Oct 1

  • pccangie
    pccangie added a text contribution James 1:1
    James addresses this to those of Jewish heritage, which makes sense considering that the early Church was still connected to Judaism for some time. However, I find it interesting that James' address kind of leaves out us Gentiles. Clearly, this writing is intended for those who already have a background in following God. I wonder how people who lack such a background feel about the book of James. I wonder how they react. Does verse 2 scare them away or draw them closer? Read more »

Jul 10

  • pccangie
    pccangie added a text contribution Led into danger
    God clearly directs David to go to Keilah, and David is successful with the assignment from God. However, going to Keilah also puts David in a dangerous position. God didn't tell him that ahead of time, but it is a by-product of David's assignment. Once David asks God about his safety, God answers very simply with affirmation that he is at risk. God doesn't give David passionate directions of how to escape Saul and his men. He confirms that David is in danger and lets him dec… Read more »
  • pccangie
    pccangie added a text contribution Others' input--Good or Bad?
    When I have a difficult decision to make (especially one about ministry), I almost always ask other people for their input. Now to be fair to David, this passage doesn't say that he asked for his men's input; they just give it to him. However, their input does cause David to doubt. He'd clearly heard from God about what he was supposed to do, but when he heard others' objections, he went back and asked God what he should do. In this passage, God just gives him the same an… Read more »
  • pccangie
    pccangie added a text contribution God's on my side.
    Earlier in this chapter, David and God communicate back and forth, with God giving David direction and answers to some of his questions. So, we know God is helping David. These two verses interest me, because they show that Saul assumes God is on his side, too. Don't we all? So how do we know whose "side" God is on? I see a couple things in this passage that give me clues. First, David goes to God in prayer. He asks him questions and expects answers. He doesn't necess… Read more »