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We are following a Bible in a Year plan with 15-minute daily readings from the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms & Proverbs.Your options for joining us include: 1. Subscribe to our daily readings emails above. 2. Read online using our daily links to Bible Gateway. 3. Listen online using the links at the top of each daily blog post (the daily readings by Tom Dooley are terrific!). 4. Read from your own Bible using your preferred translation. You can print out a listing of our entire year's readings in PDF format at this link. 5. Purchase a One Year Bible which organizes our daily readings. 6. Email me with any questions at [email protected]
Please note that we are not following a Chronological Bible plan on this blog - however, you can find my Chronological Bible Blog at this link, New Testament in a Year Blog at this link and Old Testament in a Year Blog at this link.
God bless! Mike
p.s. Keep scrolling down to see our latest daily readings blog post and email content below this welcome post. ⬇️
Old Testament - Second Samuel chapter 4 verse 11 stood out as David said this to the 2 murderers of Ishbosheth: "Now what reward should I give the wicked men who have killed an innocent man in his own house and on his own bed? Should I not also demand your very lives?" Similar to the Amalekite who claimed to have killed Saul and reported this news to David, David was not happy with the news. This all reminds me of the old adage that you cannot fight evil with evil - you'll get corrupted in the process. These 2 guys murdered an innocent man, thinking they were doing a greater good for David. David disagreed. Are there times in our lives where we do something wrong / bad / lie / evil for what we think might be a greater good? Aren't we then corrupted in the process? Do we go from left to right in this photo below? :) (sorry, couldn't resist this silly image! On the website where I found this image, they labeled this photo, "The Dog I bought versus the Dog I got"... :)
In Second Samuel chapter 5 David is anointed King of Israel! Israel and Judah are now united - but they will be divided again only a short 75 years later. Verse 7 is the first time the term Zion is used in the Bible: "But David captured the fortress of Zion, now called the City of David." Below is a visual of Jerusalem at about this time that David conquered it from the Jebusites - and to the right the map shows the growth of Jerusalem just 50 years later in Solomon's time. (1000 B.C. to 950 B.C.) We'll come back to this visual when we get to Solomon in our readings.
In Second Samuel chapter 6 when the Ark is brought back to Jerusalem verse 14 is phenomenal to imagine: "And David danced before the LORD with all his might, wearing a priestly tunic." And David's words in verse 21 are something for you and I to consider in our lives today - "So I am willing to act like a fool in order to show my joy in the LORD." Are you willing to act like a fool to show your joy in God? Have you ever danced before God with all your might? Think you ever could?
Bible.org's commentary on our Second Samuel readings today titled "A Place of One's Own" is at this link and "When God Rained on David's Parade" is at this link.
New Testament - I love the dialogue today between Thomas and Jesus in John 14 verses 4 through 6! Somehow I didn't quite remember the context of Thomas' question setting up Jesus' profound statement in verse 6. Beautiful. Jesus starts us off in verse 4 - "And you know where I am going and how to get there."" "No, we don't know, Lord," Thomas said. "We haven't any idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?" Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." These last two sentences of Jesus' we've probably all heard many times. But how often have we asked Thomas' question either to ourselves or to God or to now one in particular - "how can I know the way?" Jesus answers this for us perfectly. Have you ever felt in your life that you didn't know the way? Do you believe that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life?
Verses 12 through 14 today are so convicting for me - because I really rarely follow this teaching (or fully believe in it?) of Jesus' - "The truth is, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, because the work of the Son brings glory to the Father. Yes, ask anything in my name, and I will do it!" Do you believe that you can do the same works Jesus has done, and even greater works? I'll confess - I'm not so sure that I do. I mean, it's encouraging to think that I could, even if I don't fully believe it. And, yet, I believe most everything else Jesus teaches. Why would I doubt this teaching? Maybe it's because I have some sort of inferiority complex - or maybe I think it would be prideful to think this. But Jesus teaches it quite plainly! Or... maybe... I haven't really asked Jesus for the guidance and wisdom to believe this - and asked for even just this in his name.
Bible.org's commentary on our John readings today titled "Having a Friend in High Places" is at this link.
Psalms - Wow. Psalm 119 verse 29 is powerful: "Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your law." Do you ever lie to yourself? If you answered no, are you lying to yourself now? :) I think that lying to ourselves is part of our fallen human condition. I think we're probably pretty good at it. And I think that maybe the cure for this is even found in this same verse - the prayer of "give me the privilege of knowing your law." It is a privilege to know God's Word. It is a free privilege, but a privilege that I think we can often take for granted or simply ignore. Through our study of God's Word let us pray that we allow God to show us any area of our life where we might be lying to ourselves. And let us allow God to redeem that area and give us the clarity of Truth. Like this Psalmist, will you pray to God and ask Him to keep you from lying to yourself? Will you pray this prayer often?
Proverbs - Proverbs 15 verse 32 I think is one great reason for us to be in community with others: "If you reject criticism, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding." I think if we are not in community with others, we can avoid criticism. Which is just as good as rejecting criticism. But, if we are truly in community with others - and yes, community can and should be messy really - then we will inevitably be criticized at some point and in some way by those around us in community. But this is a good thing! We need to listen to correction from those around us. We need to grow in understanding. Let us live our lives in community!
Worship Video: Today's readings in John remind me of the terrific Phil Wickham song "Battle Belongs:"
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today:"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35 TNIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you are loving everyone you come in contact with in your life. Pray that the world will see you are a disciple of Jesus, because of your love for others. Pray that you will love others like Jesus loves you.
Comments from You & Questions of the Day: Are you in community? A community that will actually constructively criticize you from time to time? And will you listen to this criticism so that you might grow in understanding? 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.
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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
Mephibosheth's nurse was one any mother would want to have take care of her son.A 5year old can be a burden to carry when you are running away from danger.There was also no prize at the end of the race because Mephibosheth had nothing to give anymore.His nurse's devotion in the light of all the fights and murderings chapter truly is refreshing. There was a time Michal loved David.When David became a fugitive he got other wives,Michal became wife to a man who loved her.In deutronomy 24,there's a part that speaks about a woman who's husband had sent her away not being allowed to marry her again if she had married another.True David had not divorced Michal but neither did he make any attempt to keep her AND now she was married to another man(who cried and wept when she was taken away).Maybe behind the disdain in Michal was pain,hurt.David claimed to be dancing for the Lord yet he hadn't asked God before separating Michal or marry dozens of wives some of which were Israelites. Sometimes I watch people go all "spiritual" dancing,rasing holy hands etc before the Lord in church then after church(or still in church after the worship)behave nasty...then I wonder if truly they had worshipped God or simply enjoyed a good tune in church.Michal may have kept household gods but David sure did nothing to boost her faith in God by his actions.
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you MUST love one another. 35By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." The way we treat others who are our brothers and sisters...the way we treat people in general preach louder sometimes than empty words we say rather than practice.I work in a mostly haotic environment where trying to answer many impatient people at once can really be a challenge.Many times I try to keep in mind that I ought to be light(my unsaved collegues sometimes act really nasty)...sometimes I fail and have a guilt party.Once a lady met me at a christian conference and hugged me saying she had come to my place of work and I was so kind and patient to her that she was certain I was a christian,seeing me at a christian conference confirmed it. So many times it's hard to understand that people come from different backgrounds,cultures etc and I get my patience stretched thin...it's always good to note the world is watching us as followers of Chirst.Our ways may lead others to Christ,make already existing christians stumble or worse give the world yet another reason to despise Christ.I pray we all be filled with love for God and one another.
Greater works....I have grown to have a lot more knowledge of the bible in the past 4months,I have been convicted of many issues and (I hope)have been transformed to be more like my dad and big brother in heaven.If this is true for the 2000+ people reading this blog and they in turn share with others what they have recieved then truly we together are doing greater works....some are cutting up pieces of meat for others,some are making sure we stick to studying the bible,some make us smile as we read the posts and get encouraged...like John once told me,....Mike I'm sure God's proud of you...and everyone here...
God bless you all Anka
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Mike, the 1st part you spoke about brought to mind the ethics class I just finished. What you wrote is definitely Kantian, but then I think of people like the Ten Booms, Dietrck Bonhoffer, and people in the French resistance who took Jews by boat to England and if they were stopped by the SS had to lie, who disobeyed the government and even lied to its officials. Am I corrupting myself when I truly do lie for a GOOD cause. I know I'm opening a can of worms, but I wanted to see what everyone thought
Kate
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Anka's insight to David being insensitive to his wife Michal is a view I hadn't considered. I am convinced that our love for God is reflected in how we treat one another, espcially our loved ones. While David was certainly right to celebrate for the Lord, he dismissed Michal pretty quickly despite his long abscence (or maybe we just don't have the whole story). As for doing great works, as Jesus states in the NT reading today, I would have to say that what we consider 'great' and what God considers 'great' could be two different things. Some of us have more humble stations in life and by our standards it may no be great, but if you are obediant to God and love as God loves then we are doing great things. As Oswald Chambers reflected on in his daily devotional "My Utmost for His Highest", if we lead lives in obediance to God, then we produce rivers of living water. Where that water goes to is not our business. In other words, one person you are kind to or share your faith with may go on to be the next Billy Graham or Pope John Paul II therefore affecting millions more. These are the great works I think Jesus talks about in today's reading. Have a good one. Jim
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Can anyone think of a better verse than Psalm 119:32 where it says, "I run in the path of your commands for you have set my heart free." Jesus said, if the Son shall set you free you shall be free indeed. (John 8:31-36) and He also said, If you continue in my Word you are truly my disciples and the truth shall set you free. Freedom comes from being like the person James wrote about in James 1:25 'who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and CONTINUES TO DO THIS, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he/she will be blessed in what he does." Another great verse we read recently in Psalm 107:20 was where it says, "He sent forth his word and healed them..." So many choose to live in bondage, even in bondage to their religious systems. Their religious systems become 'God' to them more than the refreshing teaching, living word of Jesus. No wonder Paul exhorted the colossians in 3:16 "Let the word of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God."
I don't know about anyone else but I want to keep on running in the path of His commands, for He is forever setting our hearts free. "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Gal. 5:1
Luch
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Yes, I believe that Jesus/God/Holy Spirit has a very very good sense of humor; for instance the end of April I went to a small conference at the Vineyard Church here in OKC & heard Bobby Connor speak that night. It stormed really bad that night & we prayed really hard for it not to hit the church where we were gathered & God honored those prayers but not so over some of Oklahoma that night.
Anyway, during the praise & worship I saw a young man on the front row praising & worshipping the Lord with abandon & it touched my heart so that I began to focus all my prayer on my 23 yo son, that one day soon I would get to see him praise & worship the Lord with abandon too (for sure before I go home to be with my Lord).
When Bobby Connor was teaching/preaching, he told us that most times God gives him a sign in regard to something is is praying about...supernatural signs & wonders & some of them are really odd/strange.
SO...the next day when I was in a Sales Meeting at work, the phone rang & the receptionist answered it & called me out of the meeting & said something had happened to my apartment; so I called the apartment office & she said that someone had run into our apartment with their car!!! It was in my son's room right at the head of his bed & knocked the bed & nightstand forward & picture off the wall. My son had gone to work earlier in the morning so he wasn't in his room/bed when it happened or he might have been injured really bad.
To make a long story short...when I came home that evening from work, of course I surveyed the damage & it was a huge huge crack in the wall from ceiling to floor...a huge Word Picture for sure!!! I ask the Lord what happened here & this is what I hear Him say, "BREAKTHROUGH!"
I was so excited I was beside myself with joy. I will always have that beautiful Word Picture stamped in my memory/hard drive & that lovely voice of His with excitement too. That was my sign for my prayers also (especially in regard to my 23 yo son)...BREAKTHROUGH in his/son's room & in both of our lives.
I am so glad that God has a very very good sense of humor, He sure made me laugh instead of cry that day.
They have finally sheet rocked the huge crack/breakthrough, but not taped & bedded yet inside the room & have not fixed the brick on the outside of the wall. There is scaffolding still there holding up the brick.
Yes, I have danced with abandon more than once before the Lord like David...but not enough. Have done it public & private...public is the hardest, but corporate dancing/worship is so powerful in the Spirit realm...worshipping in Spirit & Truth is so awesome & free in Him.
Jan
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I will take a different take on sense of humour subject. Sense of humour is a very vague and over-lapping subject. I think devil has great sense of humour in the sense it can titillate and stimulate our senses... Dark humour/ Black humour/ slapstick humour/ Earthy Humour that is overflowing in all media.... is what that can really make us laugh.
But then I wonder whether we should put boundaries on humour and tag it strictly as godly or ungodly... ? Humour is mysterious really. Say, if someone slips on the floor and tumbles to a fall, it may appear as funny. But it actually may result in a grave injury to the fallen. So, what is so funny about it! ? :-)
So, humour is one of those things that belong to the mystery realm. By the way, one can be amazed to trace funny dark humour in various parts of OT. I guess it is there for a purpose. ;-)
Emberglow
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Sorry to be so verbose today; just so much meat!
Recab and Baanah: They thought they were going to find favor with David, the King, because they believed they were supporting his position as Israel's king. Isn't it interesting how when we take up an offense for someone, we end up being the "bad guy?" I think that is why police do not like involve themselves in "domestic quarrels," because likely as not, the spouse they try to protect will turn on them.
