Bible in a Year Blog

1 Kings 7:1-50 + Acts 7:30-50 + Psalm 128:1-6 + Proverbs 16:31-33
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Today we read about the building of King Solomon’s Palace! Here is an interesting note in Tyndale’s One Year Bible Companion on the Sea discussed in verse 23 – “Then Huram cast a large round tank, 15 feet across from rim to rim; it was called the Sea. It was 7 1/2 feet deep and about 45 feet in circumference.”  Apparently the sea was a huge tank that could hold approximately 12,000 gallons of water.  It was used by the priests for their ceremonial washings.  Impressive structure per the image below!

New Testament – Stephen’s great sermon to the temple council continues today!  Great timing on his sermonizing in verses 46 through 50 related to the Temple Solomon built – “”David found favor with God and asked for the privilege of building a permanent Temple for the God of Jacob. But it was Solomon who actually built it. However, the Most High doesn’t live in temples made by human hands. As the prophet says, `Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Could you ever build me a temple as good as that?’ asks the Lord. `Could you build a dwelling place for me? Didn’t I make everything in heaven and earth?'”  The last 2 verses came from Isaiah chapter 66 verses 1 & 2 (as the prophet says..)  Indeed it is true!  We do not need a temple for God today.  God does not live in a temple built by human hands.  I have heard it said before – “If you are in relationship with God through his son Jesus, you are God’s temple.”  Do you believe this is true?  Do you believe that your body is a temple that God can live in?

A great look at the characteristics of Stephen’s sermon today is at Bible.org at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 128 verse 1 stands out today: “How happy are those who fear the LORD– all who follow his ways!” Do you think it is possible to be happy and to fear God at the same time?  Do you believe a healthy fear of God is, well, healthy?  Why would we fear God – God who loves us immensely?  What is this Psalmist saying to us today in our lives?

Proverbs – I love Proverbs 16 verse 31 today!  “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life.”  Let us pray that we all get gray hair – and be thankful for it!  Don’t dye it away.  It is a crown of glory!

Worship God: Today’s readings remind me of Tauren Wells’ terrific song “Hills and Valleys:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4rRCjrAyCs

Do you know the God of the hills and valleys?  Click here and Be Known!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.” Proverbs 16:31 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you will one day have a crown of splendor of gray hair. Pray that you will live a righteous life through faith in Jesus. Pray that you love, respect and serve those in your life today that have a crown of splendor of gray hair.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Per Psalm 128:1 today, what are some ways that you are literally “fearing the Lord” in your life today?  Do you agree with the Psalmist that those who fear the Lord are happy?  Why or why not?  Have you gone through periods of your life where you did not fear the Lord?  Were you happy then?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

1 Kings 7:1-51
The first thing I noticed in today is reading, Solomon took almost twice as long to build his palace then he did to build the Temple. I know that God does not dwell manmade places or created things, yet it seems disingenuous to spend more time with his palace then a Temple he built to give glory to God. There can be a multitude of reasons why his own personal residence took longer, he may have used more workers to build the temple, and they may have put in longer hours to build it.. Just seems kind of curious in my opinion.

Acts 7:30-50
Stephen points out in his message that Israel sacrificed in the desert and they had the appearance of worshiping God; however, they were really worshiping pagan gods. We too can find ourselves sitting in church every time the door flies open, singing and worshiping God; however, our hearts are like Israel, focused on other gods. I also find it interesting that when God describes idolatry it is compared to a husband or wife committing adultery (Jer 3:8-9)/

Psalm 128:1-6

According to Proverbs understanding The Fear of the Lord requires diligent pursuit of:
a. God’s Words and accepting them once you receive them.
b. Crying out for knowledge and understanding.
c. Seeking and searching after that Word as if you are mining for Silver, God and all hidden treasures,

Then one will understand godly fear as well as gain knowledge of God
(Proverbs 2:1-5)

That being the case one cannot really explain the Fear of the Lord to anyone who has not done the above and one who hasn’t done the above cannot explain the “Fear to others.

One can also take note of Proverb 8:13,

To fear the LORD is to hate evil …
This is a clear, concise definition of what it is to fear the Lord. It is hating what God hates.
Proverbs 16:31-33
The thirty-second verse of chapter 16 contains a word that I have been exploring in the bible for about five years, self-control. If you search out Proverbs, you will see that “self-control” is the foundation or core behavior in becoming grounded in God. In fact, it takes self-control to acquire understanding in “The Fear of the Lord.”

Ramona

====== Judy:

The readings today show the attempts of God’s people to make a place,a holy place, for God to reside. While Solomon builds a magnificent Temple, buildings were the best way he knew to house the Almighty. Stephen, in Acts, shows how we relate to outward forms of worship and yet turn away from God’s word to us. He reminds us that God can not be housed in a building, however magnificent. The Psalms and Proverbs remind us that our relationship to God and our very selves, therefore, become God’s Temple. The church is to be God’s Temple, that is, the people of God. Fear of God does not seem to mean afraid of God but in awe and respect and, yes, admiration and love of and with God. Following His ways makes us happy especially as we grow older. But, we could never do this on our own. We would more likely be like the hebrews who rejected the prophets sent to bring us back to God.
Dear Lord, Please help us to be your church, your living temple through the grace of your Son.We constantly fail to listen and fall short, our building may shine on the outside but you know of the decay within. help us to be your living church. Through Jesus Name, Amen.
PS Mike, thank you for this wonderful opportunity to study the Word with you. Your ministry is appreciated and I think it will help me to do something I have wanted to do for a long time:read through the Bible again in a structured way. I last did this as a young teen with my grandmother-many years ago. Thank you so much, and God bless you for this major effort. Judy

Judy

====== Cheryl:

Due to illness and work I have been playing catch up for the last few days. Due to work I missed church on pentecost sunday. I am reminded of something that my daughter said several years ago in church on pentecost sunday. I live in the south and we had already had our 1st hurricane of the year. when the reader read the verse about the Holy Spirit coming as a “great rushing wind”, my daughter who was 3 at the time asked me fearfully if another hurricane was coming. My daughters are presently on a pilgrimage to washington DC and New York in preparation for their confirmation. They and 3 other 16yr olds and 4 adults from our youth program have been visiting several cathedrals in New York and ground zero, and the National cathedral in Washington, the Holocaust museum and all the memorials. they were supposed to come home tonight but the bus broke down yesterday and we aren’t sure when they will be coming home. Please pray for their safe return and that God moved in their hearts on this spiritual journey. I would also like to ask for your prayers that this years hurricane season will be light and that God will calm the waters and still the wind. this is my 3rd time through the one year bible but my 1st time on the web site. I get so much more out of all the comments. I am not often moved to comment but I read all of the comments and “ponder them in my heart”. God’s peace to you all.
Cheryl

====== Ramona:

Cheryl,

I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Remember God is the God of the Round Trip :-). May I suggest something to you? If you are apprehensive about posting things on the Blog, try writing your thoughts as a Word, Notepad document and save them to your hard drive. I am at ease at posting up because I have been journaling through the Bible for over seven years. I treat my posts as an extension of my journaling only now it is in a public forum. Never assume that what you have to say or what you think is insignificant. Even if it is wrong, that error will allow the Holy Spirit to come in and correct you. Notice I said the Holy Spirit—it is He that will lead us all into Truth.

Grace and peace to you,
Ramona

====== Anka:

Cheryl,
May God bless and keep you and your loved ones safe………………
As I read through the OT readings,it struck me that Solomon spent more time on his palace and his wife’s than on Gods…so I looked again to see the measurements of the building…although the dimension of the hall of justice isn’t mentioned,it’s said he built a palace for his wife similar to that…so he did spend considerable time on that too.God called David a man after his own heart but was Solomon?David too had quite a number of wives but I don’t remember him building houses or was that because he was too busy fighting wars?Solomon lived in a time of peace and while building a temple for God,his heart was beginning to turn away…in the end he does begin to turn to the gods of his wives but it seems this is the beginning of his worship….spending so much time on his palace and his wife’s…could it have been her idea?
In the NT readings I kept being amazed at how the jews refused to see Jesus as the messiah even after he had done so many miracles and stunned them by his wisdom and authority.In today’s reading,I see the connection…the same people who saw God part the sea later decided a cow was a better god and turned away from God….the prophet God had used was now”this fellow”to them.It says familiarity breeds contempt and honestly sometimes I wonder if by any chance there are things I do that show disrespect,contempt…or rejection to God without realising it..I pray the Holy Spirit reveals that in my life……………..
About grey hair:)I proudly show mine of as a claim to my age cos so many folks still think I’m a teenager and I stopped being a teen 11 years ago:)
God bless you all
Anka

======= Pat:

When I read Proverbs 16:31, “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life”, I can’t help but wonder if God doesn’t grieve over our society’s obsession with physical looks today. It seems that more and more emphasis on God and His blessings is fading away and in its place the emphasis is being placed on facelifts and Botox to make one look younger, nips and tucks to change one’s body style, and the many eating disorders ranging from the desire to look like a skeleton to binge eating because one can’t consume enough to become satisfied. It amazes me how people will allow other people thousands of miles away that don’t even know or care about them dictate how they should dress. Think what this world would be like if people were as obsessed with God as they have become obsessed with themselves and how they look, and think about all the good that could be done if the money spent on cosmetic applications of all types was spent instead on missions. I’m afraid that our world is on a downward spiral that will continue until the day our Lord returns and sits on His eternal throne.
God Bless!
Pat

======= Mae:

Verses that stood out for me today:
Acts 7:49 “‘Heaven is my throne,
and the earth is my footstool.
Could you build me a temple as good as that?’
asks the Lord.
‘Could you build me such a resting place?”.
Psalm 128:1 “How joyful are those who fear the Lord—
all who follow his ways!”.
Psalm 128:4 “That is the Lord’s blessing
for those who fear him”.
Proverbs 16:32 “Better to be patient than powerful;
better to have self-control than to conquer a city”.
To fear the Lord makes me happy. When I tell people that I fear the Lord, they will respond with “I ain’t fear no one!!!”. But they just don’t know what it’s like to fear the Lord! It’s not fear in being scared, I mean, we all know that. To fear the Lord makes me work harder, fear the Lord keeps me going, keeps me awake, keeps me sharp! I’m happy! So happy!!!
Mae

======= Carmen:

“Do you agree with the Psalmist that those who fear the Lord are happy? Why or why not? ”
Yes I do agree with the psalmist…If you fear the Lord, you only fear him and nothing else. BUT, If you do not fear the Lord…you fear many things. So instead of fearing many things I would rather just fear my almighty and powerful Lord.
For “Those who trust in the LORD Are like Mount Zion, Which cannot be moved, but abide forever”
Amen!
Carmen

======= Helen:

Mike says “I love Proverbs 16 verse 31 today! “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life.” Let us pray that we all get gray hair..”
Well Mike, as it’s started to go grey this year… I must have been particularly righteous recently then!
{Joking} 
-Perhaps when that passage was written if you lived a godly peaceful friendly generous and loving life, you were more likely to survive long enough for your hair to turn grey, if you were angry and violent towards people they would like come back after you to get their revenge and might kill you off before your hair had chance to change colour?(As it wouldn’t be just an ‘eye for an eye’ before God stepped in, but an enemy would try and take both your eyes and your ears if you took their eye…)
Helen

======= Terri:

I read and studied Frances Chan’s book The Forgotten God several months ago…It is a very good book about the Holy Spirit! Our church did a Bible Study on it and then our pastor finished off with a lot of verses out of the Bible about the Holy Spirit!! I loved all of it! It is a VERY GOOD BOOK to read…He also wrote Crazy Love which is another GREAT book as well!!
Thanks for this opportunity to read the Bible through in a year…I have always wanted to, but never made it all the way through! I have stayed devoted to this and will continue to!! Thanks again Mike!
Terri

======== Debbie:

I just believe that because I walk in the fear of the Lord, God has saved me from great sorrow and heartache that comes when we choose our own selfish ways instead of His ways. The fear of the Lord doesn’t mean throwing extra money in the offering plate or attending church in hope of God’s mercy- although those choices can make a difference. The fear of the Lord is a daily walk of obedience. I made foolish choices thinking that I knew God and pleased Him. Perhaps, in my youth, it would have helped to have someone older and wiser than me mentor me and guide me into truth.
Debbie

======= Billy:

I have a HUGE crown of Glory on my head and I’m only 49. : )
Billy

======== Patricia:

I believe ‘fearing’ the Lord has made me happy in the sense that it brings me inexplicable peace, even when the choice to do so is sometimes difficult. (‘Fearing’ the Lord as in meaning ‘respecting/obeying/walking in His will.) Happiness seems to be a somewhat transitory word (and for many of us it’s usually self-oriented); I think the Psalmist meant something deeper than what we might initially think of with that translation of the word. The idea of being blessed (for me) goes beyond my immediate sense of emotion or even my life situation in response to adopting God’s will as my own; it refers to something often beyond me, my life, beyond Time, even.
My choosing to be in the center of God’s will (‘fearing God’) sometimes does not appear at first glance to be the one sure place that will bring me ‘happiness’ or security and peace (eg. trusting God to work out inevitable difficulties in the early years of my now 31-yr. marriage). But hindsight has taught me just how myopic my human vision can be, and has also shown me the mistaken assumption I can entertain that God, and even ‘blessedness,’ is all about me. I’ve lived long enough with a very patient heavenly Father to finally discover, though, that ‘blessedness’ is sometimes far bigger than me and even my immediate experience of it. It would have to be, to be blessedness from an infinitely loving, wise, and great God! And when it is…it is truly blessedness–the deepest, most rewarding kind of happiness.
Patricia

======= Elizabeth:

Fearing God to me means standing in awe of Him and not want to hurt him. Trembling at His word and know that He is real and I need to fear Him to have a intimate walk with Him.
Elizabeth

======= Art:

Have read “Forgotten God” several times. As his subtitle reminds us, we need to “Reverse our tragic neglect of the Holy Spirit.” His first book “Crazy Love” is also part of my library.
Its very interesting to look into the life of Pastor Chan, what he is doing lately for the Lord, and learn from his teachings and his thoughts. An interesting and powerful guy!
Art

======= Cathy:

I totally agree that the fear of the Lord brings such a joy….
Cathy

======= Bob:

Some of the reading today has been very timely. I had the opportunity to visit a 5 acre site for a new church plant today. Reading about Solomon’s temple is just so decadent. Stephen really says what a church is when he quotes Is66:1-2. Interesting we have taken Nehemiah’s scripture as our guiding words for the building of our church. (NB: The remnant and the rebuilding come out of the fact that most of the congregation left another church over a dispute between two pastors).
Psalm 128
However you perceive “fear of the Lord” I think the results are what is important. The three reminders I meditate on are the blessings received; prosperity, fruitful wife and sons like olive shoots. I was reminded of these things last Monday when we celebrated my wife’s birthday. Barbecued Hamburgers, her homemade potato salad and beer. It doesn’t get any better than that! Her recovery from a successful surgery is such a blessing. Her 5 children all supportive and participating in being positive citizens of God’s kingdom. My neighbor and and Anglican priest said a wonderful thing to me yesterday, “You have done a great job raising your kids.” Wow! It doesn’t get any better than that!
Bob

======= Greg:

I already have a gray beard!
Greg

======= Ernie:

This Bible blog has richly bless me may God impact more wisdom and understanding to you. God bless!
Ernie

======= Dee:

The operation..Hiram provided timber..God is building his temple.
1 Kings 7:1-51
Wealth beyond measure but obedience to the Lord is what he wants.
Acts 7:30-50
Stephen -Israel rejected the truth that God sent to him-even rejected Messiah.
Stephen’s death-3rd murder in history
Gospel moved out to Judai and Samaria
Powerful words of Stephen-speaking in line with today’s O.T. about Solomon being given permission to build the temple of God.
Psalm 128:1-6 parallels with Psalm 112. When you fear the Lord-enjoying God’s word.
Having healthy fear and respect. Fervent awe of the Lord is healthy to the soul.
Proverbs 16:31-33
Grey hair is a crown of glory. Better patient than powerful
Better self control than conquer a city
The Lord determines how people fall.
Amen!
Be blessed,
Dee

1 Kings 5:1-6:38 + Acts 7:1-29 + Psalm 127:1-5 + Proverbs 16:28-30
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Wow.  Big readings today in First Kings. Solomon builds the Temple of the Lord!  Below is “King Solomon praying before the Temple” by Bonito, c. 1750:

It is great to read about Solomon & King Hiram of Tyre’s dialogue and agreement to send cedars and cypress from Lebanon to Jerusalem for the Temple.  You’ll recall in our readings from 2 Samuel chapter 5 verse 11 that Hiram indeed was a loyal friend of David just after David conquered Jerusalem – “Now Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, along with cedar logs and carpenters and stonemasons, and they built a palace for David.”  Below is a beautiful stain glassed image of King Hiram of Tyre in the forests of Lebanon:

So why were cedars and cypress from Lebanon used for the temple and not wood from Israel?  Well, because these precious woods from Lebanon were very close-grained, rot-resistant, and very hard.  They were also beautiful and had a fragrant scent.  Below is an image of Cedar of Lebanon – also known as Cedrus Libanotica.

