Advent, Week 1: Psalm 112, Part 5 How much of your gift-giving this Christmas will be lavishing gifts on people who already have all their needs met? I will love the gifts I receive at Christmas, but I can tell you very honestly that I don’t need a single Christmas gift. I want them. ItContinue reading “Gift giving that makes a difference”
Tag Archives: fear
Why Christians have hope in the face of death – 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:4, Part 2
Death sucks. I have pastoral colleagues who say they like doing funerals, not because a person died, of course, but because of the opportunity to have spiritual conversations. I’m really iffy about that. When it comes to rituals of the faith, I’d much rather do a wedding, baptism, or lead the celebration of communion. BecauseContinue reading “Why Christians have hope in the face of death – 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:4, Part 2”
What to do when your heart is filled with fear and pain – David’s heart after God, Part 3
You’re getting old, wrinkly, flabby? Fear not! “Just purchase our wonder cream to help your skin, and you’ll be young again in no time.” You feeling uncertain about finances in the future? Fear not! “Just contact our investment firm, and we will get you ready.” You feeling stressed out by the pressures of life? FearContinue reading “What to do when your heart is filled with fear and pain – David’s heart after God, Part 3”
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”
Why David & Goliath is not an underdog story – 1st Samuel 17, Part 4
In 2018 I blogged a series titled “Characters” where I featured a number of famous Bible stories. One of those was David & Goliath from 1st Samuel chapter 17. Now in 2024, I am blogging through 1st and 2nd Samuel, and we’ve reached chapter 17. This week, I’m reblogging the “Characters” posts about David &Continue reading “Why David & Goliath is not an underdog story – 1st Samuel 17, Part 4”
Is your view of life upside-down? – 1st Samuel 17, Part 3
Photo by Trevin Rudy on Unsplash In 2018 I blogged a series titled “Characters” where I featured a number of famous Bible stories. One of those was David & Goliath from 1st Samuel chapter 17. Now in 2024, I am blogging through 1st and 2nd Samuel, and we’ve reached chapter 17. This week, I’m rebloggingContinue reading “Is your view of life upside-down? – 1st Samuel 17, Part 3”
Distraction from the main thing – 1st Samuel 17, Part 2
In 2018 I blogged a series titled “Characters” where I featured a number of famous Bible stories. One of those was David & Goliath from 1st Samuel chapter 17. Now in 2024, I am blogging through 1st and 2nd Samuel, and we’ve reached chapter 17. This week, I’ll reblog the “Characters” posts about David &Continue reading “Distraction from the main thing – 1st Samuel 17, Part 2”
Do you have crippling fear? – 1st Samuel 17, Part 1
In 2018 I blogged a series titled “Characters” where I featured a number of famous Bible stories. One of those was David & Goliath from 1st Samuel chapter 17. Now in 2024, I am blogging through 1st and 2nd Samuel, and we’ve reached chapter 17. This week, I’ll reblog the “Characters” posts about David &Continue reading “Do you have crippling fear? – 1st Samuel 17, Part 1”
When our fears come out to haunt us – 1st Samuel 17, Preview
Perhaps you’re like me and you have strange dreams while you’re sleeping. I find that my most bizarre dreams happen in the early morning, just before I wake up. This past week while on vacation, I had one of those early morning dreams, and in the dream Faith Church had one of those old-style marqueeContinue reading “When our fears come out to haunt us – 1st Samuel 17, Preview”
Hope when you are feeling trapped – 1st Samuel 11 & 12, Part 5
In 1st Samuel 11 & 12, we’ve seen numerous references to fear. Unhealthy, ungodly fear, as well as godly fear of the Lord. We Christians can learn much from this. On the eve of his crucifixion, Jesus had his last supper with his disciples, and he said to them: “Do not let your heartsContinue reading “Hope when you are feeling trapped – 1st Samuel 11 & 12, Part 5”
Engaging Scripture 