Category Archives: leadership
guard us from this generation
Psalm 12 This community lament is the result of a people who look for leaders they can trust, and discover that they have disappeared. The people are forced to pray to God for protection, not just from foreign enemies, but … Continue reading
heroes
1 Chronicles 11 The chronicler details the support of David as he begins his reign in Jerusalem, highlighting the exploits of the mighty men. Heroes in their own right, these men put themselves at David’s disposal, confirming his right to … Continue reading
lead us
Psalm 5 What a great prayer for a king to pray. He knows that many who will seek to influence him are actually flatterers who will fall by their own counsels. He asks God to lead him by his righteousness. … Continue reading
impact
1 Chronicles 1 The list of names in this chapter is impressive. Although the chapter traces some of the family tree of Israel, it mostly lists the descendants of Adam who branched off to make an impact on the world … Continue reading
renovations
2 Kings 16 Ahaz found a new way to sin against the God of his ancestors. He admired an altar that he had seen in a pagan land, and had one built for the temple in Jerusalem. He made … Continue reading
a hero among zeroes
1 Kings 14:21-15:24 Just when you think things are never going to get better for this divided nation, king Asa appears. He makes attempts to defeat the idolatry that was destroying his people, and invests in the protection of Judah … Continue reading
the price of popularity
1 Kings 12:1-15 We are not told what Rehoboam’s motive was for refusing to follow the advice of the old men. We might assume that he wanted to be popular with the younger generation, and show strength. Bad call. But … 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
good government
2 Samuel 8 After succeeding in gaining control over the nation, David wins battles which cause his enemies to fear him, and the wise nations to respect him. He then sets his heart to administer justice and equity to all … Continue reading
a dismal day
1 Samuel 31 The leader chosen by the Israelite people dies a shameful death, loses all his fighting men, his sons, his armor bearer, and his bases camps. The body of one who was expected to rescue the people from … Continue reading
Devotions 