BeyondBecky

  The writer of Hebrews reminds us of something powerful — that our hope in Christ is an anchor. Not a temporary, makeshift one. But a divine, unshakable, firm and secure anchor for our souls. This verse always brings to mind the old hymn many of us grew up singing in church: 🎶 “We have an anchor that keeps the soul, Steadfast and sure while the billows roll, Fastened to the Rock which cannot move, Grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love.” 🎶 Isn’t that beautiful? That even as the billows roll ( because they will )  we remain grounded in a Rock that cannot be moved. Storms Don’t Mean You’re Drifting... Let’s be honest — faith doesn’t stop the storm. But it does give you something to hold on to when the winds are wild. Being anchored in Christ doesn’t mean you won’t feel the pressure or the pull — it just means you won’t be pulled away . You might sway. You might cry. You might feel like you're about to tip over. But if your anchor is Christ, you're not going anywhe...

  As Easter draws near, I find myself pausing to reflect on the Cross, not as a symbol of sorrow alone, but of a love so fierce and freeing that it rewrote the course of humanity. The Cross was never an accident. It was always the plan. A place where justice met mercy, where wrath collided with grace. It was the ultimate declaration: You are loved. You are seen. You are worth it. In a world that often measures us by performance, the Cross reminds me that it is finished. Not earned. Not deserved. Just... given. Freely. Lavishly. Eternally. It humbles me. It heals me. It holds me. “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8 (NIV) As the Swahili hymn so beautifully says: “Msalaba ndio asili ya mema, Nikatua mzigo hapo; Nina uzima, furaha daima, Njoni kafurahini papo.” English Translation : The Cross is the fountain of every good thing; I laid my burden there. I have life, I have everlasting j...

Genesis 45:10-11 You shall live in the region of Goshen and be near me—you, your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and all you have. I will provide for you there.  The story of Goshen is a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness, provision, and intentionality in the lives of His people.  When famine swept through Egypt and surrounding lands, Joseph invited his father Jacob and the rest of their family to move to Goshen. This wasn’t a random choice. Goshen was fertile and well-suited for their flocks, and it symbolized God’s ability to sustain His people in times of crisis. Goshen: A Place of Refuge Goshen wasn’t just a geographical location; it was a place of divine positioning. While the rest of Egypt was ravaged by famine, Goshen flourished. God used this place to shield His people, providing them with abundance and protection while fulfilling His promise to make them a great nation. In life, we too experience seasons where we find ourselves in a...

Life often brings moments that leave us feeling unsure and unsteady—those seasons of waiting, wondering, and searching for clarity. During such times, it can feel as though we are standing in the middle of a storm, unsure of which way to turn. But there is hope. “ Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 This verse reminds us that even when life feels uncertain, God’s guidance is unwavering.  Trusting Him does not require us to have all the answers; it simply asks us to let go of control and lean on the One who sees the bigger picture. God’s Promises in Action A few months ago, I faced a season of uncertainty in my own life. I didn’t know how things would unfold, but I made a decision to surrender my fears to God. Day by day, I experienced His peace. Doors I never expected began to open, and I was reminded that His timing is always perfect. Allow ...

The Rose of Sharon is a title used in the Bible, found in the Song of Solomon (2:1), where the bride, representing the church, says: "I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys." This beautiful image evokes thoughts of purity, beauty, and spiritual renewal. But what does this title really mean, and why is it significant to our Christian faith? The Symbolism of the Rose of Sharon In biblical times, the term "Rose of Sharon" referred to a flower found in the plains of Sharon, a fertile area in Israel. However, over the centuries, scholars and theologians have linked this title to Jesus Christ. He is often seen as the "Rose of Sharon" because He represents beauty, grace, and a divine love that blossoms in the midst of challenges. A Symbol of Beauty: Just as a rose is admired for its exquisite beauty, Christ is often described as a beauty unmatched by anything on earth. His love, compassion, and sacrifice make Him a "rose" in a ...

The phrase "Balm of Gilead" is often heard in hymns, sermons, and even everyday conversation, but what does it really mean? In the Bible, the balm of Gilead was a rare and highly valued ointment known for its healing properties, sourced from the region of Gilead. This potent balm becomes a profound metaphor for the healing and restoration that Christ offers each one of us.  The Origin of the Balm of Gilead The balm of Gilead appears in the Old Testament, particularly in Jeremiah 8:22, where the prophet asks, "Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there?" This ointment was derived from a resinous plant, prized in ancient times for its healing power. Situated east of the Jordan River, Gilead became known for this valuable product, which was used medicinally and symbolically in Israel’s culture. The Symbolic Meaning of the Balm In the context of Scripture, the balm of Gilead represents God’s capacity to heal the wounds of His people. Jeremiah’s ...

We’ve all heard the saying, “Home is where the heart is.” But for Jacob in the Bible, home wasn’t just where the heart was—it was where he had a life-changing encounter with God. That place? Bethel. Let’s rewind a little. Jacob wasn’t exactly a saint when he stumbled upon Bethel. He was running away from his brother Esau, who was understandably mad after Jacob tricked him out of his blessing. So here’s Jacob, tired, scared, and using a rock for a pillow (because that’s apparently a thing back then). In the middle of his mess, God showed up. Cue the famous dream: a ladder stretching to heaven, angels ascending and descending, and God Himself standing at the top, promising Jacob that He would never leave him. Bethel wasn’t just a pit stop; it was the place where God turned a fleeing, fearful Jacob into the carrier of a promise. It’s funny when you think about it—Jacob went to sleep with a rock under his head and woke up with a revelation over his life! What Does Bethel Mean f...