1 Kings 6 verse 7 tells us – “The stones used in the construction of the Temple were prefinished at the quarry, so the entire structure was built without the sound of hammer, ax, or any other iron tool at the building site.”  This shows how reverent the workers were in building the temple of the Lord.  They felt it was honoring to build on the temple site without the sound of an iron tool.  In 1 Kings 5 verses 13 & 14 I thought Solomon’s wisdom was incredible – “Then King Solomon enlisted 30,000 laborers from all Israel. He sent them to Lebanon in shifts, 10,000 every month, so that each man would be one month in Lebanon and two months at home. Adoniram was in charge of this labor force.”  He wisely cared for his workforce!  Below is an image of the workers building the temple –

New Testament – Today we read the beginning of Stephen’s amazing sermon to the Sanhedrin in the Temple.  You’ll recall from yesterday’s readings in Acts 6 verses 8 through 10 – “Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed amazing miracles and signs among the people. But one day some men from the Synagogue of Freed Slaves, as it was called, started to debate with him. They were Jews from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and the province of Asia. None of them was able to stand against the wisdom and Spirit by which Stephen spoke.”

So, men began to lie about Stephen, and then we get into the sermon Stephen gives to the council today.  It is clearly a great sermon today from Stephen!  Today he is beginning to set the stage for his zinger closing statements.  He’s like a lawyer today laying out his opening arguments for the case.  Unfortunately, things will not proceed well in the coming days readings for Stephen.  After he concludes this speech, Stephen will soon be the first Christian martyr…

A great look at the characteristics of Stephen’s sermon today is at Bible.org at this link.

Psalms – It is interesting to note that Psalm 127 today is written by Solomon.  Think he might have written this around the time of building the temple? It would be very fitting!  Psalm 127 verse 1 I think I heard for the first time verbally a couple of years ago on a Habitat for Humanity job site. Each morning the volunteers would take turns leading devotions before the day’s build. One morning a volunteer read Psalm 127 verse 1 to all of us, which was absolutely fitting for working on a Habitat house – “Unless the LORD builds a house, the work of the builders is useless. Unless the LORD protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.” Great stuff and I believe this verse is not only applicable to working on Habitat houses, but is very applicable in our own lives as well.  Are there things we are building or creating in our life that might be outside of God’s will for our life?  Are we building these things on our own? If so, should we be building these things?  Will we take to prayer all that we build in our lives and seek God’s guidance and blessing upon our work? Is God building our life or are we attempting to build with our own power? Is God protecting our life or are we attempting to protect ourselves with our own power?

Speaking of work, I also love verse 2 in this Psalm: “It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.” Great verse to combat our workaholic tendencies, no?  🙂  Do you overwork yourself these days?  What for?  Is this pleasing to God?  Are you taking a Sabbath day of rest once a week to simply be in relationship with God?  To enjoy God’s rest?

Proverbs – Proverbs 16:28 today teaches us:  “A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends.”  I do have to admit here that I have been guilty of gossip all too frequently.  I think it’s one of the easiest sins for many of us to fall into.  Everyone else is doing it, we might think, so why shouldn’t we?  Well, we know why we shouldn’t.  It’s a sin.  And it’s a sin that I’m afraid sometimes can be found all too often in churches.  I would take this Proverb a step further and say that gossip separates not only the best of friends, but separates the best of churches.  Let us stop the gossip in our lives and realize it is a sin!

Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of the For King & Country song “The Proof of Your Love:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mA9IfB7coKg

Do you need proof of God’s love for you?  Click here for proof!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.” Psalm 127:1 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are not doing anything in your life apart from the LORD. Pray that you are allowing God to work through you in all that you do. Pray without ceasing for God’s Spirit to guide your every step.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Like me, have you ever struggled with gossip?  How have you been able to stop yourself from gossiping about others?  Have you ever stopped gossip from happening within a church?  Or have you ever just let it happen and fester?  Should we be more vigilant about stopping gossip within our churches and within our hearts and minds and on our own tongues?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

I Kings 5-6:38

Went looking up Cedar and Cypress (Translated as Fir in King James) and found out a lot about the Cedars of Lebanon. Although there are only about three-hundred remaining due to them being a hot commodity even before Jesus was born, the Ciders of Lebanon are the most impressive of all Cedar Trees. Of the ones still standing, about a dozen are more then 1,000 years old with the youngest being about 200. They measure 40 to 50 feet in girth and are extremely dense, growing in an altitude of more than 5,000 feet. The wood is so dense it is considered virtually indestructible. Although the wood is sweet smelling it is bitter to the taste keeping out insects.

One can see why this wood was so prized and why Solomon wanted to use it to build a temple that would represent an indestructible God who is also incorruptible.

Acts 7:1-29

Of everything, Stephen preaches/teaches about in his speech, the following has caught my imagination,

22 Moses was taught all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and he became mighty in both speech and action.

If Moses was mighty in “speech” while in Egypt, had he lost his ability to speak “mightily” while he tended sheep in the desert for forty years after killing the Egyptian or was he using false humility? If he had indeed succumb to that “Use it or Loose It” saying, the lose would require him to rely totally on God for the words he would need to speak to the people he had been sent to deliver and to Pharaoh, very interesting.

Do we have to be brought to a place of total incompetence in the use of the gifts we think we have before God will use us? Moreover, if the gift is in our control would we give the glory to God or would we take it for ourselves: just a thought.

Psalm 127

How fitting that this Psalm that begins with,

1 Unless the LORD builds a house,
the work of the builders is useless. Unless the LORD protects a city,
guarding it with sentries will do no good,

follows the New Testament reading that has captured my imagination and thoughts.

Proverbs 16:28-30

I heard a statement by the late Ed Cole of the Christian Men’s Network, “You can’t make peace with someone who has hate in their heart.” The three verses seem to validate his statement. So how do you influence a troublemaker and or a violent person to come to change/repent? I once tried to reason with some men who were known to be sexual predators in a Church Bible Study, but most of them were trying to convert me to their way of thinking as I was trying to convert them to the wisdom of the Bible. Any suggestions out there?

>>Like me, have you ever struggled with gossip? How have you been able to stop yourself from gossiping about others?>>

Yes, gossip is soooo easy to fall into because when we our outside of getting our value from Christ, gossip lowers the person or people we are dishing the dirt on in our eyes and in the eyes of others. We are rising ourselves up above the objects of our poison tongue by standing on their backs, which is the sin of Satan. Gossip may be hard to identify by people who are raised in families who gossip (Abnormality seems normal because it is so common), so stopping that behavior may require very severe actions. I have developed the following method, I say, “O, no—that’s not good—let’s pray for them.” The person is usually so shocked that they are stopped right in their tracks and usually hurry off or change the conversations. By the way, I have had only one person to take me up on that offer and when we held hands to pray their hands were like dead fish.

Grace and peace,
Ramona

====== Anka:

Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action…….
Yet Moses had asked God to find someone else to use because he wasn’t strong in speech!But God still used Moses mightily and was his friend:).It warms my heart today to see how God uses us inspite of our short comings…….
Gossip goes on big time at work and yesterday I was happy I didn’t join in to gossip about how corrupt the authorities are…God did ask us to pray for them(not gossip about them)
God bless you all
Anka

====== Luch:

Whatever else Psalm 127 is about let’s not miss the obvious application to our marriages and families and homes. We know this to be true since in 127 he talks about “builds the house” and then he talks about children who are to be shaped like arrows, and later in Psalm 128 he will continue to speak about the home again when he talks about those who fear the Lord, and “your wife will be a fruitful vine” and the children will be live olive plants around the table, and he even goes on to talk about the children’s children. For me these two psalms paint a picture of the beginnings of a marriage centered in Christ. Twice he says, “unless the Lord”–which means at the inception of a marriage/family put the Lord right at the center of it. Don’t let the Lord be incidental to one’s life or an ‘extra’, but the FOCUS. My wife and I married relatively young at age 23 and 22, but right from the beginning we were guided to this Psalm 127 passage by our mentors to take seriously this admoniton to let the Lord be the Lord of our marriage and family. We did that 30 years ago this month, and we are glad He stills gives grace to keep on doing it. A good cross reference to this is Deuteronomy 6:4-9 where we get some detail on the great Shema, the greatest of all the commandments and how it is to affect us personally and as a family unit. May we all take this psalm to heart as we near another Father’s day. And dads, like me, let me remind us to take the lead with our wives to build our homes on a solid foundation thereby leaving a lasting legacy to our sons and daughters and grandchildren.

Luch

====== Luch:

====== Vance:

I like this question and challenge: “Should we be more vigilant about stopping gossip within our churches and within our hearts and minds and on our own tongues?”
About the tongue: James 3 says that the tongue is full of evil. However, it also says that the tongue is a rudder. We can use our tongues to speak and meditate on righteousness to help us be more established in God.
I Kings 5 – Hiram, King of Tyre
LATER HISTORY OF TYRE – from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A church was founded here soon after the death of Saint Stephen, and Paul of Tarsus, on his return from his third missionary journey, spent a week in conversation with the disciples there.
According to Irenaeus of Lyons in Adversus Haereses, the female companion of Simon Magus came from here.
From the JewishEncyclopedia.com:
“Simon Magus was the founder of a Gnostic sect.” In light of the current fascination with the deception of Gnosticism espoused in the book, “The Da Vinci Code”, I thought this was interesting.
“Justin relates (“Apologia,” i. 26, 56) that he was born in Gitta, a Samaritan village, and that he traveled together with a woman named Helena, whom he declared to be the “First Intelligence,” he himself claiming to be the first manifestation of the hidden power of God.”
“This story has been proved by the fact that the statue said to have been erected to him with the inscription “Semoni Sancto Deo Fidio” has been discovered, and it proves to have been dedicated to an ancient Roman deity.”
During the time of the Crusades: In 1291, it was retaken by the Mameluks. Mameluks were slave soldiers who converted to Islam and served the Muslim caliphs. A Muslim caliph is a title for the Islamic leader of the Ummah, or community of Islam. The Mameluks also later served the Ottoman Empire during the Middle Ages.
Tyre was under Ottoman rule before the modern state of Lebanon was declared in 1920.
MODERN LEBANON IS TYRE. Is that not fascinating?
~~
It is interesting and fascinating how the Lord used a pagan king to help Solomon build the Temple of God—where the Presence of God in the OT was manifest. This shows me that God is Lord of the entire world, and all peoples—even pagan peoples—will glorify the true and living God, and will glorify the Lord Jesus Christ.
The fact that the Temple was dedicated to the true and living God, and that God was literally manifest there explains the importance of I Kings 6:7 – “When the house [Temple] was being built, its stone was made ready at the quarry, and no hammer, ax, or tool of iron was heard in the house while it was in building.”
This is important for many cultures fashioned their gods with tools after the image that was in their minds. These were false gods. The true and living God did not want in any way to associate Himself with these false gods.
God Himself must tell us the way to worship Him so our worship is true and pure. For our human tendency is to “imagine” a god that is not God at all. Thus, in Exodus 20 our Father God says this:
25
And if you make Me an altar of stone, you shall not build it of hewn stone; for if you use your tool on it, you have profaned it.
26
Nor shall you go up by steps to My altar, that your nakedness may not be exposed on it.
~~
Acts 7
Like Stephen, we really need to give ourselves totally over to the Holy Spirit and to His Word. Then—and only then—can the Lord Jesus do His work through us to reach people who are lost.
I Timothy 4 (NKJV)
15
Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.
16
Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
Ephesians 5 (Amplified)
18
And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but ever be filled and stimulated with the [Holy] Spirit.
I really like these verses from Psalm 141 (NKJV) about the tongue (and our life):
2
Let my prayer be set before you as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
3
Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.
4
Do not incline my heart to any evil thing, to practice wicked works with men who work iniquity; and do not let me eat of their delicacies.
5
Let the righteous strike me; it shall be a kindness. And let him rebuke me; it shall be as excellent oil; let my head not refuse it.
Vance

====== Romayne:

This is perhaps slightly off topic, but I just feel it quite interesting that Satan has used the history of the building of Solomon’s Temple by Hiram to found another Temple of his own – that of Freemasonry et al. Sadly, too many Christians consider this to be a ‘good’ organisation because the lower levels are involved in many worthwhile community activities, while others think it’s actually a Christian organisation – sadly it is the most dangerous counterfeit around for some – even provides its own ritual of ‘sacrifice’ emulating Jesus’ and promotes a counterfeit gospel in part too, by use of many rituals etc and stating it is open to all faiths. Dangerous things come out of Tyre!!
Romayne

===== Zig:

Would just like to say a word of blessing to you Mike and the awesome work that you are doing with this blog.
Thanx alot and be blessed abundantly
Zig

======= Fred:

Today, the verse we’re asked to memorize really stands out to me, as does the following verse about rest. I’m a self-professed workaholic and seriously need to meditate on that worse.
Proverbs also really speak to me this morning, after listening to Brian Hardin connect it to all the rumors going around now due to the Covid-19 outbreak, I know I’ve helped propagate some of them. Thankfully, since starting a Daniel Fast on the 1st of this month, I’ve begun checking myself more and tend to stay away from social media.
I found your blog the other day and really appreciate it. I’ve started coming here after listening to the DAB episode for more insights. God bless!
Fred

1 Kings 3:3-4:34 + Acts 6:1-15 + Psalm 126:1-6 + Proverbs 16:26-27
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Today in 1 Kings chapter 3 we read about King Solomon asking for wisdom from God!  It is of note that Solomon is estimated to be about 20 years old in this chapter – he was born about half way through David’s 40 year reign.  So, he is a very young king.  In verse 5 we read these words from God to Solomon – “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” In verses 7 through 9 we will read this amazing response from Solomon to God – “O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” Solomon could have asked God for anything – more wealth, more power, more strength, more whatever, but he simply asked for wisdom. Why? Because he wanted to govern God’s people well and distinguish between right and wrong. Amazing. How would you or I answer this question today? What if God came to you today and said the same thing to you from verse 5 – “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” What would you ask for? Would you ask for Wisdom? If so, God offers this to you and me now. Where? I believe wisdom is offered to us through study of the Bible and by living in a loving and right relationship with God. We can receive the gift of God’s wisdom today! If we would answer this question from God differently – maybe wanting more money, or power, or whatever – do you think we might forfeit gaining wisdom? So, again, what if God were to say to you right now this same statement he said to Solomon? “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” What do you ask for?  Below is a wonderful portrait by artist Guy Rowe of the young King Solomon praying for wisdom:

We then read about Solomon’s wise judgment related to the two women and a baby.  This is certainly verification that God fulfilled what he promised in verse 12 – “I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding mind such as no one else has ever had or ever will have!”  Below is “The Judgment of Solomon” by Flemish painter Antoon Claeissens, circa 1600:

As we read 1 Kings 4 verses 29, 32 & 33 I am reminded that some say Solomon was the last person on earth (well besides Jesus of course) who knew everything there was to know about any and all subject’s of the day – “God gave Solomon great wisdom and understanding, and knowledge too vast to be measured. He composed some 3,000 proverbs and wrote 1,005 songs. He could speak with authority about all kinds of plants, from the great cedar of Lebanon to the tiny hyssop that grows from cracks in a wall. He could also speak about animals, birds, reptiles, and fish.”  Solomon was obviously one wise person.  What do you think the wisest thing about Solomon was?  I think it was this – he was in relationship with God.  That was the #1 wisest decision Solomon ever made.  And it’s the #1 wisest decision you or I could ever make – to be in relationship with God through his son Jesus.  From this wise decision flows all other wisdom in our lives.  But this decision is of primary importance…   Are you as wise as Solomon in this regard?  Does your heart belong to God?

New Testament – Acts 6 verse 2 is of interest to me today – “”We apostles should spend our time preaching and teaching the word of God, not administering a food program.”  When I first read this, I thought, “Wait a second!  What’s wrong with administering a food program??”  Then, upon further reflection I realized the apostles were not saying anything was wrong with administering a food program – just that they were not called to it.  They were called to spend their time preaching and teaching the Word of God.  Which of course is true Food in the spiritual sense.  So – I think this is important for us to realize today as well.  I think sometimes we might get a bit grouchy if we don’t see our pastors or ministers at every single church function or event – but we have to realize they are not called to do every single thing that we, the body of the church, are called to.  One of their primary roles is to preach and teach the word of God.  So, they may need us to volunteer at or administer a food program while they are doing what they are called to.  Each of us are important parts of the body of Christ.  And each part of the body has different functions.  We shouldn’t get upset if one part of the body is not doing exactly what we are doing.  And yes, there are times when community & fellowship will bring us all together – which typically is worship on Sundays.  Let us come together as many members but one body without complaint toward others who are called to other holy tasks!

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Acts readings titled “Waiting on the Widows” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 126 has a great verse today.  I always love the verses in Psalms that speak about water!  I don’t know what it is about these verses, but here’s verse 4: “Restore our fortunes, LORD, as streams renew the desert.” Do you believe that God can restore your life like water restores the desert?  Will you allow God’s water into all the nooks & crannies in your life that are in need of renewal?

