Tag: Faithfulness
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The Chronicler’s Message Post-Exile
For generations, the Israelites had been taught that they were the special covenant people of God. They had been uniquely chosen among the nations and God had made a treaty with them. As they considered their history pre-exile that would be easy to argue. They had an established monarchy through the great King David and…
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Nathan, The Prophet During Transition
I could hardly pick a favorite prophet because each inspires me in their own particular way. The best I can do is pick favorites, and even then I could never single one out to be my favorite. Nathan the prophet would surely make the list. He impresses me greatly. Of course, much of his interactions…
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The Book of Job
The first five verses of Job offer us insight into the purpose behind the book. Job is presented as an exceedingly righteous man, one who was “blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil” (Job 1:1, ESV). Almost to match his moral excellence, he is wealthy and prosperous, blessed materially and…
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In the Days of the Judges
The shameful apostasy of Israel in the days of the judges was hardly uncharacteristic. As noted in several other texts, Israel never really left behind its idolatry when it came out of the Exodus (cf. Exod. 32; Amos 5:25-26; Jer. 7:25). When they turned to sin, God turned them to oppression. Although the vast majority…
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Comparing the Leadership of Saul and David
Two primary points stand out: (1) the way they sought the Lord’s will and (2) the way they reacted to their sin. Saul appealed to God’s will but only superficially and without a real desire to see it accomplished (cf. 1 Sam. 20:31; 24:16-22; 26:21-25). David on the other hand, constantly appealed to God’s will,…
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Lessons from Joshua
One of my favorite stories in the Book of Joshua also happens to be one of my favorite lessons in the entire Bible. After most of the land had been conquered and dispersed, one of Joshua’s oldest comrades approached him and requested to be given Hebron. Caleb was a contemporary of Joshua, and they were…
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Father’s Rules
The Ten Commandments are generally treated as confining rules and nothing else. Yet humanity likes rules, we just don’t like to admit we like rules. We love guidelines and structure. No parent feels unloving or unkind because they make a rule about not playing on the road. Rules matter. The Rule-Maker matters. The first commandment…
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“The Heart Won’t Lie…”?
Recently my wife and I were listening to some classic Reba McEntire songs. She’s an Okie, like my wife and myself. This line is from a duet she sang with Vince Gill, another great classic country singer. “The heart won’t lie…” Hmmm. I wonder, is that always true? Or perhaps, could the heart be deceived? …
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When the Transmission Quits
Life happens. One minute you are driving down the road and the next you hear awful sounds and your truck won’t shift into high gear. What do you do? Life sometimes happens. You can limp your way to the destination, but alas your truck is no longer fit for travel. The next few phone calls…
The Preacher's Desk 