A tale of two kings

Many will be familiar with Charles Dickens' historical novel: A tale of two Cities - based on the period before, and during, the French Revolution, and set in both London and Paris.

The Book(s) of Samuel in the Old Testament part of the Bible, could have been named "A tale of two kings". Saul, and David were so different - yet there were similarities as well. This video explains, briefly, what those similarities and differences were.

Do remember that these clips are no more than overviews, or tasters. To get the full story, you really do need to read the full book. I suppose that the videos are a bit like road maps. They give you the general direction - but to enjoy the scenery, you must make the journey!

Happy travelling!

Repetition helps!

As I continue the process of learning the French language, I know the importance of repetition! It's probably considered to be an old-fashioned process in the brave new world of modern education. However, I have always found it to be very effective. Certainly, I now speak reasonably fluent French (although I still have difficulty in understanding my French friends - possibly because most of my adult life has involved me in speaking more than listening!!!)

Anyway, as we move through the Tanakh (the Old Testament), we come to the book of Deuteronomy - which means "Second Law". This is not (entirely!) a new set of laws for the Children of Israel, but a repetition of the laws already given. So, take less than eight minutes to watch the video - that explains a great deal about this interesting book.

Quiz-time (again!)

Okay, a little light relief for this belated start to October's posts.  Some fairly straightforward questions on characters from the Bible.  One clue - each answer begins with a vowel!  Correct solution in a few days' time.

1.   He introduced his brother, Peter, to Jesus.

2.   This man was deceived by one of his twin sons.

3.   Telling a lie about the money raised from selling some land cost this man a lot!

4.   This person was appointed as spokesman for his brother when they were used to free a nation from slavery.

5.   This woman's husband was struck dumb until their child was born.

6.   Who was the prophet who had to hide from an angry queen?

7.   In the year that this king dies, a famous prophet had a wonderful vision.

8.   This woman became queen after having been chosen in a beauty pageant.

9.   The shortest book in the Old Testament is named after this person.

10. This king was almost persuaded by the testimony of the apostle Paul.

11. He caused heartache to his father by leading a rebellion.

12. This man was a criminal who ran away - but returned, a changed man!

13. The boy, Samuel, told this man about a voice he heard.

Good place to stop (I am not superstitious!).

I wish you well.  :-)

It's Quiz-time, again!

After a number of posts that have dealt with serious, and sombre, subjects it is maybe time for a little 'light relief'!  So here, for your delectation and edification, is another wee quiz.

This one is on Bible Characters (well, you didn't really expect one from me to be on BGT, Big Brother, or even Corrie, did you?!).  The only clue is that each answer begins with a vowel.  The correct solution will, as usual, be posted in a few days' time (DV).

1.  He introduced his brother, Peter, to Jesus.

2.  This man was tricked by one of his twin sons.

3.  He, and his wife after him, lied about the money raised form the sale of some land.

4.  He was appointed as the spokesman for his brother, when they were sent to free his people from slavery.

5.  The husband of this woman was struck dumb until their baby was born.

6.  This prophet had to hide from an angry queen.

7.  In the year that this king died, a famous prophet had an amazing vision.

8.  This young woman was chosen at a beauty pageant, and eventually became queen.

9.  The shortest book in the Old Testament is named after this person.

10. This king was almost persuaded to become a disciple of Jesus, by Paul's testimony.

Okay!  Ten people.  How many of their names can you discover?

The waiting continues!

So, Mr Brown has finally 'got the message', and has given a public assurance that he will resign as soon as a new government is formed. And there, as Shakespeare's Hamlet would say, is the rub! Because, as I type, there seems to be no sign of any firm agreement coming out of the lengthy, cross-party, discussions that are going on. Indeed, the water might be said to have been muddied by the news that, after however many hours of talking with the Conservatives, Mr Clegg's LibDems are also holding conversations with the Labour Party. There are those who are suggesting that Mr Brown's announced departure from the leadership of the Labour Party is a calculated move to enable the LibDems - whose leader was so public about not propping up Mr Brown, in government - to cosy up to the Labour Party.

It is all a bit of a mess! Yet, what can we expect from those who appear to be so determined, in spite of all of the evidence of past failures, to depend on their own perceived wisdom, and ability.

The Bible has a great deal to say about wisdom - which, by the way, is not totally synonymous with knowledge and understanding! Almost every chapter of the Old Testament book of Proverbs has a number of references to it. It is seen as something that: comes from the Lord (2:6 inter al); is of great importance (4:7); is a characteristic of those who do have understanding (10:13); and is of more value than even gold (16:16).

It is seen as just as important in the New Testament writings. It was to be one of the attributes of the earliest deacons (Acts 6:3); it is linked with 'spiritual understanding' (Col.1:9); it is differentiated from worldy 'wisdom', being "... first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy." (James 3:17, NKJV).

It must surely be our prayer that those most directly involved in this ongoing situation be filled with that wisdom - the wisdom that comes from God alone.