Do you believe that God is living water?  Are you thirsty for that living water in your life?  Will you drink the Water?

Proverbs – I like Proverbs 16 verse 26 today!  “It is good for workers to have an appetite; an empty stomach drives them on.”  This wisdom reminds me of the old adage – “Lord, don’t make me too rich that I forget you or too poor that I curse you.”  It’s better to be a bit “hungry” I think…  What are you hungry for?  I do pray that we are hungry each and every day for God’s Word, the Bible!

(On another note of food related hunger – in years past, June was National Hunger Awareness Day in the U.S.   Learn more about the 38 million people living in the U.S. who do not know where their next meal will come from and how you can make a difference volunteering or giving food to your local food bank at this link: www.hungerday.org)

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of JJ Weeks Band’s song “Let Them See You:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9H0tZkLJOE

Do they see Him in you?  Click here for Him to be seen!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” 1 Kings 3:5 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you show wisdom like Solomon did in 1 Kings 3, and ask God for wisdom. Don’t ask God for riches or power, but pray for discernment in your life.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  What are you hungry or thirsty for in your life right now?  Are you hungry for wisdom like young Solomon was hungry for wisdom?  Are you thirsty to know God more?  Are you hungry to love Jesus more?  Are you thirsty to read the Bible every day?   Are there people around you in your life who may also be hungry?  What are they hungry for?  Will you help feed them?  Spiritually, mentally, physically?  Like the food program we read about in Acts today, when was the last time you volunteered at your local food bank or soup kitchen or homeless shelter?  If you are called to it, will you sign up to volunteer out there again in this next month?  Will you get in the monthly habit of volunteering to feed someone in some way?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

Mike,

Your explanation of Acts 6:2 “”We apostles should spend our time preaching and teaching the word of God, not administering a food program,” is right on the money, in my humble opinion. Too often, we think the Pastor’s job is to do everything and be everywhere to help me, myself and I. His job is to feed the sheep, milk the goats and kick out the wolves.

God made the family first then the church. So the pastor’s responsibility is to meet the needs of his family then as his vocation tend to the sheep. One of the things your Blog is doing is helping Christians to mature in the faith so we will become mature in the faith and be a help to the ministry. The more “Word” we know the more we “Grow” and the more we become accountable for what we know.

In the King James that 2nd verse reads “waiting on tables,” instead of administering a food program. I’ve come to understand “waiting on tales” as meaning doing what one has not been called to do. In the natural world when a tool or machine is not used according to its design, it will be useless, ineffective and inefficient, and just break down. Iif you use an item that comes with a warranty wrongly the manufacture will not honor the service contract.

I Kings 2:2-4:34

I am rather troubled by this line in verse three of chapter three:
“…except that Solomon, too, offered sacrifices and burned incense at the local altars”
Aaron’s descendents were the only priests allowed to handle sacrifices and I believe the offering was to be on one alter alone and that place would be designated by God.

In the seventeenth chapter of Deuteronomy God gave instructions for Israel’s kings to follow,

14 When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you and have taken possession of it and settled in it, and you say, “Let us set a king over us like all the nations around us,” 15 be sure to appoint over you the king the LORD your God chooses. He must be from among your own brothers. Do not place a foreigner over you, one who is not a brother Israelite. 16 The king, moreover, must not acquire great numbers of horses for himself or make the people return to Egypt to get more of them, for the LORD has told you, “You are not to go back that way again.” 17 He must not take many wives, or his heart will be led astray. He must not accumulate large amounts of silver and gold.
18 When he takes the throne of his kingdom, he is to write for himself on a scroll a copy of this law, taken from that of the priests, who are Levites. 19 It is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the LORD his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees 20 and not consider himself better than his brothers and turn from the law to the right or to the left. Then he and his descendants will reign a long time over his kingdom.

Solomon begins to deviate slightly from these instructions and we may tend to overlook some things when all is going well, the subjects stomachs are full and every family has their own property, yet one can be off just slightly at the beginning of one’s journey and end up miles off course as time goes by. We can be so “pumped up” by the blessings that have come upon us and overtaken us we become careless in handling the Word of God.

The Wisdom Solomon had was not his but God’s. The wisdom Solomon had was not because Solomon was so great and righteous but it was because he recognized his own inadequacy to rule God’s people and asked for Wisdom. It is the ask, seek, and knock principal Jesus spoke about. (Matthew 7:7)

My prayer is that I don’t become foolish in my use of what God has given me and that I recognize that there is nothing in and of myself that distinguishes me from any other person. Everything I have has been given to me by God I am just a steward over what he has placed in my hands. My job is to remember that fact.

Acts 6:1-15

In reading through this passage again, I recognize a pattern of behavior begun with Cain back in Genesis. If Stephen’s face is shinning in the midst of false accusations, it would seem that the crowd would understand that they are not dealing with an ordinary event. This is clearly a “sign,” yet instead of allowing their hearts to be convicted, they try to quench the Light they all have seen in Stephen’s face.

Cain is told by God after bringing the wrong kind of offering,

6 Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? 7 If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.”

Instead of correcting his behavior, repenting and doing what is acceptable, he kills his brother. It seems that this pattern continues today though murder and character assassination. We feel it is better to remove the other person then to repent. How sad.

Psalm 126:1-6
5 Those who plant in tears
will harvest with shouts of joy.

6 They weep as they go to plant their seed,
but they sing as they return with the harvest

What Christians have been called to do is not easy; however, the benefits far outweigh the pain.

Proverbs 16:26-27

I believe the hunger talked about in verse twenty-six is not just the hunger of our natural stomach, but a hunger in our bellies for the things of God. That emptiness can drive us to acquire “junk food” which will satiate the hunger pains but have no nutritional value, or it can drive us to seek the true nourishment that only the Bread of Life, Jesus, can bring.

Grace and peace,
Ramona

====== Ramona:

1 Kings 3:3-4:34

Hmmmm, Israel was told by God,

When you come to the land which the Lord your God gives you …and then say, We will set a king over us …You shall surely set as king over you him whom the Lord your God will choose. … you may not set a foreigner, who is not your brother, over you. But he shall not multiply horses to himself or cause the people to return to Egypt in order to multiply horses, since the Lord said to you, You shall never return that way. And he shall not multiply wives to himself, that his [mind and] heart turn not away; neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold. And when he sits on his royal throne, he shall write for himself a copy of this law in a book, out of what is before the Levitical priests. And he shall keep it with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life, that he may learn [reverently] to fear the Lord his God, by keeping all the words of this law and these statutes and doing them, That his [mind and] heart may not be lifted up above his brethren and that he may not turn aside from the commandment to the right hand or to the left; so that he may continue long, he and his sons, in his kingdom in Israel. (Deuteronomy 17:14-20 AMP)

Did Solomon really need to forge an alliance with Egypt by marriage? It may have worked in the short term but what price would have to be paid in the future? Solomon was given wisdom because he ask for wisdom in leading God’s people, but having wisdom and properly applying that wisdom in all areas of his life is a different story.
I as a believer have been given the Wisdom of God, Jesus Christ. Have I used the Wisdom that I have effectively and efficiently? In truth I have to say, “NO.”

My goal is to move from having a mental assenting of the knowledge of the Word, to incorporating and infusing the Word I have been given into every fiber of my being.

Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Anka:

This morning as I read where God asked Solomon what he wanted…I wondered how someone with so much wisdom eventually fell.So I asked God to give me a will after His will and to conform my pleasures to His.
“And if you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.”……….
This verse for some reason kinda shows me God’s mercy…yep weird I know but that’s what went through my mind as I read it this morning.What’s the purpose of having a long life if you’re not obeying God?A long life of getting God mad at us…I’d prefer a warning,a chance to repent….and a “get up here before you become satan’s” call.Since God knows our hearts and where we’re headed…sometimes a short life but one with God is better than a long life that started off with God then ended up on satan’s side…
God bless you all
Anka

====== Kitty:

Apart from wisdom, I am also hungry for good relationships with Jesus and people, as well as health (both physical and spiritual).

Kitty

====== Dan:

“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5)

Literally every time I pray, I ask God for wisdom. I always conclude my verbal prayers with, “I want to please You. Give me wisdom. I want to make You smile. Teach me how.”

We as people get ourselves into a lot of messes (financially, relationally, etc.). I don’t want to expect God to get me out of the messes I make. What I do expect is that He will give me the wisdom to get myself out, and to stay out!

Dan

======= Christa:

Hey everybody! Today when I read Proverbs 16 verse 26, “It is good for workers to have an appetite; an empty stomach drives them on.” and then the comment on June 5th being national hunger day I had an idea!! I work for a non profit called Nourish The Children, an affilliate of Feed the Children. I have a website where you can contribute and help feed starving children. If you are interested please email me, or visit the site http://www.cmcmichael3.my-ntc.com
or email me at crismac07@aol.com and i’ll help you set up an account!!! Thanks! God bless!

Christa

====== Jenny:

====== Vance:

I Kings 3 (NKJV)
3
And Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of his father David, except that he sacrificed and burned incense at the high places.
~~
NOTE: Why is that we, as those who claim to know the Lord and who genuinely want to love Him, often still hang onto something that does not please God?
Another way of saying this is to see that this truly is evidence of what C.S. Lewis says. He mentions how there is a power of darkness in the universe—not equal with God—but thinking it is great enough to oppose God. That “power” is the devil, who was made good but who chose to rebel. He seeks allies in its battle with God. Every inch of the universe is in this battle—either in darkness or in light.
Jesus is Lord. May we not allow anything to remain in our hearts that will separate us from any of Himself or any of His best will for us.
I Kings 3 (NKJV)
12
behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you.
13
And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days.
14
So if you walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.
~~
NOTE: Truly, God is a wonderful God of grace. Thank God that we can seek Him even when everything is not right in our hearts and we can still offer all of ourselves to Him.
There is abundant grace while on earth. After death, comes the judgment.
Psalm 37 (Amplified)
Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart.
Acts 6 (NKJV)
7
Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.
~~
NOTE: We are all given at least one gifting or “charisma” by the Holy Spirit. Because of that, we are all ministers, and we each have a ministry.
Many will come to know Jesus as we all truly intercede for the lost, for the Body of Christ, and as we encourage one another to be all God wants us to be. Then, as we are unified in the purpose of glorifying Jesus, the world will see Jesus through ALL of us as ONE body.
Jesus has literally given all of us the glory of the Father—so He provides Himself to glorify Jesus!
John 17 (NKJV)
22
And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one:
23
I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.
Psalm 126 (NKJV)
5
Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy.
6
He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
~~
NOTE: History shows that God is a God of process—working patiently thousands of years to make sure that the world knows who He is as the true and living God through the people of Israel, through Jesus, and through the Church of Jesus Christ.
Thank God! Process is a good word. Process—as we seek the Lord and press into Him—allows us to be like Jesus. Where are hearts are not right and where we are failing, is where we need to be persistent in planting seeds of righteousness through the Word of God, prayer, fellowship, and obedience.
Then, we can fully—in every aspect of life—become who we already are spiritually in Christ.
Philippians 3 (Amplified)
14
I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.
15
So let those [of us] who are spiritually mature and full-grown have this mind and hold these convictions; and if in any respect you have a different attitude of mind, God will make that clear to you also.
16
Only let us hold true to what we have already attained and walk and order our lives by that.
Vance

======= Sue:

ROM:11:33: O THE DEPTH OF THE RICHES BOTH OF THE WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE OF GOD! HOW UNSEARCHABLE ARE HIS JUDGMENTS, AND HIS WAYS PAST FINDING OUT!
1COR:12:8: FOR TO ONE IS GIVEN BY THE SPIRIT THE WORD OF WISDOM; TO ANOTHER THE WORD OF KNOWLEDGE BY THE SAME SPIRIT;
EPH:1:17: THAT THE GOD OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, THE FATHER OF GLORY, MAY GIVE UNTO YOU THE SPIRIT OF WISDOM AND REVELATION IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF HIM:
COL:1:9: FOR THIS CAUSE WE ALSO, SINCE THE DAY WE HEARD IT, DO NOT CEASE TO PRAY FOR YOU, AND TO DESIRE THAT YE MIGHT BE FILLED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF HIS WILL IN ALL WISDOM AND SPIRITUAL UNDERSTANDING;
COL:2:3: (CHRIST) IN WHOM ARE HID ALL THE TREASURES OF WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE.
JMS:3:13: WHO IS A WISE MAN AND ENDUED WITH KNOWLEDGE AMONG YOU? LET HIM SHEW OUT OF A GOOD CONVERSATION HIS WORKS WITH MEEKNESS OF WISDOM.
~ ~ ~ ~
I am trying to imagine how it was for Solomon, growing up in the palace, not the first son of the King (David), nor the second, nor even third.
Were his siblings kind to him?
What kind of teachers/tutors did Solomon have that helped him to understand the value of wisdom and knowledgle?
What bearing did the story of his older sibling’s death as a result of David’s sin have on Solomon in his household and in his community; those who knew of Uriah’s honor and of Bathsheba’s infidelity?
It does take a village, doesn’t it?
___________________________
The book I am reading, “Always Ready, Directions for Defending the Faith” by Greg L. Bahnsen relies heavily on the notion (truth) that ALL WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE come from God; Solomon is another testimony to that truth.
Sue

====== Sue:

THESE MEN BEGAN TO ARGUE WITH STEPHEN, 10BUT THEY COULD NOT STAND UP AGAINST HIS WISDOM OR THE SPIRIT BY WHOM HE SPOKE.
Here again, we have that “wisdom” that only comes from the Spirit of God, against which they could only lie, twist the truth, and stir the people up!
15ALL WHO WERE SITTING IN THE SANHEDRIN LOOKED INTENTLY AT STEPHEN, AND THEY SAW THAT HIS FACE WAS LIKE THE FACE OF AN ANGEL.
~ ~ ~
Interesting text to ponder.
What does the “face of an angel” look like to you? Is it a cherub?
Is it a beautiful woman like is seen at the top of a Christmas tree?
Is it like the commercials for cream cheese?
Or is it like those angels who were fierce in appearance, who guarded the garden of Eden?
Or was it holy like the men Abraham entertained when they told him of Isaac’s birth?
Or like those same men he accompanied partway to Sodom and Gomorrah?
Have you ever seen Scripture depict an angel as child-like or feminine?
What description to you think the “angel” fits for what the Sanhedrin perceived in Stephen’s face?
Sue

======= Aaron:

Worship God: Today’s Proverb reminds me of Kathryn Scott’s song “Hungry, Falling on My Knees:”
Here i was reading your comments on today’s reading & the very song in the back ground was this “Hungry”
Aaron

1 Kings 2:1-3:2 + Acts 5:1-42 + Psalm 125:1-5 + Proverbs 16:25
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Dramatic readings in First Kings today!  David’s final instructions to Solomon include some strong words about how Joab & Shimei should die.  And later in today’s readings, these words come to fruition.  An image is below for David giving his final instructions to Solomon in today’s readings:

In verse 10 in today’s readings, we read this simple verse that concludes our readings of David’s life (for now… we’ll read more about David later in the Bible this year) –  “Then David died and was buried in the City of David.”

Today we read about Adonijah’s request to marry Abishag.  You’ll recall from yesterday’s readings that Abishag took care of David in his old age.  She was a virgin, but still considered part of David’s harem.  And, in those days, to inherit the harem was to inherit the kingdom.  (I know, strange stuff to talk about harem’s…  it was the way it was back then – even though God’s plan from Genesis with Adam & Eve was 1 man & 1 woman – not 1 man & many women… us humans – even David – do not always pay attention to God’s plans…)   So, Adonijah’s request to marry Abishag was essentially his attempt to gain back the kingdom again.  Hence, Solomon got upset… 

Joab proved the maxim of “those who live by the sword, die by the sword.”  David knew Joab had killed Abner and Amasa and passed on his disdain for Joab to Solomon.  Solomon knew Joab was in cahoots w/ Adonijah.  Joab was seeking sanctuary at the altar – and there was indeed sanctuary in the Law for those who accidentally killed someone else.  There were sanctuary cities.  However, Joab’s killings of Abner and Amasa could in no way be viewed as accidental.  His attempt at sanctuary at the altar did not stand up in Solomon’s eyes.  Below is a fascinating piece of artwork of Joab running for the altar – with what appears to be a shadow of a person running in the background… As if Joab’s past was haunting him & pursuing him?   I’m not sure, but an interesting piece of art here on this Joab scene in any case!

It is an interesting thing to read about the blood and deaths caused by some of our fathers of our faith – David & Solomon and the list will go on.  I think the thing I take away from all of this is that in the B.C. age, “eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth” ruled the day.  People “got what they deserved” so to speak…  It essentially kept the peace in a barbaric age.  But, we were fortunate to have Jesus Christ come into our world and be the final sacrifice and change the rules.  Jesus died on a cross.  Jesus got what WE deserved.  He changed the whole eye for an eye Law to a higher law of love & grace.  We deserve condemnation.  Thanks to Jesus, we are given eternal life through the free gift of faith in his life, death and resurrection.  I think it is always important for us to remember that Jesus got what we deserved… this is why Jesus is called Savior!

