2 samuel 24 – Engaging Scripture

What would it look like for you to sacrifice to God in a way that will demonstrate your trust in him? – 2 Samuel 24, Part 5

I had a spiritual direction appointment this week, and my spiritual director was asking about my upcoming sabbatical, which will be in August through October. He asked what I was going to do, and if I had a sabbatical theme. I had to admit to my spiritual director that I do not have a themeContinue reading “What would it look like for you to sacrifice to God in a way that will demonstrate your trust in him? – 2 Samuel 24, Part 5”

What a keyboard taught me about the nature of sacrifice – 2 Samuel 24, Part 4

My church has a history of renting space in our building to other churches. In late 2018, sadly, one of those rental churches dwindled in size, and they decided to disband as a church. The remaining members formed a house church, and they gave away their assets. They gave our congregation a large financial donationContinue reading “What a keyboard taught me about the nature of sacrifice – 2 Samuel 24, Part 4”

Does God feel emotions? – 2 Samuel 24, Part 3

Do you think of God as having emotions? If God is perfect, wouldn’t it follow that he doesn’t have emotions like humans? Can God feel feelings? Or is he more like a robot? Theologians and bible scholars have debated these questions for centuries. The answers are not easy to come by. Take a look atContinue reading “Does God feel emotions? – 2 Samuel 24, Part 3”

With God, success is not about numbers – 2 Samuel 24, Part 2

Have you ever been punished with a “pick your poison” method? You misbehaved and your parents give you a choice about which punishment you will receive. It feels awful, doesn’t it? You must not only wrestle with your guilt and any hurt your disobedience caused others, you now have to choose the consequences. You areContinue reading “With God, success is not about numbers – 2 Samuel 24, Part 2”

A census is…punishment? 2 Samuel 24, Part 1

We are nearing the end of David’s life. The final chapter in 2 Samuel, Chapter 24, is just so perfect for the last story in David’s life. It’s perfect because it is confusing and filled with turmoil, much of which is David’s fault, but then it concludes with a beautiful description of David’s heart. IContinue reading “A census is…punishment? 2 Samuel 24, Part 1”

What would you say “No” to, if Jesus asked you to do something? – 2 Samuel 24, Preview

Imagine Jesus shows up at the door of your house one evening, and though you are shocked, of course you let him in. You ask if he needs anything, such as a drink, food, a place to sit and relax or sleep, anything. He responds, “Actually, I do need something. I would like you toContinue reading “What would you say “No” to, if Jesus asked you to do something? – 2 Samuel 24, Preview”