Author Archives: pastorsteverichards

The longer things stay the same, the more we expect them to stay the same. That’s tradition. There is much to be valued and cherished about tradition. “Remember,” sings King David. “Remember the wonders the LORD has done.” God remains … Continue reading →

As the Ark of the Covenant was carried into Jerusalem, King David danced. He danced before the Lord. His wife, Michal looked out the window and saw what David was doing, and she despised him in her heart. Every day … Continue reading →

In 2 Samuel 6, David learned an important lesson – a humbling lesson. David was king. He had achieved great success. Israel and Judah were united. Jerusalem was the capitol city. And as the crowning act, the Ark of the … Continue reading →

What message do you find in today’s readings?  Beyond a basic understanding of what is written, what message do you hear for your life? In the Old Testament, we read of the ongoing struggle to bring Israel and Judah together … Continue reading →

Matthew tells us that Jesus went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Meanwhile the disciples went ahead, attempting to cross the lake in a boat when they were caught in a storm. They panicked, overcome with fear. Jesus … Continue reading →

Why doesn’t God do something? It is a question that may never have a totally satisfactory answer in this life. We are not given a direct answer to this question, but the parables in Matthew 13 point us toward the … Continue reading →

There is an expression: “don’t bite the hand that feeds you.” In other words, don’t hurt the one who is helping you. In today’s reading from Matthew, we find this verse spoken by Jesus:anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit … Continue reading →

You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. (Psalm 63:1) The note in the TNIV suggests the word … Continue reading →

The word refuge keeps recurring in the Old Testament. To find refuge from Saul who wanted to kill him, David found refuge in a cave. From David’s action in the cave, it became clear that the cave was not his … Continue reading →

Have you ever been in a place beyond your ability to control or even know the outcome and all you could do was lean into your faith? It, of course, presupposes you have a faith to lean on. How terrifying … Continue reading →