They say that honesty is the best policy, which it is, not only in our relationships with others but also in our relationship with God. David wrote Psalm 142 while hiding in a cave. One of the most striking things about Psalm 142 is David's honesty.

While hiding from Saul, David wrote Psalm 57. Surrounded by danger, he was aware of two realities: the threat of his enemy and the presence of God. Although the danger was real, David's faith proved greater than his fear.

Hi there and welcome back to Van Life Devotions. We see pain and brokenness everywhere — war, persecution, cancer, depression, anxiety, and violence. Naturally, many people ask: If God exists, why does He allow suffering? Philosophers, theologians, scientists, and ordinary people have wrestled with this question for centuries. While there is no simple answer, there are some perspectives. One explanation is that suffering exists because God has given humanity free will. Philosopher Richard Swinburne wrote, “The first reason why there is suffering is because God has given free will to people and that's a blessing, but the suffering is an unfortunate consequence of the blessing.” Genuine love and meaningful choices require freedom. Tragically, people often misuse that freedom, leading to violence, war, discrimination, and oppression. Many Christians argue that if God eliminated all suffering immediately, He would also eliminate the freedom that allows genuine love and meaningful moral choices." A second perspective is that our world is broken. The Bible begins with God creating a world that was “very good”(Genesis 1–2), free from sin and suffering. But human rebellion in Genesis 3 introduced pain, hardship, and death into the world. Since then, humanity has experienced the effects of a fallen world, including broken systems and injustice. Third, the Bible teaches that God does not remain distant from human suffering. Christians believe God entered human history through Jesus Christ, helping the vulnerable and ultimately giving His life to save humanity from sin. Throughout history, God has also raised up people to help those who cry out to Him in times of suffering and hardship. Finally, the Bible points to a future hope. Revelation 21 describes “a new heaven and a new earth” where God “will wipe every tear from their eyes” and there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain. We may not understand every reason for suffering, but suffering itself does not disprove God. Christians believe that in His goodness, God gives humanity freedom in a broken world, grieves with us in our pain, and promises ultimate restoration. David Moyes

The bible is fall of miraculous interventions by God from the part of the Red Sea through to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. For some, the miraculous is a huge stumbling block for the validity of the Christian faith, accepting what many scientists believe that “laws of nature that can’t be altered”. But are there good reasons to think miracles are possible?

The greatest claim of Christianity is that Jesus Christ, who was executed, was resurrected to back to life. But what if the resurrection story is a made-up fantasy? If the resurrection was one big hoax, then Jesus was a liar as He claimed that He was going to rise; and quite frankly, He was a lunatic because He also claimed to be God who will rise again. This makes the evidence for His resurrection important. Here are some arguments for Jesus’ bodily resurrection. 

This weekend is Mother's Day. Join Leisl Moyes as she shares a devotion for women from Proverbs chapter 31.

Christians make claims that God stepped down from heaven and took on a form of a human named Jesus of Nazareth. But setting aside His teachings and the supernatural events recorded about Him, was Jesus a real historical person?

Hi there and welcome to Van Life Devotions. In the last two centuries, archaeology has gained popularity as experts have uncovered ancient remains to better understand human history. Alongside this, biblical archaeology emerged as a significant field. Landmark discoveries like the Rosetta Stone and the Dead Sea Scrolls captured global attention, not only revealing ancient cultures but also shedding light on the historical context and transmission of the Bible. Archaeology is helpful in four area. First, archaeology confirms historical settings. Archaeology has repeatedly supported the general historical framework of the Bible—places, cultures, and events. Discoveries like the Tel Dan Stele provide evidence that figures like King David were known in the ancient world outside the Bible. Second, archaeology sheds light on daily life. Discoveries from places like Jericho reveal details about housing, economy, farming, religion, and occupations in Bible times. For example, evidence from Capernaum of modest homes, fishing tools, and a first-century synagogue provide context for biblical narratives, clarifying the type of people Jesus taught and called to follow Him.  Third, archaeology supports the reliability of biblical manuscripts. The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls showed that Old Testament texts were preserved with remarkable accuracy over centuries. Dr Nelson Glueck has observed that “no archaeological discovery has ever refuted a biblical reference.” Fourth, archaeology clarifies difficult passages. Archaeology can shed light on obscure customs, languages, or political situations mentioned in the bible, helping interpretation. An example of this is the discovery of the Pilate Stone at Caesarea. This inscription confirms the historical existence and title of Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor mentioned in the Bible. It helps clarify the political context of the trial, showing that the biblical description aligns with known Roman governance. For me, I have visited many archaeological sites in Egypt, Greece and Turkey, learning much about the culture of bible times. Biblical archaeology has had a profound influence on how people understand the Scriptures, not by replacing faith but by enriching it with historical depth and cultural clarity, inviting seekers to deeper searching. 

If the death of Jesus achieve everything needed for humanity's salvation (and nothing else can be added), what then is the purpose of Christ's resurrection?

To the disciples, between the death and resurrection of Jesus, God seemed silent. Sometimes God seems silent when we are waiting for an answer, healing or direction. But is He silent?