Music is a God-given tool for our spiritual walk. We can use it to express adoration and thankfulness to God and to draw us closer to Him in reverent and heartfelt communion. Music can motivate, teach, comfort, exhort, remind and inspire.

Our challenge is to adhere to the principles of the Truth, yet have mercy in how we apply those principles.

God’s word and will, not man’s, is supreme and will prevail. Trust it, dear brothers and sisters.

When I was was about 15 years old, I discovered a surprising Bible study technique when I began reading from an RSV instead of a KJV. The RSV was organized by paragraphs, not verse by verse. When I started reading the Bible by context, it began to make more sense to me. I found I could better remember Bible verses based on how they fit into the context, knowing who said it and in what circumstance.

It has been said that the more things change, the more they remain the same. Regarding matters of faith in God and our ecclesial associations, this certainly seems to be the case. Expressed differently, Solomon wrote there is “no new thing under the sun.” (Eccl 1:9).

Last month we began looking at the importance of names in the book of Exodus, or its Hebrew title Shemot. We continue this month by surveying other passages that speak about the significance of names. If you haven't read Part 1 yet, click here: Shemot Part 1

It is the darkest time of the night, just before the sun’s rays begin to creep over the horizon. The city streets are quiet. Out of the shadows, a young woman emerges.