New Testament – Today in Acts 5 we continue to read about the early church. It’s important for us to note that Ananias and Sapphira’s sin was that they acted as if they were giving 100% of the proceeds from the sale of their land to the church – when in fact they weren’t – so that they would be glorified for this very generous act.  The sin wasn’t what percentage they were or weren’t giving – but that they were acting as if they were giving 100%, which was a lie.  In verse 3 we read – “Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?”” One thing of note from this verse is that Satan was active in the hearts of men and women in the early church. After Jesus died, rose from the dead, and ascended into heaven, Satan was still on the loose. Do you believe Satan is still on the loose today tempting the hearts of men and women? Do you pray daily for God to “lead us not into temptation, and deliver us from evil?” Do you think this should be a daily prayer? (maybe not in these words exactly, but they are from the Lord’s Prayer, so not a bad choice of words to pray…)  Below is a painting of “The Death of Ananias” by the Italian artist Raphael from the year 1515:

I love verse 29 in today’s readings, when the apostles are yet again before the Sanhedrin:  “But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than human authority.”  How powerful of a statement is this!  And how often in our lives do we truly practice this?  Do you obey God rather than human authority?  Consistently?  Verse 41 brought tears to my eyes:  “The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus.”  This is an incredible thing to consider!  The apostles rejoiced that they were given 39 lashes – this is no joke as we all know – because they were proclaiming Jesus.  They rejoiced that God had counted them worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus!  This is something that should definitely bring tears to all of our eyes.  Let us pray that God also counts us worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus!

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Act’s readings titled “Profession and Possession” is at this link and “The Great Escapes” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 125 has great verses in 4 & 5: “O LORD, do good to those who are good, whose hearts are in tune with you.   But banish those who turn to crooked ways, O LORD. Take them away with those who do evil. And let Israel have quietness and peace.”  I love that closing line – let us have quietness and peace!  What a great prayer.  Don’t we all wish for quietness and peace in our lives?  One thing I’ll recommend – which I am trying so hard to learn myself – is to take a Sabbath day of rest each week. Just rest.  Just be peaceful.  Just be with God.  One day a week.  It will dramatically change the other 6 days of your week without a doubt.  Will you join me on this quest for quietness and peace in our lives by taking a Sabbath day of rest once each week?

Proverbs – Proverbs 16 verse 25 today teaches us: “There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.”  This is a great reminder that it is so important for us to pay attention to what path we are on!  Really, examine the path you are on this very day… where is it ultimately leading you?  To Life or death?

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of Colton Dixon’s song “Made to Fly:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KRRCQ9bcAc

Did you know you were made to fly?  Click here to fly!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” Proverbs 16:25 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are examining the path you are on today, and every day. Pray that you are not on a worldly path that lead to death, but on the path that leads to eternal life. Pray that you are on Jesus’ path, following in the footsteps of your Savior.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Back to Acts 5 verse 41 again:  “The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus.”  Have you ever suffered dishonor for the name of Jesus in your life?  Will you rejoice if indeed someday you do suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus?  Is it proper for a Christian to want to actually suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus?  Should we want this?  Expect this?  Seek this?   Rejoice in this?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

1 Kings 2-3:2

Boy O Boy, the Bible is great reading. The charge to Solomon by his father is better than a scene out of the Godfather. First, the conditional promise of God is passed down. Then the drama unfolds. I can picture David near the end of his life weak and frail speaking in a hushed tone so that Solomon would have to listen intently, rehearsing the crimes committed by his nephew Joab and the curses Shimei called down on David as he fled Jerusalem. However, there was also a blessing to be bequeathed upon Barzillai who took care of David during that awful time.

Everyone was about to reap what they had sown, for better or worse. And in a short time Joab and Shimei would reap the whirlwind for their deeds. Solomon wrote in Proverbs, There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death (14:12; 16:25, clearly no one sets out in life to cause their own death by the choices they make, yet bad choices lead to unintended ends.

There is a saying, or at least there use to be, said by the young, “Are you stuck on stupid?” Adonijah could be asked that question. After having his first plot to become king foiled, he attempts to go through the back door like a stealth bomber flying under the radar, he uses Solomon’s mother to attempt access to the kingdom. He even states in his justification for asking to marry Abishag, that as the oldest son, he had rights to the throne; however, God had other plans. So in his statement he lets us know that he is fighting against God’s choice of leadership.

Why do we fight against what God wants? In doing so we are in a loosing battle. Even if we run to the “Temple” and grab hold of the horns of the alter pleading our case and begging for our life, God’s will “trumps” any plan, desire or manipulative plot we can think of.

In today’s reading, we also get a glimpse of Solomon’s slow slide down the slippery slope of following God half-heartedly. He marries the daughter of Pharaoh. Solomon did not follow his own wisdom, “When a man’s ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him. (Proverbs 16:7)”, or did Solomon write this Proverb after experiencing the fruit of trying to make his own alliances.

Acts 5:1-42

Just a little humorous side note to the story of Ananias and Sapphira, has anyone caught on that it was the “Youth” ministry that buried both him and his wife? Try building your Youth ministry today on that job. Well young folks we have been assigned to bury the folks that drop dead in our midst because they have sinned against the Holy Spirit. Yikes!

Psalm 125:1-5

The first verse of this Psalm gives a big clue that there is another reality, eternity:
1 Those who trust in the LORD are as secure as Mount Zion;
they will not be defeated but will endure forever.

Enduring forever is impossible if one considers life on this earth as all there clearly this writer saw past what he could sense with his senses. The Psalmist who wrote this absolutely believed there is an eternity that exists in the spiritual realm, and that realm is more real that what we can perceive with our five senses.

Proverbs 16:25

Oops didn’t realize I referenced this Proverb in the Old Testament reading. The ability to do that is proof to me that the Bible confirms its own words.

Grace and peace,
Ramona

====== Romayne:

======= Vance:

