What do you think is the most important trait of a disciple of Jesus? My selection of the picture above could give the idea that I think a small group discussion is most important. While I think those kinds of bible studies or accountability groups or discussions are really important, there is another trait thatContinue reading “The most important trait of a disciple of Jesus? – 2 Samuel 22, Part 5”
Monthly Archives: November 2024
That time God gave King David FOUR superpowers – 2 Samuel 22, Part 4
Did you know that God gave King David super powers? This week we’re studying 2 Samuel 22, and in the verses we’re looking at today, David is focused on super power. As we observe 2 Samuel 22, our guide is Old Testament scholar David Dorsey. Dorsey notes that 2 Samuel 22 (repeated as Psalm 18)Continue reading “That time God gave King David FOUR superpowers – 2 Samuel 22, Part 4”
One important reason we regularly gather for worship – 2 Samuel 22, Part 3
After decades of drama, war, and turmoil, the great King David of Israel finally has peace. In 2 Samuel 22, he is so happy, and he breaks out in song to God. In today’s post, and the next two, we’ll observe how David crafts his song using chiastic structure (which I introduced in the previousContinue reading “One important reason we regularly gather for worship – 2 Samuel 22, Part 3”
A brief intro about chiastic structure in biblical literature – 2 Samuel 22, Part 2
It’s Thanksgiving week here in the USA, and we are studying 2 Samuel 22 / Psalm 18, a wonderful passage to help us express gratitude to God. As I studied this passage, I relied on my seminary professor David Dorsey, as I often do. He was such a gifted bible translator, interpreter and teacher. InContinue reading “A brief intro about chiastic structure in biblical literature – 2 Samuel 22, Part 2”
The three songs in Samuel – 2 Samuel 22, Part 1
We’ve been studying the life of David a long time. We started this sermon series in 2024, about eight months ago. The first sermon was about 1st Samuel chapter 1, verse 1, through chapter 2, verse 11. You can read the first post in that series here, or look it up in your Bible. ThatContinue reading “The three songs in Samuel – 2 Samuel 22, Part 1”
The intersection of generosity and gratitude – 2 Samuel 22, Preview
It’s Thanksgiving Week! As I write this, yesterday was Lancaster’s annual Extra Give, a one-day explosion of generosity for over 400 non-profit organizations in our county. I love that the Extra Give is always so close to Thanksgiving, because it seems to me that the two days go hand in hand. When we give, weContinue reading “The intersection of generosity and gratitude – 2 Samuel 22, Preview”
What healthy friendship requires – 2 Samuel 16—20, Part 5
Would your friends say you are a good friend? What does it take to be a good friend? In the first verses of 2 Samuel chapter 20, just as David’s loyal army has defeated his rebellious son Absalom’s army, though peace is established, soldiers from both armies get into a shouting match about who isContinue reading “What healthy friendship requires – 2 Samuel 16—20, Part 5”
With friends like these, who needs enemies? – 2 Samuel 16—20, Part 4
Think about a time when a friend betrayed you. Maybe they lied to you. Maybe they knew you were struggling with a difficult situation in life, and they didn’t care for you. Betrayal is part and parcel of humanity. More than likely, we ourselves have done our fair share of betraying. We can think ofContinue reading “With friends like these, who needs enemies? – 2 Samuel 16—20, Part 4”
When the great king David falls apart – 2 Samuel 16—20, Part 3
Have you ever had the unsettling experience of having someone you look up to fall apart? Maybe it is a parent, grandparent or mentor, and they behave in a way that calls into question everything you respected about them. In the saga of David’s dysfunctional family, it is David who falls apart. In the previousContinue reading “When the great king David falls apart – 2 Samuel 16—20, Part 3”
The critical factor that can keep us from following good advice – 2 Samuel 16—20, Part 2
Where do you get wise advice? Do you have trusted friends? Maybe a therapist? Do you view authors or commentators as sources of quality perspective? Lately I’ve been deeply impressed with Ted Gioia. I also appreciate the wisdom of numerous close friends. But it is my wife who, on a daily basis, shines with herContinue reading “The critical factor that can keep us from following good advice – 2 Samuel 16—20, Part 2”
Engaging Scripture 