Reading the Bible when life is hard
Longer pieces on the passages people reach for when they are worn out, grieving, anxious or afraid, and on what those passages actually say in context.
Simon Name Meaning in the Bible: The Simons of the Gospels, Why Jesus Called Simon Peter, and Simón in Spanish
Simon comes from the Hebrew Shimon, linked to hearing. Which Simon is which, and why Jesus renamed him.
Rachel Name Meaning in the Bible: Who Rachel Was, What Her Name Means, Raquel in Spanish, and the Mother Who Weeps
Rachel is Hebrew for ewe. Who Rachel was in the Bible, how to say it, Raquel in Spanish, the mother who weeps in Jeremiah, and where to follow the storm.
Isaias Name Meaning: Isaiah in the Bible, How to Say It, Who the Prophet Was, and Where to Find Storm Information
Isaias is the Latin form of Isaiah's Hebrew name, Yesha'yahu, read as Yah saves. How to say it, who Isaiah was, and where to follow the storm.
How to Forgive Someone Who Hurt You: What the Bible Says, What Psychologists Separate, and Psalm 34:18 for the Hurt
Forgiving, trusting and going back are separate decisions. What psychologists and traditions say, and Psalm 34:18 for a night the hurt returns.
Is Josephine a Biblical Name? Where It Comes From, What It Means, and the Joseph Behind It
Josephine comes from Joseph, a Hebrew Bible name meaning he adds. Joseph's story, the other Josephs, how to say it, and Josefina in Spanish.
Is It a Sin to Not Go to Church? What Hebrews 10:25 Says in Its Setting, What Traditions Teach, and Matthew 11:28-30 for the Guilt
Worried about missing church? You are not condemned here. Hebrews 10:25 in its setting, what traditions teach, and Matthew 11:28-30.
Leah Name Meaning in the Bible: Who Leah Was, What Her Name Means, and the Woman Genesis Says God Saw
What Leah means, who she was in Genesis, where she is buried, and Psalm 25:16-17 for anyone who has felt like second choice.
Is It a Sin to Drink Alcohol? How Christians Differ, What the Bible Records, and Psalm 103:8-12 for the Worry
Had a drink, or too many, and wondering where you stand? Nobody is condemned here. How Christians differ, what Scripture records about wine, and Psalm 103:8-12.
Is Marco a Biblical Name? What It Means, the Mark It Comes From, and James 1:5 for a Question You Are Carrying
Is Marco in the Bible? Mark is, and the person behind it is John Mark. What the name means, his story, and James 1:5 for a question.