I really like the challenge: are we willing to suffer for righteousness?
There is a way for us to stand up for righteousness TODAY without having to suffer one bit. If the original apostles were willing to suffer for righteousness, how much easier it should be for us to stand up for righteousness and not suffer!
CALL TODAY—THIS MORNING BEFORE THEY VOTE! CALL YOUR SENATORS AND URGE THEM TO VOTE “YES” TO THE FEDERAL MARRIAGE AMENDMENT. Call more than once.
Otherwise, this issue will be left to the states. If this happens, the godless judges—most of whom are not voted in or out—will chose that so-called “homosexual marriage” will be the standard of the land. This will unleash all kinds of social confusion and evil, and harm.
~~
I Kings 2 (NKJV)
26
And to Abiathar the priest the king said, “Go to Anathoth, to your own fields, for you are deserving of death; but I will not put you to death at this time, because you carried the ark of the Lord GOD before my father David, and because you were afflicted every time my father was afflicted.”
27
SO SOLOMON REMOVED ABIATHAR FROM BEING PRIEST TO THE LORD, THAT HE MIGHT FULFILL THE WORD OF THE LORD WHICH HE SPOKE CONCERNING THE HOUSE OF ELI AT SHILOH.
NOTE:
I see what happened to Abiathar as a pivotal verse.
Note that though Abiathar helped Adonijah to become king that God is not judging Abiathar because of that, that is not why Abiathar is kiled.
God is judging Abiathar because of His word of judgment to Eli the priest.
Apparently, Abiathar was a son of Eli, the priest in I Samuel, chapters 1 through 4.
GOD SEES AND REMEMBERS EVERYTHING.
GOD WILL WIPE AWAY EVERY SIN IN OUR LIVES AND NOT REMEMBER THEM if we repent and receive forgiveness.
But we must RECEIVE THE GIFT OF FORGIVENESS to be forgiven, to be saved from our sin and the deception within ourselves.
What did the house of Eli do? Read the following verses from I Samuel below and see.
~~~
I Samuel 2 (NKJV)
22
Now Eli was very old; and he heard everything his sons did to all Israel, and how they lay with the women who assembled at the door of the tabernacle of meeting.
23
So he said to them, “Why do you do such things? For I hear of your evil dealings from all the people.
24
No, my sons! For it is not a good report that I hear. You make the LORD’s people transgress.
25
If one man sins against another, God will judge him. But if a man sins against the LORD, who will intercede for him?” NEVERTHELESS THEY DID NOT HEED THE VOICE OF THEIR FATHER, BECAUSE THE LORD DESIRED TO KILL THEM.
27
Then a man of God came to Eli and said to him, “Thus says the LORD: ‘Did I not clearly reveal Myself to the house of your father when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh’s house?
29
Why do you kick at My sacrifice and My offering which I have commanded in My dwelling place, and honor your sons more than Me, to make yourselves fat with the best of all the offerings of Israel My people?’
30
THEREFORE THE LORD GOD OF ISRAEL SAYS: ‘I SAID INDEED THAT YOUR HOUSE AND THE HOUSE OF YOUR FATHER WOULD WALK BEFORE ME FOREVER.’ BUT NOW THE LORD SAYS: ‘FAR BE IT FROM ME; FOR THOSE WHO HONOR ME I WILL HONOR, AND THOSE WHO DESPISE ME SHALL BE LIGHTLY ESTEEMED.
31
Behold, the days are coming that I will cut off your arm and the arm of your father’s house, so that there will not be an old man in your house.
GOD IS HOLY, and truly keeps a record. The ONLY way to escape the reality of the judgment of righteousness is to, by faith, truly repent and accept a righteous sacrifice in our place. There is no other way.
YET, NOTE THAT ELI’S SONS WERE DISDAINING THE VERY OFFERINGS THAT GOD COULD HAVE ACCEPTED AS SUBSTITUTE FOR THEIR SIN. Note that the OT offerings were pictures of Christ (shadows of the true substance of the true sacrificial offering of the Son of God according to Hebrews 10:1).
In reality, the sons of Eli were disdaining Christ Himself! It reminds me of I Corinthians 10:4 –
“For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ.”
The sons of Eli were disrespecting God’s offering and God’s authority.
WORSE, THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO REPRESENT GOD’S AUTHORITY TO THE PEOPLE AS PRIESTS ACCEPTING OFFERINGS ON BEHALF OF GOD FOR THE PEOPLE.
But, they chose to persistently and deliberately disrespect God Himself.
Eli, their father, had some sobering words for his sons in I Samuel 2, verse 25— a good challenge for us today:
“ ‘BUT IF A MAN SINS AGAINST THE LORD, WHO WILL INTERCEDE FOR HIM?’ NEVERTHELESS THEY DID NOT HEED THE VOICE OF THEIR FATHER, BECAUSE THE LORD DESIRED TO KILL THEM.”
And look at what God Himself says through the prophet about this in I Samuel 2, verse 30:
“BUT NOW THE LORD SAYS: ‘FAR BE IT FROM ME; FOR THOSE WHO HONOR ME I WILL HONOR, AND THOSE WHO DESPISE ME SHALL BE LIGHTLY ESTEEMED.’ ”
Also, note the solemn promise of judgment on the house of Eli from Samuel the boy who was becoming prophet:
I Samuel 3 (NKJV)
13
FOR I HAVE TOLD HIM THAT I WILL JUDGE HIS HOUSE FOREVER FOR THE INIQUITY WHICH HE KNOWS, BECAUSE HIS SONS MADE THEMSELVES VILE, AND HE DID NOT RESTRAIN THEM.
14
AND THEREFORE I HAVE SWORN TO THE HOUSE OF ELI THAT THE INIQUITY OF ELI’S HOUSE SHALL NOT BE ATONED FOR BY SACRIFICE OR OFFERING FOREVER.”
~~
I WONDER HOW MUCH I HAVE BEEN INFLUENCED BY THE SINFUL INDEPENDENCE OF THE AMERICAN WAY OF LIFE. I WONDER HOW MUCH I, AS A CHRISTIAN IN AMERICA, DO NOT RESPECT GOD’S AUTHORITY AS I SHOULD.
This fits directly in with Acts chapter 5 where Ananias and Sapphira his wife lied to the Holy Spirit. This shows that the sin of deliberate and persistent pretense is offensive to God – it is disrespecting God’s authority.
And they were killed by the Lord for it. And this occurred in the NT church! Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
~~
This makes me think of Psalm 125, which is one of the “Songs of Ascents”. These were songs sung on the way to Jerusalem. Jerusalem is on a high mountain, and the only way to reach it was to climb up the mountain. They sang worship as they climbed.
There is a spiritual lesson there.
Psalm 125 (NKJV)
5
As for such as turn aside to their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them away with the workers of iniquity. Peace be upon Israel!
This is a basic truth: If we are committed to receiving and thinking evil—which will lead to doing evil—then God will let us have our way. If that is what we want, then God will hand us over to our desires.
Sounds like Romans chapter 1 to me.
This ties directly into Proverbs 16:25 – “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”
~~
In all ages, sin is deceptive and always leads to death. In all ages, God is gracious and willing to forgive. What is in my heart—what is in your heart—is the key to what will happen to us?
~~
The only way out is to depend on the Spirit of God to equip and enable us to focus on the Lord Jesus and obey Him. We alone can choose to focus on Jesus and obey Jesus—but we cannot do it without the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 5 (NKJV)
16
I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
May we be willing to suffer ridicule and unpopularity for the Lord Jesus like the original apostles. BY DEFINITION, THEY COULD NOT OBEY THE LORD JESUS LIKE THIS WITHOUT SPIRITUAL PURITY. AND THE PERSECUTION ONLY DROVE THEM CLOSER TO THE LORD JESUS.
I have met people who have really suffered for the Lord in other countries. Persecution can be very difficult, and it is not glamorous. But… the glory of God rests on His people in greater measure when we stand up for Jesus and are willing to suffer for it.
Vance

1 Kings 1:1-53 + Acts 4:1-37 + Psalm 124:1-8 + Proverbs 16:24
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Today we begin First Kings!  First Kings is an amazing book of the Bible.  We’ll be diving into David’s son Solomon’s reign and the building of the First Temple in Jerusalem.  You’ll recall that Solomon wrote many of the Proverbs, and in chapter 3 of First Kings this week we will learn why Solomon had the wisdom to be able to write such amazing proverbs that have stood the test of time for some 3,000 years!  Below is an image of King Solomon dictating his wise Proverbs:

Book:  First Kings
Author: Unknown
Date:  Sixth century B.C.
Content:  First and Second Kings form one book in the Hebrew Bible and are considered to be prophetic literature, probably because a prophet put the books together.  The two books cover a period of approximately 350 years, when kings ruled the land, hence the name of the book.  First Kings begins with the death of David, followed by a description of Solomon’s reign, including the building of the first Temple in Jerusalem.  The split of the kingdom into Israel (North) and Judah (South) is described, ending with the great conflict between Elijah the prophet, and Ahab, the king of Israel.
Theme:  The fact that a history book is considered to be prophetic is important.  It shows that God speaks to us from the past, as well as from the present experience of others.  These events are recorded so that we will not make the same mistakes again.  The conflict between Elijah and Ahab shows God’s immediate involvement in human life and his concern for human affairs.  First Kings particularly shows the disastrous effects of social evil upon the spiritual life of a nation.  (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 6) More commentary on First Kings is at these 3 links –
https://bible.org/article/introduction-books-first-and-second-kings
https://bible.org/seriespage/reign-solomon (Introduction to Solomon)
https://bible.org/seriespage/1-introduction-and-historical-setting-elijah (Introduction to Elijah)

Bible Project: Here is a great video overview of First Kings!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVFW3wbi9pk

First Kings chapter 1 is quite a chapter today!  David is old!  Adonijah claims the throne!  David makes Solomon King!  Quite a dramatic chapter, eh?  Adonijah was David’s 4th oldest son, and probably the eldest son living at this time.  First son Amnon was killed by Absalom.  Second son Daniel was probably not living at this time.  Third son Absalom was killed in his rebellion.  So, fourth son Adonijah thought now was his moment to shine.  Well, as Paul Harvey would say, “now for the rest of the story…”  The chapter tells us the story well.  Solomon was clearly God and David’s choice for the kingship.  Below is the artist Raphael’s take on verses 39 & 40 today:  “There Zadok the priest took a flask of olive oil from the sacred tent and poured it on Solomon’s head. Then the trumpets were blown, and all the people shouted, “Long live King Solomon!” And all the people returned with Solomon to Jerusalem, playing flutes and shouting for joy. The celebration was so joyous and noisy that the earth shook with the sound.”

New Testament – In our Acts readings today, I found it very interesting that Peter and John found themselves before the same 70 member Sanhedrin that Jesus found himself before when he was sentenced to death.  Peter and John avoided death in this case, and Jesus’ name and power was proclaimed before the high council in a powerful way.  Caiaphas you’ll recall from John 18:14: “Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be good if one man died for the people.”  Well, the Spirit of Jesus was once again before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin through the boldness of Peter and John!

I love reading about the early church praying and sharing their possessions after Peter and John were released!  Have you ever prayed a prayer that was anything like verses 29 & 30?  Wow… “And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give your servants great boldness in their preaching. Send your healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”  Think we could learn something about prayer from this early church community in Acts 4?  How often do you pray with a group of people outside of a regular church service?  Think this would be a powerful thing to do? Below is a beautiful fresco on the wall in a small church in the French Alps of “The Community in Prayer” from Acts 4 today:

Bible.org’s commentary on our Acts readings today titled “Truth or Consequences” is at this link.

Psalms – I read in a commentary that Psalm 124 was likely a call and response from a Levitical priest and worshipers.  Verses 1 through 5 were likely spoken by the priest and verses 6 through 8 were the response of the people.  Great way to read this Psalm!  Even though this Psalm title says it is a “Psalm of David”, some commentaries believe this Psalm is post-exile from Babylon based on verse 8: “We escaped like a bird from a hunter’s trap. The trap is broken, and we are free!”  Though, I could see that verse apply to Davidic times too. Verse 8 is a joyful response that hopefully each one of us can sing confidently: “Our help is from the LORD, who made the heavens and the earth.”  Amen and Amen!

Proverbs – Today in Proverbs chapter 16 verse 24 we read: “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” How does this verse speak to you? Do you believe that words have power? Do you speak to others with pleasant words? Do you realize that your words literally can be sweet to the soul of others and healing to their bones? Knowing this, would this maybe change how you speak to others? Do you also believe that there is a time and place to speak to someone with words that may not be pleasant, but that are needed discipline? I do think there is a time and place for disciplinary words to be spoken directly to someone – with love. And though these words may seem harsh at first, over time they may be seen as very pleasant words that someone needed to hear. Generally speaking I do think we can probably do the most good and encourage others to change through pleasant words. Is there someone in your life today who might be going through a hard time that you can bless with pleasant words? Will you encourage that person today with words that are sweet to the soul and healing to the bones?  Let our words be like “honey from heaven” to those around us!

Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of Phil Wickham’s song “What an Awesome God:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AnSHYjQ3tc

Do you know our awesome God?  Click here for AWESOMENESS!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Proverbs 16:24 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that your words are pleasant to others. Pray that your words are sweet to the soul of others. Pray that your words could even help provide healing to the bones, through the power of the Holy Spirit living in you, and in Jesus’ precious name.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  We read about the boldness of Peter and John in Acts chapter 4 today.  Do you think we are called to be bold in our faith?  Why?  What are some ways that we should be bold in our faith?  What are some ways in which you are bold in your faith today?  What are some ways you want to become bolder in your faith?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

1 Kings 1:1-53

Today’s reading reminds me that it is not what you take but what God gives you. An undisciplined Adonijah followed in his half brother’s (Absalam) footsteps, he decided he would make himself king. It is funny how we humans fail to learn lessons from the mistakes of others. Adonijah failed to understand how his brother came to his end. Maybe he thought because his father was old and he was the oldest remaining son of his father the kingly line of succession dictated he would be king but he forgot or did not know: it is God that has the last word.

The Proverb that begins, “Know the state of your flocks …” came to my remembrance reading how David did not have a clue about what was going on in his palace. No matter how old, how much authority and power we think we have, we must remain diligent over what God has given us.
Proverbs 27
22 Though you grind a fool
in a mortar with a pestle along with grain,
you will not separate his foolishness from him.

23 Know well the condition of your flock,
and pay attention to your herds,

24 for wealth is not forever;
not even a crown lasts for all time.
Acts 4:1-37

The religious leaders had a problem with the disciples preaching, teaching and healing using the name of Jesus even though they knew Peter and the rest of the boys had done something wonderful. They recognized that “signs” were being performed by these men, they knew they spoke with a boldness and elegance, without having been educated in the same schools they had attended, they even recognized that these men had been with Jesus, yet hardness of heart, stubbornness, kept them from dealing in the truth they new, the Old Testament scripture. Those scriptures that the religious leaders studied diligently revealed Jesus and the pouring out of God’s Holy Spirit.

I believe we all are in danger of doing the same thing as the religious leaders did then. They were so filled up with the old wine of the Laws and the Prophets; they wanted no part of the New Wine Jesus has promised us (Luke 5:39).

Psalm 124:1-8
Sometimes I forget, but then something happens that reminds me that my life should have been over a long time ago, but for God. I can really identify with this song because I know what it is to be delivered out of the snare of the hunter. Either we use the word, luck, when we describe how we overcame something or, others seeing us exit out of impossible situations will say we are lucky but we refuse to consider God the one who pulled us through.

It usually is in the quite times of my busy life that I can see that my help came from the Lord and not something called luck. O for the wisdom to balance out my life with quite times so that I will be able to hear that “Still small voice of God.”

Proverbs 16:24

I have come to learn that kind and nice are mutually exclusive. The kindest thing someone can do for me is to tell me the truth about myself no matter how much it hurts. All truth is confrontational especially the truth about myself.

Ramona

====== David:

Old Testament Reading:
Adonijah, David’s son, was lacking in discipline. The scripture says that David had failed to discipline him. The acts of a child are foolish when they are lacking in discipline. Adonijah tried to make himself king. This can also be a picture of how we try and elevate our position sometimes without allowing God to work through us. There is not one mention of Solomon, the rightful king, ever speaking up for himself. He shows true humbleness by allowing God to right the injustice. An observation of the crowd, that when along with Adonijah, can also be made from this passage. The crowd is not always right, followers come cheaply and easily. They are also gone as quickly as they come.

New Testament Reading:
Peter and John show such boldness in this passage in Acts. We just watched the movie Martin Luther over the weekend. This passage made me think of the boldness Martin Luther displays in this movie. Martin Luther does battle with Satan as he defends the authority of God to abolish sins and the heresy of buying indulgences from the Church. It may have been a similar situation when Peter spoke out so boldly in front of the Pharisees. One thought here is that we have to surrender our will, if Peter had not been in submission to the Holy Spirit he might not have been able to make the stand that he did. We need to submit to the Spirit daily.

Psalms & Proverbs:
Verse eight of this Psalm is a great thought to keep in mind today. “Our help is from the LORD who made the Heavens and the Earth.” What power does He not possess? Put your trust in him today. The Proverb is also good to keep in mind today, that kind words are much more beneficial than criticism or harsh words. Everyone needs to be corrected sometimes; but there is a kind way or a harsh way to do it. Lets remember that today.

David

====== Ramona:

Mike you statement and questions, “Today in Proverbs chapter 16 verse 24 we read – “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” How does this verse speak to you? Do you believe that words have power? Do you speak to others with pleasant words? Do you realize that your words literally can be sweet to the soul of others and healing to their bones? “ had me to remember something I read about an Arkansas model (A state in the United States) on dealing with overweight children. Letters were sent home and it was noted on the child’s report card stating that the child was “fat,” really over weight, and that got many parents vocally angry; however, they, the parents began to act, began doing something about it. The words the parents didn’t want to hear, or in this case read, is bringing healing to the child’s bones and the parents as well.

Something we think that nice, kind words are those that don’t get us upset; however, the words which were hard on the ears and ego’s of the parents were sweet to their souls. I have this philosophy: Don’t tell me how nice I’m walking if I’m taking a short walk on a long pier into shark infested waters. Yell, no matter how angry you think it might make me. Being nice may not always mean or translate into kindness.

Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Luch:

======= Vance:

I Kings 1 (NKJV)
28
Then King David answered and said, “Call Bathsheba to me.” So she came into the king’s presence and stood before the king.
29
And the king took an oath and said, “As the LORD lives, who has redeemed my life from every distress,
30
just as I swore to you by the LORD God of Israel, saying, ‘Assuredly Solomon your son shall be king after me, and he shall sit on my throne in my place,’ so I certainly will do this day.”
31
Then Bathsheba bowed with her face to the earth, and paid homage to the king, and said, “Let my lord King David live forever!”
~~
NOTE: Solomon becoming king is a fascinating study of God’s righteousness—the true “just-ness” and the true mercy of God’s righteousness.
David committed sin and adultery with Bathsheba. Later, he repented of these sins when confronted by Nathan the prophet. Then, when Bathsheba had a child, David fasted and prayed with great fervency that the baby be saved. Yet, because sins have consequences, the baby died. God is just.
Yet, when Solomon was born, God was very pleased with David and with the new son, Solomon.
The reality is that when we sin, there are always consequences. However, if there is repentance, God’s grace is always greater than the sin.
Romans 5 (NKJV)
20
Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more,
21
so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Vance

2 Samuel 23:24-24:25 + Acts 3:1-26 + Psalm 123:1-4 + Proverbs 16:21-23
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – We finish up the book of Second Samuel today and begin First Kings tomorrow!  Are you ready to dive into our next Old Testament book??  Today in Second Samuel we continue to read about David’s mighty men.  It is sad to read the name of Uriah the Hittite in verse 39.  Another reminder of David’s sin against Bathsheba and Uriah – one of David’s own mighty men…  And, yes, another reminder of God’s forgiveness of David – and God’s offer of forgiveness to you and me today.  Have there been any “mighty men (or women!)” in your life that you have sinned against?  Will you go to God for forgiveness for that sin today?  And will you apologize and reconcile with the mighty man/woman in your life that you need to apologize to / reconcile with?  Interestingly, I think this whole forgiveness/mercy talk ties in very nicely into Psalm 123 today.  As Psalm 123 sings to us today:  “Have mercy on us Lord, have mercy.”

Second Samuel 24 today finishes up with David taking a census, then judgment upon Israel for this sin, and then closing up the book with David building an altar on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.  A few things to point out here.  First, you’ll note verse 1 starts out with:  “Once again the anger of the LORD burned against Israel..”  Commentaries suggest that God was likely upset with Israel because of their support of Absalom’s & Sheba’s rebellions.  This is why it is thought the plague in this chapter affected Israel and not just David’s house for the sin of the census.  The census was a sin because it was not needed at this time in Israel’s history.  Censuses were taken in the past for military conscription & review of number of men before a war.  But this was not a time of war.  The census was a sin because David may have been taking this census just for his own glory & pride – to see how many people were under his reign.  Even Joab asked David why he was doing this as we see in verse 3.  The overall interesting thing to me about this chapter is that many commentaries suggest that it was placed at the end of the book of Second Samuel for the primary reason of setting the stage for the building of the Temple by Solomon in First Kings.  The very interesting note about Araunah’s threshing floor that we read about today is that it is believed to have been located on Mount Moriah!  Yes, the same Mt. Moriah where Abraham nearly sacrificed Isaac.  And the same spot where the Temple was to be built by Solomon!  So, this brings to light the importance of David actually buying the threshing floor from Araunah and not just taking it for free, as was offered.  David not only bought the threshing floor to build the altar for the burnt & peace offerings, but he bought the land for the Temple of the Lord to soon be built on by his son Solomon!  Pretty interesting to note as we close out this amazing book of Second Samuel.  I am very excited to begin our readings about David’s son Solomon in First Kings beginning tomorrow!  Below is an image of Araunah the Jebusite offering his threshing floor to David:

