Category: Faith in the Struggle

And Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan. Saul swore, “As the LORD lives, he shall not be put to death.” 1 Samuel 19:6 I once made up my mind that I was going to stop using opioids forever. I relapsed a day later. Then, I repeated the whole process several hundred times. I failed…
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“Why then will you sin against innocent blood by killing David without cause?” And Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan. 1 Samuel 19:5-6 When my addiction and opioid diversion came to light, there were those unfortunate souls who were tasked with the terrible job of confronting me. Looking back, I feel bad for them.…
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And Jonathan told David, “Saul my father seeks to kill you. Therefore be on your guard in the morning. Stay in a secret place and hide yourself.” 1 Samuel 19:2 My wife and I watched one of those real crime documentaries a while back, in which the parents of the murderer conspired with their son…
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And David said, “Does it seem to you a little thing to become the king’s son-in-law, since I am a poor man and have no reputation?” 1 Samuel 18:23 In medical school, I learned the science behind medicine in the classroom, from professors. The actual practice of medicine, however, was largely learned in the clinic…
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Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. Deuteronomy 5:16 Nothing good ever happens after midnight. Back when I was a teenager, this was one…
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Now Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines. 1 Samuel 18:25 While struggling with addiction, I also struggled with being overweight and out of shape. As the drug consumed my life, my self-control in everything diminished and I was simply not motivated to exercise or eat right. When I saw…
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The next day a harmful spirit from God rushed upon Saul, and he raved within his house while David was playing the lyre, as he did day by day. Saul had his spear in his hand. And Saul hurled the spear, for he thought, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David evaded him…
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And the women sang to one another as they celebrated, “Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” And Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. 1 Samuel 18:7-8 Later this morning, I’m speaking to a group of high school students who meet weekly for breakfast and a devotional. There,…
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And David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone and slung it and struck the Philistine on his forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the ground. 1 Samuel 17:49 Yesterday was a tough workout at the gym, wiping me out for a couple…
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Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand,…
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