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”
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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”
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”
How to handle betrayal and insult – 2 Samuel 16—20, Part 1
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”
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”
Engaging Scripture 