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Second Samuel readings titled “Neiman Marcus Military, Kmart Christianity? David Comes to His Census“ is at this link.  (Some days you really have to appreciate the humor in Bob Deffinbaugh’s essay titles!  Today is one of those days. 🙂

New Testament – Acts chapter 3 is a wonderful look at the power of Jesus’ name and faith in Jesus as Peter heals a lame man.  I love verse 6:  “But Peter said, “I don’t have any money for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!””  Below is a painting of this scene by the Italian painter Masolino da Panicale from the early 15th century:

It is awesome to see how Peter follows up this healing with preaching at Solomon’s Porch!  He sees an opportunity to let others know about Jesus and he does not let this opportunity pass him by.  How often in your life do you come across opportunities to let others know about Jesus?  How often do you move forward with that opportunity?  Or how often do you let that opportunity pass you by? 

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Acts readings titled “A Lame Excuse for Preaching the Gospel” is at this link.  (again, quite a creative title here from Bob… 🙂

Psalms – Psalm 123 continues the songs of Ascent.  Psalm 123 is a short one, but a great one.  I love these portions of verses 2 and 3 –  “We look to the LORD our God for his mercy….Have mercy on us, LORD, have mercy…”  Do you look to the Lord for his mercy?  What does God’s mercy to you look like?  Why would you need God’s mercy?  Do you pray to the Lord this simple prayer – “Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy”? 

Proverbs – Proverbs 16:23 today is fantastic:  “From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive.”  Do you want a wise mind?  Do you want wise speech to come forth from your mouth?  Where in this world do you think you can find wisdom?  Wisdom that will transform your mind?  Wisdom that will transform your speech?  And then, with that wisdom, how will you persuade others?  What would you even want to persuade others toward?  Below are a couple of images of Jesus.  First image is of Jesus studying as a boy.  What can we learn from this image of Jesus and apply to our lives today?  Next image is an overview of Jesus’ wisdom.  Would you agree that Jesus fulfilled this Proverb perfectly? “From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive.”

Worship Video: Today’s Psalm reminded me of the terrific hymn “Lord Have Mercy:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rJtEmn56cQ

Have you ever prayed Lord Have Mercy?  Click here for mercy!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Acts 3:6 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray in that you treasure the name of Jesus above all else in this world. Pray that you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Pray all things in Jesus’ holy name.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  In Acts chapter 3 we read about Peter healing a lame man in the name of Jesus.  I am curious about how you might say or pray the name of Jesus in your life today?  Do you close out your prayers in the name of Jesus?  Do you do other things in your life in the name of Jesus?  Do you have any stories or examples of the power of the name of Jesus that you have experienced in your life?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

2 Samuel 23:24-24:25
Sometimes we groan at reading the “lists” of people, places and things as we go through the Bible. But each and every time we override the desire to either skip over passages, or read at speeds over 100mph we can miss what may appear to be something of little importance and bypass something that can set us free. If Bruce Wilkinson had not read the lists in Chronicles, we would not have been blessed with the book, The Prayer of Jabez. It was reading this list a few years ago that I discovered some of these names sounded so familiar that I went back reread and then looked up other occurrences of the names.

David’s life not only is the life of a man who was greatly blessed of God, despite the traitorous acts he committed, sleeping with another man’s wife and then having that man killed; it is a life that shows God’s mercy and grace. Our God is a God of mercy, grace, love and kindness. If he were not David would have been toast if I were in charge. Therefore, I am glad that God doesn’t go by my rules because I would be burnt to a crisp before the Day of Judgment.

I took note of two names in this listing of David’s thrity men of valor, Eliam (2 Sam 23:34) and Uriah, the Hittite (39). Going back to the eleventh chapter of 2nd Samuel you will find these names mentioned dealing with Bathsheba, Uriah’s wife and the man David had killed making him a murderer. I realized that David would have had to have a close relationship with Uriah and Uriah’s father, Eliam (2 Samuel 11:3). Not only that Bathsheba’s grandfather, Eliam’s father, was Ahithophel, David’s trusted advisor; the advisor that defected to Absalom, the seditious son we read about attempted a rebellion (2 Samuel 15).

There is a saying; familiarity-breeds-contempt and Ahithophel with his close association to David had to have seen the turmoil in both homes caused by David’s acts of adultery and murder. How much of what he had seen and heard contributed to his defection? In his eyes, did David look like a man of God? This says to me that despite appearances, we have no idea who God is using despite their actions. Clearly, God’s grace and mercy does not look to us for guidance.

The twenty-fourth chapter shows us again, that God’s chosen man can do ungodly things. Things that appear on the surface to be inconsequential but under the surface lay unrighteous motivation. Israel was told when a census was carried out that each male counted must pay a redemption price. So it would be costly to the populace; this obviously was not done (Exodus 31:12; 38:25).

I believe there is a greater lesson for all of us, when we violate a command; we saddle those under our care, under our leadership and authority with a price greater than the cost of obedience. In this case, 70,000 people paid with their lives.

What I so love about David and which is an example for me he did not make excuses for his error. When caught in a lie, in a sin I am prone to blame everyone else but me. “If you hadn’t said; did; looked …I wouldn’t have. You saw me doing …why didn’t you say; do; make me stop?” Not only did David accept responsibility for his actions he paid the cost of the sacrifice. Now that is a model for accountability! David’s actions also show the difference between godly sorrow and worldy sorrow, godly sorrow says I will suffer the consequences for my actions. Worldy sorrow is just, I’m sorry because I got caught.

Acts 3:1-26
There were three directional entrances into the Temple and this lame man was laid at the gate daily and had been lame from birth. This means that this man was a fixture at the temple when Jesus was born until after His death so why did not Jesus heal him. The last week of His life on earth, Jesus went in and out of the temple daily, yet this man was not healed. Had he been placed at the wrong gate at the right time? On the other hand, maybe he was not ready to be healed when Jesus was around. I’m not sure of his state of mind, but I know from my own experience that God had been calling me long before I accepted His invitation to come to Him and be healed. My problem was I didn’t think I would receive anything.

Maybe we and those we are now trying to minister too to accept God’s salvation must get to the place where we become sick and tired of being sick and tired. The text says that the lame man looked upon “them” expecting in earnest to receive something. Maybe our expectation switch has been turned off, or we have dropped the eagerness from our body language. Whatever the cause when we accept the “free gift” of Salvation we certainly get more than we expected. How is your expectation level?

Psalm 123:1-4

2 We look to the LORD our God for his mercy,
just as servants keep their eyes on their master,
as a slave girl watches her mistress for the slightest signal.

Too often, I find myself looking to men for mercy and not to God. I forget that the mercies of men are really curses in the eyes of God. It is like looking for love in all the wrong places.

Proverbs 16:21-23
22 Discretion is a life-giving fountain to those who possess it, but discipline is wasted on fools.
==
God give me discernment to distinguish between the wise and the fool so I will not waste your Pearls of Wisdom. Amen.

Ramona

====== Jan:

In regard to asking in Jesus’ Name:

John 16: 23-24

23.At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. The truth is, you can go directly to the Father and ask him, and he will grant your request because you use my name. 24.You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.

This pretty much sums up the way we should pray/ask in His Name. I 99% of the time end all my prayers this way, especially when praying for someone else, now when I’m just talking to Him, I may not end my prayers that way, but what I am now starting to do & it seems to be very very effective & scriptural is when praying, I say, “It is written,” using His Words & reminding Him of His Word & I think He delights in that for sure.

I usually end with, “expecting all these things to come to fruition in Your Precious Name, the Name above all Names…Jesus! 🙂

Jan

====== Romayne:

====== John:

Romayne,
Like Bob says,
“Again the anger of the LORD burned against Israel..” idolatry, revolts against David, we don’t know – but Israel (the nation) had done something to “tick off” God.
David was “tested” in this case. What would lure him to take the bait and call for a census. In my opinion, it was “Pride”.
“The principle of Exodus 30:12 speaks to God’s ownership of His people. In the thinking of these ancient cultures, a man only had the right to count or number what belonged to him. Israel didn’t belong to David; Israel belonged to God. It was up to the Lord to command a counting, and if David counted he should only do it at God’s command and receiving ransom money to “atone” for the counting.” – David Guzik
“Joab also hints at the motive behind the counting – pride in David. The this thing that David desired was the increase of the nation, and he perhaps wanted to measure the size of his army to know if he had enough force to conquer a neighboring nation. “He did it out of curiosity and creature-confidence.” (Trapp)
David failed the test due to his “pride”, and God would use that to bring punishment on Israel with whom He was already angry.
David was tested again by being given three choices. God used David’s sin and the resulting chastisement to reveal David’s heart and wisdom.
“Had he chosen war, his own personal safety was in no danger, because there was already an ordinance preventing him from going to battle. Had he chosen famine, his own wealth would have secured his and his own family’s support. But he showed the greatness of his mind in choosing the pestilence, to the ravages of which himself and his household were exposed equally with the meanest of his subjects.” (Clarke)
David knew that he had to expose himself to the chastisement of God.
[BTW the three were off the list of curses in Deut 28.]
Not so sure, if it was not just 70,000 MEN killed. the reason being – if David did count out of pride, and count was for giving the number of fighting men, then the punishment possiblly reduced that number of fighting men. Just thinking out loud.
Of course, it was also the punishment for Israel – who God was angry with at beginning of Chapter.
The threshing floor of Araunah had both rich history and a rich future. 2 Chronicles 3:1 tells us that the threshing floor of Araunah was on Mount Moriah; the same hill where Abraham offered Isaac (Genesis 22:2), and the same set of hills where Jesus died on the cross (Genesis 22:14).
It would remain a place of sacrifice and worship, because this land purchased by David became the site of Solomon’s temple (1 Chronicles 21:28-22:5). – David Guzik
John

======= John:

Acts 3
Vs 8
“He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 9When all the people saw him walking and praising God,” NIV
Jumped and jumping in Greek are two different words – but in Vine and Strong’s lexicons – both mean “leaped or leaping”as the KJV (and others???) have it translated.
Why is this important?
Is 35:6
Then will the lame leap like a deer,
and the mute tongue shout for joy.
Water will gush forth in the wilderness
and streams in the desert.
Peter is speaking to Israel. That is why the speech is loaded with Old Testament references. Israel is being given a final chance. If the “nation” would but turn back to God and accept Jesus Christ as their Messiah and Savior, then Christ would come back and the covenants would be fulfilled for the nation.
Would Christ have come back? Moot point – the nation of Israel continued to reject Christ, although the church body did grow in the country. So the Gospel will now go out to the Gentiles.
It seemd strange to me that Peter only once explicitly referred to the deity of Christ. But once he did:
vs. 15
“You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this.” NIV
As the author – if Christ had not written it, “life” would not exist. Greek word – “archegos” – coming from two root words that mean “beginning/origin leading/bringing”.
Jesus was the origin of physical life:
John 1:3
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
He is also the source of etrnal life:
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John

===== Art:

All of these comments have been a blessing to the readers over time. Thank you so much, and I pray that they continue.
Art

======= Stacey:

than Thank you, Mike, for posting every day. This is my second year with you and I have learned so much. I still have so much to learn! I look forward to reading the Bible every day.
Stacey

2 Samuel 22:1-23:23 + Acts 2:1-47 + Psalm 122:1-9 + Proverbs 16:19-20
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Today in Second Samuel chapter 22 we read David’s Song of Praise to God! This is an incredible chapter and certainly reminds us why David composed so many powerful Psalms as well.  In fact, you will notice that this song of praise from David today is, oh, the same as Psalm 18… 🙂  It is thought that this Song was composed shortly after David’s victory over an enemy, but before his sins against Bathsheba and Uriah.  The Song starts off with David using the metaphor of a rock in verses 2 & 3:  “The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.”  The metaphor of a rock is very appropriate for David, as he often had taken refuge among the rocks of the desert (when fleeing from Saul, for example), but David realized that his true security was found only in God.

In verses 31 through 33 of David’s Song of Praise to God in today’s readings we read these incredible words: “As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless.  He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God?  It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.”  Can you imagine yourself saying these words to God in praise?  Can you say these words now to God?  It is interesting to think about the word “perfect” – used twice in these verses.  I don’t know about you, but sometimes I have been accused of being a “perfectionist.”  But, really, can you or I be perfect or create anything perfect?  I don’t think so.  I do think we can live in a loving, growing relationship with God who will arm us with strength and make our way “perfect.”  But, it is not us making us perfect.  It is God.  God’s way is perfect.  His word – the Bible – is flawless.  This is why we study the Bible. We are flawed people looking for flawlessness.  God and the Bible deliver this to us. Is God a shield for you?  When the storms of life come, do you take refuge in God?  Do you believe there is any other God besides the Living God of the Bible?  Is there anything else out there?  I don’t think so.  I’ve looked.  I have never found anything else besides our Heavenly Father, Son & Holy Spirit.  He is the Rock whose way is perfect. Who arms us with strength and makes our way perfect.

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Second Samuel readings titled “David’s Song of Salvation” is at this link and commentary titled “Profiles in Courage” is at this link.

New Testament – Today we read the incredible Acts chapter 2 where the Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost!  Below is an amazing paintings of this scene in Acts 2 titled “Pentecost” by the Hungarian painter Istvan Dorffmaister from the year 1782.  Please take a few moments to really meditate on this painting and what the Holy Spirit coming at Pentecost meant to the church and means personally to you today…

We also read in Acts 2 today about how the early church flourishes.  You may hear some churches today say that they are “Acts 2:42” churches. Today we read these incredible words about the early church in verses 42 through 47 – “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”  How do these verses speak to you?  Do you think this is how church today should be as well?  Do you see aspects of these verses in your church today?  Do you see aspects of these verses in your life today?  Is your church an “Acts 2:42” church?  Do you think it should be?  How will you yourself help it to be an Acts 2:42 church?

Bible.org has four commentaries on our readings in Acts today!  They are all titled “Putting Pentecost in Perspective” and then diving into the following topics listed below.  These are well worth reading!

The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament (Acts 2:1-13) is at this link
The Holy Spirit in the Gospels (Acts 2:1-13) is at this link
Peter’s Interpretation of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-40) is at this link
The Firstfruits of Pentecost (Acts 2:41-47) is at this link

Psalms – Psalm 122 is the third in this series of Psalms of pilgrimage to Jerusalem.  This is a joyful Psalm today!  Today in Psalm 122 verse 1 we read – “I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.”” Have you ever had this experience? Have you ever rejoiced when someone invited you to attend church? Have you ever given this experience to others? Have you said to others in your life, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!”? Do you make it a regular habit to invite people to church? Does church bring joy to you? Do you think it might then also bring joy to others? Others who are waiting for you to simply invite them? Will you? Will you rejoice with those around you through the simple & graceful act of an invitation?  Are you yourself part of a church community? Are you attending church on a regular basis? Do you believe that being in community with other Christians each week will help grow your relationship with God? If you are not part of a church community, will you seek one out this upcoming week?

And verse 6 is so true then – and still true now – “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” Will you join me in praying for the peace of Jerusalem?

Proverbs – Proverbs 16 verse 20 closes with an amazing little teaching that really stood out to me today:  “Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the LORD will be happy.”  The first half of this Proverb is great / makes sense.  Listen to instruction.  Allow some discipline in your life – wait, I mean, embrace godly discipline in your life… 🙂  Really.  And then you’ll prosper.  If we ignore instruction.  Ignore discipline.  No prosperity – financially, emotionally, etc.  Fine.  Makes sense.  But check out that second half of the Proverb – “Those who trust the Lord will be happy.”  How amazingly simple & true is that??  And how often is this Truth completely missed in our culture today?  We look for happiness everywhere else besides God!!  Yes, we want happiness.  But trusting in the Lord for happiness?  Forget about it.  That seems too easy / boring / etc..  I’d prefer to pursue this addiction, or that greed, or that idol… and our list of looking for happiness from everything besides God can go on and on and on.  I am sure you know what I mean.  But let’s look at this teaching one more time and perhaps we’ll really start to let this sink in today:  “Those who trust the Lord will be happy.”  Do you believe this to be true?  Do you trust the Lord?  I mean, really.  Do you really trust the Lord?  With everything?  With all that you are?  In every moment?  Let us seek true happiness where only true happiness can be found!  Let us live every moment of our lives trusting in the Lord.

Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of Rend Collective’s song “Hallelujah Anyway:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EU2YNV6UdRY

Have you said Hallelujah lately?  Click here for your Hallelujah!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that your church is an Act 2:42 church. Pray that you are helping to make your church an Acts 2:42 church. Pray that your church is devoted to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayer.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  How do you trust in the Lord each day in your life?  Meaning, how do you make sure you stay focused on God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit in your life every day?  Is it through prayer, fasting, community, Bible study, etc.?   Do you ever find yourself having some days where you have lost sight of trusting in the Lord?  Where you are looking elsewhere for happiness?  How do you bring yourself back to trusting in God on those days instead of trusting in worldly things?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

22 Samuel 22-23:23

Some times, I can mistake someone’s actions for what is truly going on inside their heart. After all didn’t Jesus say, “Out of the abundance/overflow of the heart the mouth speaks?” Yet David, who sinned, like me, who committed murder (I haven’t physically murdered anyone; however, I have participated in character assassinations) like me, is said, by God, to be a man after His own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). What made David different from his predecessor, Saul? Both were disobedient to the commands of God. With Saul it was all about him. Saul was a man concerned with how he appeared before man and not God. However, David was God focused even in the midst of his sin of murder, sin of adultery and his deceptions running from Saul, David took no credit for his victories and when he was brought to task regarding his adultery and murder, David made no excuses and sought no justification for his actions. David went to God because he knew that it was ultimately a sin against God.

Could it be that David was lax in disciplining his son Absalom for his murder and treasonous behavior because he himself knew firsthand the “mercy” of God on his own life? Mercy is ultimately not getting the punishment you deserve.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

>>How do you trust in the Lord each day in your life? Meaning, how do you make sure you stay focused on God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit in your life every day? Is it through prayer, fasting, community, Bible study, etc.>>

