Category Archives: integrity
unfinished business
2 Samuel 21 David’s major battles had been fought and won. His tragic mistake with Bathsheba and its consequences are now bad memories. But there is more to do. Life will always throw us unfinished business. Avenging the Gibeonites and … Continue reading
humpty dumpty
2 Samuel 20 Another rebellion, this time led by Sheba from the northern tribes, highlights the instability of David’s kingdom after his sin. Also, Joab’s murder of Amasa shows his unwillingness to submit to David’s choice of commander. The whole … Continue reading
The curse of Jotham
Judges 9 This passage illustrates the aftermath of Gideon’s failure to bring lasting peace. His son Abimelech deals treacherously and murders his brothers. Jotham escapes, and calls down a curse upon Abimelech and the town of Shechem. God honors the … Continue reading
the leader whose slip was showing
Judges 8 Gideon refused to be proclaimed king, telling the people that the LORD shall rule over them. But everything he did in later life smacked of apostasy and selfishness. His retribution against those cities that did not support … Continue reading
missions and human rights
Joshua 20 Even though the objective of the Israelites was to occupy the promised land as quickly as possible, no human right was to be set aside. The cities of refuge were a way of preserving life, protecting the accused … Continue reading
in retrospect: the secretly disobedient
Deuteronomy 29:1-30:10 “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law. (Deuteronomy 29:29 ESV) Moses called … Continue reading
Posted in commitment, discipleship, integrity, obedience
Tagged Deuteronomy 29, Deuteronomy 30
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in retrospect: health and prosperity
Deuteronomy 28:1-14 We testify to the existence and goodness of God by our actions. Health and prosperity can be part of that testimony. If we are careful to do what God wants, he is free to open up his good … Continue reading
in retrospect: a greater GOD
Deuteronomy 7 A lesser god would have been OK with entering Canaan and becoming part of the pantheon of the peoples. The LORD was not. He demanded that the Israelites wipe out all the nations of the land. He would … Continue reading
Posted in integrity, kingdom of God, relationship with God, worldview
Tagged Deuteronomy 7
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a respectful walk
Numbers 12 The LORD struck Miriam with leprosy to pun ish her for questioning the authority of his chosen servant, Moses. Even after Moses prayed that he heal her, God chose to let her remain leprous for seven days. … Continue reading
devotion and testimony
Leviticus 24 This chapter links together two things that seem very different. It starts with commands to maintain the holy place in the tabernacle (particularly the lamps and the showbread) and it ends with commands to execute blasphemers. The concept … Continue reading
Posted in commitment, discipleship, faithfulness, genuineness, integrity, witness
Tagged Leviticus 24
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Devotions 