But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the Lord .’ (Jonah 2:9 NIV) The Bible is a record of God’s interactions with humanity since creation through a variety of situations. From these we learn a lot about […]
Read More Jonah’s Journey 2 – Running to GodI have recently talked about my reflection on partnerships and teamwork. It’s worth revisiting something about those issues. I was sitting in on a study and it was run by a single lecturer with about half a dozen students in attendance. As the session went on it occurred to me that the learning experience was […]
Read More Adding Something to It and A Dryden UpdateThen they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. At this the men greatly feared the Lord , and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows to him. (Jonah 1:15-16 NIV) Reading familiar stories in the Bible can lead to taking for granted elements of the story […]
Read More Jonah’s Journey 1 – Running from GodWhen the people of Jabesh Gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, all their valiant men marched through the night to Beth Shan. They took down the bodies of Saul and his sons from the wall of Beth Shan and went to Jabesh, where they burned them. Then they took their bones and […]
Read More Sam’s 1st Epic 31 – The King is DeadIn some circles in the light of setbacks, failings, disappointments or tragedies the encouragement given is to put a brave face on. This face is a stoic one. It does not betray much in the way of tearful or sad emotion. It has written on it a gritty, steadfast, determined and unbowed stance. Things will […]
Read More Behind the Brave FaceChapter 30 of 1 Samuel in itself could be a blockbuster action movie. Over 600 men return to their home town from a trip to fight in a battle that they were rejected from. As they return they find their town has been burnt to the ground and their families have been taken. All of […]
Read More Sam’s 1st Epic 30 – A Fair Rescue MissionSo Achish called David and said to him, “As surely as the Lord lives, you have been reliable, and I would be pleased to have you serve with me in the army. From the day you came to me until today, I have found no fault in you, but the rulers don’t approve of you. […]
Read More Sam’s 1st Epic 29 – The David DilemmaThe competitive factor is an interesting one. This is more an entry about questions than answers. Is life meant to be viewed like a competition? When we were created was that the intention? Can we fulfil all that is within us without the competitive factor? Are we defined by what we win? Is the competitive […]
Read More Life and WinningWhen Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid; terror filled his heart. Samuel said, “Why do you consult me, now that the Lord has departed from you and become your enemy? (1 Samuel 28:5, 16 NIV) Philistines vs Israel. Battles between the two appeared to be as regular as day following night. King Saul, […]
Read More Sam’s 1st Epic 28 – Troubled SaulAchish trusted David and said to himself, “He has become so obnoxious to his people, the Israelites, that he will be my servant for life.” (1 Samuel 27:12 NIV) David was no fool. Just because Saul had made statements suggesting he would stop hunting him, he knew that Saul would be right back on his […]
Read More Sam’s 1st Epic 27 – Get Away
