Ezra 4:1-5Now when the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the people of the exile were building a temple to the Lord God of Israel, they approached Zerubbabel and the heads of fathers' households, and said to them, "Let us build with you, for we, like you, seek your God; and we have been sacrificing to Him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, who brought us up here."  But Zerubbabel...  Read More

Recalling Our PurposeThere is nothing higher in the universe than humanity, for God’s Word portrays our proper significance. The creation account indeed is structured in ascending order of importance, but the creation of mankind is not ultimate. It is penultimate. We can’t stop on the sixth day. We must go to the seventh day and see that the goal of creation is Sabbath holiness to the glory of God...  Read More

Conquer the Rocky RoadI have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. —2 Timothy 4:7-8Like butter pecan, rocky road has hard stuff (nuts) hidd...  Read More

Remember the Rainbow (Sherbet)I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth. —Genesis 9:13Rainbow sherbet’s vibrant colors and bright flavors bring instant delight. It also recalls God’s rainbow promise. In Genesis 6-8, God saves Noah and his family from a worldwide flood. When it’s over, He makes a covenant with Noah to never again destroy t...  Read More

Pour on the SprinklesThis is a day to remember. Each year, from generation to generation, you must celebrate it as a special festival to the LORD. This is a law for all time. —Exodus 12:14Sprinkles make ice cream a party. And, like sprinkles on cake batter ice cream, God’s Word is rich in celebration. These pops of perspective and brightness can totally lift your spirit.From the gatherings of the ...  Read More

Ezra 3:8-13Now in the second year of their coming to the house of God at Jerusalem in the second month, Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak and the rest of their brothers the priests and the Levites, and all who came from the captivity to Jerusalem, began the work and appointed the Levites from twenty years and older to oversee the work of the house of the Lord.  Then Jes...  Read More

Embrace the PecansDear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. —James 1:2-3Butter pecan ice cream is sweet and buttery. It’s a little complex and has plenty to uncover (with those hidden chunks of pecan and all), but in the end it’s not too overwhelming...  Read More

Add in Cookie DoughBut the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. —John 14:26Chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream takes different delightful components and puts them together to form a delicious flavor. Because really, who doesn’t love the combination of cookies and ice cream?!What’s th...  Read More

The Comfort of VanillaJoyful are people of integrity, who live according to the Lord’s instruction! Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. —Psalm 119:1-2The world’s most popular flavor of ice cream is vanilla. It’s a little rich, but smooth and satisfying, without being too heavy. If you’re stuck on what to read or you’re feeling down, nothing says comfort lik...  Read More

Dessert for DinnerHow sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey. —Psalm 119:103 (NLT)On a warm summer afternoon, you might hear that familiar sound faintly around a street corner—the gentle, whimsical chime of the ice cream truck. Cold ice cream in the heat of a warm afternoon provides a kind of comfort that makes the afternoon more bearable. The truth is that most of us crave ice ...  Read More

Ezra 3:1-7Now when the seventh month came, and the sons of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered together as one man to Jerusalem.  Then Jeshua the son of Jozadak and his brothers the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and his brothers arose and built the altar of the God of Israel to offer burnt offerings on it, as it is written in the law of Moses, the man of God.  So they set...  Read More

Pressing Toward the GoalThe Christian life is a marathon not a sprint. You learn perseverance. That’s why I felt the poignancy of Paul’s words: “. . . not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on” (Philippians 3:12). We don’t simply keep on. We press on.The Greek word translated here as “press” indicates applying force, applying pressure. So how does that apply to us...  Read More