I do not mean to imply that David was wrong to have turned on these two cowards. They were misguided in their desire to help the "cause" of the king, but it was not THEIR "fight." How can one find common ground, if they have a whole "army" of folks going after their heads out of some misguided loyalty. We may THINK we know that someone will be grateful when we uphold their cause, but in the end, we probably misunderstood what caused the breach in the first place and in the second place how to mend it, and it certainly will turn itself on us.
Numbers: Maybe pertinent--maybe not, but I find it interesting that David reigned 40 years as king (same as Saul) and that the first 7 years of his kingship in Judah began when he was age 30 (same as when Jesus began his ministry) and he reigned as king over all Israel and Judah 33 years (the number depicted when Jesus was crucified).
11 more sons; a total of 17 now: I know the caption was "David conquers Jerusalem," but to me the relevant text had to do with 11 more contenders for the throne -- and Solomon was not even born yet!
I wonder how David had time to be a "husband" to his wives, and then I remember that in those days, having a husband was tantamount to having protection: food, clothing, and shelter. I imagine their concept of polygamy was more a matter of "sharing the wealth," instead of our understanding of polygamy today.
idols: "The Philistines abandoned their idols there, and David and his men carried them off." Why do we not read that they destroyed the idols? Last night I was watching a program on PBS about the people in Bolivia who work the mines. The Spaniards erected idols that they misnamed "Tios" because they did not understand that the word was "Deos" for God, and the "Tios" were considered evil spirits who would punish the miners if they were not paid homage. The devastation that this caused those poor people praying to idols was heartbreaking, and the Christians who tried to teach them about Jesus' love were unable to convey to them that God has more power than those idols.
Uzzah! Uzzah! Uzzah! For years I struggled with this portion of scripture. It caused me to fear God, and that is a good thing, but I could not understand WHY God would be so harsh with Uzzah when he was protecting the Ark of God; should he have just let it fall off the cart when the oxen stumbled? It was very perplexing to me.
Then my eyes were opened one Sunday while sitting in church and listening to John MacArthur explain that God wants our obedience first, and the emotions will follow. A case of putting the cart before the horse?--or the "oxen" if you will. So many times we have to guard against putting our emotions (feelings) above what we know to be God's will. Only the Levites were allowed to touch the Ark of God, and Uzzah knew this. God was fully capable of protecting his own Ark, but what a hard lesson for all those who saw God strike him dead.
love:
A new "command" Jesus gave to us: "Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."
This was not a request. So how does Jesus love us? I have seen so many people attempt to define love; I suppose we all have our concepts of what constitutes love, but for me it is summed up in one word: Sacrifice.
I do not believe any mother loves another's child like she loves her own, but it is not just because it issued from her body or was adopted, nor because it was the culmination of her expression of affection for the baby's father. No, that "love" is expression of her diligent service to that child from conception, when she begins to wonder about the future of the child, the anxiety of childbirth, the labor and delivery that require teeth gritting effort and the joy of a beautiful infant, but it does not end there; it goes on to the daily diaper changing, spitting up of food administered during all hours of the night, the daily "sacrifice" of nurturing, teaching, tending...and no one loves your child like you do.
Why?
Because YOU have sacrificed. I think that is one of the reasons we are told to do good to those who hate you and pray for them who despitefully use you. Matthew 5 43: Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45: That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46: For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
In my father's house: This verse has great significance to me because it was my son's favorite. He would say: "In my father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you."
I believe my son is in one of those mansions now. That gives me great peace.
obey what I command: How do we really know if someone loves God? "Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me."
"If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching."
"...the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you..."
HOW? How can we be reminded of everything Jesus has said to us if we do not ever get it in there in the first place? It is one of the reasons I cherish this One Year Bible reading...so that the Holy Spirit can bring it to my remembrance.
Psalm 119
David expounds of the value of the law here; he certainly knows that rulers are gathered together scorning and having contempt for him, but his counselor is God's statutes, and he meditates on the law, seeks understanding (open my eyes that I may see). It reads like a plea to "teach me your decrees" and to understand the teaching of the Lord's precepts that will result in meditation on His wonders. Keeping God's laws has set David's heart free.
Proverbs: And the Proverbs underscore that we need discipline and rebuke in order to gain understanding.
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I just LOVE Psalm 119!
Verse 26) I told You my plans, and you answered. Now teach me your decrees. In Dutch: Ik heb U alles verteld wat ik heb gedaan en U hebt mij ook antwoord gegeven. Leer mij nu hoe ik naar Uw wil kan leven. ~ This verse is so beautiful! When I read this, it made me think of something that happened this week. I was going through a hard time the past week about making a choice. A choice that would change A LOT. I prayed over this asking the Lord how to do this, I asked for directions and did the same prayer over and over again. Till Monday ... then instead of ASKING for directions, I TOLD the Lord about my plans. And He answered in the most beautiful and clear way! I could hear Him talking to me! It was a wonderful experience which gave me the courage to cut the knot. On Tuesdaymorning I was on my knees, thanking and praising the Lord for His help. And He covered me with blessings that day. I cut the knot I needed to and He lifted me up and carried me through it. God is just so good! He gave me strength to do what I had to do. Sometimes I can be insecure in what I have to do. I keep on doubting if I can do a thing being a Christian. I don't really know how to explain this feeling. But I can wonder about things that I want to do, I constantly ask myself "Can I do this or that? I'm a Christian and that seems not Christian-like". But God is teaching me His decrees. I took a step in the right direction and from that point, He could teach me! I told Him about my plans and that was an open door for Him to teach me! He wanted me to figure it out by myself in order to give me the blessings! This incident was such a revelation for me!
Yes, I'm in a community. The church I go to is named "De Deur", we have a fellowship all over the world. (Potter's House & Open Door) I really love this community! It's a wonderful community! And I'm so glad I've found them! I'm only saved for 9 months, so they're not really criticize (yet). I'm a 'newborn', so they pretty much only encouraging me, which I love! I know when I'm saved longer, it will change. Not that they stop encouraging!!! But I know they will sharpen a bit. My husband and I have a good understanding with our pastor, we talk with him a lot. He's really encouraging towards us, and tells us how great we are doing. It's nice to have such encouraging! My husband didn't ask for our pastor to disciple him yet, but I know that from the moment he asks, he'll get criticism from time to time. But it will help him grow. I know my husband takes criticism very well, I'm glad to. That way his understandig can grow and there's place for God to work on my husband.
Mae
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Hahahaha! The doggie pic is gr8! How do you do it my friend?!!! Bless you.
I think of the Lord's amazing sense of humor and His merciful, gentle, ever lovingkindness- gently making a point. What a sobering thought visualizing the pic: does He see me this way or has He pictured me this way; as I think about situations been in and my response/actions! That pic will be with me and associated with the Word.
May The Lord bless your ministry, freshly annoint it each day, increase it, and honor and grace you abundantly as you serve Christ Jesus to the Glory and Praise of His name!
Susanne
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Lots of head toting in the Samuel books! Also found 2 Sam 4:4, about Jonathan's son, to be so random! Aw, David became king at age 30, what a great prime age! :p. I like how he never rushed things, he waited for God's timing. He let God establish him. I like how David always stopped and asked God first what to do. He could have rushed in to attack the Philistines just thinking God had his back. But he coinsulted the Lord first.
Wow, seems kinda brutal that Uzzah was struck bcos the tried to steady the Ark after the ox stumbled. Maybe i'm missing something. kinda seems like a reflex, if i see something that starts to fall or something, its kinda a reflex to steady it. Hm, i'll have to get out my commentary on that. I love John 4:3...i think thats the 2nd verse i memorized as a child. Love the Proverbs!
Jenny
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I noticed the rebuking from Proverbs to the Psalms. Thinking I'm too good and smart to learn from anyone anymore. Being able to hear rebuking and discern if it's something I need to listen to or not. Jesus's way is the only way. All good things get done only if in His Word, His laws
Cynthia
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Something stood out to me today (but it was in yesterday's reading of John 13:21-25) that I hadn't thought about before. Why did Peter motion to John to, "Ask Him which one He means." [would betray Him], when Peter usually just popped out with the questions? It hit me that he motioned to John to ask because John was thought to be the youngest disciple and at a Seder meal, as the Last Supper was, the youngest asks the questions.
Will
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Hello, I thank God for you Mike. You have no idea what this bible study has done for me. For years I tried to become interested in the bible but I found it boring and whats worse is I could not understand a lot of it. It had no meaning for me. Now it just jumps out at me with so much meaning, I finally get it. There arent many days where I dont think of God, he is becoming very important in my life and I just couldnt imagine my life without him. So I thank God for caring enough about me to bring you into my life and so many others.I pray that one day God will also use me so I can make a difference in someones life.
Linda
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2 Samuel 5 and 6
Three things came to mind about this reading.
The first was at about 5:10 we see the time in David's life was messy chaotic, confusing and the raw historical events were a way Yahweh used them and worked them out in a way for his purpose. From here on we see all the ways David exercises his kingship, good and bad.
The second, is watching the ark being moved and I wonder did he ask God about moving it to Jerusalem? David did the right thing but he did not do it the right way. A lesson for us all.
Third, David's "inappropriate" worship and this opens up the question about my worship. Is it real from the heart and pleasing to the Lord? I have danced in church, (alone) because my spirit was moved to do so. The Lord can use that for his glory. Amen.
John 14: 2-3 Where are we going?.
The Lord is preparing a "room" for me! Sooo Cool. I believe this is the ultimate consolation of the Christian faith. I am very pleased, humbled and filled with joy by being called a child of God. Re: 1 John 3:1-9 Thank you Lord.
Robert
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2nd Samuel 4:1-6 I love reading the story of David and I know he was a man after God's own heart but at the same time..I feel for all the women ..long list of women and children that were his. Can't help to feel for Michal who was his first wife but thrown to the side and then reclaimed as property just to be one of many when she had a husband that really cared for her. I know there are two sides of the story and I get it. She was the daughter of Saul so I'm sure she had some of him in her and she must have done something detestable because she barren.
Book of John: the dialogue between Thomas and Jesus. He was genuine to Jesus. Master, how do I know which way is right? Jesus told him, I am the Way, the Truth and the Life..wow.
Psalm 119 Have I ever lied to myself? Sure I have. We don't want to face the truth at times. Do I want to improve. Absolutely. Absolutely...
Proverbs 15:32 part b: listen to correction, grow in understanding! That is what I want to gleam from here on out. I want to grow..and grow and grow
Old Testament - Today's Second Samuel readings are quite dramatic! We start off with the beginnings of what I think you could call a civil war between Judah and Israel in chapter 2 verses 15 through 17: "So twelve men were chosen to fight from each side—twelve men of Benjamin representing Ishbosheth son of Saul, and twelve representing David. Each one grabbed his opponent by the hair and thrust his sword into the other’s side so that all of them died. So this place at Gibeon has been known ever since as the Field of Swords. A fierce battle followed that day, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by the forces of David."
In chapter 3, it is interesting to see how David got so mad at Joab for killing Abner. Understandable for many reasons - murder being the main one - but also Abner was working to bring David's kingship to all of Israel. Joab's murder of Abner threatened the civil war between Judah and the rest of Israel to start up again. To the right below is a wonderful image from an illuminated Bible from the year 1250 of David dining with Abner before the murder. In the smaller left hand frames you can see David sending Abner back to Israel, and then in the lowest left hand frame you can see Abner stabbing Joab.
And below is an image of David mourning at Abner's graveside as we read in 2 Samuel 3 verse 32 today: "They buried Abner in Hebron, and the king and all the people wept at his graveside."
Bible.org's commentary on our Second Samuel readings today titled "Two Bald Men, Fighting over a Comb" is at this link.
New Testament - Wow. Jesus' teaching in John 13 verses 14 - 17 are so powerful today: "And since I, the Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other's feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. How true it is that a servant is not greater than the master. Nor are messengers more important than the one who sends them. You know these things--now do them! That is the path of blessing." Are you on the path of blessing? What might it mean to "wash other's feet" today? Yes, perhaps at times it literally means wash other's feet. Could it mean other acts of service as well that perhaps we maybe think we are "too good for" or "above" in any way? Jesus humbled himself to wash other's feet. Are you humbling yourself to serve others in ways that your ego might not like?
Bible.org's commentary on our John readings today titled "Menial Service" is at this link and commentary titled "Judas" is at this link.
Psalms - Whoo-hoo! Today we begin Psalm 119, the longest Psalm and chapter in the Bible! This Psalm is a beautiful meditation on God’s Word and how it helps us stay pure and grow in faith. Almost every verse in this Psalm mentions God’s Word. I pray that this Psalm is encouraging to you as you read through the One Year Bible!
Today in Psalm 119 verse 11 we read: “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Have you hidden God’s word in your heart? So that you might not sin against God? Do you realize that all sin is indeed a sin against God? Are you memorizing Scripture on a regular basis? And, more importantly, reflecting on Scripture?
Proverbs - Proverbs 15 verse 30 today teaches us: "A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones." This is a great reminder to spread good cheer to others and to not hesitate in sharing good news with others whenever possible. It brings joy to the heart and health to the bones! And, well, no, I don't think this Proverb is talking about this kind of healthy bone below... :)
Worship Video: Today's readings in John remind me of the Chris Tomlin song "I will Rise:"
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:"I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." Psalm 119:11 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you are memorizing and meditating Scripture on a regular basis. Pray that you will not sin against God because of His Word and Spirit dwelling within you.
