Shadows on the Wall
“David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam….” (1 Samuel 22:1) When I saw this, I was reminded of another famous cave I read about in a philosophy class. Maybe you’ve heard of it: Plato’s “Cave Allegory.” In his book Republic, Plato told a story of an imaginary group of people who had […]
Finding God in a Cave
“David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam….” (1 Samuel 22:1) The bottom had just fallen out of David’s life. Within a span of a few very painful months, David lost everything: his position, his wife, his mentor, his best friend, and ultimately his self-respect. He went from living in a palace to […]
In the Meantime
Whatever Saul sent him to do, David did it so successfully that Saul gave him a high rank in the army. This pleased all the people, and Saul’s officers as well…David…escaped to the cave of Adullam… (1 Samuel 18:5, 22:1) I call this week’s sermon, “In the Meantime.” David has been anointed as Israel’s next […]
Facing the Giants
Then the Philistine said, “This day I defy the ranks of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other…” For forty days the Philistine came forward every morning and evening and took his stand. (1 Samuel 17:10, 16) That Philistine was the giant named Goliath. Let’s talk about giants. Giants are more […]
You’re Not Alone
“Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray.” (Matthew 14:22–23) As the disciples headed out across the Sea of Galilee, they were caught in […]
Perfect Peace in a Perfect Storm
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7) Have you ever heard of a perfect storm? That’s when multiple weather elements combine, like hurricane force winds, plus a cold front, plus a downpour of rain. It creates disaster. We’ve been talking about worry, […]
De Profundis
“Out of the depths I call to you, Lord! Lord, listen to my voice; let your ears be attentive to my cry for help.” (Psalm 130:1–2, CSB) My mom used to say I was “trouble” with a capital T. It doesn’t offend me. Partly because it’s true. But also because trouble is a part of […]
The Lord is on Our Side
“if the Lord had not been on our side when people attacked us, then they would have swallowed us alive in their burning anger against us. Then the water would have engulfed us; the torrent would have swept over us; the raging water would have swept over us.” (Psalm 124:2–5, CSB) David gives us two […]
Miscalculating God
“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand.” (Job 38:4) Business blogger Anton Roundy asks his readers to consider miscalculations. If you’re going somewhere and you’re off course by just one degree, after one foot, you’ll miss your target by 0.2 inches. No big deal, right? After 100 yards, […]
Get Back Out There!
Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.” (Isaiah 35:3-4, NIV) Had all you can take? Can’t lift one more burden? Worn out? At […]
Following the Good Shepherd
“A thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired man, since he is not the shepherd and doesn’t own the sheep, leaves […]
With Salt
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (Colossians 4:5-6, NIV) Many of us western Christians, perhaps for the first time, are learning what it is like to […]
