David is on a mission to kill and no man can stop him! So the Lord doesn’t send a man but a courageous woman, Abigail, who helps David to see he must not stain his hands with innocent blood in
Unexpected encounter
David is very angry. A wealthy neighbour, called Nabal, has rudely rebuffed his approach for fellowship. So now he’s going to pay him and his estate back with violence! However, Abigail – Nabal’s wife – takes her life in her
Failed expectations
There is a temporary peace between David and Saul. So David makes a peace effort with a wealthy neighbour in his tribal homeland. His expectation is that given its the festive time of shearing, his overtures will be welcomed and
Temporary repentance
David has boldly confronted Saul with his crimes, using evidence that shows clearly David has no ill intentions towards him. How does the king respond? With heart-felt sorrow. Saul is broken by David’s words and actions. Then he recognises that
What should we do?
6.3 The local Church exists to make known the Christian message to all in its locality and to provide for the growth of its members through teaching, pastoral care and the exercise of the spiritual gifts which God has given
Act in haste, repent at leisure
Samuel has taught Israel not to look to human appointed judges. His mother spoke of the Lord being the true hope of Israel, and of the king he will send. But the elders of Israel, along with the people, have
Motives for murder
Pilate tries to free Jesus by getting the crowd to ask for his release. But it goes horribly wrong and Pilate has Jesus killed to save himself trouble. How does it go wrong? Jerusalem’s leaders stir the crowd to turn
You ask too much!
Though his disciples know Jesus is God’s anointed king, they do not understand the implications. God’s kingdom is built by God’s power, not human strength. So Jesus must die, trusting his father to raise him. The disciples, however, cannot see
The Psalms – Number 1
This post is number 2 in a series of short pieces about the Psalms. Photo by Alabaster Co on Unsplash No to the bad gang; yes to the Lord Click here to read: Psalm 1 Have you been to a
Trust and respect
Philemon 7-10. Paul’s prayer was for his friend’s love to be applied more widely. Now he turns to what that means in practice: welcoming back his slave not with harsh anger but as a Christian brother. However, Paul doesn’t command