Finding a Safe Place

I went through a time in my life when I had been hurt so deeply by the people of God that I was ready to jump ship. There was no one whom I could trust. Who of us has not encountered times like these when we feel like we’re up against a wall due to people, circumstances or challenges that seek to defeat and destroy us? None of us are immune.

Now, Lord!

There are times in life when we feel pressed into a corner with no way out. That was the experience of the people of Israel with the Red Sea in front and Pharaoh’s army behind. In those moments there is only one thing to do; scream for help! In Psalm 70 David is pressed by his enemies. His life is hanging by a thread. He needs God’s help, now! David cries to God to rescue him (v 1), to turn the tables on his enemies (vv 2-3), to bless the faithful (v 4) and finally to save him in his needy state (v 5).

Read More desperation, prayer, faith, trials

Troubles & Trials

In 1 Samuel 21:1-15 David’s escape from Saul to the land of Gath put David in the path of danger with King Achish of Gath. King Achish knew David well, as David was the one who killed the Philistine Goliath. Fleeing from Saul put him in the city of Gath: the home of his enemies, the home of Goliath the giant he’d killed a few years earlier.

Did David think they would not recognize him?

Read More rescue, difficulty, stress, distress, trials

Eyes and Ears

In the Second World War, cracking the German Enigma code created an ethical dilemma. The British could finally understand all German communications, but what should they do with their newfound knowledge? In the short term, battle victories would save lives but prompt the Germans to change their code or provide disinformation.

Fear Not, You Are Mine

Read Reflect The themes of forming and creating come up over and over in Isaiah. People in rebellion against God form and create idols. God, here, forms and creates Israel. When people create idols, they turn to them for salvation. When God creates his people, his people need to turn to their creator for salvation. […]