As one who preaches and teaches for a living, I have wrestled with how pushy to be in my sermons. Or in lessons. Or in written communication. And not just in large groups, but also one-on-one. I’ve heard that we shouldn’t guilt people into doing things. I agree with that. We shouldn’t manipulate them, orContinue reading “What does it mean to be sanctified? – 1 Thessalonians 4:1–8, Part 2”
Tag Archives: temple
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”
What would it look like for you to sacrifice to God in a way that will demonstrate your trust in him? – 2 Samuel 24, Part 5
I had a spiritual direction appointment this week, and my spiritual director was asking about my upcoming sabbatical, which will be in August through October. He asked what I was going to do, and if I had a sabbatical theme. I had to admit to my spiritual director that I do not have a themeContinue reading “What would it look like for you to sacrifice to God in a way that will demonstrate your trust in him? – 2 Samuel 24, Part 5”
God promised David a dynasty “forever”. Why did it last only 400 years? – 2 Samuel 7, Part 3
In 2 Samuel 7, God has told David that David will not be the one to build God a temple. But God said quite a bit more than that, didn’t he? Look at verse 8. God reminds David of David’s improbable rise to the top. From being a lowly shepherd who followed a few sheepContinue reading “God promised David a dynasty “forever”. Why did it last only 400 years? – 2 Samuel 7, Part 3″
Three reasons why David was not the one to build the temple – 2 Samuel 7, Part 2
In 2 Samuel 7, David wants to build God a temple, but God says, “No.” Why not? For three reasons. This first we read about in the previous post, where God says to David, “I never asked for a temple. I was fine living in a simple tent.” But the story of God’s tent hasContinue reading “Three reasons why David was not the one to build the temple – 2 Samuel 7, Part 2”
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”
Why a priest was willing to break the law – 1st Samuel 21 & 22, Part 2
Here at Faith Church we have an unending stream of Tastykakes in our freezer because we happen to have an inside connection to Tastykake! If you’ve never had a Tastykake, you need to try Butterscotch Krimpets or Kandy Kakes. I especially love dark chocolate Kandy Kakes with cream filling. Mostly we use the Tastykakes forContinue reading “Why a priest was willing to break the law – 1st Samuel 21 & 22, Part 2”
Advent and…the Psalms of Ascent, Part 5
This week I welcome guest blogger, David Hundert. David and his wife Terri are members of Faith Church. David is currently studying for his Master of Divinity at Evangelical Seminary of Kairos University. How do the Songs of Ascent help us understand Advent? As I mentioned in the beginning of this series here, the Songs of Ascent wereContinue reading “Advent and…the Psalms of Ascent, Part 5”
The third leg of the journey into…The Psalms of Ascent, Part 4
This week I welcome guest blogger, David Hundert. David and his wife Terri are members of Faith Church. David is currently studying for his Master of Divinity at Evangelical Seminary of Kairos University. The Third Antiphon (Chant) 130-134 At this point, this journey is on it’s last leg. The kids have fallen asleep. They’ve gotten cheerios allContinue reading “The third leg of the journey into…The Psalms of Ascent, Part 4”
The second leg of the journey into the…Psalms of Ascent, Part 3
This week I welcome guest blogger, David Hundert. David and his wife Terri are members of Faith Church. David is currently studying for his Master of Divinity at Evangelical Seminary of Kairos University. The Second Antiphon (Chant) 125-129 In this next section, the next antiphon or chant of the Psalms of Ascent, our journey continues and weContinue reading “The second leg of the journey into the…Psalms of Ascent, Part 3”
Engaging Scripture 