Beholding the King

Beholding the King

1 Kings 10:6–7 “ ‘It was a true report which I heard in my own land about your words and your wisdom. Nevertheless I did not believe the reports, until I came and my eyes had seen it. And behold, the half was not told me. You exceed in wisdom and prosperity the report...

Should I Welcome Testing?

Should I Welcome Testing?

Luke 6:46 “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” Observation: Jesus then goes on to offer this contrast: “Everyone who come to me and hears my words and acts upon them…is like a person who builds a house on firm ground...” And then: “…. but...

World Class Lament

World Class Lament

Job 13:15 “Though he slay me, I will hope in him.” Observation: Job is at a place where everything that had given his life meaning, joy and identity has been lost. Everything he highly valued has been taken away. It is in this place of deepest brokenness that he says,...

Rain on my Parade

Rain on my Parade

Mark 10:30: “….along with persecutions…” Observation: This small phrase comes in the midst of three of the most encouraging verses in the Gospels. A rich man had just left Jesus in disappointment over the sacrifices required to enter the kingdom of heaven and the...

Dangerous Vow

Dangerous Vow

Psalm 15:4(b) He swears to his own hurt and does not change.” Observation: This short Psalm begins by asking who the Lord could receive as a guest in his dwelling place. The remaining four versus answer the question: “Those who walk in integrity and speak truth…those...

The Other Camp

The Other Camp

Acts 20:9(b) “… he was overcome by sleep and fell down from the third floor and was picked up dead.” Observation: Paul was on his way to Jerusalem where he would be imprisoned and ultimately die. His journey took him through Troas for a seven-day visit among friends....

World Class Lament

World Class Lament

Job 13:15 “Though he slay me, I will hope in him.” Observation: Job is at a place where everything that had given his life meaning, joy and identity has been lost. Everything he highly valued has been taken away. It is in this place of deepest brokenness that he says,...

Try Displacement

Try Displacement

Psalm 66:17 “For I cried out to Him for help, praising Him as I spoke.” Observation:  David here rejoices over God’s miraculous deliverance and then moves toward praise. He goes on to call even the earth itself to shout joyfully to God (v.1) and to sing the glory of...

Wishing for a Do-Over

Wishing for a Do-Over

1 Chronicles 13: 9- 10 “When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzza put out his hand to hold the ark, because the oxen nearly upset it. And the anger of the Lord burned against Uzza so he struck him down because he put out his hand to the ark; and he died...

The Only Man

The Only Man

Ruth 3:9 “And he said ‘who are you?’ And she answered ‘I am Ruth, your maid. So spread your covering over your maid, for you are a close relative.’” Observation: Ruth was the widowed daughter-in-law of Naomi. Naomi’s husband Elimelech had brought Naomi and their two...