Category Archives: ministry

saved to serve

Posted on March 2, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

Psalm 61 This psalm combines elements of an individual lament and a royal psalm.  David can do this, because his need for God’s response and the preservation of God’s plans through the monarchy are the same purposes.  It is helpful … Continue reading →

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more than enough

Posted on February 27, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

2 Chronicles 31 Those who have been involved in ministry management know how disheartening it is to always be checked by the bottom line.  When we get in our minds that something should be done, it hurts to learn that … Continue reading →

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bringing them back

Posted on February 15, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

2 Chronicles 19:4-11 Having been warned not to seek reunification with Israel, Jehoshaphat sets his sights on strengthening the ties of Judah with their God.  He appoints judges, but these judges were not autonomous rescuers as in the book of … Continue reading →

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connecting

Posted on January 22, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

1 Chronicles 25 The ministry of music that would accompany the offerings included songs from 288 men who were skilled and trained in singing to the LORD.  The LORD was speaking through the musicians to the people as they prophesied.  … Continue reading →

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planted on purpose

Posted on January 8, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

1 Chronicles 8 This list adds more detail to the genealogy of Benjamin that had begun in chapter 7.  It is appropriate to provide more details on this tribe, as Benjamin and Judah were the two “surviving” tribes that figured … Continue reading →

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losers

Posted on December 11, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Job 18 Bildad is irritated with Job’s insistence that he is suffering innocently.  To Bildad, Job is a loser.  He has lost both house and household: everything that he could rely on.  Bildad’s worldview has only one answer for such … Continue reading →

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a gentle whisper

Posted on October 27, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

1 Kings 19 Certainly God caused the wind, the earthquake, and the raging fire, but that was not the message God wanted to give Elijah.  He was in the gentle whisper, and the refreshing cakes, and the restful sleep.  Even … Continue reading →

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missions and fair allotment

Posted on July 16, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Joshua 16-17 Two groups pled for a fair allotment among the lands divvied out after the conquest.  The daughters of Zelophehad sought the land promised by the LORD during the time of Moses.  The sons of Joseph needed more land … Continue reading →

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in retrospect: gifts of rejoicing

Posted on June 23, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Deuteronomy 26 The firstfruits and tithes were not taxes of obligation. They were gifts that the Israelites had opportunity to give because God had promised to bless them with an abundance.  The little ceremony that accompanied the gifts was a … Continue reading →

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in retrospect: those who minister

Posted on June 16, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Deuteronomy 18 The Levite who served the people in the LORD’s name was to be provided for because of his ministry.  The prophet was to be listened to – and false prophets were not.  The Israelites were not to follow … Continue reading →

Posted in dependence upon God, discipleship, ministry | Tagged | 1 Comment