Do you have drama in your family? I’m sure we could all tell stories. The family member that no one talks to. The family member that is difficult. The family member that, when you are together, spends the whole time talking about themselves, and then just as they are about to leave says, “How areContinue reading “Can the Bible help us resolve family drama? – 2 Samuel 9, 13, 14, 15, Part 1”
Tag Archives: relationships
King David was a drama magnet – 2 Samuel 9, 13, 14, 15, Preview
Are there people in your life who seem to attract more than their fair share of sickness, accidents, strange situations, or relational brokenness? Maybe you’re thinking, “That’s me.” Whether you or other people, some people seem like magnets for drama. When I think of a drama magnet, I think of King David, who is famouslyContinue reading “King David was a drama magnet – 2 Samuel 9, 13, 14, 15, Preview”
Are you a typical human who doesn’t see the truth about yourself? – 2 Samuel 11—12, Part 4
Editor’s Note: This week we welcome guest blogger, Emily Marks. Emily is an adult and community educator. She and her husband Sean live in Lancaster, PA, with their dog Corvus. I learned so much from her sermon on 2 Samuel 11-12! I’m excited for you to read these blog posts. David has a big responsibilityContinue reading “Are you a typical human who doesn’t see the truth about yourself? – 2 Samuel 11—12, Part 4”
Have you ever heard a woman’s perspective of the story of David & Bathsheba? – 2 Samuel 11—12, Part 1
Editor’s Note: This week we welcome guest blogger, Emily Marks. Emily is an adult and community educator. She and her husband Sean live in Lancaster, PA, with their dog Corvus. I learned so much from her sermon on 2 Samuel 11-12! I’m excited for you to read these blog posts. We will be continuing inContinue reading “Have you ever heard a woman’s perspective of the story of David & Bathsheba? – 2 Samuel 11—12, Part 1”
Why David’s wife bitterly confronted him – 2 Samuel 6, Part 3
In the previous post, we learned that in 2nd Samuel chapter six, David is dancing wildly, wearing a thin priestly ephod, as part of the procession bringing the Ark of Covenant into the city of Jerusalem. His wife, Michal, was aghast at what she saw from the palace window, as she watched the Ark paradeContinue reading “Why David’s wife bitterly confronted him – 2 Samuel 6, Part 3”
How to be truly sorry, even when you don’t feel like it – 2 Samuel 2:9—3:39, Part 5
This week on the blog, we’ve been studying the tragic events of a civil war in ancient Israel, and of palace intrigue that led to murder. Think about the numerous themes in these chapters. Weak versus strong leadership. The downfall brought about by fear and jealousy. Of course, lying, deceit and murder. What weContinue reading “How to be truly sorry, even when you don’t feel like it – 2 Samuel 2:9—3:39, Part 5”
Was David right or wrong to make a peace deal contingent on getting his ex-wife back? – 2 Samuel 2:9-3:39, Part 3
In the previous post, Abner, the top general of the eleven tribes of Israel, has just been dishonored and shamed by his king, Ish-Bosheth. Deeply angered, Abner not only threatens to reach out to David, who is now king of the other tribe Judah, but also Abner begins organizing a massive defection to David. HowContinue reading “Was David right or wrong to make a peace deal contingent on getting his ex-wife back? – 2 Samuel 2:9-3:39, Part 3”
The horror of war in ancient Israel – 2 Samuel 2:8—3:39, Part 1
Have you ever been playing the game of Risk, when you had a much larger army than another player, so you attack them? You are very confident that you will defeat them. Even if they roll well, you will win a war of attrition. But then it happens. They roll sixes over and over, slowlyContinue reading “The horror of war in ancient Israel – 2 Samuel 2:8—3:39, Part 1”
How David was shamed by the Philistines, and it turned out to be a good thing – 1st Samuel 28-30, Part 4
This week we welcome guest blogger, Kirk Marks. Kirk retired from a long career in pastoral ministry, denominational leadership and theological education. He now works in global fair trade. The armies of Philistia and Israel are gathering, facing off. War is about to erupt. As we reviewed in the previous post, though David and hisContinue reading “How David was shamed by the Philistines, and it turned out to be a good thing – 1st Samuel 28-30, Part 4”
Why is it so difficult to admit we are wrong? – 1st Samuel 26 & 27, Part 2
Do you like to admit you are wrong? The biblical concept of repentance involves admitting that you are wrong, and generally-speaking, we humans don’t like to admit we are wrong. As we have been studying the life of David through the account in 1st Samuel, for a few weeks now, we’ve been following the storyContinue reading “Why is it so difficult to admit we are wrong? – 1st Samuel 26 & 27, Part 2”