Our Stories Unleashed

Lessons from the Old Testament

I’ve been reading the Old Testament recently, specifically stories about the kings in Israel and Judah after the kingdom divided. So many kings did not follow the Lord their God. Many embraced other gods, allowing and even empowering the people to fall away from following God. Often when I read these stories they start sounding like a broken record to me. Over and over I read words like, “King So-and-so did evil in the eyes of the Lord, as his father So-and-so had done. He walked...

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God Knows Everything

This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.Matthew 26:28 God knows everything. Everything. Isn't that a little mind-boggling when you stop to think about it for longer than just a moment? Depending on where we are in life, it can be unsettling or comforting. He made this world and all it contains -- including us -- and knows how and why it all works. He knows all about us and where to find us (Psalm 139). He comes looking for us when we're...

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Pray First, Then Decide

"The men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord." Joshua 9:14 (NIV) The story of the Gibeonites deceiving Joshua and the Israelites (Joshua 9) is a fun little story of psychology and trickery. It's shrewd on the part of the Gibeonites to forge a peace treaty with Israel, knowing of Israel's recent victories in battle due to God's power and leadership. Self-preservation is a strong motivator! Joshua's response is also a great example of our human desire to trust...

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