Holly Smith

John 15:1-2 “I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” (NIV) Every branch. This means all Christians will have shears drawn near at some…

I found myself in the book of Hosea this morning. We know that Hosea was a prophet who was called to illustrate the relationship, or lack of it, between Israel and God at the time. He was to do this through his marriage to an unfaithful wife, Gomer.  Each child conceived from this couple represented…

A reed swayed by the wind? (Luke 7:24 NIV) John the Baptist as a child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the desert until he appeared publicly in Israel. (Luke 1:80 NIV) Solitude with God in the desert was his school. He gained the lessons and experiences needed to verify his…