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”

The important difference between contract and covenant in our relationship with God – 2 Samuel 7, Part 5

When David gets the news from God that God is covenanting with David to turn David’s monarchy into a dynasty, David responds to God in prayer.  In 2 Samuel chapter 7, verse 18, we learn that David went in and sat before the Lord.  Went where?  Probably to the new special tent where the ArkContinue reading “The important difference between contract and covenant in our relationship with God – 2 Samuel 7, Part 5”

How David’s dynasty actually did last forever – 2 Samuel 7, Part 4

But what about a king?  As we learned in the previous post, God promised David that his dynasty would last forever. But 400 years later, Babylon destroyed Jerusalem, and there were no more Davidic kings.  It sure seemed that God didn’t keep his promise.  Except that God did keep his promise.  This is why theContinue reading “How David’s dynasty actually did last forever – 2 Samuel 7, Part 4”

God promised David a dynasty “forever”. Why did it last only 400 years? – 2 Samuel 7, Part 3

In 2 Samuel 7, God has told David that David will not be the one to build God a temple. But God said quite a bit more than that, didn’t he?  Look at verse 8.  God reminds David of David’s improbable rise to the top.  From being a lowly shepherd who followed a few sheepContinue reading “God promised David a dynasty “forever”. Why did it last only 400 years? – 2 Samuel 7, Part 3″

One important way to describe a relationship with God…a way that is in danger of being lost – 2 Samuel 7, Preview

When you think of your relationship with God, how would you describe it?   That is, admittedly, a broad question that we could answer in many ways.  A relationship with God can be hot or cold, it can be close or distant.  Some people prefer to emphasize one person of the Trinity.  For example, you mightContinue reading “One important way to describe a relationship with God…a way that is in danger of being lost – 2 Samuel 7, Preview”

How could David slaughter men and women…and lie about it? – 1st Samuel 26 & 27, Part 4

In the previous post, we read something very dark about David, who was supposed to be a man after God’s own heart. In 1st Samuel 27, we learned that David and his men go out on raids, slaughtering people.  Men and women.  Also, David clearly didn’t want his new king, the Philistine, Achish, to knowContinue reading “How could David slaughter men and women…and lie about it? – 1st Samuel 26 & 27, Part 4”

The biblical background to 1st Samuel – 1 Samuel 1:1-2:11, Part 1

Today we start a new blog series on the life of the great warrior poet king David of ancient Israel.  We read about David’s life in the books of 1st and 2nd Samuel, 1st Kings briefly, and in the parallel account in most of 1st Chronicles chapters 11-29.  This blog series will primarily follow theContinue reading “The biblical background to 1st Samuel – 1 Samuel 1:1-2:11, Part 1”

How to live in a covenant of peace with God and others – Ezekiel 37:15-28, Part 5

In this week’s five-part blog series on Ezekiel 37:15-28, we have been observing God’s desires for his people. So far, he expressed his desire for his people to be unified, to be cleansed, and to live under the rule and reign of King Jesus. God has one more desire for them.  Look at Ezekiel 37,Continue reading “How to live in a covenant of peace with God and others – Ezekiel 37:15-28, Part 5”