Category Archives: Pondering Scripture

Psalm 55:16-17 (The Message) I call to God; God will help me. At dusk, dawn, and noon I sigh deep sighs — he hears, he rescues. Benedict of Nursia founded communities of monks in the 6th century. He wrote the Rule, a … Continue reading →

2 Samuel 1:9-12 (New Living Translation) “Then he begged me, ‘Come over here and put me out of my misery, for I am in terrible pain and want to die.’ So I killed him,” the Amalekite told David, “for I knew … Continue reading →

1 Samuel 28:3-7 (New Living Translation) Meanwhile, Samuel had died, and all Israel had mourned for him. He was buried in Ramah, his hometown. And Saul had banned from the land of Israel all mediums and those who consult the spirits … Continue reading →

Psalm 59:14-17 (New Living Translation) My enemies come out at night, snarling like vicious dogs as they prowl the streets. They scavenge for food but go to sleep unsatisfied. But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I … Continue reading →

1 Samuel 17:8-11 (The Message) Goliath stood there and called out to the Israelite troops, “Why bother using your whole army? Am I not Philistine enough for you? And you’re all committed to Saul, aren’t you? So pick your best … Continue reading →

1 Samuel 16:6-7 (New Revised Standard Version) When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is now before the Lord.” But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because … Continue reading →

1 Samuel 10:20-25 (New Living Translation) So Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel before the Lord, and the tribe of Benjamin was chosen by lot. Then he brought each family of the tribe of Benjamin before the Lord, and the family of … Continue reading →

1 Samuel 8:6-8 (New International Version) But when they said, “Give us a king to lead us,” this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to theLord. And the Lord told him: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have … Continue reading →

1 Samuel 7:3-4 (New Living Translation) Then Samuel said to all the people of Israel, “If you are really serious about wanting to return to the Lord, get rid of your foreign gods and your images of Ashtoreth. Determine to obey … Continue reading →