Comments from You: 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:
2 Samuel 2:12-3:39
Something I have wrestled with for years. (You know it is hard to discuss David’s faults or character failures amongst a lot of people: they throw stones at you.). The wives, and they are only the ones he married in Hebron; the failure to restrain his nephews, the wavering between seeking God and allowing God to work to bring about what He declared to pass; but I think there may have been a little seed of vengeance that grew up in him. We see that tendency to drift over into vengeance in his dealings with Nabal. It is “the I deserve it mentality” we get. I call it a spirit of arrogance. It may not manifest itself all the time, but it is akin to the us-four-and-no-more mentality and the “posse” mentality we see in many celebrities. This should be no surprise to the readers because Samuel declared this very thing when he warned them what they would get with their king (1 Samuel 8: 9-18).
Vengeance is Mine, and recompense, in the time when their foot shall slide; for the day of their disaster is at hand and their doom comes speedily. (Deuteronomy 32:35 AMP)
Has anyone ever wondered why God requires us to leave vengeance to Him? I believe something happens to us when we seek it, it turns us into little god like idols seeking to direct and control outcomes. David had a relationship with Saul; after all, he had been his father-in-law before David took back his daughter as his wife. (By the way the taking of a sitting kings wife, or even a dead one, was a proclamation in the ancient world that one was claiming the throne-thus the incident with Palti and the rift between Ishbosheth and Abner). David didn’t have a relationship with Nabal, but he had one with his sister and her kids. One should also note that David wasn’t well liked by his brothers so there was more than likely a rift that had built up over time kept them on the outs, thus we don’t really read about his brothers or their off-spring being in the picture.
If one is observant with family dynamics and sibling rivalry, you will find that the one “picked-on” will usually try to show his worthiness to gain some iota of recognition. I am not sure if this a problem per say, but it can lead to doing the wrong thing for the wrong reasons. If we look at David as a type of deliverer, then the One True Deliverer did not try to gain His Families approval when he went about ministering.
Now Jesus went home, and a crowd gathered so that they were not able to eat. When his family heard this they went out to restrain him, for they said, "He is out of his mind." (Mark 3:20-21 NET.)
While Jesus was still speaking to the crowds, his mother and brothers came and stood outside, asking to speak to him. Someone told him, "Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside wanting to speak to you." To the one who had said this, Jesus replied, "Who is my mother and who are my brothers?" And pointing toward his disciples he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! (Matthew 12:46-49 NET.)
There is something that makes what Joab did a particular heinous crime. Hebron was a city of refuge (Joshua 21:13), a city set aside for anyone who had killed someone accidentally. Was Asahel’s death accidental? Wasn’t it done during a time of fighting? Is this something along the lines of, “You can dish it out but you can’t take it,” mentality? I do not believe Abner turned to face Asahel because the butt of the spear took him out not the tip. More than likely Abner thrust the sword attached to his side or even in his hand to try to knock the wind out of Asahel as he chased behind him.
Whatever way the death happened, Joab called Abner back into a city of refuge to kill him, a clear breach of the law.
Grace and peace, Ramona
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Foot washing
I would like to comment more on the spiritual side of foot washing. Most commentators do not delve into this symbolism too deeply.
John 13:10 Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you."
["The bath represents salvation and the foot-washing represents restoration. The "bath of salvation" is not something a believer takes every day. It is done once and for all when a person receives Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. From that time onward he is "clean" of sin--his sins are eternally forgiven and he is no longer "dirty" in God's sight--because of his identification with Christ. This is the "washing of regeneration" that is mentioned in Titus 3:5. The Lord told Peter that he had already received the bath of salvation (v10). He was clean, and so were the rest of the believing disciples--only unbelieving Judas was not clean (v11).....
....The believer's permanent relationship to Christ is pictured in the bath. The believer's daily fellowship with Christ is pictured in the foot-washing. The bath is for UNION--IN Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). The foot-washing is for COMMUNION--WITH Christ (notice the "with" instead of "in" in verse 8). The link of union is so strong that nothing can break it (see John 10:27-29 and Romans 8:38-39). The link of fellowship is so fragile that an unholy walk will always break it (see 1 John 1:6).
How does the Lord wash the believer's feet? It is accomplished primarily by the frequent application of His Word to our lives. The Word of God is the means by which we get the bath. (See Psalm 119:93, John 15:3, Romans 10:17, 1 Peter 1:23.) The Word is also the way we get the foot-washing. David said, "How can a young man cleanse his way? By living according to Your Word" (Psalm 119:9). Our Lord said that those who believed in Him would be sanctified (kept pure and set apart for God's use) by God's Word (John 17:17, 20). Our bath and our foot-washings are both accomplished through the Word of God! In Ephesians 5:26 we read that "Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the Word." How important it is for us to read the Bible every day!"] growing christians .org
Ingesting of water is symbolic of the Holy Spirit. External washing of water is representative of the "WORD".
The bath is not baptism - baptism is the symbolic dying with Christ and being resurrected to a new life. The bath is symbolic of the one time cleansing of a believer's salvation. Their is stll a war between the "flesh" and the "spirit". In our daily walk, our feet get dirty with sin. By staying in the Word, and prayer (instructed by the Word) we can minimize dirt and cleanse what we do pick up on the "worldly" road.
Besides the physical act of servitude and humility, Jesus is telling the disciples (and all future Christians) "you should also wash one another's feet". You should be in fellowship and be in the "Word" with each other. You should not do this from a "holier than thou" perspective, but humbly with the attitude of love to help one another. Encourage, exhort, and edify one another in the "Word". This should be done frequently as our feet get dirty with greater frequency than many (including me:)of us would like to admit.
John
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Some thoughts on Joab and Abner: It's interesting to me that both these guys were second in charge, but took ultimate authority into their own hands. Their first conflict at Gibeon almost seemed to start as sport. It seems that the battle was not "authorised" by either David or Ish-Bosheth. (Please correct me if I'm wrong because the rest of this post is based on this thought!)
Ish-Bosheth seemed to be more of Abner's puppet than anything else, but then again, it was Abner who arranged Ish-Bosheth's kingship in the first place. So there was probably quite a lot of dependency there. It was Abner who made the decision to unite with Judah, albeit by creating fear in Ish-Bosheth.
When Joab, under David's kingship, was expected to unite with Abner, this was of course very difficult because of the hot blood between them generated by "unauthorised" conflict. So Joab takes ultimate authority into his own hands and does what he sees fit, which we see is catastrophic.
Now the interesting part to me is David's comment: "And today, though I am anointed king, I am weak, and these sons of Zeruiah are too strong for me." It makes me wonder where David was in all the above goings on. Did he know that there was something he could have done to prevent it? Ch 3v1 says: "The war between the house of Saul and the house of David dragged on and on." (Msg Bible). David must then have been party to this war? Should stricter discipline/ guidelines have been laid down by David after the "unauthorised" conflict?
I think that every great leader relies on people around them, but ultimately, the leader should be making the final decisions. I get the feeling that neither David nor Ish-Bosheth were acting within their full authority here.
One last comment: Ramona, your thoughts yesterday on Jonathan's loyalties got me thinking, although I don't know if I agree with you on them. My thoughts today made me wonder about whose authority Jonathan was under. As son of king Saul whom David revered as Israel's king, was Jonathan not right to remain under Saul's leadership until God raised up David as king?
Caryn
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2 Samuel 2:12-3:39
Caryn, you have brought up something I have wrestled with for years. (You know it is hard to discuss David’s faults or character failures amongst a lot of people: they throw stones at you.). The wives, and they are only the ones he married in Hebron; the failure to restrain his nephews, the wavering between seeking God and allowing God to work to bring about what He declared to pass; but I think there may have been a little seed of vengeance that grew up in him. We see that tendency to drift over into vengeance in his dealings with Nabal. It is “the I deserve it mentality” we get. I call it a spirit of arrogance. It may not manifest itself all the time, but it is akin to the us-four-and-no-more mentality and the “posse” mentality we see in many celebrities. This should be no surprise to the readers because Samuel declared this very thing when he warned them what they would get with their king (1 Samuel 8: 9-18).
Vengeance is Mine, and recompense, in the time when their foot shall slide; for the day of their disaster is at hand and their doom comes speedily. (Deuteronomy 32:35 AMP)
Has anyone ever wondered why God requires us to leave vengeance to Him? I believe something happens to us when we seek it, it turns us into little god like idols seeking to direct and control outcomes. David had a relationship with Saul; after all, he had been his father-in-law before David took back his daughter as his wife. (By the way the taking of a sitting kings wife, or even a dead one, was a proclamation in the ancient world that one was claiming the throne-thus the incident with Palti and the rift between Ishbosheth and Abner). David didn’t have a relationship with Nabal, but he had one with his sister and her kids. One should also note that David wasn’t well liked by his brothers so there was more than likely a rift that had built up over time kept them on the outs, thus we don’t really read about his brothers or their off-spring being in the picture.
If one is observant with family dynamics and sibling rivalry, you will find that the one “picked-on” will usually try to show his worthiness to gain some iota of recognition. I am not sure if this a problem per say, but it can lead to doing the wrong thing for the wrong reasons. If we look at David as a type of deliverer, then the One True Deliverer did not try to gain His Families approval when he went about ministering.
Now Jesus went home, and a crowd gathered so that they were not able to eat. When his family heard this they went out to restrain him, for they said, "He is out of his mind." (Mark 3:20-21 NET.)
While Jesus was still speaking to the crowds, his mother and brothers came and stood outside, asking to speak to him. Someone told him, "Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside wanting to speak to you." To the one who had said this, Jesus replied, "Who is my mother and who are my brothers?" And pointing toward his disciples he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! (Matthew 12:46-49 NET.)
There is something that makes what Joab did a particular heinous crime. Hebron was a city of refuge (Joshua 21:13), a city set aside for anyone who had killed someone accidentally. Was Asahel’s death accidental? Wasn’t it done during a time of fighting? Is this something along the lines of, “You can dish it out but you can’t take it,” mentality? I do not believe Abner turned to face Asahel because the butt of the spear took him out not the tip. More than likely Abner thrust the sword attached to his side or even in his hand to try to knock the wind out of Asahel as he chased behind him.
Whatever way the death happened, Joab called Abner back into a city of refuge to kill him, a clear breach of the law.
Grace and peace, Ramona
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John and Caryn--
Thanks for your wonderful insight.
Caryn my line of thinking: If David is to be seen as a type of Christ then, like Christ, when people recognize his kingship shouldn't they follow him, like Christ. Somehow or at some time Jonathan received a revelation of David's kingship.
When Jesus came to the area of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" They answered, "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." (Matthew 16:13-16 NET.)
When you get a revelation of who the King is, are you not responsible to follow the King? Knowledge and information makes you "without excuse."
The scripture I used to bring up the question had a "but" in it (1 Samuel 23:18, always watch out for the "BUTs"
I could be wrong but do you follow your family down the garden path to destruction when you know without a doubt that they are wrong? If that's the case then I am dead to wrong because I have a family built on a lifestyle of criminality. I have been told that, "I don't care anything about family” because I have turned away from how they chose to live their lives. I have one son, who is in and out of jail, because he chose to continue that path. It that right? Just some things to make you really think about the choices with make and the paths we choose to follow. Hmmmm.
Caryn you are free to contact me off-line
Grace and peace Ramona
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26Jesus answered, "It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish." Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, son of Simon. 27As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him.
"What you are about to do, do quickly," Jesus told him, 28but no one at the meal understood why Jesus said this to him. 29Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the Feast, or to give something to the poor. 30As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night.
There are a few things that got me thinking here. 1)were the disciples not listening when Jesus said the one that would betray him is the one he gave a piece of bread to....Peter urged the disciple Jesus loved to ask who it was...and the answer seemed so clear yet it seems they were not so keen on hearing the answer. 2)Judas must have hated Jesus from the start...just seeing Jesus bend and wash his feet did nothing to soften his heart...He had watched miracles happen,he saw Jesus cry,he was one of the people who was always around Jesus.Usually a bond forms when people spend so much time together yet this was not the case.I think Judas is one of the cases of when you deliberately choose to reject Jesus...then satan has the door wide open to make sure you never get the chance to love Jesus. Reading about the man who God said was after His own heart makes me realise just how merciful God is.David did have a lot of issues...marrying so many wives,during the war between the house of Saul and David I'm sure the philistines Israel was supposed to fight was having a great time watching Israel destroy itself...sounds a lot like the squabbles between the churches these days.I'm learning alot from the old testament is happening today...in a modern way:( God bless you all Anka
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Tough call for David. It is apparent to me that Joab had King David's best interests in mind. Abner had set up Ish-Bosheth as king, maneuvered Ish-Bosheth and deceived him when he made an alliance with King David, and Joab clearly recognized manipulative behavior of Abner. Of course, in addition he was nurturing bitterness and resentment over the death of his brother at the hands of Abner. In reading the text, I agree with the poster who said it was unintentional when Abner killed Asahel.
"23 But Asahel refused to give up the pursuit; so Abner thrust the butt of his spear into Asahel's stomach, and the spear came out through his back. He fell there and died on the spot. And every man stopped when he came to the place where Asahel had fallen and died."
It appears when "every man stopped" that they were shocked!
