Life has taken a dramatic turn for the worst for King David. His son Absalom has rebelled and set in motion a plan to usurp the throne. Fearing the worst, David and his faithful followers flee the city. At the end of 2 Samuel chapter 15, though David is on the run and seriously grievingContinue reading “How to handle betrayal and insult – 2 Samuel 16—20, Part 1”
Monthly Archives: November 2024
Why do some close friendships fade? – 2 Samuel 16—20, Preview
This year I turned 50, and my wife posted on her social media about my birthday. I don’t use social media, so she showed me all the people who commented with their greetings. One was a friend from high school. He is the only one of many friends from high school that I have stayedContinue reading “Why do some close friendships fade? – 2 Samuel 16—20, Preview”
How David’s dysfunctional family teaches us about love, boundaries, and deflating drama – 2 Samuel 9, 13, 14, 15, Part 5
In 2 Samuel chapter 15, David’s son Absalom is scheming again. This time he has his sights on the biggest prize. The throne. In verses 1-6, Absalom starts acting and talking to people like a king would act and talk. He rides a chariot with an entourage. He pronounces rulings by the city gate. HeContinue reading “How David’s dysfunctional family teaches us about love, boundaries, and deflating drama – 2 Samuel 9, 13, 14, 15, Part 5”
When drama erupts in David’s family – 2 Samuel 9, 13, 14, 15, Part 4
Tamar sees the lust in her half-brother Amnon’s eyes, and she feels his tight grip around her. She is scared and as we learned in the previous post, Tamar makes a desperate plea for marriage. Does it work? In 2 Samuel 13, verse 14, we read “But he refused to listen to her, and since heContinue reading “When drama erupts in David’s family – 2 Samuel 9, 13, 14, 15, Part 4”
What not to do when you are sick with desire – 2 Samuel 9, 13, 14, 14, Part 3
This week on the blog, we’re learning how to resolve family drama by observing how King David responds to drama of his own. I’ve said that David, throughout the entirety of his life, seemed to be a drama magnet. But in the previous post, David makes a generously sacrificial gesture to decrease drama. Turn toContinue reading “What not to do when you are sick with desire – 2 Samuel 9, 13, 14, 14, Part 3”
People of God act to decrease drama – 2 Samuel 9, 13, 14, 15 – Part 2
In some cultures, particularly in the ancient world, kings sometimes purge their nations of any contenders to the throne. Some even have members of their own extended family killed, just to preserve their lineage. That kind of purge is the epitome of family drama. In 2 Samuel 9, however, David does the opposite. David isContinue reading “People of God act to decrease drama – 2 Samuel 9, 13, 14, 15 – Part 2”
Can the Bible help us resolve family drama? – 2 Samuel 9, 13, 14, 15, Part 1
Do you have drama in your family? I’m sure we could all tell stories. The family member that no one talks to. The family member that is difficult. The family member that, when you are together, spends the whole time talking about themselves, and then just as they are about to leave says, “How areContinue reading “Can the Bible help us resolve family drama? – 2 Samuel 9, 13, 14, 15, Part 1”
King David was a drama magnet – 2 Samuel 9, 13, 14, 15, Preview
Are there people in your life who seem to attract more than their fair share of sickness, accidents, strange situations, or relational brokenness? Maybe you’re thinking, “That’s me.” Whether you or other people, some people seem like magnets for drama. When I think of a drama magnet, I think of King David, who is famouslyContinue reading “King David was a drama magnet – 2 Samuel 9, 13, 14, 15, Preview”
Why the Oklahoma mandate to teach the Bible in public schools is contrary to the mission of Jesus – Q & A Oct 2024, Part 5
Recent legislation in Oklahoma requires the teaching of the Bible in all public schools. What should Christians think about this? What are the specifics of the Oklahoma mandate? Starting fall 2024, all Oklahoma public school classrooms, grades 5–12, must have a physical copy of the Bible, and the teachers must teach it. The Oklahoma StateContinue reading “Why the Oklahoma mandate to teach the Bible in public schools is contrary to the mission of Jesus – Q & A Oct 2024, Part 5”
Engaging Scripture 