(REFLECTIONS ON 1 Kings 4:1-34) Among Solomon’s officials was a priest named Zabud, the son of Nathan. Interestingly, Scripture says that Zabud was “the king’s friend” (1 Kings 4:5). However, “friend of the king” was not merely referring to a personal friendship, but likely an official royal position. This official royal position of “friend of the […]
(REFLECTIONS ON 1 Kings 3:1-28) 3 “Now Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of his father David, except he sacrificed and burned incense on the high places.” Solomon loved the Lord, yet that did not mean his actions were without fault. Yes, he loved the Lord and walked in the statutes of his father […]
(REFLECTIONS ON 1 Kings 2:13-46) All who supported Adonijah in his attempt to seize the throne after David were eventually put to death. Even Adonijah himself, who refused to abandon his pursuit of the kingdom, was put to death. Why? Because he attempted to strengthen his claim to the throne by asking to marry Abishag the […]
(REFLECTIONS ON 1 Kings 2:1-12) Grown up means that we have grown into maturity from childhood. Grown-up means that we are an adult. Being an adult means that we take on the responsibilities of a grown-up. As David’s life ends, he calls Solomon to show yourself a man, to be a grown-up. 2 “I am going […]
(REFLECTIONS ON 1 Kings 1:1-53) As we begin reading 1 Kings, we begin at the end of a great legacy in King David. It is a reminder that no matter how great a person may be, all humanity is still limited by flesh and blood and remains affected by the reality of sin in this world. […]
(REFLECTIONS ON Colossians 4:7-18) Why are church life and corporate Christian living so important? It is because through relationships we are able to fulfill Jesus’ command to love one another, and in loving one another, we learn to love God. It is also through the ups and downs of human relationships that we learn to let […]
(REFLECTIONS ON Colossians 4:1-6) What should our attitude towards Christ be as believers? In today’s Scripture, Paul shows us how there is a beautiful balance of devotion, dedication, and conviction, with thanksgiving and grace. 2 Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving. First we should be devoted. Paul here refers […]
(REFLECTIONS ON Colossians 3:18-25) Paul begins Colossians 3 speaking about the new self in Christ Jesus. In Colossians 3:1–2, Paul writes: “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are […]
(REFLECTIONS ON Colossians 3:1-17) 1 Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. 3 For you have died and your life is hidden with […]
(REFLECTIONS ON Colossians 2:16-23) When we moved back to Taiwan in 2011, we spent some time visiting different churches to find a spiritual home here. At one point we were attending a young and growing church in Taipei. After attending the church for about 6-months, we learned about an unwritten policy that the church had regarding […]