In any event, there was certainly a "Hatfields and McCoy" mentality in avenging the blood of their brother, and as is usually the case, much was brewing that resulted in the death of Abner; I think today he might be considered an opportunist.
David's firstborn was Amnon the son of Ahinoam of Jezreel; he later raped his half-sister Tamar and later was killed for his crime.
his second, Kileab or Chileab the son of Abigail (who was the widow of Nabal of Carmel)
The name appears as Daniel in 1 Chronicles 3:1. Whatever his exact name, David's second son disappeared from history here and did not figure in the later disputes over who would succeed David as king. His name could be associated with the clan of Caleb.
According to John MacArthur, Chileab apparently died before he was able to enter into position to contend for the throne, as nothing more is said about him).
The third, Absalom the son of Maacah daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;
The fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith (a princess from a region in Syria--not Israel). John MacArthur offers this: "David may have married her as part of a diplomatic agreement made with Talmai, the Gesurite king, to give David an Ally north of Ishbosheth. Later Absalom, in fear of his life, fled to Gesur." Though he was a strong contender for the throne, he was assassinated.
David's fifth, Shephatiah (means "The Lord Judges") the son of Abital (means "My Divine Father of Dew").
The sixth, Ithream the son of David's wife Eglah.
These were born to David in Hebron.
Quite a list of sons who would vie for the throne of David.
Eglah. Meaning: a heifer. one of David's wives, and mother of Ithream (2 Sam. 3:5; 1 Chr. 3:3). According to a Jewish tradition she was Michal.
(Note from SissySue: Scripture denotes, however, that David did not have children with Michal after the big fight they had over David dancing when they returned the Ark of the Covenant).
What a tragedy for Judas; how quickly he ran to dishonest gain only to realize too late that he was wrong! WRONG! W R O N G !
And then, instead of confessing he, like Saul, conditioned through years of taking wrong paths and running from God, took the ultimate path to irredeemable self aggrandizement. How it must have pained the Lord.
Oh my! God is so faithful; "open my eyes so that I may see the wonderful things in your law," and I received the book "ALWAYS READY" by Greg Bahnsen that is helping to open my eyes! Glory to God.
Tough call for David. It is apparent to me that Joab had King David's best interests in mind. Abner had set up Ish-Bosheth as king, maneuvered Ish-Bosheth and deceived him when he made an alliance with King David, and Joab clearly recognized the manipulative behavior of Abner. Of course, in addition he was nurturing bitterness and resentment over the death of his brother at the hands of Abner. In reading the text, I agree with the poster who said it was unintentional when Abner killed Asahel.
"23 But Asahel refused to give up the pursuit; so Abner thrust the butt of his spear into Asahel's stomach, and the spear came out through his back. He fell there and died on the spot. And every man stopped when he came to the place where Asahel had fallen and died."
It appears when "every man stopped" that they were shocked!
In any event, there was certainly a "Hatfields and McCoy" mentality in avenging the blood of their brother, and as is usually the case, much was brewing that resulted in the death of Abner; I think today he might be considered an opportunist.
David's firstborn was Amnon the son of Ahinoam of Jezreel; he later raped his half-sister Tamar and later was killed for his crime.
his second, Kileab or Chileab the son of Abigail (who was the widow of Nabal of Carmel)
The name appears as Daniel in 1 Chronicles 3:1. Whatever his exact name, David's second son disappeared from history here and did not figure in the later disputes over who would succeed David as king. His name could be associated with the clan of Caleb.
According to John MacArthur, Chileab apparently died before he was able to enter into position to contend for the throne, as nothing more is said about him).
The third, Absalom the son of Maacah daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;
The fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith (a princess from a region in Syria--not Israel). John MacArthur offers this: "David may have married her as part of a diplomatic agreement made with Talmai, the Gesurite king, to give David an Ally north of Ishbosheth. Later Absalom, in fear of his life, fled to Gesur." Though he was a strong contender for the throne, he was assassinated.
David's fifth, Shephatiah (means "The Lord Judges") the son of Abital (means "My Divine Father of Dew").
The sixth, Ithream the son of David's wife Eglah.
These were born to David in Hebron.
Quite a list of sons who would vie for the throne of David.
Eglah. Meaning: a heifer. one of David's wives, and mother of Ithream (2 Sam. 3:5; 1 Chr. 3:3). According to a Jewish tradition she was Michal.
(Note from Sue: Scripture denotes, however, that David did not have children with Michal after the big fight they had over David dancing when they returned the Ark of the Covenant).
What a tragedy for Judas; how quickly he ran to dishonest gain only to realize too late that he was wrong! WRONG! W R O N G !
And then, instead of confessing he, like Saul, conditioned through years of taking wrong paths and running from God, took the ultimate path to irredeemable self aggrandizement. How it must have pained the Lord.
Tough that: being an adult and thinking you have the answers and having to receive discipline, but we are never too old to learn, are we? We are just sometimes too arrogant! :)
Sue
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A kingdom divided against itself can not stand.Israel was serving the same God,was a nation called out to serve as a blessing to other nations but here we see Israelites(brothers)fighting each other.I can't help relating this to the church,the same God,diferent divisions,diferent doctrines,called out to be separate yet not really different from the rest of the world.Jesus prayed that we would be one as He and the Father are one.Where did division start,under who's authority are we truly?Abner knew for a fact that God's plan was for a united Israel under David's rulership,yet for his own purposes chose Ish-Bosheth as king after Saul died instead of helping unite the kingdom and when circumstances pushed him to the wall did he go according to God's plan....but Abner didn't go unpunished. For over a year now I had wondered about divisions in the church,what happened to the early church,where did they go wrong....the answer,people chose to interprete the word of God to suit their purpose,they changed things God had commanded and made their own doctrines...How long will we continue in disobedience to God's word....May He have mercy on us all and may we be one as He and the Father are one. 7Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand" How many times have we found out what we thought we knew is not really right,our plans and dreams shattered,life seems to take a different turn from the blessings and victories the word seems to talk about....Like us,the lives of the disciples are going to change,the events that happen shatter their expectations....Yet through it all,they are never alone nor forsaken.Our life on earth wasn't supposed to be all great,we are after all in battle daily with the enemy,some of us get wounded,some fall,some go home....Through it all,if we trust Jesus,the author and finisher of our faith,if we keep the unchanging word of God...We will go home victoriously having fulfilled our purpose here. God bless you all Anka
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I love how today's word lines up in Psalm and John.
John 13:17 said, "You know these things - now do them! That is the path of blessing."
Then it says in Psalm 119:4 it says, "You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully."
God's word is so amazing!
Johnnie
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This is my one-year anniversary. Exactly one year ago today I started with this One Year Bible Study, and it has brought me great joy, increased my knowledge of the Scripture, and aided in helping me strive to walk closer to the Lord each day.
Thank you, Mike, for all the time and effort you put in this Bible study and blog. I plan on continuing with you for as long as you continue with this ministry!
God Bless! Pat
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I LOVE Psalm 119!!!!!!!!!!!! Such a wonderful and encouraging Psalm ... well, they all are ... I really love the Psalms. But back to 119; it's such an amazing Psalm! Funny thing; I cannot choose which verses stand out for me the most. They're all so powerul!
1) Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. ~ Some people think that I live in religion with laws and rituals and stuff like that. Only because I'm going to church doesn't mean I don't have my freedom. I love to have freedom within God's commandments. I'm happy to follow the Lords instructions, the world would be a wonderful place if everybody would follow those instructions! 11) I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. ~ Wonderful verse! Hidden God's word in my heart. That's exactly what I did! Living throughout His word makes me more aware of the things I do. Realizing that every sin is a sin to God. There are people who think they can lie, cheat, deceive people and thinking they succeed, but God is the One who can see right into their hearts and He sees what they are doing!
I constantly notice that the translations from New Living Translation and the Dutch Bible "Het Boek" (The Book) are so different! Like verse 14 from Psalm 119 ... I was really excited when I read it in The Book translation, but then I read the New Living Translation and it was very different from the Dutch translation. Not as powerful. I really love verse 14 in The Book. It illustrates the happiness when we talk about God, how happy we can be when we talk about Him. It gives much more happiness than the riches in the world. Amen!
Mae
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The foot washing we read about in John 13 included the feet of John-"the disciple Jesus loved", Peter-who would soon deny even knowing Jesus, and Judas-who already had his betrayal of Jesus all planned out. They all got their feet washed. We are to follow Jesus' example. It's easy to "wash the feet" of the "Johns" in my life. It's easy to serve those I love! But what about the "Peters"-those who disappoint me and let me down? Or the Judas who betrays me and seeks to harm me? How important it is to "have the mind of Christ" if we truly want to follow His example!
Sylvia
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Re. the Proverbs verse, I read recently that the biochemistry of stress tends to leach calcium from bones and may be a major root cause of osteoporosis, especially in women.
It's amazing then, to read a passage like this, written 2500 years ago, that speaks quite precisely to this fact. And equally amazing to realize that God is outside of time and knows everything -- especially what's good for us.
Science may know a lot... but it's got a lot of catching up to do before it can explain what the One who invented it has known since before the beginning of the universe!
Art
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2 Samuel (First few chapters) Reading this scripture makes me think of how over the ages this story has been told. I can see a bunch of people, maybe around a fire, in the evening and someone says, “Hey Bob tell us how King David became king of the land.” I mean this is better than going to an action adventure movie and we have some serious gang war stuff going on and the only thing missing are cars. It’s a big turf war with politics, backstabbing, alliances, bitterness, intrigue and to add to the mix are the women and relationships everyone is involved with. Folks, it doesn’t get any better than this and remember who the writer is. Best of all, its all true and every time we read it there is a new discovery. For example, look at or Google the similarities between David and Jesus. Almost a theology in itself. I take it we are not finished with this fast action pace as David wasn’t a guy that sat around too much – and even when he did, there was action. (i.e. the Bathsheba problem).
John 13:4-5 Humility frees you from the captivity of having to live up to the expectation of what someone else thinks important. (Trust Christ)
Bob
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Wow Ramona, you really pull stuff out! Stuff I wouldn't see! But it's true.. We are brothers n sisters in Christ. It's not earthly relationships but Godly relationships that stay with us. When we get to heaven there will be no marriages . We strive so hard to hold onto here.
Jane
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Another day of bloodshed, mayhem, entitlement..all in the life of a King. I sometimes wonder did David ever wish he wasn't chosen? Did the people ever regret wanting a ruler? Hmm. Crazy
John: the day of the betrayer. Who Lord, who is going to portray u? In all actuality..all portray or go astray eventually. But turn sides and sick to get caught, imprisoned, murdered,, that title goes to Judas.
Yay Psalm119 longest chapter of Psalms..yes The Word is substantial and true and help to a high accord in all of this chapter..love it
Proverbs 15:30 cheerful look brings joy and good health to the bones! Yes
Old Testament - Today we begin the book of Second Samuel! Below is an image of David being anointed king of Judah from chapter 2 verse 4 in today's readings:
Second Samuel Author: Unknown Date: Probably tenth century B.C. Content: Second Samuel covers approximately forty years, which is the bulk of David’s reign as king. It begins with David’s being proclaimed king and consolidating his position against others who claimed the throne. David moved the capital to Jerusalem, brought the sacred Ark of the Covenant there, and ultimately defeated the Philistines for all time. David’s troubled career is described in some detail, including his family problems (his son Absalom) and his personal problems (adultery with Bathsheba). A summary of David’s later years concludes the book. Theme: The life of David is given as an example of good and of evil. The sins of David are exposed – so that too much trust will not be put in men. The victories of David are recorded – so that it may be seen what God can do with someone who wholly trusts in him. God used David in spite of his faults because he found in David a willingness to repent and start again, no matter how far he had fallen. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 5-6) More commentary on Second Samuel is at this link: https://bible.org/seriespage/introduction-2-samuel
A note on the Amalekite that comes to David with news of Saul's death in Second Samuel chapter 1 today. Many Bible commentaries suggest that this Amalekite was a war "scavenger" that was looking for treasures on the battle field from the dead. Based on 1 Samuel chapter 31, it is thought that this Amalekite found Saul dead, grabbed Saul's crown before the Philistines arrived, and made up the story of killing Saul to David because he thought David would reward him for killing who he thought was David's "enemy." David's reaction was quite the opposite than what the Amalekite thought it would be... Bible.org's commentary on our Second Samuel readings today titled "What an Amalekite is Dying to Tell David" is at this link. Below is an image of David tearing his garments and lamenting the death of Saul:
Today in 2 Samuel chapter 1 we read about David’s lament for Saul & Jonathan. This year in going through the One Year Bible, I have really been intrigued by Jonathan and David’s relationship. They became incredible “brothers” it seems – much like we now have “brothers” and “sisters” in Christ today. And there seems to have been an amazing love between Jonathan and David – not sexual in any way, but a pure brotherly love. In verse 26 we will read – “I grieve for you Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful.” Personally, I have been thinking about this word “love” quite a bit in recent months. I don’t know if this is going to sound strange – I hope it’s a good sign :) - but I find myself using the word “love” more and more often when referring to and thinking of others in my life. I have found myself saying recently, for example, “there are so many people in my church that I love and I believe love me.” I guess I’m getting to this stage in my life that may seem at first glance sentimental – but I think it is something more. I believe God is love. And yes, God is judge and many other things. But I do believe that love is a very godly thing. And I guess I’m getting to the point in life where I realize that I truly do love so many people in my life – with a brotherly or sisterly love – and maybe perhaps a few love me too. I pray this is the case in some way in your life? Are there people in your life that you love with a brotherly or sisterly love? Are there people in your life that were like Jonathan was to David? Are there people in your life where you are like Jonathan was to David? How familiar are you with love as expressed in 1 Corinthians 13? Did Jonathan have this type of love? Do you? Below is a portrait of David & Jonathan by artist Guy Rowe:
Bible Project: Here is a terrific video overview of 2nd Samuel!
