Israel asked for a king like all the other nations—for three reasons they said: to judge them, to go before them, and to fight their battles. The Judge They wanted someone to uphold justice and teach truth. someone who was an expert in the law of God—like Moses—who could punish the wicked and pardon the […]
We learn a lot about Saul in chapter 9—some clues about who he is, and subtle foreshadowing of what sort of leader he will become. Saul’s hidden insecurities are not neutral traits; they look for protection—either through control and anxiety, or through performance and pride and both exist in Saul at the same time in […]
For someone with ADHD having to conform to what works for the average neurotypical brain can feel frustrating and excruciating. When my body is still, my mind tends to wander aimlessly. If I am asked to sit quietly in church, be still, and simply listen, I often struggle to focus— My leg starts going, I […]
What should have been a day of celebration turns into tragedy—the ark is returned to Israel but God strikes down fifty thousand of His own people at Beth Shemesh. Israel now seems caught on both sides: enemies on one side, God’s judgment on the other. Why would God strike His own people? And why are […]
Israel goes into battle against the Philistines—and they are defeated. Their first fatal flaw is revealed in a single question:“Why has the Lord defeated us today?” Within that question is a overwhelming truth—Israel sees God as an enemy fighting against them, rather than a Savior who loves them. It echoes the accusations of the Hebrews […]
My Faith Place 