Walk about Zion, go around her, count her towers, consider well her ramparts, view her citadels, that you may tell of them to the next generation. For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end. Psalm 48:12-14 What will you say When you visit my fortress, When you pass through my gates Once riddled with war? What will you say When you approach the… Read More
The LORD was so furious with Uzzah, he killed him on the spot for his negligence. 2 Samuel 6:7 To read more of my reflections on 2 Samuel 6, click here. The word ḥârâ used for furious in this passage not only means to grow angry, but also to be grieved. This word has stuck with me in recent days. What if our helping grieves the Lord? I recently stood with two dear African friends… Read More
To read more in my series of reflections on 2 Samuel 6:;1-18, click here and here. David was afraid of the Lord that day and said, “How will the Ark of the Lord ever come to me?” 2 Samuel 6:10 When the day started, David was full of hope. After a long road of battle and loss, grief and sorrow, he was finally taking his place as king in Jerusalem. But he wanted his reign… Read More
To read the first in my series of reflections on 2 Samuel 6:1-18, click here. He died right there beside the ark of God. 2 Samuel 6:7 When holiness is ignored loss is inevitable. The ark of God represented the very presence of God among His people. He gave careful instructions in Numbers 7:9 about its transport. It was to be carried on poles, supported on the shoulders of the Kohathites. Not even the… Read More
And when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled. 2 Samuel 6:6 Helping can hurt. The ark of God represented God’s holy presence. Not even the priests were allowed to touch it. But as they trundled over the uneven surface of the threshing floor of Nacon, the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah automatically reached out to… Read More
The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He takes me to lush pastures, he leads me to refreshing water. He restores my strength. Psalm 23:1-3 Hope for a Saturday Morning Song A song hums low Behind the noise Beneath the chaos Invitation to joy. A narrated song With video I see the images A picture show. A happy list Of things to do Not things I must But… Read More
I am grateful to the one who has strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he considered me faithful in putting me into ministry, even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor, and an arrogant man. 1 Timothy 1:12-13 If Paul had stopped his sentence after the word ministry, he would have been no different from the Pharisees in their religious pride of position. Yet he continued. …even though I was formerly a… Read More
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 Across the earth, each day begins with a song for the Light of the World. The birds have been commanded and commissioned to announce the joyful news that the Light of the World has come. In Kenya, birds sing a ballad that… Read More
for so many little acorns waiting in the dark. Little Seed Silent little seed Deep in the dark Buried. Decaying little seed All that you once were Decomposed. Surrendered little seed Still and waiting Hoping. Poor little seed Silence stretching long Inertia. Surprised little seed Life is thrumming through you Upward. Tough little seed Pushing through your casket Breakthrough. Blinded little seed Emerging into brilliance Light. Growing… Read More
for Nat, who has stretched out her love for me over decades. And above all, keep your love for one another fervent… …because love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:21-23 Stretching keeps us from injury. In my first year as a serious runner, I hadn’t learned this important lesson. I ran out the door and down the road thinking I could run the distance on my sheer motivation and dedication, my belief in… Read More