New Testament - Great words from Jesus in our John readings today! I honestly don't think I can add anything to what Jesus said in these readings today! Please re-read this section again from John if you can and meditate upon what Jesus teaches us. Bible.org's commentary on today's John readings titled "The Greeks Seek Jesus" is at this link.
Psalms - Psalm 118 is the last half of the psalm possibly sung by Jesus and the disciples after the Last Supper - see yesterday's posting below for details. What an amazing Psalm... Verse 22 was quoted by Jesus in Matthew 21:42, Mark 12:10 and Luke 20:17 and he used this verse to refer to himself - "The stone rejected by the builders has now become the cornerstone." Do you believe this verse applies to Jesus? Is Jesus the cornerstone in your life?
Verse 26 was the chant of the crowds as Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday - "Bless the one who comes in the name of the LORD." And verse 29 I'm pretty sure is a Michael W. Smith song - "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever." :)
Proverbs - Proverbs 15 verse 27 teaches us today: "Dishonest money brings grief to the whole family, but those who hate bribes will live." Think there is truth in this Proverb?
Worship Video: Today's readings in Psalm 118 remind me of the song "In Christ Alone." Here's a great live version sung by Kristian Stanfill:
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:"Father, glorify your name!" Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again." John 12:28 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that your life is bringing glory to God the Father. Pray that you will obey the teachings of God the Son through the power of God the Holy Spirit dwelling within you. Pray that you would not sin, which brings glory only to the evil one. Pray that you would not worship the evil one by sinning. Sin is worship - of the evil one. Pray for your worship to be to God alone through your faith in Jesus and living a life of righteousness.
Comments from You: 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:
I’m going to expose my thoughts about “Love” based on today’s Old Testament readings, David and Jonathan’s love for each other and Anka’s comments/thoughts.
Love, as mentioned by Jesus and as written about by Paul in I Corinthians chapter 13, cannot be an emotion that we so readily ascribe to it. Love, as per God’s definition and usage cannot be what we think it is a feeling of warm fuzzes.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9 KJVR)
The reason I wrestle with our understanding of what “Love” is as God sees it is because we equate the evidence of “Love” with the absence of hate; bad feelings; dislike. Yet, in God’s Word we are told to hate/despise/reject sin (depending on the translation, our mother/father/sisters etc. Yes, yes I know that Jesus said He brought a new Law,
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; (Matthew 5:44 KJVR)
All of these directives require us to do something, not to have or work up an emotion or feelings before doing it. I believe, as a book title so readily proclaims, “Love is a Verb,” it is a doing and NOT A being. For God so Loved …That He Gave. (John 3:16) He gave of himself, He offered up Himself to pay the cost of committed sin and for committing sin, to people who hated Him. I have heard it said that we need to send our feelings and emotions to school to teach them, to keep them under control, to not let them take us down the path of good intentions done the road to hell.
In the 14th chapter of Jeremiah in the Amplified Bible, there is a rendering of a text that I have to admit I don’t contemplate enough,
And the people to whom they prophesy shall be cast out in the streets of Jerusalem, victims of famine and sword; and they shall have none to bury them--them, their wives, their sons, and their daughters. For I will pour out their wickedness upon them [and not on their false teachers only, for the people could not have been deceived except by their own consent]. (Jeremiah 14:16 AMP)
Our emotions get us into trouble because we allow them to override biblical principles because we have a “feeling” about someone, be it love or hate, thus we become a party to our own deception. This may all be just a rant going nowhere but I believe I need to; we all need to examine our understanding of Love. Is it a Verb, Noun, Adjective or Adverb? Our we letting our emotions tell us, lie to us on whether we love someone or not. People leave the spouses because they don’t “feel” in love; we deny aid or help to people who we don’t care about and “feel” they are trying to trick us---all of this is based on emotions. And we should know that our emotions can “lie” to us. After all we know that we have brains but when is the last time you “felt” them. Feeling or not feeling something, by use of our senses, does not mean something does or doesn’t exist. We are a people of faith walking be faith, talking by faith and operating by faith not by emotions. To operate by faith we must now what the Holy Spirit is speaking to us; we must, like Jesus, only do what we see the Father do. Then and only then can we move away from sentimentality and emotional “love” into the God kind of Love. For God so loved the World that He Gave …”
Grace and peace Ramona
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Sucking up...the Amalekite told a lie.Saul specifically didn't want to be killed by an uncircumsised man...and he told his armour bearer to kill him not this Amalekite who probably thought David would reward him for killing Saul.David in spite of everything Saul did,loved God and this love extended to Saul.True God is love and unfortunately this is one area where sadly I fail.I had grown to distrust people so much that while I could go out of my way to help,sometimes even sacrificially....I couldn't love.Jesus in his love for us came to dwell among us..gave us his time,gave up his comfort.I pondered in my heart the love between Jonathan and David.As Jim and John said...the bond between soldiers.I still love my life because I try my best to protect myself from being taken for granted or hurt by others,compared to David,Jonathan,Paul...I lack love and love my life.I pray God helps me let go completely so He can fully use me.I pray the church sees the need for unity in this spiritual battle...and most importantly...love like God meant it to be...not something that costs little but something that gives it all. God bless you all. Anka
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Hearing of the death of Saul and the tribute he gives, shows David's humility. He could have said, "Saul deserved this!"" But David looked to the Lord as the judge, and the honor he shows for Saul demonstrates this. What a great example for us all to honor those in authority over us, as well as to see the evidences of God's grace in the lives of others rather than focusing on what is wrong.
Kristie
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Saul (means: asked) had four sons: 1. Jonathan (means: Jehovah has given) 2. Malki-Shua (means: my king is salvation) 3. Abinadab (means: father of liberality) 4. Esh-Baal (means: man of Baal) aka: Ishbosheth (means: man of shame)
In I Chronicles 8:33 and 9:39 he is referenced as Esh Baal.
Saul's nephew, Abner (means: my father is a lamp), Ner whose name means "light" was Abner's father and Saul's brother), decides to make Ish-bosheth king, in defiance of what should have been common knowledge: Samuel had annointed David King at God's direction. What was he thinking? And, why was Ish-Bosheth not killed in the heat of the battle when Saul and Jonathan died? What of Malki-Shua and Abinadab?
In John MacArthur's Study Bible I was impressed with this explanation of the tribute David made to Jonathan and Saul; it helped to solidify the intent of the lamentation, and would like to share it with you all, but first a preface:
1:18 The Song of the Bow
This was the title of the poem in which the word "bow" may have been chosen with reference to Jonathan, whose bow is mentioned in verse 22.
okay, now the lamentation:
The Beauty of Israel
Literally, the gazelle or antelope of Israel, the chosen symbol of youthful elegance and symmetery, most likely referring to Jonathan. Thus, the song began and ended with Saul's noble son.
High places
These were open-air worship sites generally established at high elevations. In this case the high place was Mt. Gilboa, where Saul had died.
How the mighty have fallen!
They were not only Israel's slain "beauty," but Saul and Jonathan were mighty men who had fallen in battle. This phrase is repeated as a refrain in verses 25 and 27.
1:20 Gath...Ashkelon
Two chief cities which together could represent all of the Philistine territory. Gath was situated in the eastern part of the Philistine territory, while Ashkelon was in the west by the sea. David did not want the Philistines to rejoice at the calamities of Israel as Israel had rejoiced at the defeat of the Philistines (I Sam. 18:7).
1:21 no dew or rain
David spoke a curse, seeking the absence of dew or rain upon the mountain where Saul and Jonathan died.
not anointed with oil
It was necessary in those times to anoint a shield with oil (see 21:5) to prevent the leather from being hard and cracked. But there on Mt. Gilboa lay the shield of Saul dried out, a symbol of defeat and death.
1:22 bow...sword
These two weapons were used by Saul and Jonathan with much power, accuracy, and effectiveness. It was also with the bow that Jonathan helped David escape Saul's wrath (I Sam 20:35-42).
1:23 beloved
This generous commendation, including Saul who was seeking to kill David, showed David's gracious, forgiving attitude -- a model of gracious love (see Matthew 5:43-48).
1:26 Surpassing the love of women
This bond between David and Jonathan was strong. However, this does not mean that their friendship was necessarily superior to the bond of love between a man and a woman. The commitment shared between the two of them was a noble, loyal, and selfless devotion (see I Samuel 18:3), which neither of them had ever felt for a woman. Unlike love between a man and a woman in which a sexual element is part of the strong attraction, this love between these two men had no such sexual feature, yet was compellingly strong.
1:27 weapons of war
A figurative expression referring to Saul and Jonathan.
Sue
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Sorry - did I miss something somewhere in this story - I keep looking for someone to point out the fact that NOBODY killed Saul - he fell on his own sword by his own hand, as did his armourbearer or was that my imagination:
1Sam 31:4 Then said Saul unto his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it.
1Sam 31:5 And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise upon his sword, and died with him.
So when I read this portion today, I was sort of going What? Yet nobody so far has pointed this bit out about how the Amalekite was a liar, and David obviously was never provided the real truth either about it, although I doubt it would have made much difference in respect of him taking this guy's life for his greed and errant attitude.
Just another reminder - was a time long ago when a bad attitude could get you killed - today it seems to be what drives our nations sadly, and we see much more spiritual death as a result.
Romayne
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>>Sorry - did I miss something somewhere in this story - I keep looking for someone to point out the fact that NOBODY killed Saul - he fell on his own sword by his own hand, as did his armourbearer or was that my imagination:>>
Romayne—The intent of this Blog is for us to focus on/write about the things that peak our interest, it is not to come to a consensus and do a group think, mental assenting on what any one person thinks we should focus on. Sometimes there is a common theme or thread that each person picks up, today there wasn’t.
The following is taken from Mike’s Welcome page, the first paragraph:
The purpose of this website is to encourage you to read through the entire Bible in a year! This encouragement to you is offered in two simple free ways - 1. This daily blog with reflections, commentary and questions. 2. Weekly free e-mails filled with encouragement, commentary, and questions.
Each of us comes from a different background, a different longitude and latatud on the earth and have experienced and are experiencing different things--each is at a different level. I personally have read though the entire Bible over thirty times so I was always uncovering, discovering things that I didn't see the last time I read a particular passage.
Maybe no one spoke of Saul killing himself because you were suppose to bring it up :-o
Ramona
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I can easily understand the relationship between Jonathan and David because God has blessed me with a best friend of 56 years. We are as opposite as day and night and often laugh and say if we weren’t best friends then we probably wouldn’t be friends at all. We have been there for each other during times of celebration, times of sadness, times of illnesses, even during times when we lived miles apart. We have been there for each other’s kids as they grew up and we are there now for each other’s grandkids. I like jeans and tees, hiking in the woods, volunteering on community projects, belonging to service organizations and having many friends. She likes fancy clothes, eating in glitzy restaurants, having a few close friends, and shopping, shopping and more shopping. I am positive and tolerant, and love sitting by the bridge and talking with the homeless people. She is more negative and impatient with others who don’t measure up to her standards. She loves singing solos in choir and I love being on the committee that scrubs down the kitchen. We both love the Lord with all our hearts and we love each other with that special love that God extends to best friends. God created us differently in personality but He gave us the bond of lasting friendship. They say that God gives you your family but you pick your own friends. I believe that God gives us our family but He also gives us special friends apart from sexual relationships and such was the bond of friendship between Jonathan and David. I pray that each of you has or will such have a friendship blessed and bonded by the Lord.
What is love? Love is a bond put between people who take joy in being in each other's company without having to modify their actions. Love is knowing that other people are special and worthy just as they are. Love is a gift that God gives you, which allows you to appreciate those that you share this earthly life with. Love is the way God made us so that we not only enjoy other people but are there to assist them however possible. Love is the spirit of God!
God Bless! Pat
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God has blessed me so much with many brothers and sisters in Christ that I truly love and know they love me. When I first moved back to the US after living in Denmark for 3 years, I didn't know anyone and I asked God to give me friends, Godly friends and He has fullfilled that 1000 times over. I would never change anything if I had to do it all over again, my experiences and relationships I have been blessed with in these friendships is prceless. I have learned from these friends an abundance of wisdom and knowledge and been inspired when I could not feel an inspiration in me. I am thankful that God knw what we need and always provides for us. Praise God.
Dottie
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I have been blessed abundantly with love from family and friends (that are like family). I love them so for sticking with me through so much. My testimony is CRAZY, but certain people have carried me through so much. Really, there are no words to describe how wonderful they have been to me, all I can say is that their love has changed my life.
And now, I've found a couple new friends here on OneYearBible that I feel love for and it seems like when David and Jonathan first met each other. We don't really know each other all that well, yet, but there seems to be a special blessing to the friendships as they grow.
