Have you ever been so angry, so hurt, so embarrassed, or feeling so disrespected, that you are ready to rage against the person who has hurt you? This week as we’ve been studying 1st Samuel 25, we’ve been talking about two roadblocks to David’s progress to becoming king. We’ve met the first roadblock, a manContinue reading “How to diffuse rage and anger – 1st Samuel 25, Part 3”
Tag Archives: david
When you see evil, speak up – 1st Samuel 25, Part 2
This week we’re talking about the roadblocks that keep us from becoming all that God wants us to be. In 1st Samuel 25, David faces two of those roadblocks, one minor, one serious. In the previous post, we saw both of them. Nabal is the obvious roadblock to David, but he is not the muchContinue reading “When you see evil, speak up – 1st Samuel 25, Part 2”
Whistleblowers…good or bad? – 1st Samuel 25, Preview
If you saw something illegal happening, would you call it out? Would you be a whistle-blower? Maybe you notice your boss “cooking” the books to avoid paying taxes. Do you confront him? Maybe your friend is using artificial intelligence to writer papers in school. Do you ask her about it? Maybe your spouse is comingContinue reading “Whistleblowers…good or bad? – 1st Samuel 25, Preview”
Three steps for making wise choices – 1st Samuel 23 & 24, Part 5
We started this week’s series of posts by considering the difficult decisions we all make. Whether rare consequential decisions or frequent minor decisions, decision-making can be anxiety-inducing. As we observed David’s decision-making process in 1st Samuel chapters 23 and 24, what did we learn? First, while David didn’t have a Bible to consult, he hadContinue reading “Three steps for making wise choices – 1st Samuel 23 & 24, Part 5”
How a piece of torn cloth changed the world – 1st Samuel 23 & 24, Part 4
The story in 1st Samuel 24 about David choosing not to kill Saul in the cave, but instead secretly cutting off a corner of his robe, ends with a flourish. Saul leaves the cave, having no idea that he almost lost his life. After Saul has walked a short distance from the mouth of theContinue reading “How a piece of torn cloth changed the world – 1st Samuel 23 & 24, Part 4”
The single most important factor in making decisions – 1st Samuel 23 & 24, Part 3
David and his men have been on the run, fugitives being hunted by King Saul. But in the previous post we learned that God was protecting David, keeping Saul from finding him. Someone does find David, though. A friend shows up in 1st Samuel chapter 23, verses 16-18. David’s best friend Jonathan, Saul’s son, makesContinue reading “The single most important factor in making decisions – 1st Samuel 23 & 24, Part 3”
When making decisions, how much should others’ opinions matter? – 1st Samuel 23 & 24, Part 2
In our 28 years of marriage, my wife and I have found that big decisions are sometimes easier to make than small ones. Maybe it’s just us, but we have found that the significance of big decisions helps us have clarity about them. Big decisions are also quite rare. I’m not saying that buying aContinue reading “When making decisions, how much should others’ opinions matter? – 1st Samuel 23 & 24, Part 2”
What if God gave us all Holy Magic Eight Balls? – 1st Samuel 23 & 24, Part 1
What are the most difficult decisions you’ve ever had to make? I’m talking about decisions where you had at least two options, maybe more, and you thought, “I have no idea what option to go with”? Take a moment and think about those tough choices. Did you ever wish that something like a magic 8-ballContinue reading “What if God gave us all Holy Magic Eight Balls? – 1st Samuel 23 & 24, Part 1”
My favorite book about decision-making and the will of God – 1st Samuel 23 & 24, Preview
My wife Michelle and I started dating in college, and as we were becoming more serious, my thoughts turned to marriage. But one nagging concern I had was how could I be sure that she was “the one”? Might it be possible that God wanted me to marry someone else? I talked about it withContinue reading “My favorite book about decision-making and the will of God – 1st Samuel 23 & 24, Preview”
How to examine the condition of your heart – 1st Samuel 21 & 22, Part 5
When you come across a person standing at a busy intersection holding a sign that says “Homeless. Anything helps,” what thoughts go through your heart and mind? Here are some thoughts that go through my mind: Why don’t they get a job? They’re probably just ripping people off. They likely spend the money they get onContinue reading “How to examine the condition of your heart – 1st Samuel 21 & 22, Part 5”
Engaging Scripture 