Time. We measure it in a variety of ways and also measure our lives by the accumulation of what happens in those measures of time. At various times we get an opportunity to reflect on what takes place in a measure of time and look at how we have moved on or not. Then we […]
Read More Another StepI often love engaging with people about different scenarios in life. It’s great to hear them grapple with why people do certain things and why other people react the way they do. The grapple is interesting and the way it informs how we behave in life today can be invaluable. This means it is unwise […]
Read More Sam’s 2nd Epic 15 – Absalom in AscendancyThere are certain things that matter. There are also certain things that matter more than those first things. Sometimes we don’t know which things matter more than the others. Sometimes what we believe matters to us is something we passionately and vociferously look to defend. That defence can antagonise others. It is good, however, to […]
Read More Thrashing It OutSo Joab went to the king and told him this. Then the king summoned Absalom, and he came in and bowed down with his face to the ground before the king. And the king kissed Absalom. (2 Samuel 14:33 NIV) There are many fascinating characters in scripture. Two particularly fascinating characters are Joab and Absalom. […]
Read More Sam’s 2nd Epic 14 – Absalom and the Long GameMy friend Steve is brilliant. Among the list of aspects that makes him brilliant is his capacity to motivate. One conversation about my lack of fitness and stamina turned into him inviting me to go with him to a gym. That encouragement turned to him actively helping me get to grips with the different stations […]
Read More On the Inside, Coming AlongsideAbsalom fled and went to Talmai son of Ammihud, the king of Geshur. But King David mourned many days for his son. (2 Samuel 13:37 NIV) David had done wrong in plotting and scheming, it cost the life of a husband and a baby boy. Yet the punishment of God was to extend to his […]
Read More Sam’s 2nd Epic 13 – The Dysfunction of David’s DynastyWhen Adam and Eve sinned they went hiding when they heard God walking in the garden in the cool of the day. The ensuing conversation although it has grace notes and reasons for hope is still very sad indeed. The thought, however, of the Lord walking in the cool of the day, is fascinating. It’s […]
Read More Cool of the Day ConversationsReading the twelfth chapter of 2 Samuel is heavy. Did David really think he could get away with it? It’s intriguing that it takes a confrontation with God through Nathan for his misdeeds to be exposed and duly punished. The degree of David’s actions are taken very seriously indeed. God’s judgment on the matter is […]
Read More Sam’s 2nd Epic 12 – Conviction and GraceOn Sunday 15th June 2003 Authrine and I held the wedding ceremony that expressed to the world we were committing the rest of our lives together in holy matrimony. We get this date every year to celebrate our anniversary, so we’ve done this a few times now. On this occasion, though I am truly grateful […]
Read More Anniversary Celebration: FoundationAfter the time of mourning was over, David had her brought to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing David had done displeased the Lord . (2 Samuel 11:27 NIV) The darkest episode of the life of David is a sad episode to read. It’s one thing […]
Read More Sam’s 2nd Epic 11 – David Displeases
