunite with loved ones. However, sometimes those reunions are sad due to the loss ofContinue reading “Many Happy Returns”

“By awesome deeds you answer us with righteousness, O God of our salvation, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas.” Psalm 65:5 God’s definition of hope varies significantly from the world’s definition. According to Oxford Languages hope means, “a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thingContinue reading “Living Hope”

“Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion, and to you shall vows be performed. O you who hear prayer, to you shall all flesh come. When iniquities prevail against me, you atone for our transgressions. Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts! We shall be satisfiedContinue reading “Praise is Due to God”

In the past month or so the United States has been hit by a variety of storms. Bomb cyclones and atmospheric rivers have damaged property, restricted travel, created power outages, and unfortunately injured and killed people. In some areas the impact has been devastating. Sudden illnesses, loss of loved ones, job losses, and financial downturnsContinue reading “Storms of Life”