The Ammonites have laid siege to the Israelite town of Jabesh Gilead, threatening to gouge out the right eyes of all the men in the town. Desperate, the people of Jabesh send messengers around Israel begging for help from their countrymen. How will Israel respond to this threat? How will Israel’s new king respond toContinue reading “How the Spirit of God transforms us – 1st Samuel 11 & 12, Part 2”
Tag Archives: fear
When life boxes you in – 1st Samuel 11 & 12, Part 1
I recently listened to a podcast about ocean temperatures. Ocean temperatures are rising. They have been rising for many years. But in 2023, they rose faster than normal. Rising ocean temperatures are concerning. Fast rising ocean temperatures are really concerning. This is not a post about the environment, though sometime I should write about caringContinue reading “When life boxes you in – 1st Samuel 11 & 12, Part 1”
The state of fear in America – 1st Samuel 11-12, Preview
What keeps you up at night? Ever experience the syndrome where you cannot turn your mind off because you’re thinking about stuff? I fall asleep rather easily, but if I wake up in the middle of night, usually to use the restroom, anxious thoughts can creep in my mind, and it can be so difficultContinue reading “The state of fear in America – 1st Samuel 11-12, Preview”
How to have hope over fear – Encourage one another, Part 3
Saul has just made a decision to turn his life around 180 degrees. He met Jesus, and everything would now change. He used to persecute Christians, and now he was preaching about Jesus. But that all happened far away from the church’s home base in Jerusalem. No surprise, then, what we read in Acts 9, verse 26, “When [Saul]Continue reading “How to have hope over fear – Encourage one another, Part 3”
Are you struggling with fear? – New Year Psalm of Wisdom, Part 2
Are things in our world getting worse? While politicians boldly declare that crime is on the rise, an FBI report says the opposite: “Not only has violent crime fallen 23% from 2002 to 2022, but also in the past year alone murders fell 6% and violent crime declined 2% overall.” (Source: Time) It can be difficultContinue reading “Are you struggling with fear? – New Year Psalm of Wisdom, Part 2”
What hidden cash has to do with the…Helmet of Salvation, Preview
A few years ago, my wife’s great aunt passed away. She lived in Michigan where my wife’s mother’s side of the family is from. My wife’s great aunt was single, had a long career as a teacher, and was also joyful and bright. As most of us do, she also had a quirky side. ForContinue reading “What hidden cash has to do with the…Helmet of Salvation, Preview”
What Jesus says to help those of us who fear – John 17:6-26, Part 5
Has fear influenced your thinking, your emotions, your decisions? If you answer “Yes,” or “Maybe,” I wouldn’t be surprised. Though we might not want to admit it, there are plenty of reasons to fear. I’m not going to list them. Instead, I want to point us to Jesus who concludes his prayer with some powerfulContinue reading “What Jesus says to help those of us who fear – John 17:6-26, Part 5”
Why fear is the wrong response to AI – A Theology of AI, Part 5
There are many tools we create that are not inherently beautiful or evil. A hammer is not really a work of art (could be though), but it can be used for good or bad. Hammers build and hammers destroy. Same with computers and computer programming. The internet is unbelievably useful for communication, education, coordination, butContinue reading “Why fear is the wrong response to AI – A Theology of AI, Part 5”
God’s message to us when life seems out of control – Jeremiah 46 & 47
Over my years of pastoral ministry, when people experience sickness, lose a job or mourn the passing of a loved one, they have often asked the question, “Why did God allow that to happen?” In those painful situations, it’s quite natural to wonder what role God might have behind the scenes. Some go so farContinue reading “God’s message to us when life seems out of control – Jeremiah 46 & 47”
What to do with fear – Jeremiah 42-43
I recently listened to a podcast about cryptocurrency and how it has turned out to be massively speculative and often fraudulent. But investing in crypto was all the rage a few years ago. There was a Super Bowl ad campaign, and stories of crypto fortunes. Why was crypto so popular? Will it surprise you toContinue reading “What to do with fear – Jeremiah 42-43”
Engaging Scripture 