Draw Near
My mom came for a visit last week!
2 Samuel 6, cont.
It seemed right to David to move the ark of the Covenant, the representation of the glory of God, from obscurity to the city of Jerusalem. The ark had been taken by the Philistines in battle after defeating the Israelites. This was a low point in Israel's history. The glory of God had departed. The Philistines eventually gave it back to Israel because of the death and disaster it caused among the Philistines wherever the ark resided. Saul took it back but left it alone and did not seek God. (If we could give Saul a middle name, it would be “did not seek God”). David is now the anointed and recognized king of Israel and he was called to restore Israel to place of honor that glorifies the God of the nation. So, he and his chosen men go to fetch the ark.Read more
Protected
Handle with Care
In 1991 I took my First Pres, Macon, GA youth group to Jamaica to build a church way out in the jungle. Jamaica is a poor country. (Don't be fooled by the vacation resorts). But the Christian are warm and loving people. We stayed in the dormitory of school (see the pictures) and traveled each morning way back into the jungle. You may have to click on the "blog" link and scroll down to see the entire double picture.
2 Samuel 6
There are a couple of interesting events that take place in this chapter. Both of which, I admit, the meaning I'm not completely clear about. I don't write these devotions to tell you what I know and give the impression that I am a wonderful Bible scholar. Instead, this is part of my journey to seek God's purposes in these passages. I try not to skip over the passages that aren't clear to me. The struggle is part of my discovery and growth. Hopefully you are willing to do the same in your Bible study. Read more
My Boring Day
Here's a couple of future PGA touring Pros (Nate and Ryker) soaking in the Texas Hill Country view!!!
2 Samuel 3Read more
The Competing King
Beri and Ryker! Howdy partner!
2 Samuel 2
We went through 1 Samuel late last year. Now I am back digging into the continuation of the narrative surrounding David's life. Saul is dead but the warfare, bloodshed, and political intrigue continues. Why do men contend against each other? Read more
There's a New King in Town!
This is July, 1997 at the Oakland A's gala for Special Olympics. We were guests of Buddy Groom, Oakland A's pitcher and his wife Angela, former Dallas Cowboy's cheerleader. Then there was just plain Leigh and I hangin' with the athletes and stars. Buddy and Angela are wonderful Christian couple from Waxahachie, TX.
2 Samuel 1
First Samuel ended with Saul's sons being slain by the Philistines, including the beloved Jonathan. Saul was trapped in battle and fell on his sword before the Philistines reached him. Saul is dead. The end of a tragic life! Saul’s life was a life of potential; a life of opportunity; a life unfulfilled. Read more
Devotional Thoughts
Devotional Thoughts on my Spiritual Life - I've been thinking a lot lately about walking in the Spirit. I tend to think more rationally than spiritually. The Christian life, I believe, is a balance of both. Read more
Final Observations
This is me and my mom in the Spring of 1982. To see the whole pic, click BLOG and scroll down.
Final observations about Habakkuk
This book was important to the apostle Paul. He quoted Habakkuk often when preaching the gospel in the synagogues and in his letters to the converted Jews in Galatians. The author of Hebrews uses Habakkuk as well. That means the book of Habakkuk is an important scripture in the development of the gospel message. How many gospel preachers include Habakkuk in their preaching? Paul did but not many today. There’s something we could learn from Paul.Read more
Remember Mercy
Is it appropriate for me to post a picture of me with the Houston Texans cheerleaders on my devotional blog? If so, click on BLOG and scroll down to see the full picture. If it's not OK, just go straight to the devotion.
Habakkuk 3
This is the third and final chapter. The debate recorded in chapters 1 & 2 has concluded. Chapter 3 transitions to a God-inspired prayer of Habakkuk. The bulk of the chapter recounts God’s power and work from creation, to the exodus, to Mt Sanai, to the entrance into the promised land, to the Davidic Covenant and the fulfillment of God’s anointed. Verse 2 kicks it off by saying, “Lord, I have heard the report about You and I fear. O Lord, revive Your work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make it known; In wrath, remember mercy.”Read more