I found that all of the things you have mentioned Mike are good, prayer, fasting, community, Bible study; however, the repetitiveness of any discipline may cause us to be dull to God over the long run. Dancers talk about “muscle memory” when learning or rehearsing a new piece. It is that thing that happens to the body that causes the muscles to expend less energy in doing the routine so that by learned behavior the body reacts to the movements instinctively so they don’t have to think about what to do they just do. The body takes on a mind of its own.

That same thing happens to me if I don’t change up my discipline or balance it out. We can become so focused on hearing the voice of God in our prayer time, in our fasting that the prayer and the fasting become more important then hearing the voice of God and so we miss His voice when He speaks to us in another setting. Worse yet we can hear God’s voice outside of our routine discipline and rebuke it, “‘Cause that’s not where God speaks to me.”

I wonder if we just give God permission to break into our lives, our prayer times our Bible Studies and we listen, truly listen will that help us to stay God centered instead of self-centered. By the way when reading through the Bible yearly, I change up on my translations, particularly trying to find one I’ve not used before. I try to change up on the routine(ness) of what I am doing.

Mike you’ve asked some tough questions today and they are not ones to take lightly.

Ramona

====== Andrew:

Re Mikes comments on “Acts 2:42” churches:

A while ago I had some discussion about socialism and this passage with Cory on his new Bald Man Blog. Some quotes from that discussion:

– “So if we use the originally intended definition of ‘communism’ we may get close to the idea that the ideal communist society is similar to the early church community described in Acts 4:32-35.

“EXCEPT, that (as far as I am aware) Marx thought it could be achieved out of altruism or common sense care for our neighbours and fellow men. Whereas in Acts it is clear it took the sacrfice of Jesus, His resurrection and the coming of the Spirit at Pentecost to achieve it.”

– “Using my definitions, I’d say we ought to be “Christian socialists” vs. “Christian consumerists,” as most of us in the West are. The ideal of socialism (Marx’s communism) certainly seems encompassed by Jesus’ vision of the Kingdom.”

– “So where do we find “Christian socialists” these days?”

– “There should never be a time when a person with a strong church should ever find himself/herself in need for a life necessity.”

Andrew

======= Ramona:

Andrew,

Your observations and statement may sound plausible to you; however, taking into account human nature, the flesh without the control of the Holy Spirit, that ain’t going to fly. If it did the following rebuke would not have been written by Paul..

For you know yourselves how you must imitate us, because we did not behave without discipline among you, and we did not eat anyone’s food without paying. Instead, in toil and drudgery we worked night and day in order not to burden any of you. It was not because we do not have that right, but to give ourselves as an example for you to imitate. For even when we were with you, we used to give you this command: “If anyone is not willing to work, neither should he eat.” For we hear that some among you are living an undisciplined life, not doing their own work but meddling in the work of others. (2 Thessalonians 3:7-11 NET.)

To me the above verse is not just antidotal. I grew up in a family where people tried and are trying to escape work; I see the attitude of, “let me do as little work as possible, thus participating in a kind of Corporate Welfare, while the companies they work for do the same thing. All this come about because of a sense of entitlement and looking back to yesterday’s Proverb, a sense or need within themselves to “rise up” above all those around them. I was told by my then incarcerated oldest son, that if he had to “work” like me he would rather stay in jail, hmmm.

While we were in Moses five books, we read that no one in Israel should be poor because of God’s blessings; however, there would be those who find themselves impoverished either from Social Injustice, or their own bad choices and/or unwillingness to work. Why do you think Jesus didn’t rebuke the woman who poured out her expensive perfume on him, like some of his disciples, possibly all of them, did?

When Jesus learned of this, he said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a good service for me. For you will always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me! When she poured this oil on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. (Matthew 26:10-12 NET.)

It may do much benefit if word studies were done using the King James Version on the English word translated “poor” in the Book of Proverbs. There are a multiplicity of Hebrew words supporting that word “poor” and they all don’t mean the same thing.

Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Luch:

======= Alan:

I hanged from the NIV this year to the NKJ and gives a different view. Also use Bible Panorama to help understand better. In a Galatians study in our small group right now. This blog and daily readings has been very helpful to me in the past few years. Thanks to all who contribute especially Mike and Ramona
Alan

2 Samuel 20:14-21:22 + Acts 1:1-26 + Psalm 121:1-8 + Proverbs 16:18
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Well… Sheba’s grand rebellion against David doesn’t last very long!  And Sheba’s own clan doesn’t treat him well at all…  Below are 2 images from today’s readings.  First image is from a 13th Century Maciejowski Bible showing Joab and his men besieging the city of Abel.  Next image is of Sheba’s head being thrown over the wall to Joab.  Rebellion over.

Second Samuel chapter 21 begins 4 chapters that are thought to essentially be an “appendix” to First and Second Samuel.  These 4 chapters contain additional information about David’s reign, without regard to chronology of events.  The first event we read about in today’s readings about David handing over 7 of Saul’s relatives to the Gibeonites is believed to have taken place after David extended his kindness initially to Mephibosheth in chapter 9 and before Absalom’s rebellion.  The triumphs over 4 Philistine giants is at unknown times / chronology, although verse 15 seems to indicate to me that these took place perhaps later in David’s life when he was older: “And when David and his men were in the thick of battle, David became weak and exhausted.”  Somehow I can’t imagine a young David becoming weak and exhausted in battle…  These 4 episodes are thought to have been included to show the heroics of David’s men.  Below is an image of David and his “Mighty Men” at a victory over their enemies:

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Second Samuel readings titled “Promise Breakers and Promise Keepers” is at this link.

New Testament – Today we begin the book of Acts! I am sad to be leaving the Gospels behind, but am definitely looking forward to reading Luke’s writings in Acts. (And there is always early next year to read the Gospels again! Hint… hint… 🙂 We’ll soon be introduced to Paul in Acts, and his Epistles will be coming up in the months ahead. It is always so exciting to read about the early church and its genesis. I hope you are ready for Acts!  Let’s go!

Author: Luke
Date: A.D. 65-70
Content: The book of Acts is a continuation of the Gospel of Luke where Luke intends to show that what Jesus began on earth, he continues to do in the life of the church. The book begins with the apostles being filled with the power of God and preaching to great effect, three thousand being saved in one day (Acts 2:41). The life of the church in Jerusalem, the spread of the gospel to Samaria, the activities of the apostle Peter, and the persecution of the early Christians are then described. The focus then shifts to the apostle Paul and his missionary activity in Gentile territory. His three missionary journeys are treated in some detail, ending with Paul’s trip to Rome where the book ends. Some scholars suggest that Luke intended to write a third volume that would have described Paul’s release, further travels, arrest, and death.
Theme: Acts was written to show the spread of the gospel from Jewish to Gentile territory (Acts 1:8). The good news that Jesus dies and rose again could not be confined to one corner of the world, but was intended by God for all. To that end God empowered his people so that they could accomplish their task. The Holy Spirit is that empowering agent. The sovereign control of God over all things is seen in the triumph of the gospel over paganism and persecution; and although it may cost many their very lives (even Peter and Paul, whose lives are described in Acts), ultimate victory is assured through Jesus our Lord. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 23)  More commentary on Acts is at these 2 links – https://bible.org/seriespage/preface-acts & https://bible.org/article/introduction-book-acts

It’s intriguing to note that Luke begins Acts 1:1 with “Dear Theophilus.”  You will recall from Luke’s Gospel in chapter 1 verses 3 & 4 Luke addresses the Gospel to Theophilus as well: “Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.”  So, just who is Theophilus?  There is a lot of speculation on this question, and not a lot of certainty.  Theophilus’ name means “one who loves God.”  Not a bad name, eh?  Some speculate that Theolphilus was someone of high position and wealth, and perhaps even a Roman official.  Some speculate Theophilus was actually Luke’s publisher, funding his writings distribution!  In whatever case, it appears that both Acts and Luke were written for Theophilus’ own instruction, as well as the instruction of those whom these writings would be distributed, which includes you and me!  Let us simply thank God for the unknown man Theophilus to whom Luke felt compelled to write the books of instructions for us in Acts & Luke!  Below is a painting titled “Saint Luke” from the year 1360 by Master Theodoric:

Verse 8 from Jesus is basically a Cliff Notes version of the book of Acts:  “But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere–in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”  In chapters 1 through 7 the apostles will be witnesses in Jerusalem.  Judea & Samarian in chapters 8 & 9.  And then to the ends of the earth in chapters 10 through 28.  Well, ends of the earth in terms of Caesarea, Rome, Greece, Antioch and Asia Minor.  But, they wouldn’t begin this witnessing until they are equipped with the power of the Holy Spirit in chapter 2.  Below is a map of Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria at the time of Acts:

In verse 9 today we read about the ascension of Jesus into heaven! “It was not long after Jesus said this that he was taken up into the sky while they were watching, and he disappeared into a cloud.”  Below is Rembrandt’s painting of the Ascension from the early 17th century:

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Acts readings titled “Getting Ahead of God” is at this link.

Bible Project: Here is a terrific video overview of the book of Luke!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIb_dCIxzr0

Psalms – Psalm 121 is the second in this series of 15 Psalms of ascent that were likely written for religious festivals when people were making their pilgrimages to Israel.  I love verses 3 & 4 today – “He will not let you stumble and fall; the one who watches over you will not sleep. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never tires and never sleeps.” How about that!  God does not sleep!  This reminds me of other parts of the Bible where it talks about God being pure light and having no shadows.  God is also so perfect that he does not sleep!  I like that…  Allows me to sleep better at night.

And the closing verse 8… wow… “The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.”  Do you believe this is true?  Do you believe that God watches over you – always?

Proverbs – Today in Proverbs chapter 16 verse 18 we read this convicting proverb: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” I don’t know about you, but I struggle with pride. Honestly, I have a hunch that most of us do to some degree. It is part of our human condition I’m afraid. I do believe that Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and God can save us of our pride. But, we have to really be willing to give it up to them – to let it go. I honestly do not think I have let go of my pride. The thing I’ve noticed that I’ve been doing lately – which I think is a symptom of pride – is judging others. I really have been judging others harshly. And it’s a horrible thing to do. I caught myself saying something horrible to a friend recently about another group of acquaintances. And I felt so horrible after saying it – but I realized that indeed what I said is exactly what I had been thinking. I had been judging others! I had been prideful! And that is a scary thing. . . if this proverb is true. And I know that it is true. Pride goes before destruction. A haughty spirit before a fall. I realize I’m on a bad course right now of judging others and being prideful. I am thankful that God has shown to me this is a sin I need to repent of. I am praying constantly now for healing and redemption from it. I am confident it will come. But, I am also wise enough to realize that I will need to be diligent and continually pray for healing in this area in my life – judging others and pride. I am afraid that I will struggle with this my whole life. But, that’s okay. It makes me realize I cannot do this life on my own. I need God. I need Jesus. I need the Holy Spirit. Otherwise – without them – I would be a prideful & judgmental person. And I would surely fall. . . How about you? Do you struggle with pride? Do you judge others? (really, think about this one. . . it was scary for me to realize that not only do I judge others – but I do it constantly. . .) If so, will you join me in repentance and prayer in these areas? Will you give these sins over to Jesus and pray constantly for redemption and healing in these areas? He will heal you. Surely he will. No one else can. We cannot heal ourselves of pride & judging others on our own.

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of Seph Schlueter’s song “Counting my Blessings:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Er5XPKdpqHQ

Are you Counting your Blessings?  Click here to be Blessed!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you have received power from the Holy Spirit coming upon you! Pray that you are a witness for Jesus in your own hometown, in your country, and all over the world!

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  What are some ways you have dealt with pride in your life in the past?  Have you been able to overcome issues of judging others?  Have you been able to overcome thinking you are “all that”?  How did you overcome these pride issues?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

2 Samuel 20:14-21:22

I find the story of the Gibeonites very interesting. Way back in the book of Joshua, in chapter nine, Israel made a treaty with them promising not only peace but also protection. Israel was ordered to make no alliances with the people living in Canaan; however, it seems God wants us to be people of our word even when our word is a covenant or contract with those He has forbidden. How often do I make a decision without first asking God for direction then ask God to bless the mess I just made, or ask Him to get me out of something I got into by way of my mouth?

This dilemma causes me to think about how my choices and decisions not only affect me, and those around me, but also effects future generations. Ugh! I am wondering if what I’ve read in chapter 21 of 2nd Samuel is causing me to question something the Disciples/Apostles did in today’s reading of Acts.

Acts 1:1-26

But before I get to what is bothering me in this book, I’m thinking that the disciples staring and straining their eyes to see Jesus after he disappeared into a cloud is akin to what we do when we either have sensed the Presence of God in a place or maybe just heard about it. Jesus has given them and us what we call the Great Commission to go into the entire world. As long as they stood looking up into heaven, they definitely could not go. I’m not sure if this is what Jesus spoke about to those He had called to “Follow” Him; however, they responded to the call by taking care of other things before they would follow Jesus. (Luke 9:57-62).

Those who “rubber neck” accidents slow up traffic, impeding those who have a destination to get too, or they themselves cause other accidents.

Now when Peter suggested, and the other apostles agreed, to replace Judas by picking out two men without first asking God, then invite God to chose between the two and instead of asking to hear from God first, is that really part of God’s perfect plan? . Then they decide to “cast lots” to determine God’s choice. What is up with that? Is that why there is no mention of these men, Barsabbas or Justus again? I am just asking rhetorically.

Psalm 121:1-8
This Psalm is sung in the style of a contemporary Gospel song and I love to hear it sung that way. When I hear it, it usually stops me in my tracks. Mike I see something in the last verse that hints of our existence in eternity, I think.

The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go,
Both now and forever.

If our existence is only in the “here and now,” why would the LORD have to watch over us in the forever? Again I am just asking a rhetorically question.

Proverbs 16:18

I’ve heard it said that the antidote for pride is embarrassment and that God always deals with us in Private before He takes it into the Public. Note how God dealt with David when he sinned with Bathsheba behind closed doors. The rebellion he experienced in his household was all done in public.

Grace and peace,
Ramona

====== Ramona:

Proverbs 16:18

Mike, you ask us to consider “pride” in our lives and how it relates to Proverbs 16:18. The problems in discussing a word like “pride,” at least in English, specifically American English is that there are many shades to this one word. Pride can be a good thing and it can be destructive. Pride, self-pride, can keep one from falling into sin and yet, pride can push you over the cliff into a sea of sin.

The American Heritage Dictionary describes the historically usage of the word Pride as:

1) A sense of one’s own proper dignity or value; self-respect.
2) Pleasure or satisfaction taken in an achievement, possession, or association: parental pride.
3) Arrogant or disdainful conduct or treatment; haughtiness.
4)
a. A cause or source of pleasure or satisfaction; the best of a group or class: These soldiers were their country’s pride.
b. The most successful or thriving condition; prime: the pride of youth.
5) An excessively high opinion of oneself; conceit.

There is a problem when we discuss the usage of a word if not everyone is on the same footing of how it is being used.

I went looking for the intent of the writer of this passage in Proverbs by going to the Hebrew to find what was meant or intended—to the best of my ability.

According to Strong’s dictionary the Hebrew word used is:
גּאוה
ga’ăvâh (gah-av-aw’)
; arrogance or majesty; by implication (concretely) ornament: – excellency, haughtiness, highness, pride, proudly, swelling.

Now this word has a root and it is, גּאה gâ’âh (gaw-aw’), which means to mount up; to rise.

The following passage is from the Book of Ezekiel and there is a consensus amounts many scholars and theologians that this “King of Tyre” is the one we oft call, Satan, the devil—the accuser of the brethren and in reading this we can cleary see how this “King” mounted up.

Ezekiel 28:

12″Son of man, weep for the king of Tyre. Give him this message from the Sovereign LORD: You were the perfection of wisdom and beauty. 13You were in Eden, the garden of God. Your clothing was adorned with every precious stone[a]–red carnelian, chrysolite, white moonstone, beryl, onyx, jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald–all beautifully crafted for you and set in the finest gold. They were given to you on the day you were created. 14I ordained and anointed you as the mighty angelic guardian.[b] You had access to the holy mountain of God and walked among the stones of fire.

15″You were blameless in all you did from the day you were created until the day evil was found in you. 16Your great wealth filled you with violence, and you sinned. So I banished you from the mountain of God. I expelled you, O mighty guardian, from your place among the stones of fire. 17Your heart was filled with pride because of all your beauty. You corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth and exposed you to the curious gaze of kings. 18You defiled your sanctuaries with your many sins and your dishonest trade. So I brought fire from within you, and it consumed you. I let it burn you to ashes on the ground in the sight of all who were watching. 19All who knew you are appalled at your fate. You have come to a terrible end, and you are no more.”

I believe the Pride that is talked about in Proverbs 16:18 is the pride that is seen in this description of the “King of Tyre” and his fall. This is the standard we need to measure ourselves by to determine if “pride” has entered our hearts.

Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Anka:

Wise women…the woman who spoke to Joab seemed to have some degree of authority…don’t think all the city would be taking orders from a young woman but that’s just speculation.In days when women didn’t really have that much of a say,one wise woman saved a city.
Another woman through her love for her sons moved the kings heart to give not only her sons but Saul and Jonathan’s bones a proper burial…Love and wisdom are pretty powerful!I pray for more of both in my life.
I am doing a study of the Holy Spirit currently on http://www.blbi.org and I really find a lot of sense in their commentary on the last chapter in John vs acts.When we as unbelievers come to Christ,the Holy spirit come to dwell in us.When Jesus said receive ye the Holy Spirit…they received an “indwelling of the Holy Spirit”…the Holy Spirit which dwells in us works to confrom us into the image of Christ.
In acts the disciples were given the “Baptism of the Holy Spirit”which gave them power for service.That’s when they began preach and had signs and wonders accompany them.Jesus was said by John to be the one who will baptise with the Holy Spirit.I think it’s safe to say that many believers are not baptised with the Holy Spirit but have an indwelling of the Holy Spirit.It was after Peter was baptised with the Holy Spirit that he spoke and the Holy Spirit convicted 3000.
On pride..Mike,I know just what you mean because I’m going through it myself.Unfortunately sometimes getting all the knowledge from God can lead to “puffing up” and trying to show others they are wrong..A few months,I had a less hectic schedule at work so I dived into the word.I got alot of knowledge and began to find fault in everything others tried to teach me back in church.I realised wrong doctrines are rampant mostly due to ignorance and I wanted to avoid that…but I got to an extreme where I became really judgemental.I recently read a book called pain,perplexity and promotion by Bob Sorge.It showed me what it meant to hear the word…and what it meant to know the word.How we can get so puffed and the quickly be deflated when trials come.I sure will join you in repentance and pray God helps me be more like Jesus.
God bless you all
Anka
PS.sorry for the long post,this month I may be entering a hectic phase in at work so I’m making up for that now:)

====== Romayne:

SO glad to hear others suffer from pride (and arrogance its sister!), as well, as I actually (like Mike) had a shock the day I came face to face with that as one of my sins too. I’ve suffered most as Anka pointed out, since I’ve learnt the most – and ended up constantly feeling like I know better than most other Christians around me, because I sometimes spend 5-8 hours a day listening to sermons and the spoken Word etc, as well as to various expositions and radio shows, so I figure I’m learning a LOT. But my bigger pride issue came when I started questioning whether or not I had sin to confess in any given day – as I was then told, that in itself is a sin as Paul pointed out too, and it was really only after that, that I truly repented and sat down to analyse my problems in this area. I’ve repented daily since of both those sins, as I now see myself often committing both in any given day BUT bit by bit, I know I’m also now being made aware BEFORE I say something that I may be about to commit one or other, esp in the area of Christian doctrine. I consider myself fairly fundamental now in my beliefs and ‘proud’ of it but have slowly recognised that regardless of whether I believe my views are right, it doesn’t give me the right to not be humble in allowing others to equally stand on theirs. Although that in turn then makes me think that if everyone was like me, nobody would EVER become a Christian, because we’d all be too busy capitulating to the views of others :(. Think I need to do a lot of reading yet and being cautious and discerning as well as more intuitive about when to stand, and when to walk away. I actually feel a bit like Sissy Sue – I question everything too, and sometimes end up going round in circles, trying to determine the right course or viewpoint, but that’s the best way I feel, as at least ultimately whichever one you stick with, will be the one you’ve really had to work to find – make sense?

