David and his men have been on the run, fugitives being hunted by King Saul. But in the previous post we learned that God was protecting David, keeping Saul from finding him. Someone does find David, though. A friend shows up in 1st Samuel chapter 23, verses 16-18. David’s best friend Jonathan, Saul’s son, makesContinue reading “The single most important factor in making decisions – 1st Samuel 23 & 24, Part 3”
Monthly Archives: July 2024
When making decisions, how much should others’ opinions matter? – 1st Samuel 23 & 24, Part 2
In our 28 years of marriage, my wife and I have found that big decisions are sometimes easier to make than small ones. Maybe it’s just us, but we have found that the significance of big decisions helps us have clarity about them. Big decisions are also quite rare. I’m not saying that buying aContinue reading “When making decisions, how much should others’ opinions matter? – 1st Samuel 23 & 24, Part 2”
What if God gave us all Holy Magic Eight Balls? – 1st Samuel 23 & 24, Part 1
What are the most difficult decisions you’ve ever had to make? I’m talking about decisions where you had at least two options, maybe more, and you thought, “I have no idea what option to go with”? Take a moment and think about those tough choices. Did you ever wish that something like a magic 8-ballContinue reading “What if God gave us all Holy Magic Eight Balls? – 1st Samuel 23 & 24, Part 1”
My favorite book about decision-making and the will of God – 1st Samuel 23 & 24, Preview
My wife Michelle and I started dating in college, and as we were becoming more serious, my thoughts turned to marriage. But one nagging concern I had was how could I be sure that she was “the one”? Might it be possible that God wanted me to marry someone else? I talked about it withContinue reading “My favorite book about decision-making and the will of God – 1st Samuel 23 & 24, Preview”
How to examine the condition of your heart – 1st Samuel 21 & 22, Part 5
When you come across a person standing at a busy intersection holding a sign that says “Homeless. Anything helps,” what thoughts go through your heart and mind? Here are some thoughts that go through my mind: Why don’t they get a job? They’re probably just ripping people off. They likely spend the money they get onContinue reading “How to examine the condition of your heart – 1st Samuel 21 & 22, Part 5”
A dark evil day during David’s fugitive years – 1st Samuel 21 & 22, Part 4
David has been experiencing some good news while on the run as a fugitive, which we learned in the previous post. Just like that, though, things turn very dark. In 1st Samuel 22, verse 6, the narrative switches focus on David’s pursuer, King Saul. We learn that Saul is raving made that David has notContinue reading “A dark evil day during David’s fugitive years – 1st Samuel 21 & 22, Part 4”
How to recover from regrettable decisions – 1st Samuel 21 & 22, Part 3
Years ago my son and his friend hung a swing in our backyard from a high tree branch. My grandson loves riding that swing. Recently we were swinging, my grandson sitting on my lap. As we were swinging, we started spinning. My grandson thought it was fun, and he started laughing. I love it whenContinue reading “How to recover from regrettable decisions – 1st Samuel 21 & 22, Part 3”
Why a priest was willing to break the law – 1st Samuel 21 & 22, Part 2
Here at Faith Church we have an unending stream of Tastykakes in our freezer because we happen to have an inside connection to Tastykake! If you’ve never had a Tastykake, you need to try Butterscotch Krimpets or Kandy Kakes. I especially love dark chocolate Kandy Kakes with cream filling. Mostly we use the Tastykakes forContinue reading “Why a priest was willing to break the law – 1st Samuel 21 & 22, Part 2”
When David begged for help – 1st Samuel 21 & 22, Part 1
A panhandler is back in my community. They stand at the end of the exit ramp that goes from the highway to the road my church property is located on. If you are making a left hand turn onto the road, you have to drive right by them. Whenever I see the pandhandler standing there,Continue reading “When David begged for help – 1st Samuel 21 & 22, Part 1”
How to read the Bible – 1st Samuel 21 & 22, Preview
When I teach adjunct classes, I almost always end up sharing a specific article with the class. It doesn’t matter what the topic of the class is, I find a way to share the article because it is that good. Could be biblical studies, could be theology, could be interpretational studies, could be church history,Continue reading “How to read the Bible – 1st Samuel 21 & 22, Preview”
Engaging Scripture 