God is so very good to me, and I am blessed. God's love is wonderful and amazing. Amen
Katie
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I have been thinking these past few days about love. My idea of love is a little skewed I think....and I have been questioning if it is sincere. After some time of reading and prayer, and being still I have realized that if I am seeking God frist in all things, the love I have for others is genuine. Not controlling, not self-serving, not empty. I can see the difference in the effect is has on others and on my heart. Pretty cool. He is Holy and gracious. Thank you for being deligent in these daily studies my friend. In Him.
Mary
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"The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life"( John 12:25) Jesus seemed to suggest that our present existence is not important and for some fanatics they would blow themselves up for this eternal life. The difference between Jesus and these fanatics is Jesus did not blow others up in the process.
Jit
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Hi Mike,
Thanks for your insights--very helpful! I really like Proverbs 15:28: "The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words." I pray that the Lord will help me to think before I speak this day!
Peter
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The book of 1 Samuel shows how GOD places ordinary people in extraordinary positions in this world in order to fulfill the will of GOD for humanity. As a new born baby Samuels mother gave Samuel to the priests to raise in the house of GOD to thank GOD for giving her a son when she had been barren her entire life. As Samuel grew GOD gave him the ability to discern good from evil and to make wise decisions for his people. Israel wants a king to be like all of the other nations around them. Samuel tells the people that this will only lead to the people turning away from GOD and turning to paganism. Samuel selects Saul to rule over the people and to be Israel's first king. Saul leads Israel in several victorious battles against the surrounding kings. Saul is rejected as king when he refuses to do what GOD commands him regarding the spoil of war. David a sheep herder kills Goliath and is anointed the new king of Israel by Samuel. Saul hates David who he tries to kill on several occasions. Jonathan Sauls son loves David and he tries to protect him and keep him safe from harm. When David catches up to Saul in the mountains David in his compassion for Saul spares his life. Saul eventually dies in battle against the Philistines. The book of 1 Samuel shows how GOD places ordinary people in extraordinary positions in this world in order to fulfill the will of GOD for humanity.
Raeann
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Psalm 118:26
26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you.
When Jesus was about to be crucified, he told his disciples and the surrounding people that unless the Jews said that, "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD." Then He will return for a second time. This is so important that the Jews, his people to know God and acknowledge Jesus in this end time.
Frederick
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John 12:20- 26 I have a few points to bring up about this Gospel Message and I am not sure where the source comes from (Chuck Swindoll ?) In our circle of friends, it is good to get to know those who know Jesus. Our desire at any church event is to see Jesus. Notice how two are better than one as Philip and Andrew go see Jesus. (Math 18:19). This is encouragement and direction for the Greeks (us), when we desire acquaintance with Him. “The harvest of the Gentiles, the multiplying of the redeemed was the magnifying glory of the redeemer.”
Bob
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The Making of a Man of God by Allen Redpath, is a wonderful book on the relationship between David and Jonathan. It's an old book, but a real treasure if you can find i "It takes more grace than I can tell, to play the second fiddle well"
William
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Jonathan loved David...but, he also loved his father and knew him as God's anointed King Saul. Jonathan filled his duty as son and a commanding officer by going with King Saul into battle. God knew this, and that's why Samuel gave that message to Saul at the witch at endor. It's sad but, like Charles Stanley says...there are consequences to sin. God will forgive, however, we still are responsible for our actions. But, God is good! If Saul had only fully obeyed the Lord...
If we...
Imja
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2 Samuel 1:1-2:11
In the story of the Talents, each man was given according to his ability and the “Master” expected a return on what He had given them based on their ability (Matthew 25:14-30). I will ask a question and it is a rhetorical question but it is something that has bothered me for many a year, or at least it has peaked my interest for a long time.
What happened to Jonathan? I know that he died along side his father, but what happened to him, why did he end up dead along side his father? What happened to his commitment to David? Then Saul told his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. But Saul's son Jonathan liked David very much. So Jonathan told David, "My father Saul is trying to kill you. So be careful tomorrow morning. Find a hiding place and stay in seclusion. (1 Samuel 19:1-2 NET.) Then Jonathan son of Saul left and went to David at Horesh. He encouraged him through God. He said to him, "Don't be afraid! For the hand of my father Saul cannot find you. You will rule over Israel, and I will be your second in command. Even my father Saul realizes this." When the two of them had made a covenant before the LORD, David stayed on at Horesh, but Jonathan went to his house. (1 Samuel 23:16-18 NET.)
I could be totally off base but how does someone make a statement that he would be second in command knowing that the first in command is being hunted down like a dog then go back to his house? How often do we know that something is supposed to be yet we continue hanging out in the wrong place? Was Jonathan supposed to die that day, along with his father because he was never suppose to be second in command? Was he looking back towards his old life instead of looking forward to a life with David as his leader? Do we set out to “plow the field” while looking back toward our house?
And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. (Luke 9:62 KJVR)
Just something that makes you go, Hmmm!
Grace and Peace, Ramona
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Greeks seeking Jesus caught my eye,His reply to them even more so.From my little knowledge of history,at that time,the jews were under the romans...they were separate,sometimes viewed as proud because of their practices.They wouldn't eat certain foods,worshipped only one God who's commands may have not been too popular among pagan nations.Yet some gentiles were drawn to them,these greeks came to partake of their passover and worship at their feast.Very much like Ruth who chose to worship the God of Israel and left behind her idols,her ways...everything to be joined to the Lord's people. Jesus' reply to them was simple"He who loves his life loses it, and he who (J)hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal" "If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and (K)where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will (L)honor him"..... Sometimes we think we can have it both ways..say we're following Jesus but refuse to die to self,refuse to accept His ways...not wanting to be unpopular,seeking to be part of the world as well as part of the body of Christ...These Greeks came to worship the God of Israel among His people,in His temple...not caring what people said or thought,leaving behind what they were taught and coming to listen to what Jesus said....I pray we like Ruth choose to follow Jesus all the way,leave our own idols and practices behind...letting the Comforter and Teacher lead us as we follow. God bless you all Anka
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Wow good analogy! Because usually when a statement is recorded in the Bible it usually comes to pass..however Jonathan's words were on deaf ears.
2nd Sam 13:1-2:11 What I thought was sad was the Amelekite was trying to get approval and lied to David today saying he killed Saul. In turn his lie was the death of him.
John-12:20-50 Something interesting I never heard is Lord talking to the Father and the thundering noise the people heard about God saying it will be glorified- He did before and it will be done again!!
Psalm 118 : 19-29 Last part of Psalm 118, an urgency, a pleading --25 verse: OH Lord, save us --Oh God give us success --28--verse: You are my God, and I will give you thanks You are my God, I will exalt You.. Give thanks to the Lord, for His love endures forever.
Then in Proverbs: 15:27-28 Especially 28: fave verse and feel like it relates to what I am going through with coming to the conclusion that one chapter of my life is over and God is plotting a new course at a new school and I have been torn twice and finding the right words to let go..
Old Testament - We finish the book of First Samuel today! Second Samuel is up tomorrow! First Samuel chapter 29 verse 8 read a bit strange to me: ""What have I done to deserve this treatment?" David demanded. "Why can't I fight the enemies of my lord, the king?"" It seemed odd, at first read, that David would say this to King Achish of the Philistines. Commentaries suggest that David may have purposefully made an ambiguous statement here, such that Achish (and maybe us) would think he was referring to Achish - when perhaps he was referring to God or Saul as David's "lord, the king." With David's madman acting and wisdom, this ambiguous type statement with another meaning would not be surprising...
In First Samuel 31 today we read about the death of Saul. At the very end Saul did what he always did - took things into his own hands. Relied on himself. Fell on his own sword. Perhaps sometimes in our lives today we are not so different from Saul. Maybe we try to take things into our own hands. Rely on ourselves. But hopefully never fall on our own swords... We should instead be leaving things in God's hands and relying fully on God.
Bible.org's commentary on today's First Samuel readings titled "From “Playing Both Ends Against the Middle” to “Caught Between a Rock and a Hard Place”" is at this link and "From Tragedy to Triumph" is at this link and "Saul's Death Wish" is at this link.
New Testament - John 12 verse 10 stood out to me today - somehow I hadn't really noticed this verse before - "Then the leading priests decided to kill Lazarus, too, for it was because of him that many of the people had deserted them and believed in Jesus." Lazarus was raised from the dead and they wanted him dead again... sad... The miracle had caused many to believe in Jesus as the Messiah. Not surprising that those in that day who were against Jesus would also be against those close to Jesus. Think there might be some correlation in this regard in our world today? Is it possible that the closer we get to Jesus, the more the Enemy might come up against us in various ways? It cannot defeat us with God on our side. But it may come after us. I'm a day late in our readings on this painting below from the year 1630 of "The Raising of Lazarus" by Rembrandt:
I like verse 19 today! "Then the Pharisees said to each other, "We've lost. Look, the whole world has gone after Jesus!"" Unfortunately it was a bit of an exaggeration at that time and the 2,000 years following. But maybe in the future? How are you part of the Great Commission today? An image is below for verse 15 (originally from Zechariah 9:9) - ""Don't be afraid, people of Israel. Look, your King is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt."
Bible.org's commentary on our John readings today titled "The Sweet Smell of Love and the Stench of Greed" is at this link and "The Un-Triumphal Entry" is at this link.
Psalms - I came across a wonderful speculation on Psalm 118! Zondervan's commentary suggested that Jesus and the disciples sung this psalm/hymn at the end of the Last Supper. Matthew chapter 26 verse 30 tells us - "When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives." Adds a bit of a new dimension to this Psalm, no? The reason for this speculation is because this is the final Psalm in the Egyptian Hallel of Psalms 113 through 118. These Psalms were used in Jewish liturgy at the great religious festivals of Passover, Tabernacles, Dedication, Weeks, New Moon. At Passover Psalm 113 & 114 were sung before the meal and Psalms 115 - 118 were sung after the meal. Perhaps, even after the Last Supper by Jesus and the disciples? Below is Russian artist Simon Ushakov's "The Last Supper" from the year 1685 -
Verse 8 in this Psalm stands out to me big time: "It is better to trust the LORD than to put confidence in people." Kind of strong words I know... but what do you think? Might people, on occasion, let you down? Obviously, we know the answer to this one. People will let us down. Even our closest friends and family at some point will let us down. However - I don't think this means we give up on investing and loving friends and family! It just means we should not be surprised when someone lets us down. That's human nature. None of us is perfect this side of heaven - you will obviously let people down too. Realizing this, I think all of us should be prepared to forgive others and to ask for forgiveness of others. However, what do you think on this question: Will God ever let you down? Will Jesus ever let you down? Please know He won't! In fact, I believe that He's holding you up right this very moment...
Proverbs - Proverbs 15 verse 24 is a beautiful meditation - "The path of the wise leads to life above; they leave the grave behind." Are you on the path of the wise?
Worship Video: Today's readings in John about Jesus remind me of the Passion/Christy Nockels song "Let it be Jesus:"
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:"You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me (Jesus)." John 12:8 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you love Jesus above all else. Pray that you will indeed love and serve the poor in our world, but won't love this service to the poor or anything else in this world above your love for Jesus. Pray that you will always have Jesus in eternity. And pray that the poor will too, through their saving faith in Jesus. Pray that you realize we are all truly poor if we are not in a saving relationship with Jesus.
Comments from You & Questions of the Day: 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:
1 Samuel 29:1-31:13
Even when we have made alliances with the “enemy” for what we think is self-preservation; even when our actions cause pain and grief to others as well as ourselves—the city of Ziklag being taken, burned to the ground and everything that was in it carried off, God stills fights our “other” enemies and restores everything that has been stolen. Interestingly enough the town/city of Ziklag was not a town that should have been possessed by the Philistines, that city was part of Judah’s inheritance that had been taken from them during the time of the Judges. (See Joshua 15:21-31 for Judah’s inheritance) Therefore, God will restore all things lost by previous generations.
There is something here that I always considered just part of the narrative, the finding of the Egyptian in the desert as David and his men chased after the Amalekites. Now I see that it points to Jesus’ Parable of the Good Samaritan. They army, like the Samaritan, was on a mission. In the King James Translations the use of the words, “by chance” describes how the priest and the Levite happened upon the man left half-dead; however, the Samaritan was on a “journey.” When we are on a journey, we will meet up with the people we are called to minister to; however, when we are traveling “by chance” we will pass folk by. Meeting up with those people and ministering to them will send us down the correct road that leads to complete restoration.
Some of the men of David’s army showed mercy to this Egyptian they found in the desert. They brought him back to David, they fed him and gave him something to drink, and they restored him. That act of kindness led them to the men they were seeking. Usually armies, especially back then, were ruthless in their pursuit. If you happened to be in there way while they were on the move, their feet, horses and chariots would crush you. What happened to the Egyptian is a clear “type” of Christ’s mercy, or the Mercy of God.
The second thing I observed, and am rethinking in a different way is Saul’s suicide. I had come to think that Saul was a coward and didn’t want to suffer the pain of a lingering death, but now I’m wondering if what he did was a continuation of his rebellion to the Word of God. Samuel had told him, the night before:
Since you did not obey the LORD and did not carry out his fierce anger against the Amalekites, the LORD has done this thing to you today. The LORD will hand you and Israel over to the Philistines! Tomorrow both you and your sons will be with me. The LORD will also hand the army of Israel over to the Philistines!" (1 Samuel 28:18-19 NET.)
My thinking is this: Did Saul fall on his sword thinking that in so doing he would place his dying, and how he died, in his own hands and defy the words spoken by the prophet Samuel. Hmmm.
