When you are a leader and your role, position, and power is taken from you, it can be very difficult to give up that power. A quick glance throughout history shows kings, presidents, CEOs, pastors, and many other leaders unwilling to give up power. In our story of the monarchy in ancient Israel, as toldContinue reading “When leaders lose power, and do anything to stay in power – 1st Samuel 18 & 19, Part 3”
Tag Archives: monarchy
God’s view of outward appearance is like Dove Soap – 1st Samuel 16, Part 2
We humans tend to be very outward focused. Think about how our culture is fixated on outward appearance. There is so much emphasis on having good skin, toned muscles, a certain Body Mass Index, dieting, working out. No doubt some of that is also beneficial for good health and quality of life. But we can worshipContinue reading “God’s view of outward appearance is like Dove Soap – 1st Samuel 16, Part 2”
The king who didn’t want to be king – 1st Samuel 8-10, Part 4
This week I’ve been blogging about the story of Israel asking for a king. God is their king, but they want a human king. Amazing God grants their wish, and in the last post we met the king. He’s a man name Saul. As the story in 1st Samuel chapter unfolds, Saul searches for hisContinue reading “The king who didn’t want to be king – 1st Samuel 8-10, Part 4”
I just can’t wait to be king – 1st Samuel 8-10, Preview
It was one year ago, May 6, 2023, that Prince Charles III of England was crowned King Charles (though he had acceded to the throne the previous September 22, when his mother, Queen Elizabeth, passed). Charles had been waiting for that moment for a long time. When his mother became queen, Charles was 4 yearsContinue reading “I just can’t wait to be king – 1st Samuel 8-10, Preview”
Who is Israel’s true king? – Ezekiel 34, Part 2
In the previous post, we learned that in Ezekiel 34, God gave Ezekiel a prophetic word condemning the shepherds of Israel, because they selfishly cared for themselves while allowing the sheep to be hurt and preyed upon. But God wasn’t talking about shepherd and sheep. He was using them as a metaphor to depict whatContinue reading “Who is Israel’s true king? – Ezekiel 34, Part 2”
The Crown and how to have love that endures – Honest Advent Week 2, Part 5
My wife, Michelle, and I recently watched season 4 of The Crown on Netflix, a show about the current monarchy in England. The more I watch that show, the more I think it should be called “The Marriage.” Most of the central story lines are deeply affected by the various marriages of the characters. NotContinue reading “The Crown and how to have love that endures – Honest Advent Week 2, Part 5”
Engaging Scripture 