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”
Tag Archives: christianity
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”
The importance of taking a new risk for the mission of Jesus – 2 Samuel 23:8–39, Part 5
My wife and I each turned 50 this past year. That milestone birthday is just another day on the calendar, and it is a time for reflection on the past and hope for the future. In that sense, turning 50 was like a New Year’s Day. Each New Year’s Day, many people review the pastContinue reading “The importance of taking a new risk for the mission of Jesus – 2 Samuel 23:8–39, Part 5”
The nostalgic power of food, and the importance of having a proper perspective of our ourselves – 2 Samuel 23:8–9, Part 3
There is a scene in the film Ratatouille that depicts the nostalgic power of food. In the film, a famous Parisian restaurant has been in a rut, lacking new creative dishes. Suddenly, a mysterious new chef appears with inspired recipes, leading the restaurant to become the talk around town. One day a famously harsh foodContinue reading “The nostalgic power of food, and the importance of having a proper perspective of our ourselves – 2 Samuel 23:8–9, Part 3”
How Jesus wants us to get in the zone – 2 Samuel 23:8–39, Part 2
Have you ever heard a sports announcer say, “They are in the zone. They can’t miss.” I often hear that about a basketball player like Caitlin Clark who drains long-range three-point shots over and over and over. “She’s in the zone!” It is a thing of wonder to watch a player in the zone. InContinue reading “How Jesus wants us to get in the zone – 2 Samuel 23:8–39, Part 2”
An ancient superhero group called The Three – 2 Samuel 23:8–39, Part 1
Who is your favorite superhero? I asked that question as an intro to my sermon this past Sunday, and I gave people in the congregation a chance to answer. The first one said, “Dr. Strange, because he harnesses power for a different dimension.” Another said “Captain America, because he is a regular soldier.” A thirdContinue reading “An ancient superhero group called The Three – 2 Samuel 23:8–39, Part 1”
Introducing ancient superheroes of the Bible – 2 Samuel 23:8–39, Preview
This week I’m celebrating the publication of my book. While there is no doubt that the process of writing is often a solo endeavor, the reality is that a book cannot come to fruition without a lot of people supporting, encouraging and advising the writer. That team approach is certainly true of my book, whichContinue reading “Introducing ancient superheroes of the Bible – 2 Samuel 23:8–39, Preview”
How to love like Jesus – Advent Love, Part 4
Love like Jesus. Is it even possible? His best friend John thinks so. This week we have been studying 1 John 4, and in this final post in the series, John sums up his teaching, giving us some practical illustrations about how to love like Jesus. Here’s what he writes in verse 17, “God isContinue reading “How to love like Jesus – Advent Love, Part 4”
Engaging Scripture 