When God Says, “No”

When God Says, “No”

“When the king had settled into his palace and the Lord had given him rest on every side from his enemies, the king said to the prophet Nathan,  “Look, I am living in a cedar house while the ark of God sits inside tent curtains.” David’s entire...
The Secret to Not Fearing Evil

The Secret to Not Fearing Evil

Thanks to King Hiram of Tyre David finally has a royal place to live. Scripture says that after the palace was complete, David finally “knew” God had established him as King of Israel. I wonder how many times he looked from a window of this new home to the...
When You’re In A Pit….With A Lion…..On A Snowy Day

When You’re In A Pit….With A Lion…..On A Snowy Day

Being anointed doesn’t always mean you’re loved, and David learned the hard way that becoming king would take much more than the words, “God chose me.” The entire first half of First Samuel tells of David’s attempts to run from Saul, who...
Because I Need a Gatekeeper Too

Because I Need a Gatekeeper Too

Two hundred and twelve Levites were chosen to guard the temple. As gatekeepers, they monitored who entered the temple and who left it, protecting it at night and opening it every morning. From the north, south, east, and west, the temple was secure....
Why Genealogies Matter

Why Genealogies Matter

Genealogies are tedious to read. I stumble over the letters of each name, trying to get them right phonetically, but eventually find myself moving more and more quickly through each new verse. Am I really taking time to read these lists, or am I merely skimming...
How to Have Enough Strength for Today

How to Have Enough Strength for Today

I check the forecast. Should I wear long sleeves or short? Should I carry an umbrella or will it be okay to leave it hanging on the hook in my laundry room? Getting a peek at the weather helps me feel a little more confident as I prepare for the day. But some things...