My Journey Journal

While reading about the split of the kingdom of Israel after Solomon’s death I ran across the description of Jeroboam.

Now the man Jeroboam was a valiant warrior and when Solomon saw that the young man was industrious he appointed him over all the forced labor of the house of Joseph.
1 Kings 11:28

I wanted to revisit how God described Saul, Israel’s first king.

[Kish] had a son whose name was Saul, a choice and handsome man, and there was not a more handsome peson than he among he sons of Israel; from his shoulders and up he was taller than any of the people.
1 Samuel 9:2

   Read more... (1025 words, estimated 4:06 mins reading time)

God’s word, the Bible, is powerful.  Both the Jewish Testament and the New Testament tell us that God’s word is profitable.

Sometimes, however, English translations have subtle differences from the original texts.  Take for example a passage from Paul’s first letter to Timothy.

The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.
1 Timothy 1:5 NLT

The Bible presents lists like this passage in 1 Timothy.  My question when I read this was which part is “the list?”  I see two possibilities and the difference may change what I focus on as I seek to follow Jesus.  Read more... (703 words, 1 image, estimated 2:49 mins reading time)

The sons of Korah (also descendants of Kohath) were descendants of a Levite who rebelled against Moses – Numbers 16.

This group of Levites were given the ministry of

… lead[ing] the music at the house of the LORD after the Ark was placed there. They ministered with music at the Tabernacle until Solomon built the Temple of the LORD in Jerusalem. They carried out their work, following all the regulations handed down to them.
1 Chronicles 6:31-32 NLT  Read more... (609 words, estimated 2:26 mins reading time)

In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For You alone, O LORD, make me to dwell in safety.
Psa 4:8 NASB

David’s experience hiding from Saul was a pot in which his dependence on God for his safety was seasoned.  David knew that God wouldn’t start supplying David’s needs and then stop part way through; God would always give to David and protect David because God was faithful and to be trusted.

In this instance David shows how God’s protection led to peaceful sleep for him.  Read more... (674 words, estimated 2:42 mins reading time)

During the “Sermon on the Mount,” Jesus told His followers to

“… let your light shine before men in such a way that they will see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

Later in that same sermon He tells his followers to

“Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them ….” Matthew 6:1

An apparent contradiction comes from misunderstanding what Jesus meant about letting “your light shine before men ….”  Read more... (285 words, estimated 1:08 mins reading time)