Romayne

===== Becky:

======= Art:

Once again, “Thank you, Mike!”
Today we begin Acts! I also am reluctant to leave the Gospels, but venturing into the Book of Acts has always been a blessing! Where we have come from – where we are going! The journey is so very sweet!
Art

2 Samuel 19:11-20:13 + John 21:1-25 + Psalm 120:1-7 + Proverbs 16:16-17
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Today is a great day of readings in Second Samuel!  David returns to Jerusalem!  I love the entire flow of today’s readings as David crosses the Jordan River toward Jerusalem and shows incredible kindness to Shimei, Mephibosheth, and Barzillai along the way.  However, don’t forget the name Shimei just yet – the “rock thrower & curser” when David fled Jerusalem a few chapters back…  On David’s deathbed, later in our readings in First Kings 2:9, David will pass along to his son Solomon these instructions: “Bring his (Shimei’s) gray head down to the grave in blood…”  But, this day was not a day of bloodshed, but a day of amnesty, as David exclaimed in 2 Samuel 19:22 today: “This is not a day for execution but for celebration! I am once again the king of Israel!” An image of Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson, meeting David on his return to Jerusalem is below:

In Second Samuel chapter 20 today we read about the revolt of Sheba from the tribe of Benjamin.  Zondervan’s commentary today points out that an important thing to keep in mind here is that tribal jealousy still was brewing over the transfer of the kingship from Benjamin (Saul’s tribe) to Judah (David’s tribe).  Sheba appeals to the Israelite suspicion that David favored his own tribe over the other tribes.  As this chapter progresses Joab again shows his true colors by murdering Amasa.  I’m beginning to wonder about Joab…  he’s ruthless.  I suppose as being the commander of the army for so long, this was his “job” to be ruthless?  Let me know your thoughts on Joab in the Comments section below.  Ramona, thanks for the comment in yesterday’s readings saying “Joab operated out of Justice with no Love.”  Great point!  In Amasa’s case, Amasa was part of the rebellion against David led by Absalom, so again here Joab is acting out “Justice”… (and certainly no Love…) I wonder if we ever fall into this trap in our lives today as well?  Operate in an unbalanced way showing nothing but Justice, and yet no Love?  Or, on the other hand do we sometimes operate with just Love, and no Justice?  Should we be operating with a balance of Love and Justice?  Or should one (Love or Justice) outweigh the other in our life?  Below is a stained glass window showing Joab killing Amasa while pretending to greet him:

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Second Samuel readings today titled “David’s Return to Jerusalem” is at this link.

New Testament – John 21 is one of my favorite chapters of the Bible in so many ways!  In some ways it is because of a beautiful modern day book written by the late Henri Nouwen titled “In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership“, which is based on this chapter and Jesus asking Peter 3 times if he loves him.  Has anyone else read this book by Nouwen?  In this book Henri writes about the end of his life ministry where he is a spiritual director at a L’Arche Daybreak community in Toronto, working amongst mentally handicapped.  It is so incredible to read about how Henri learns from what the world would see as “the least of these” and how Henri realizes in his Christian ministry throughout his life he’s been fighting 3 temptations:
1. the temptation to be relevant.
2. the temptation to be spectacular.
3. the temptation to be powerful.
I could go on and on about this book, but the last thing I will say is that it is so beautiful how Henri ties his learnings in this book to Jesus and Peter’s Q & A here in John 21. If you serve in any way, shape, or form in Christian ministry (or even if you don’t :), please pick this book up.  You will be blessed by it immensely!

Okay, back to the Bible.  🙂  Below is an image of the risen Jesus from today’s readings by the Sea of Galilee (Tiberias is the same Sea, just another name for it) by artist William Hole:

One of my absolute favorite red letter quotes from Jesus in the Gospels arrives today in John 21.  Verse 12: “”Now come and have some breakfast!” Jesus said.”  There is something about the simplicity and beauty and every-day-ness of this command from Jesus to the 7 disciples that I just absolutely love!  Can you image Jesus saying this to you?  Can you imagine Jesus making breakfast for you on the beach?  In the words of the famous Mercy Me song, “I can only imagine…” 

Okay, now onto the big question probably for many of us from today’s readings is why did Jesus ask Peter 3 times if he loved him?  Many commentaries call these passages “the reinstatement of Peter” – meaning that he was reinstated as the rock / confessor of the foundation of Jesus’ church based on Matthew 16:16.  And that he needed this reinstatement after denying knowing the Lord 3 times before his crucifixion (and the then rooster crowing, as we know…).  Interestingly, Tyndale’s One Year Bible Companion has the following suggestions on the original Greek used when John wrote about this Q & A exchange between Jesus and Peter:  “Two different Greek words are used for “love.” The first two times the word agapo, which means devoted love, is used.  When Peter refuses to use the same word, Jesus turns to the word phileo, which indicates the love of friendship.  Peter accepts this word and admits that he loves Jesus in this way.  Peter was humbler now than earlier in his life, and was making no claim to superior love (see John 13:36-37).”  In verse 18 Jesus says to Peter: “The truth is, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked and go wherever you wanted to. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will direct you and take you where you don’t want to go.”  The early church understood this as a prophecy of crucifixion.  Peter would be a martyr and tradition suggests that he was crucified upside down.  Below is a beautiful stained glass image of this exchange between Peter and Jesus in today’s readings:

Okay, I realize this has been a long post today… but the last thing I want to point out is that I love Jesus’ response to Peter when Peter asks about what will happen to John and Jesus says this is verse 22: “Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You follow me.”  I think this is a great word from Jesus to both you and me today as well!  How often do we worry about others and their relationship with the Lord?  How often do we perhaps think that we are so saved, and “they” are so not…?  Or how often do we wonder why someone seems like they are so blessed, and perhaps we think that we are not?  Well, what does Jesus say to all of this to you and me today?  I believe he would say the same words from verse 22:  “What is that to you? You follow me.”   Indeed, let us not worry so very much about others.  But let us worry instead about ourselves simply following Jesus! 

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s John readings titled “What is this thing called Love?” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 120 is the beginning of 15 Psalms known as “songs of ascent!”  This could mean the ascent of the stairs to the Temple in Jerusalem – or more likely the annual religious pilgrimages and the ascent to Mount Zion in Jerusalem.   Are you ready for the next 15 Psalms of Ascent?

Verse 1 in this Psalm should be encouraging to each of us: “I took my troubles to the LORD; I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer.”  Do you have troubles in your life?  Have you brought them to God in prayer?  Will you?  Will you allow him to answer your prayer?

Proverbs – Proverbs 16:16 today teaches us: “How much better to get wisdom than gold, and understanding than silver!”  Do you believe this Proverb to be true?  How do you spend the majority of your time in your life – pursuing wisdom & understanding or pursuing money?  What are some ways in your life you can spend more time pursuing wisdom & understanding and less time pursuing money?

Worship Video: Today’s readings in the Gospel of John remind me of the song “Then Christ Came” by MercyMe:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOQgWeLq64U

Has Christ come to you?  Click here and let Christ in your heart!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!.” Proverbs 16:16 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are seeking wisdom in your life. Pray that gaining wisdom is a higher priority to you than gaining money. Pray that you are growing more like Jesus each day, the author and perfecter of wisdom!

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  What are your thoughts on our readings in John today with Jesus asking Peter 3 times if he loved him?  Why do you think this was asked of Peter 3 times?  Was this a “reinstatement” of Peter?  What are your thoughts overall on this closing chapter of John today?  (Acts begins tomorrow!! 🙂  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

I just noticed a similarity of how David handled his enemies, those who came against him outside of a relationship with him and those David knew. I have been observing how if David knew the people who challenged him, he showed tremendous mercy and delayed judgment, if they had judgment at all. Yet, for those He knew not, judgment was usually swift. It just occurred to me that David, being a type of Christ, is doing what is afforded those who either have or don’t have a relationship with Christ. Whether or not we experience judgment with no mercy is based on our relationship with Christ. Of all the sins that we can commit, the one that is surly fatal, is our non-acceptance of Jesus Christ’s salvation.

I am not sure if even that can be or really is God judging us, as much as our seeing what God has to offer and rejecting that gift. Doing that puts the one who has rejected that gift on the judgment seat by their own volition. God does not send them to their death they take themselves. Hmmm! Must do some rethinking.

Ramona

====== Andrew:

======= Vance:

2 Samuel 19 (NKJV)
18
…Now Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king when he had crossed the Jordan.
20
For I, your servant, know that I have sinned. Therefore here I am, the first to come today of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king.”
22
And David said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah, that you should be adversaries to me today? Shall any man be put to death today in Israel? For do I not know that today I am king over Israel?”
23
Therefore the king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” And the king swore to him.
NOTE:
It took courage for Shimei to come to David and ask for forgiveness. Yes, it could be that he was simply shrewd, knowing that he would need to “posture himself politically” with the king who was now obviously in power until a moment arose when he could oppose David again.
However, I take the view that Shimei saw that God Himself had proved that David should be king, and had established David as king. Thus, Shimei was truly asking for forgiveness.
David’s strength as king (he could do whatever he wanted) tempered by humility and grace is an excellent picture of truly meekness and gentleness. We are called to be like this.
Was it right for David to later tell his son Solomon to have Shimei killed for his rebellion against David, as in I Kings 2:9?
Yes, for he is king. King David is a good picture of Jesus. He is the most meek and gentle, Perfect Man on the earth though He is the King of kings – no one is able to oppose his power and authority.
Jesus is gracious. Yet, at the end of the world—because God will not leave the guilty unpunished (Exodus 34:6, 7)—Jesus Himself will judge the world as in Acts 17 below.
Acts 17 (NKJV)
31
because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”
God’s love—Jesus’ love—is holy. God’s holiness—Jesus’ holiness—is loving.
~~
Thank God that God always gives us time to repent and provides gracious and loving means of repenting. Thank God that God is merciful and loving.
For we are all at God’s mercy! —for who can oppose God? Thank God that He is truly merciful, taking the initiative to give us all many chances to be restored while on earth.
Psalm 130 (NKJV)
3
If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?
4
But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared.
~~
John 21 (NKJV)
Verse 15: Jesus – Do you agapao me?
Amplified: “…with reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion…”
Peter – You know that I phileo you
Amplified: “…deep, instinctive, personal affection for You, as for a close friend…”
Verse 16: Jesus – Do you agapao me?
Amplified: “…with reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion…”
Peter – You know that I phileo you
Amplified: “…deep, instinctive, personal affection for You, as for a close friend…”
Verse 17: Jesus – Do you phileo me?
Amplified: “…deep, instinctive, personal affection for You, as for a close friend…”
Peter – You know that I phileo you
Amplified: “…deep, instinctive, personal affection for You, as for a close friend…”
Thank God so much that Jesus takes us where we are, and then loves us enough to never leave us there.
Vance

======= Duane:

I have always been curious about the story of Mephibosheth and his servant. Why does David split the inheritance between the two? Why doesn’t David try to find out who is lying? Does anyone have any comments about this.
Duane

2 Samuel 18:1-19:10 + John 20:1-31 + Psalm 119:153-176 + Proverbs 16:14-15
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Wow.  Intense readings today.  As could be expected from Absalom’s pursuit of his ego and pride the past few chapters, his sin catches up with him.  One commentary had the interesting point that Absalom’s “pretty head & long hair” (as you’ll recall from 2 Samuel 14:25-26) ironically ended up being his undoing as his long hair got caught up in a tree.  This seems very symbolic of how pride and ego can be it’s own undoing.  This image I think it sums up well where unchecked pride and ego can ultimately lead…

Well, Absalom did incorporate some long term ingenuity in his pride & ego – like the Egyptian Pharaoh’s of old, Absalom decided to make sure he built a monument to himself! as we read about in verse 18 today: “During his lifetime, Absalom had built a monument to himself in the King’s Valley, for he had said, “I have no son to carry on my name.” He named the monument after himself, and it is known as Absalom’s Monument to this day.”  Below is an image of Absalom’s Monument (Pillar) –

While on one hand I do appreciate David’s grace and love for his son Absalom, I have to say that I really do appreciate Joab’s boldness & wisdom in rebuking David in verses 5 through 8: “We saved your life today and the lives of your sons, your daughters, and your wives and concubines. Yet you act like this, making us feel ashamed, as though we had done something wrong. You seem to love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that we mean nothing to you. If Absalom had lived and all of us had died, you would be pleased. Now go out there and congratulate the troops, for I swear by the LORD that if you don’t, not a single one of them will remain here tonight. Then you will be worse off than you have ever been.”  That is quite a speech by Joab to David!  And I believe he was right.  David’s love for his son was admirable in one sense – but it also could be seen as selfish in another sense.  David seemed to care more for his son than for the nation of Israel, and Joab called him out on this.  It is interesting how sometimes our love for one person can cloud everything else going on in our lives.  Love for one person is a beautiful thing.  But it seems that we should also be cognizant of others around us too – and love them.  And sometimes, like David, we may need to realize that there is a greater good – a greater love – than the singular love we have been focusing on.  This is not easy to discern of course…   hopefully this makes some sort of sense or doesn’t sound too harsh?  Below is a portrait by artist Guy Rowe of David mourning for his son Absalom with Joab in the background giving his speech in the verses above:

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Second Samuel readings titled “The Darkest Days of David’s Life” is at this link.

New Testament – Today we read about Jesus’ glorious resurrection! Verse 18 is awesome – “Mary Magdalene found the disciples and told them, “I have seen the Lord!””

Tyndale’s One Year Bible Companion gives a great list today of the order of Jesus’ 11 appearances after his resurrection:
1. Mary Magdalene and the other women
2. the disciples on the road to Emmaus
3. Peter
4. the ten disciples in the upper room
5. the eleven in the upper room with Thomas present (Below is an oil painting by Carravaggio from the year 1601 titled “The Incredulity of Saint Thomas”)
6. the disciples at the Sea of Tiberius
7. the eleven on a mountain in Galilee
8. five hundred of the brethren
9. James
10. all of the apostles
11. those present when he ascended into heaven

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s John readings titled “The Burial and Resurrection” is at this link and “On Seeing and Believing” is at this link.

Psalms – We finish Psalm 119 today…  🙁  I am sad.  I loved reading through this Psalm again!  For some reason it meant so much to me these past few days.  I pray this Psalm has been good for you as well this go round.  I think the last 3 verses of this Psalm are worth us camping out on here for a moment.  In verses 174, 175 & 176 the author of Psalm 119 closes out the Psalm with what I think is a prayer and a confession all in one – “O LORD, I have longed for your salvation, and your law is my delight. Let me live so I can praise you, and may your laws sustain me. I have wandered away like a lost sheep; come and find me, for I have not forgotten your commands.”  Wow… not a bad prayer and confession, eh?  Is God’s Word your delight?  Do you wish to live so you can praise God?  Does His Word sustain you?

Proverbs – Proverbs 16:15 today is nice: “When the king smiles, there is life; his favor refreshes like a gentle rain.”  What else in our life today refreshes like a gentle rain?  When a baby smiles at you?  When you smile at someone else?  When someone else smiles at you when you’re having a rough day?  Let us be like gentle rain for each other!

Worship Video: Today’s readings in John about Thomas’ doubts reminded me of the FFH song “Come Undone.” Here’s a great live version of this song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCLLNcWO6fo

Have you come undone?  Click here and become undone!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” John 20:21-22 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you have received the Holy Spirit. Pray that you will allow Jesus to send you. Pray that you know Jesus’ peace that surpasses all understanding.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  What is your reaction to David’s grief over his son Absalom today?  Why do you think he grieved so much?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

2 Samuel 18:1-19:10

I am an observer of human behavior and I am always looking at patterns that cross cultural, ethnicities and “tribes.” One hundred percent, of the time, we grieve differently but the emotions, feelings and intent that fuels the grief is the same. Usually or grief is not about the physical death of the person, but of missed opportunities. When someone dies because of their own bad choices usually the deceased loved ones: mother, father, possibly siblings, aunts, and uncles, usually grieve inconsolably over missed opportunities to provide direction and correction and guidance. David grief was rooted in regret and guilt. Think about it. Our decisions, my decisions

I’m going to look at Joab and David from a different perspective than Mike.. As per scripture, our righteousness is not based on our behavior it is based on the righteousness of Jesus Christ. And our acceptance of that righteousness, Jesus Christ, is based on the condition of our heart, whether we accept what Jesus has done for us or not. For the Old Testament saints and ain’ts, it would be their acceptance of the One Who is To Come in the fullness of time. According to God, David had a “right” heart; however, Joab did not which we shall see in the readings to come. As per the commentary on the BibleOnRadio.Com for today’s reading, David was operating out of Love with no Justice toward Absalom, and Joab operated out of Justice with no Love. In my opinion, both were out of Balance.

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; mercy and loving-kindness and truth go before Your face. (Psalms 89:14 AMP

Grace and Peace,
Ramona

====== Anka:

The king answered, “I will do whatever seems best to you”.David was happy to stay at home again while his army went to fight.Maybe he was afraid to have to confront his son in battle because he may prefer to die than harm Absalom yet inspite of assuring the army he would go along with whatever they suggested he commanded them not to harm Absalom.
What was it about this guy that made David love him so much?His looks?Could Abalom have taken a bigger part of David’s heart than God’s laws.We see he preferred to leave Israel to Absalom than to consult God and protect Israel from a son he knew really didn’t have a heart for God.
Idols don’t have to be golden cows..they can be money,family etc.I pray God reveals our idolsand the things that compete for His love and laws in our lives before we become a stumbling block for others and give satan an opportunity to wreck havoc in our lives..Israel got divided,had to fight eachother then creep back home ashamed after the battle,David went home heart broken…
Mary’s love for Jesus is something I realised today I wished I had.While the other disciples slept soundly(or maybe stayed behind locked doors afraid of the Jews)Mary went out to the tomb where Jesus was put.When Mary saw the tomb was empty,she told the others…just John and Peter set out but returned to their homes when they saw the tomb was empty…Mary stayed.Maybe in her mind she hoped someone would give her a clue to what happend.Many times when we loose someone we love,we kinda feel drawn to the room the person stayed or when we visit the person’s tomb it gives us a feeling of closeness to the person,Mary just couldn’t leave,she kept peering into the last place she knew he laid.Her love for Christ defied her fear of the jews.Her heart was longing for him and Jesus blessed her with His presence.I pray for that kind of love and longing in my heart,for such loyalty…
God bless you all
Anka

====== Jim:

I was always impressed with the way Joab called David to account for mourning Absalom in the presence of the troops who just rescued him from certain death. While mourning his son’s death isn’t wrong, as a leader of men he needs to care for their morale and express his appreciation for a job well done. David is certainly one of my Biblical heroes because of his unfailing faith in God but you also see his failings too… something I can cerainly identify.
Another one of my Biblical heroes is Mary Magdalene in this passage in John. Her love for Jesus seems to certainly surpass that even of the disciples.
Have a good one all…
Jim

======= Shirley:

I had never noticed in the New Testament when Jesus breathed on the disciples and told them that who ever sins they forgave would be forgiven and who ever they did not forgive would be unforgiven. I don’t understand this. Can anyone offer insight?

Shirley

====== Sue: