An Introvert in Ministry

According to the last time I took the full Myers-Briggs Type Indicator I am an INFJ person (Introvert-Intuitive-Feeling-Judging). Being an introvert has its perks--I don't get bored as easily--but it also has its drawbacks, especially in ministry. INFJ Seek meaning and connection in ideas, relationships, and material possessions. Want to understand what motivates people and … Continue reading An Introvert in Ministry

The Story of King David: Week 5

THE BIG OOPSIE 2 Samuel 8:1 - 12:31 Summary: It took a lot of work, but after a bloody fight over the throne and the capture of Jerusalem, David has finally settled down to rule the Israelites. Things go quite well at first. David conquers the Philistines, the Moabites, the Arameans, and the Edomites, quickly … Continue reading The Story of King David: Week 5

The Story of King David: Week 4

DAVID'S ROCKY START 2 Samuel 1:1 - 7:30 Summary: David, who had stayed behind when the Philistines and Israelites fought, is brought news of Saul's defeat by a messenger who, hoping to gain favor with David, tells David that it was he who killed Saul. David, still loyal to his king, has the messenger killed for his … Continue reading The Story of King David: Week 4

The Story of King David: Week 3

THE END OF SAUL 1 Samuel 25:1 - 31:13 Summary: Samuel, the prophet and judge who had led Israel before the monarchy and who strongly opposed it, dies and is buried in his hometown. David and his men had been acting as unofficial (and unhired) police around Nabal’s flocks and shepherds. When the festival time … Continue reading The Story of King David: Week 3

The Regretful God

Last Sunday, the first Sunday in Lent (Year A in the Revised Common Lectionary), I heard the reading out of Genesis 9. Have you read it? Many people are familiar with the Noah story. God gets so angry with what humankind has become, how evil it has become, that God decides to destroy the entire … Continue reading The Regretful God