Author Archives: pastorsteverichards

This week, I am attending a conference in Los Angeles. In yesterday’s opening presentation, the speaker said something that sounded very much like Jesus’ words from Matthew 6. The speaker said, “ignore the voices.” It is hard to be still … Continue reading →

What are the “demons” that we face? Today’s readings point to many such challenges. Saul faced his demons of anger, jealousy, rage, obsession, and fear. He allowed these demons to overwhelm him, and yet he could be overwhelmed by the … Continue reading →

The Lord was with David (1 Samuel 18:28). These words will become a refrain as we follow the life of David. Lest we think God has chosen a favorite and it is David instead of King Saul, this is more … Continue reading →

The story of Saul is a tragic story. He was the one God picked to be king but God quickly gave up on Saul. It does not appear that Saul did anything horrible – at least not to this point … Continue reading →

When I was in my teens, my mother went back to college and then got a job. It changed a lot of things. She was no longer home when my sisters and I got home from school. She would leave … Continue reading →

If I love you more, will you love me less? (2 Corinthians 12:15b) In these final chapters of 2 Corinthians, we are learning how to respond when under attack by others. Paul’s authority is questioned. His motives are questioned. His … Continue reading →

Finally, Paul is writing his own letter of recommendation. What makes Paul’s perspective on the Christian faith any better than the other teachers that he criticizes? Why listen to Paul? What gives him legitimacy? Prison, beatings, floggings, stoning, shipwrecks – … Continue reading →

Like me, are you also getting the idea that whatever the people want will not turn out as they think it will? Oh, but we won’t be like those people. We will be better than that! Here we are boasting … Continue reading →

Does one’s motive matter? I find the story of the ark of the covenant in 1 Samuel to be fascinating. In an effort to be victorious in battle they brought the ark onto the battlefield – as if the ark … Continue reading →

He lives, He lives. Christ Jesus lives today. He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way. He lives, He lives, salvation to impart. You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart!