In today’s text, a father’s death approaches, and he thinks of the legacy he will leave to his son. Has he taught his son enough?
Formations 02.12.2023: An Imperfect King
February 5, 2023 by
In 1 Samuel, one of the first warning signs readers are given of King David’s eventual downfall is his sin with Bathsheba.
Formations 01.29.2023: Israel’s King
January 22, 2023 by
In this passage, we see the regal David coming into his reign as Israel’s king. He is a strong, popular, comforting leader who makes his people feel safe.
Formations 12.05.2021: The Lord Looks on the Heart
November 28, 2021 by
What is God doing here? God has sent the prophet Samuel to anoint the new king of Israel. The king will be a son of Jesse from Bethlehem. When Samuel sees Jesse’s son Eliab, he’s ready to call off the search.
Crossroads: What Should I Ask For?
August 23, 2021 by
As a child of the 90s, I cannot tell you how many times I watched Aladdin. It was one of my favorite movies.
Connections 03.28.2021: The Humble King
March 21, 2021 by
Jesus’ words imply an invitation to his disciples: “So come along with me!” Jesus’ words also imply an invitation to those of us who are also his disciples: “Come along with me!”
Formations 04.14.2019: The King Is Coming
April 7, 2019 by
When early December rolled around with the Christmas parade, it happened that our marching band hung around the Church of the Nazarene.
A View from the Pew: Remembering MLK at Church
January 15, 2019 by
Any day honoring a man, even one who made a lasting impact on society, can be complicated. Dr. King possessed a combination of heroic traits and human frailties, as do we all, that we must by mindful of while planning this Sunday’s service of worship.
David, a Warrior after God’s Own Heart: Community
June 12, 2018 by
We see many of the needs of our returning service members and their families by also looking at Psalm 69 and the life of David, a warrior himself. This week, for our final devotion in this series, I want to focus on verses 12-13.
Formations 06.10.2018: Disruption on the Road
June 3, 2018 by
In front of the National Civil Rights Museum, on the corner of Mulberry and Butler in Memphis, Jacqueline Smith has stood for over thirty years. From this corner, the former tenant and employee of the Lorraine Hotel has called people to boycott the museum.
David, a Warrior after God’s Own Heart: Depressed?
May 23, 2018 by
David is in a bad place. He has been sinking in the miry depths, the floodwaters are rising over his head, and he can no longer get a foothold. He’s in trouble so he is calling out to God for help. In fact he has already been calling out to God. He says he’s been calling for God’s help so much that his throat is parched.
Formations 01.21.2018: Unexpected News
January 14, 2018 by
Our story this week begins as one ends. Naaman, mighty warrior that he was, filled his house with wealth and servants taken from raids in Israel. And yet, despite this resolved story of victory, success, and stability, he still suffered from leprosy.
Formations 08.23.2015: Leaving Isn’t Easy
August 16, 2015 by
About a year ago, author Beverly Gooden started a movement that went viral. She was frustrated and saddened by a popular argument that criticized victims of domestic violence, and she wanted to help the world understand.
Formations 03.08.2015: “The LORD Has Anointed Me”
March 1, 2015 by
“Messiah” comes from a Hebrew word meaning, “anointed one.” We get the word “Christ” from a Greek word with the same meaning. To say that Jesus is the Christ or the Messiah is therefore to say that he is the Anointed One.
Thrive: When Did We See You? – Cynthia Insko
November 17, 2014 by
Back in 1994, I received an invitation that changed my life. I was serving as campus minister in a city that housed a cutting-edge research clinic for the treatment of AIDS.
Formations 06.29.2014: New Spanish King Promises Honesty, Transparency
June 22, 2014 by
On June 19th, Felipe VI, 46, was formally proclaimed the new King of Spain by Parliament. The proclamation ceremony is a more subdued affair, without the pomp of foreign dignitaries and elaborate ceremonies of the coronation proper that took place later that morning.