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”
Tag Archives: desire
Why is temptation so powerful? – Sword of the Spirit, Part 1
Have you heard of the short story How Much Land Does a Man Need? by famed Russian author Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910)? Tolstoy is famous for his mammoth works like Anna Karenina or War and Peace, as well as for his desire to live out Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. But How Much Land Does aContinue reading “Why is temptation so powerful? – Sword of the Spirit, Part 1”
Why I’m not upgrading my cell phone, though I really want to – Shield of Faith, Preview
I recently received an email from my cell phone provider with an offer to upgrade my phone. My current phone is three years old, and it is a base model. The more advanced models have larger screens, better cameras and other features such as facial recognition. The email tugged at my desires. I desire aContinue reading “Why I’m not upgrading my cell phone, though I really want to – Shield of Faith, Preview”
Do you have idolatry in your heart and not know it? – Ezekiel 14, Part 1
What do you long for? What do you desire? A relationship? Debts paid off? A big enough savings account so you’re not living paycheck to paycheck? A new car? New house? A different personality? Different looks? Good health? Healing? Success? Athletic ability? Artistic ability? A raise? What do you long for? We all have desire. Continue reading “Do you have idolatry in your heart and not know it? – Ezekiel 14, Part 1”
Should we eliminate desire in our lives? – Ezekiel 14, Preview
Years ago, I remember listening to a new song thinking, “I don’t think I should be listening to this. It doesn’t seem appropriate…but I’m not sure.” Why was I concerned? Because the song touched on themes that seemed to be getting really close to a line I knew I shouldn’t cross. I felt uncomfortable. AtContinue reading “Should we eliminate desire in our lives? – Ezekiel 14, Preview”
When battling a bad habit or sin feels like a losing fight – Colossians 3:5-11, Part 4
How do you overcome a bad habit, a sinful struggle? It’s difficult, right? It can feel like entering a boxing ring, doing battle every day, often losing. Does that resonate with you? There is hope and there is help! In our five-part study of Colossians 3:5-11, Paul says in verse 7 that Christians had anContinue reading “When battling a bad habit or sin feels like a losing fight – Colossians 3:5-11, Part 4”
Identifying and responding to evil desire – Colossians 3:5-11, Part 3
You’re driving down the road, looking at the vehicles passing by, feeling very dissatisfied by your own vehicle. You feel within you a strong desire for a particular vehicle you pass by. As I said before, I desire Land Rover Defenders. Or maybe it is a better house. Maybe you desire someone else’s body, personality,Continue reading “Identifying and responding to evil desire – Colossians 3:5-11, Part 3”
Prince Philip’s Surprising Choice For His Hearse – Colossians 3:5-11, Part 1
Did you watch the funeral of Prince Philip who recently passed? Or maybe you saw highlights or pictures on the news. Did you notice that his coffin was transported in a plain old green Land Rover Defender pick-up truck? Defenders are mode of Land Rovers that look kind of like Jeeps. You rarely see DefendersContinue reading “Prince Philip’s Surprising Choice For His Hearse – Colossians 3:5-11, Part 1”
Why we need to evaluate our longings – Colossians 3:1-4, Part 2
Recently I got a notice that a person wanted to send a message to the church through our Instagram account’s messaging system. I’m always a bit suspicious about requests from random people, but the message had me curious. The person asked, “Can I ask a biblical question here?” Yes. Yes, you can! They asked aContinue reading “Why we need to evaluate our longings – Colossians 3:1-4, Part 2”
The only way to truly fulfill your longings – First Sunday of Advent 2019, Part 5
Have you ever thoughts that you be so happy if you hit the lottery? I have. I have dreamed of how I would spend the money. It sounds so freeing. I would be free from debt. My kids would have no college debt. I get excited just typing it. Many of us can feel thatContinue reading “The only way to truly fulfill your longings – First Sunday of Advent 2019, Part 5”
Engaging Scripture 