It is simply human nature that the people in a church family will not always agree with one another. Hear what Paul has to say about that in 1 Thessalonians 5, verses 14–15, “And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient withContinue reading “Christians have been discipled by outrage culture – 1 Thessalonians 5:13–15, 26, Part 4”
Tag Archives: humility
The nostalgic power of food, and the importance of having a proper perspective of our ourselves – 2 Samuel 23:8–9, Part 3
There is a scene in the film Ratatouille that depicts the nostalgic power of food. In the film, a famous Parisian restaurant has been in a rut, lacking new creative dishes. Suddenly, a mysterious new chef appears with inspired recipes, leading the restaurant to become the talk around town. One day a famously harsh foodContinue reading “The nostalgic power of food, and the importance of having a proper perspective of our ourselves – 2 Samuel 23:8–9, Part 3”
The most important trait of a disciple of Jesus? – 2 Samuel 22, Part 5
What do you think is the most important trait of a disciple of Jesus? My selection of the picture above could give the idea that I think a small group discussion is most important. While I think those kinds of bible studies or accountability groups or discussions are really important, there is another trait thatContinue reading “The most important trait of a disciple of Jesus? – 2 Samuel 22, Part 5”
Why God was okay living in a tent the size of a two-car garage – 2 Samuel 7, Part 1
After years of waiting, running, hiding, and battling, David is king of all Israel. He has conquered Jerusalem, built a palace there, and brought the Ark of the Covenant into the city. And yet, in the middle of all that blessing from God, David is unsettled. Maybe you’ve had that feeling after a very busyContinue reading “Why God was okay living in a tent the size of a two-car garage – 2 Samuel 7, Part 1”
How the practice of listening can keep us from disaster – 1 Samuel 25, Part 4
David is in a rage, believing a man named Nabal has disrespected him. David and his men, armed to the teeth, are advancing on Nabal to slaughter Nabal and his servants. But suddenly, Nabal’s wife, Abigail, shows up and pleads with David to stop. In the previous post, we observed Abigail’s genius diplomacy and communicationContinue reading “How the practice of listening can keep us from disaster – 1 Samuel 25, Part 4”
The arrogance of Israel’s super weapon – 1st Samuel 4:1b-7:17, Part 3
After a stinging defeat at the hands of the Philistines, the elders of Israel have a plan to strike back. It’s their secret super weapon. Why they didn’t bring out the weapon in the first place, we don’t know. But now they do, and the super weapon has a profound effect on the Philistines. Let’sContinue reading “The arrogance of Israel’s super weapon – 1st Samuel 4:1b-7:17, Part 3”
How humility is the foundational posture to hear from God – 1 Samuel 2:12-4:1a, Part 4
As we saw in the previous post, God speaks directly to Samuel. But why? God does not speak directly to the priests Hophni or Phineas. God does not speak to their father, the priest Eli. In today’s post, we learn how Samuel put himself in a position to hear directly from God. But first, weContinue reading “How humility is the foundational posture to hear from God – 1 Samuel 2:12-4:1a, Part 4”
The primary characteristic of a disciple of Jesus – 1 Samuel 2:12-4:1a, Part 2
What do you think is the primary characteristic of a disciple of Jesus? Think about it a moment. There are numerous potential answers. You might even think of biblical passages that might provide some answers. I think the story that we’ve been following this week on the blog, a story found in 1 Samuel 2:12-4:1a,Continue reading “The primary characteristic of a disciple of Jesus – 1 Samuel 2:12-4:1a, Part 2”
How to listen to a…New Years Psalm of Wisdom, Part 1
While it is true that New Year’s Day is just another day of year, I’m glad for a marker. Yes, today, New Year’s Day 2024, is just another Monday. A day off for people who work at companies that give off for New Year’s Day. An extra day of family, food, football. But I amContinue reading “How to listen to a…New Years Psalm of Wisdom, Part 1”
Why humility, teachability and the Korean concept of Han are vital to confession – Advent Psalm of Confession, Part 5
As we learned in the previous post, when we confess our sins, we are trusting in God. But there’s more. When we confess our sins, here is what we are to do next, as David writes in Psalm 32, verses 8-9, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; IContinue reading “Why humility, teachability and the Korean concept of Han are vital to confession – Advent Psalm of Confession, Part 5”
Engaging Scripture 