Month: May 2025

Childhood Fears vs. Adult Reality

Now it was told Saul that David had come to Keilah. And Saul said, “God has given him into my hand, for he has shut himself in by entering a town that has gates and bars.” And Saul summoned all the people to war, to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men.…
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What Do I Need to Change?

Therefore David inquired of the LORD, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?” 1 Samuel 23:2 Often, while talking with those very early in recovery, usually after some terrible consequences convinced them to stop using drugs for a few days, I’ll hear something like this – I’m never going to use again. I think that’s…
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Authentic Friends

Stay with me; do not be afraid, for he who seeks my life seeks your life. 1 Samuel 22:23 I’m not a natural extrovert. I love people, but in single doses. A big party, where I must make small talk with twenty or thirty people, wipes me out. At such an event, you’ll probably find…
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When Politics and Faith Collide

And David said to Abiathar, “I knew on that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul.” 1 Samuel 22:22 A couple years ago, upon leaving an organization, someone in that organization questioned my loyalty. I had my reasons for leaving. I felt then, and I still feel now, that…
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Chasing Your Losses

Then the king said to Doeg, “You turn and strike the priests.” And Doeg the Edomite turned and struck down the priests, and he killed on that day eighty-five persons who wore the linen ephod. 1 Samuel 22:18 Working with those addicted to gambling, I learned a lot about those self-destructive behaviors that are typical…
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Watch Eagle Brook Church in Spicer!

Join us on Sunday mornings at the Spicer Movie Theater to watch Eagle Brook church together on the big screen. Eagle Brook is a megachurch, based in the Twin Cities with multiple campuses in the state and viewing groups (people who get together to watch online) all over the country. Visit: https://www.eaglebrookchurch.com to find out…
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King of the Losers

And everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was bitter in soul, gathered to him. 1 Samuel 22:2 Once, while sitting in church, a couple of rough looking guys came in late and sat down front. My wife poked me. Friends of yours? Twenty years ago, I would…
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Masks

So he changed his behavior before them and pretended to be insane in their hands and made marks on the doors of the gate and let his spittle run down his beard. 1 Samuel 21:13 A few weeks ago, I was speaking at a conference, when I unexpectedly became a little emotional. I told my…
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Coffee in Church

And the priest answered David, “I have no common bread on hand, but there is holy bread . . .” 1 Samuel 21:4 Recently, at dinner with our former, now-retired pastor, my wife recounted a story we’ve long attributed to him. I may not have all the details right, but apparently, when our pastor came…
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Friends Forever

Then Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, because we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, The LORD shall be between me and you, and between my offspring and your offspring, forever.’” 1 Samuel 20:42 As I’ve mentioned previously, my wife and I met as counselors at a summer…
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