David crosses the Jordan: The surprising nature of God’s support
2 Sam 17:15-29 During my long years of theological study, I often did not know where the next year’s funds would come from. I received some grants or scholarships along the way and was supported by church or friends for…
Hushai’s advice: How God works to achieve His purposes
2 Sam 17:1-14 Back in 1950s Hungary, my father was barred from entering university for political reasons. Every year for 15 years, Dad sat the entrance exam, but was rejected at the oral interview, which assessed a candidate’s ‘political reliability’.…
Hairline cracks in Absalom’s power: evil is not invincible
2 Sam 16:15-23 Long before Communism fell in Hungary, my Dad used to say that a corrupt government built on oppression and lies cannot stand forever. He was convinced that eventually the regime would fall and spent his life preparing…
The secret of living life well (Psalm 8)
Ps 8:1-9 The beginning of the year is the time for making New Year’s resolutions but unless we reflect on the deeper causes for what we want to change and why, we are likely to repeat the same mistakes and…
God’s Word will never fail (Luke 1:37)
Luke 1:26-38 I was recently contacted by a former classmate of mine from secondary school who was organising a class reunion and consulting with everyone about possible dates. Given that about a third or more of us live abroad, it…
Preparing for the coming of the Lord
Luke 1:16-17; Isa 40:3-5 I love the Christmas season with its wonderful decorations, music and food and enjoy the different aspects of preparation from putting the Christmas tree up to baking mince pies while singing along to carols. Yet for…
Trust in the overruling power of God (2 Sam 16:1-14)
2 Sam 16:1-14 Before I went to study at Bible college/seminary, I told a Christian colleague about it in confidence. However, I soon found out that he went straight to my boss with the information because the latter called me…
Finding God in humbling moments: David’s journey (2 Sam 15:30-37)
2 Sam 15:30-37 In the year that I was finishing my university degree in Budapest and after an earlier tourist visit to Israel, I was hoping and praying that I might go back there for a gap year. Opportunities, however,…
Finding faith in unexpected places (2 Sam 15:13-29)
2 Sam 15:13-29 In my twenties, I was reading the Bible with a girl I met at an evening course. She was not a Christian but was interested to hear more and we used to sit in a local McDonalds…
Charm and manipulation: Lessons from Absalom (2 Sam 15:1-12)
2 Sam 15:1-12 A Christian friend gave up a prestigious job and a sizable salary to take on an IT role in a Christian organisation for much less pay. He was motivated to be of service to Christians and only…