It is very difficult reading the 17th chapter of 2 Kings without filling up with tears of sorrow at the tragedy of the fall of the northern kingdom of Israel. It’s not as though God hadn’t warned them. He had done so on numerous occasions through various prophets. Yet their persistence in rejecting God lead […]
Read More The Kings II 17 – The Fall of IsraelKing Ahaz was undoubtedly one of the worst rulers of the southern kingdom of Judah. His blatant idol worship was bad enough, but to ho as far as to sacrifice his first born son as part of his idolatry showed just how far he moved away from Yahweh. The sixteenth chapter of 2 Kings, focuses […]
Read More The Kings II 16 – Ahaz and the Assyrian AllianceAt the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: “ Lord , the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, Lord , answer me, so […]
Read More The Kings 18 – Fire and Rain Turn Our Hearts Back AgainMy upbringing and church influences lead me to believe that a lot of worship was to do with emotions, singing and music. I don’t disregard that insight. What I am also grateful for is how worship provokes more than emotions, singing and music. I am grateful for the influences that pointed to worship as something […]
Read More Getting to Know HimThe book of Samuel concludes with an episode in which David sins before God. It’s fascinating that David pressed on with the census despite good advice telling him not to do so. It’s just as fascinating that David’s conscience hits when he recognises what he’s done. There is much to learn from this episode. It’s […]
Read More Sam’s 2nd Epic 24 – Learning from a Senseless CensusSovereign Lord , you are God! Your covenant is trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant. Now be pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever in your sight; for you, Sovereign Lord , have spoken, and with your blessing the house of your servant will […]
Read More Sam’s 2nd Epic 07 – House Building: David’s Delightful Divine DialogueBut be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. Yet if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will perish.” (1 Samuel 12:24-25 NIV) It must have been a very emotional occasion. Samuel wasn’t dying. One of the […]
Read More Sam’s 1st Epic 12 – Samuel’s Warning… Out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. This journey was not my idea. It was my heart’s deepest desire, but years of mental slavery made it a pipe dream. Those years of slavery in the land that looked to define me in its pomp and power almost crushed any sense of hope. […]
Read More Journeyman Journal – FreedomWith the series on Exodus Extracts ending recently, it was interesting to come across this. Fascinating insight into worship and work. For His Name’s Sake Shalom C. L. J. Dryden
Read More Worship and Work (Dwight Gibson)Over in 1 Kings 18, the prophets of Baal knew how to make a loud sounds and kick up a fuss. Their traditional altar activities made sense to them and as the prevailing religion in at least two countries there was no reason to believe their previous rituals wouldn’t be successful or appealing in these […]
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