Grace and peace, Ramona
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In 1 Samuel 30, the Amalekites overtake the Israelites and capture all the wives and children and everyone is in a state of mourning. Notice the great distress David is in: "David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God."
When everything and everyone is against us, can we strengthen ourselves in the Lord like David did? By the end of the chapter, David recovers all who has been captured, and all the belongings. This is how God wants to restore us who look to Him for strength
Marilyn
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It is difficult for me to understand how David could align with the Philistines. In particular, the Philistines were the very enemy David had fought, killing Goliath, and ... Hey! What happened to the Philistines being slaves to the Hebrews for having killed Goliath. Wasn't that supposed to be the challenge Goliath put forth? No honor there, I guess.
Of course, I must get some perspective here, as in reading the text (what did it take us, a week?) from the time of Saul's coronation to the end of his life, I sometimes forget he was made king at age 30 and died at age 72! A whole bunch of history took place in that 42 years, didn't it?
Okay, so maybe the Philistines WERE in bondage to the Hebrews for some time, but it doesn't seem it lasted long since there seemed to be constant conflict between them and Saul.
Do you suppose David really was planning to deceive Achish? I think God was so gracious in causing David to have to turn back, and . . .
What of the gratitude of the Philistines when they learned that David and his men had recovered all the plunder? So many blanks that are not filled in, but that would probably be "a rabbit trail," huh? I mean, God told us what it was important for us to know, and sometimes I want to know specifics that really are not that pertinent at all. hmmm.
A few days ago I expressed concern about the Psalm where it said how precious to the Lord is the death of his saints, and I get a glimpse of what that could have meant when I see the utter devastation that overtook David and his men when their wives had been captured. I think it shows how very much these women meant to these men, and "how precious" it was to me to see them weeping to the point of sheer exhaustion over their wives having been kidnapped.
I wonder what ultimately happened to that Egyptian? Think he joined up with David and his men, or went back to Egypt? Or, or... or (smile; see? I want to know the "rest of the story" )
Now, why was David so generous with his plunder of the Amalekites? "27 He sent it to those who were in Bethel, Ramoth Negev and Jattir; 28 to those in Aroer, Siphmoth, Eshtemoa 29 and Racal; to those in the towns of the Jerahmeelites and the Kenites; 30 to those in Hormah, Bor Ashan, Athach 31 and Hebron; and to those in all the other places where David and his men had roamed." Had these nations shown kindness to David and his men during the time he had been pursued by Saul?
I know, I know...I have too many questions.
I have to wonder to where the Israelites fled when the Philistines conquered Saul's army and Saul and his sons died.
^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V I always thought Hosanna meant Praise to God, and I am delighted to learn it means Save! even though it became an expression of praise.
It seems that John's text is a little different from the other gospels in that in Matthew, Mark, and Luke Jesus told his disciples: "Mt:21:2: Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me."
"Mk:11:2: And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him."
"Lk:19:30: Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither." ^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V Does it get any better than this? "His love endures forever!" Doesn't that song resound in your ears? Praise God for songs! ^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V^V
Interesting that the Psalm requires WISDOM for the "path of life to lead upward,"
and indicates that the PURE are pleasing to Him,
and yet, no requirement for the widow: He keeps the widows boundaries intact.
What amazing protection God affords those who are without providers!
His love really does endure forever, doesn't it?
Have a blessed Son-Day, everyone!
Sue
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Sue,
One (1) of your questions dovetails with something that struck me in the reading.
David's Plunder (gifts)
When David shared equally with the soldiers, who had stayed behind with the supplies, it reminded me of the parable of field hands working different hours. All field hands received the same daily wage no matter how long they worked that day. The ones who worked longer were upset.
The (type) lesson here in 1Sam30 is the same as the parable. All who are of Christ, no matter their role or how long they have been "believers" get the same base pay/share - "salvation". Just as all the soldiers shared equally and all the field hands received the same amount. What is not talked about is the rewards to believers, but that is a different topic - this is about the base pay/division of gifts.
As to Sue's point about gift distribution to cities. I think if you look at the cities (and the text says) they are in Judah (I just did a quick google search that makes this seem correct.) The spoils were not shared with Philistines but with his tribesmen.
Why? Perhaps David's time with the Philistines had "frosted" those in Judah that were partial (in his camp) to David. If you like, a way of making amends.
and/or David was just generous and it was his way of thanking (when he was in a position to do so) those cities and areas that had been kind to him during his evasion of Saul.
Also,
You go to the movies with a group of people. Your husband is in the group. The next day you relate to a co-worker a funny moment at the movie between you and husband. You never mention the other people.
Why?
Because it is not relevant to the "funny moment". Does not make your version of the moment "untrue". The moment is told from your perspective according to the point you want to make.
Gospel of John is all bout the Glory of God and Jesus' deity. I suppose the details of animal procurement were not relevant to John, just that Christ rode on one and fulfilled prohecy.
You may have been making a rhetorical point in your observation, but this is something I have wanted to post for some time for people that have difficulty with "different versions" of "same event" in the Gospels :)
John
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I find it slightly strange that it doesn't record in this reading if David had asked the Lord when he joined the army of the Philistine....yet when he wanted to pursue the Amalekites he did.Could it be possible that David didn't ask God because he knew God may say no and that would mean a confrontation between him and king Achish.If this was the case it was due to a lack of faith not outright defiance that David didn't ask God before joining the army.. Expensive oil...The accounts of this story in different gospels make me wonder....was Mary sister of Martha and Lazarus the woman that was caught in the very act of adultery?In Luke she's called a sinful woman....in the others Mary..I have not found any conclusive verse or commentary on this but if it's so then it must really show why Mary was so grateful to Jesus and why she spared no costs in her worship of Him. God bless you all Anka
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A couple of years ago, an author signed his book for me and wrote, "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man." Psalm 18:8 Now this man didn't know me although he'd grown up with my dad. (It wasn't a Christian book). I wondered if he wrote this verse for everyone, if it was his favorite verse, and then didn't give it any more thought.
Yesterday, I decided that since today is my birthday, I would choose a verse from today's reading to memorize in hopes of transforming my mind. And this verse is the one that's in boldface in the OYB! Hmmm...And what the Lord seems to be trying to teach me lately is that satan first and foremost attacks us in our own minds, it's a spiritual battle, and that being a Christian means being in an ongoing fight. And lately, I've seen how I depend too much on other people, and this is how satan can most easily render me useless to my own side. And I am not paying good enough attention to what the Lord is trying to tell me !!! Lord, help me to remember this.
Becky
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Mike, I have a whole different take on 1 Samuel 29. Let’s look at the background up to this point. Saul was searching out David and his men wherever they went. They could not put down permanent roots because Saul was determined to kill David and when he did he would have killed his men also. The Israelites and the Philistines were enemies and constantly at war with each other. However, it was the Philistines that gave David and his band of 600 men shelter. Achish, king of Gath, not only gave them shelter, he even gave them their own land in Ziklag so that they could raise their families and flocks in peace. I’m of the opinion that David would have fought with King Achish and the Philistines against the Israelites that had been trying to kill him out of gratitude to Achish for all that he had done for David and his men.
However, God knew that David and his men were needed back in Ziklag immediately because in Chapter 30 we learn the Amalekites had raided Ziklag in their absence and burned the town and taken captive the women and all who were in it both young and old. If David had not returned immediately the women would have been defiled and the children disbursed among the Amalekites as slaves. As it was, Achish made him return home and with God’s blessings he and his men rescued not only the women and children, all who were young and old, but also the plunder the Amalekites had stolen from David and his men. In addition, they also took for themselves property that belonged originally to the Amalekites.
I am of the opinion that this is another case where God sometimes closes one door in our life and opens another door in its place. I feel that as Christians we will all face a door that shuts in our lives and experience a door opened in its place, which will lead us in a different direction. I think this was God’s way of using David where he was most needed at that time and using us where we are most needed today. Praise the Lord for being the doorkeeper of all that believe in Him!
Also,a comment on John 12:6 - There has been a lot of discussion on whether Judas would have a place in Heaven for doing God’s will and betraying our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I think Jesus, himself, answered that when he said in Matthew 26:24 “The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.”
John 12:6 gives us an insight into the character of Judas that is seldom brought up when discussing Judas. Here we learn that Judas was a dishonorable man, a thief, even before he betrayed Christ. He stole money that belonged to Jesus and the disciples; he stole money that they would have not only needed for their own livelihood but also that that would have been given to the poor. Judas was a self-centered not a Christ-centered man! We have been warned to beware of wolves that come in sheep’s clothing and Judas was one of these men. We read all the time about evangelist who steal from their congregations and workers in churches that perform unchristian acts. It is they that get the publicity when they are caught but it is the honorable in the churches that will get their reward when Christ returns! Praise the Lord!
God Bless! Pat
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But David found strength in the LORD his God. Finally David realized that he may make plans but ultimately God has the last say.Here he was away from his people,a refugee in a pagan nation,he even thought to join their army to earn points.....Had he asked God then,no. Here we see the Lord's enduring mercy even when we stray,even when we take wrong turns in our lives...sometimes He brings about a burning bush to get our attention,other times He allows disaster.David's men were murmuring,I guess he knew his crowd pretty well,they were the misfits of the society,the outlawed...who else could David turn to...he remembered the One who was faithful to forgive when we repent,David called out to the Lord and the Lord didn't turn away,nor did the Lord remind him of his past mistakes...True,it is better to trust the Lord than to put your trust in men.... Many times where Mary appears,there's also talk about Martha...but Mary was the one whose love for Jesus was shown in everything she did...She sat down to listen when He spoke,when Lazarus died,Martha was around Jesus but he sent for Mary..Did she listen so closely to His words that she knew that He was going to die....did she realise that she was annointing Him for His burial,the disciples didn't get it...did she?I can't help wondering...by sitting at the feet of Jesus,she may have learnt something that the others missed....just my musings.She was a true worshipper,she gave something that cost her,she didn't care about the murmurings that went on while she washed Jesus feet...nothing was going to stop her from worshipping her Lord. The jews planned to kill both Jesus and Lazarus,these were people who were supposed to have kept the Torah not just learn it...The word of God was given to them,but they ignored it,added what suited them,ignored the rest...small wonder they didn't see just how close their salvation was...How many christians today read the bible,how much more know it....the people who planned to kill Jesus knew the word,they had head knowledge of the word,yet they lived in darkness.....what happens to those who don't know the Lord's commandments,His ways...they have a form of godliness...yet..... May the Lord have mercy on us all,may He draw us closer to His word not just to read and interprete it as we have been taught by men who in turn have been taught wronlgy by other men...May we allow the Teacher show us where we go wrong,lead us on the right path. God bless you all Anka
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This is a lovely blog. The artwork is wonderful, and I like the Scripture pointers too.
Blessings, Linda
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Wow Psalms 118:8 really hit home for me, i am such a trusting person that it really hurts when i get let down, I now know that the Lord will never let me down and i shouldn't get so upset when someone does it.
By the way Mike Congrats on your upcoming Wedding God Bless you
Laura
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Mike, Your Bible blog has really made a difference in my life. I will always be grateful to you for putting it together. You are truly one of God's Heroes. May God richly bless your marriage. Sincerely, Celeste
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Greetings and blessings from 'down under' for a truly memory making wedding day and God's richest blessing as you enter into marriage together.
Jenny
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With reference to proverb of the day, andy stanley has a very useful book called The Principle of the Path. Bottom line is that direction, not intention, determines destination. This is evident in the tragic life of Saul who may have wanted to be on a direction to be a noble king but the direction he was on, not his good intention, led him to his destination, a sad, tragic destiny of poor choices, jealousy, anger and resentment.
Luch
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God can use the unbeliever to help the godly, as had happened with David and his men... David has shown his loyal character once again - like he has to Saul, even though he would have David killed, and to Jonathan, his friend. David has been in the midst of constantly conflicting loyalties, yet has broken truce with none! He is the king-to-be (even though he is truly the king God wants) on the run!
Achish speaks respectfully of and to David and of the LORD, so obviously David has conducted himself well and was a good witness for the LORD. Certainly Achish does not want rebellion or trouble with his nobles and is making a wise move here - no matter what happens, David can't cause trouble nor can the nobles bring any complaint against Achish. It is a brilliant maneuver!
I wonder if God isn't using this exact moment to extricate David from that situation and free him for the kingship just ahead. Achish was used of God, but we are not to be dependent upon the unbeliever. This is yet another example of how God works His purposes in human affairs!
David shows he can be trusted by all.. rescues his people... Saul will soon be dead... the stage is set for David to soon rule. The road to this point has been rocky and David has had to use his wits all along. His integrity & character have given him favor in the eyes of Achish, David's followers and most importantly, in the sight of God!
Timberwolf
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1 Samuel 30:7-8
7 Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelek, “Bring me the ephod.” Abiathar brought it to him, 8 and David inquired of the LORD, “Shall I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake them?”
“Pursue them,” he answered. “You will certainly overtake them and succeed in the rescue.”
This is another godly example of David. David sought the LORD before his decision. He would ask the LORD before he acted. I pray and hope that I can learn from David's example to seek the LORD before I take 'actions'!
