ISSL Reflections September 8, 2024 1 Kings 8:22–24, 37–39, 46, 48–50a Post 3

VII.In the last post we focused on sin, today as you return to this passage let this phrase guide you through Solomon’s prayer, “O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth … Continue reading

ISSL Reflections September 8, 2024 1 Kings 8:22–24, 37–39, 46, 48–50a Post 1

I.This week we hear parts of Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the Temple. What concerns do you hear Solomon express to God? II.1 Kings 8:22–24, 37–39, 46, 48–50a (NRSVue) Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in … Continue reading

ISSL December 10 2023 1 Samuel 17:31–37, 45, 48–50 Post 3

VII.As you reread this passage use the words of David as your lens through which you hear and see the scene, “The Lord who saved me … will save me …” VIII.1 Samuel 17:31-37, 45, 48-50 (NRSVue) When the words … Continue reading

ISSL December 10 2023 1 Samuel 17:31–37, 45, 48–50 Post 2

IV.The other day I asked “What kind of person do you take David to be?” What progress did you make with that question? Let’s take our time today reading this passage once again, and look for any clues you see … Continue reading

ISSL December 10 2023 1 Samuel 17:31–37, 45, 48–50 Post 1

I.I suspect to many of us David is a familiar character from the Hebrew Scripture. Can I ask a favor of you today? As you read this passage, read it as the only acquaintance with David you have. If this … Continue reading

ISSL Reflections October 30 2022 1 Samuel 16:1–13 Post 3

VII.As you read this Scripture passage pay attention to each time you hear, “The Lord said …” VIII.1 Samuel 16:1-13 (NRSVUE) The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king … Continue reading

ISSL Reflections October 30 2022 1 Samuel 16:1–13 Post 2

IV.If we take a step back to 1 Samuel 15 we can see the encounter between Samuel and Saul and the word of “rejection” come to Saul – Samuel said to Saul, “I will not return with you, for you … Continue reading

ISSL Reflections October 30 2022 1 Samuel 16:1–13 Post 1

I.Last week we read of Saul being selected to be Israel’s king. This week, we see Saul has been “unselected” (“The Lord said to Samuel, ‘How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over … Continue reading

ISSL Reflections February 6 2022 2 Samuel 12:1–9, 13–15 Post 3

VII.Where do you find the strongest emotions of the people in this passage? What in the passage brings the strongest emotions for you? VIII.2 Samuel 12:1-9 (New Revised Standard Version) … and the Lord sent Nathan to David. He came … Continue reading

ISSL Reflections February 6 2022 2 Samuel 12:1–9, 13–15 Post 2

IV.Let’s continue our focus on David a bit more. V.2 Samuel 12:1-9 (New Revised Standard Version) … and the Lord sent Nathan to David. He came to him, and said to him, “There were two men in a certain city, … Continue reading