Frederick
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I like these stories and tests of David. He past all these tests with flying colors! But when he became King, that was a different matter. Absolute power corrupts. In our modern world we do live like little kings, with all sorts of privileges. We can eat drink and enjoy porn like a King, in the privacy of our homes. King David was not strong enough to defeat these kinds of demons, but he was only strong when he was in the wilderness. David, whose heart and mind was close to God and who wrote all those powerful psalms and is so full of wisdom, was weak when life became easy as he became King. This is ultimately the most powerful lesson to learn. Are we any better than David? If not, then I thank God for all the wildernesses that I am in right now so that I would keep on the straight and narrow path. May my life be never so comfortable as to fall as David.
David
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Hi Mike,
Your Psalm 118 comments re: Matt. 18:26 "And after they had sung an hymn they went out", stirred some memories for me from 1956 when five missionaries were martyred by the Auca indians in Ecuador, South America. They deserve to be remembered as their martyrdom was the inspiration for many young people giving their lives for full time christian service.
Their story is recounted in the great book "Through Gates of Splendor" by Elisabeth Elliot, wife of one of the Five. These men had s tremendous impact on my christian life.
William
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Mike and everyone, Thank you Mike for leading us in our daily reading! Just want to share from Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 118:1-18 "Whether the believer traces back his comfort to the everlasting goodness and mercy of God, or whether he looks forward to the blessing secured to him, he will find abundant cause for joy and praise. Every answer to our prayers is an evidence that the Lord is on our side; and then we need not fear what man can do unto us; we should conscientiously do our duty to all, and trust in him alone to accept and bless us. Let us seek to live to declare the works of God, and to encourage others to serve him and trust in him." amen and amen! "O give thanks to the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endures for ever." (Psalm 118:1) Father, may we give thanks to You in good times and bad, for we know You are good, You are merciful and faithful!
Sincerely, Joyce
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I agree with you Ramona..Saul was so defiant..I believe he indeed wanted to ignore and go against the Lord. He never blamed himself or was like..u know Lord I'm wrong, I messed up royally, please forgive me..no..jealousy blinded him..just like religious leaders were blinded by jealousy of Jesus and how many "followers" he had.
And always trust in the Lord..put your trust in him and not the confidence of other people.
The picture u have Mike for Proverbs..its funny how I'm trying to catch up on my reading..and I know I'm behind but it is so fitting because it is or looks like a cap and gown and my daughter graduates today! Lol 😆 be blessed yall
Old Testament - In First Samuel 26 David completes the 3 "tests" of obedience, as discussed in yesterday's post, by once again not killing Saul when he had the opportunity. Verses 9 through 11 again show David's character when he and Abishai had snuck into Saul's camp and Abishai offered to kill Saul - ""No!" David said. "Don't kill him. For who can remain innocent after attacking the LORD's anointed one? Surely the LORD will strike Saul down someday, or he will die in battle or of old age. But the LORD forbid that I should kill the one he has anointed! But I'll tell you what--we'll take his spear and his jug of water and then get out of here!""
Interesting... in First Samuel 28 Saul bans mediums - wise - and then becomes desperate for one - unwise... The medium seems to get quite freaked out that she has called up Samuel. Commentaries suggest that she is used to calling up satanic / demonic forces. She (possibly) connected to Samuel somehow here and was freaked out by it. And Samuel tells Saul exactly what he probably knows in his heart. God has left him - a long time ago - because of his disobedience. Consulting a medium is just one more disobedient act in a string of them. I pray that no one reading this consults mediums or does tarot cards or gets into palm readings or any of that garbage. It is spiritually dangerous and risky to get into any of that. Unfortunately, I know that things like "tarot card reading parties" are somewhat popular today. I have been invited to them and have not gone - and told the hosts why I was not attending. Please avoid this spiritually risky stuff. It is no joke dangerous. Below is a painting by Benjamin West from the year 1777 titled "Saul and the Witch of Endor":
Bible.org's commentary on today's First Samuel readings titled "The Second Time Around" is at this link. Commentary titled "One Step Forward, and Two Backward" is at this link and commentary titled "Finding God's Will, Any "Witch" Way You Can" is at this link.
New Testament - Today in John chapter 11 verse 35 we read the shortest verse in the Bible – “Jesus wept.” Though this may be the shortest verse, I do not believe it is small in meaning. What does it say to you that Jesus wept? What does it mean to you that Jesus wept? I love this verse because to me it shows Jesus’ humanity (while at the same time he is divine). During his time living as a man on earth, Jesus experienced the full range of emotions that you and I experience today. Jesus was tempted. (though, unlike us, he did not give into temptation and sin ever) Jesus was joyful. Jesus was angry. Jesus loved. Jesus wept. Knowing this about Jesus, does this help you to realize that you can approach Jesus with absolutely any situation in your life that you might be struggling with? Do you believe that Jesus will understand you if you are weeping? Do you believe that Jesus will rejoice with you when you are rejoicing? I do. “Jesus wept” says so much to me about who Jesus was, is, and forever will be. Jesus wept.
Bible.org's commentary on today's John chapter 11 readings titled "Dealing with Death" is at this link and "The Raising of Lazarus" is at this link.
Psalms - Psalm 117 is the shortest of all the Psalms - and the shortest chapter in the entire Bible. This Psalm is said to basically be one long Alleluia. :) Actually verse 1 has a very important message - "Praise the LORD, all you nations. Praise him, all you people of the earth." This demonstrates that God was very interested in the salvation of the Gentiles and all the nations in the Old Testament. And not just in the New Testament as we get to the book of Acts. This was part of the plan all along...
Proverbs - Today in Proverbs chapter 15 verse 22 we read – “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Wow. . . this verse really is convicting for me on a couple of levels. The first thought for me is God – and how often (or not often) do I pray to God for counsel on my plans for my life? Truthfully, not enough. I pray to God daily – but it’s usually pretty brief. I believe God wants us to come to him often in prayer asking for guidance and counsel on our plans. Imagine that – with God as an adviser on our plans, do you think they might succeed?? :) Secondly, I think about community – other people. And I think about, first of all, am I in community? Am I in a community of people that I know well and that know me? And if so, am I consulting this community on my life plans? Am I allowing people I know and love to advise me on my life? Think this would be wise? How about you – do you pray often to God for counsel and leading in your life plans? Are you in community with others that you know well and that know you? And do you consult this community with your plans and ask for their advice?
Worship Video: Psalm 117 reminds me of Michael W. Smith's "A New Hallelujah!"
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:"Jesus wept." John 11:35 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray in thanksgiving that Jesus wept like we weep. Pray in thanksgiving that Jesus knows pain and joy, as we do. Pray in thanksgiving that Jesus is our High Priest who like us was tempted in every way, but never sinned, and intercedes on our behalf before the Father.
Comments from You & Questions of the Day: I read an interesting commentary today related to Jesus weeping in John. The commentary basically said that while we have recorded in Scriptures that Jesus wept, we don't have anywhere recorded in Scriptures that Jesus laughed. I had never thought about that before! The commentary went on to say that they are sure Jesus laughed and had a great sense of humor. But I find that fascinating to think about - that it's not recorded that Jesus laughed. Why do you suppose this is? Do you think Jesus laughed? 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:
1 Samuel 26:1-28:25
Two men, on the outside they don’t seem to be different; however, on the inside one has a heart after God, the other’ heart is focused on himself and covered in pride. Both of these men have sin in their lives, both of these men have “missed” it; yet one repents and turns back to God the other doesn’t. One is at war with God the other is at peace. If one were to look at the entire life of both of these men, I think Saul would come up smelling like a rose, while David would be severely condemned. However, the difference can be found in the heart. David wanted to please God Saul wanted to fight Him. Saul fought to keep his name in the limelight by any means necessary; David lifted up God’s name.
Death, necromancers (the witch at Endor), familiar spirits and mediums.
I think everyone needs to take a deep breath and go back and read Jesus’ reply to the Sadducees (Sad-to-sees) who gave Jesus that crazy scenario about the woman who married and outlived seven brothers (Matthew 22:23-29; Mark 12:18-27; Luke 20:27-40). The bottom line is this, those that die a physical death, in Christ even before Christ physically came upon the earth (Samuel et all) are not dead in God’s sight.
But Jesus replied to them, You are wrong because you know neither the Scriptures nor God's power. For in the resurrected state neither do [men] marry nor are [women] given in marriage, but they are like the angels in heaven. But as to the resurrection of the dead--have you never read what was said to you by God, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? He is not the God of the dead but of the living! [Exod. 3:6.] (Matthew 22:29-32 AMP)
As far as man is concerned now, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob are long dead but Jesus reminds us that God spoke of them as being in the hear and now. God said I am the God of … Not I was the God …. We, I believe, in my humble opinion have the wrong understanding of what death is. Cessation of life is not death; being removed from the presence of God is death. We are made in the image of God and God is Spirit not flesh. Who we are, is not who and what we are in “flesh” but in spirit. Our spirits our born again, not our flesh. Our flesh will be redeemed and put back together again in a form that will be incorruptible, like Jesus’, when Jesus comes again.
The witch/medium of Endor had no plans or inclination of bring up Samuel that is why she screamed. She wasn’t expecting the real Samuel. Remember Jesus’ story of Lazarus and the rich man? (Luke 16:19-31). Each of them recognized each other, Abraham, Lazarus and the rich man AFTER DEATH but they were not dead; however, the Rich Man had a location problem, he was in the wrong location removed from the Presence of God. .
And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; but rather be afraid of Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell (Gehenna). (Matthew 10:28 AMP)
When the Lamb broke open the fifth seal, I saw at the foot of the altar the souls of those whose lives had been sacrificed for [adhering to] the Word of God and for the testimony they had borne. They cried in a loud voice, O [Sovereign] Lord, holy and true, how long now before You will sit in judgment and avenge our blood upon those who dwell on the earth? [Gen. 4:10; Ps. 79:5; Zech. 1:12.] Then they were each given a long and flowing and festive white robe and told to rest and wait patiently a little while longer, until the number should be complete of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be killed as they themselves had been. (Revelation 6:9-11 AMP)
Also something to think about, if death, physical death is so atrocious for the believer, why would Samuel be upset to be called back into the land of the physical living. He said that they had disturbed him.
This is not what I had initially decided to focus on, but reading the posts led me down this path.
Grace and peace, Ramona
P.S. Someone, I’m sorry I can’t remember who, asked about Jesus being the first raised from the dead when others, like Lazarus in the John reading had been brought back to life. Well again, we need to be clear on what “death” Jesus is talking about. Yes, Jesus brought back people from the dead, and by the way so did the prophets Elijah and Elisha; however, all those folks died a physical death, again. Jesus was the only one who came back to physical life but will NEVER die a physical death again. Those who are His will also be clothed with a body that will be eternal and incorruptible when He returns.
Oops! I forgot about the witches; familiar spirits and mediums.
Each of these things deal with death, something that well, scares us to death. We don’t know what is on the other side; however, God has told us what He has prepared for us but He left no solid proof. That is why we operate by faith. Witches, familiar spirits and mediums allege to tell us what God won’t. This is the same thing that happened in the Garden, “Did God say …?” We are enticed into this realm of demonic activity because deep down inside we believe God is keeping us in the dark, He’s pulling a fast one. It’s not demonic because it’s spooky and eerie; it is demonic because it is in the realm of Satan. I think I stated this before, There are only two Kingdoms; The Kingdom of God or the Kingdom of Satan. Everything in the Kingdom of Satan is demonic. In the Kingdom of God, Jesus is Lord; In the kingdom of Satan, Satan isn’t Lord—self is Lord.
Here is something to think about, what is a medium. It is someone who alleges to stand between the living and the dead. The problem is that anyone who operates in these modes are DEAD, spiritually dead. If Believers, God’s folk—His people, go to one of these to find out “stuff,” they are talking to dead folk (spiritually dead) about well dead folk (physically dead and possibly spiritually dead also). There is someone who stands between the living and the dead and it ain’t no medium it is Jesus Christ.
Familiar spirits are those demonic spirits that have hung around your family, region, country through the ages and know everything about you. That’s why they are familiar and you are comfortable with them being around. If someone or something gives you a “word” you best know how that “word” lines up with the Word. We are suppose to walk by faith not by our senses, feelings and emotions.
Witches are just necromancers; folks hanging around dead stuff and dead folk. Why if Jesus is the Truth and the Life, why would we want to rub shoulders and elbows with death when we have Life?
And when the people [instead of putting their trust in God] shall say to you, Consult for direction mediums and wizards who chirp and mutter, should not a people seek and consult their God? Should they consult the dead on behalf of the living? (Isaiah 8:19 AMP)
What we are really concerned about our loved ones who we may or may not see in heaven, bottom line. But guess what, when you get to heaven, if those folks are saved you will see them; if not, you won’t remember. There will be no tears shed in heaven.
Grace and peace, Ramona
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I have a question if you don't mind?
It is about 1 Samuel 28- The part were Saul goes to a Medium to find out what is going to happen the next day and according to the bible he gets the woman to bring Samuel up from the dead to speak to him . Question being are not all Mediums and conjourers all from satan ? If so how did Samuel come to be there and be party to this evil act?
I have looked up many commentaries but they are all contradictory , would like to hear what your impressions of this passage are. Thank you for all your help.
Anonymous
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Question being are not all Mediums and conjourers all from satan ? If so how did Samuel come to be there and be party to this evil act?
Question 1: No! Question 2: Because God wanted to send Saul a message!
Leroy
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I disagree with the first answer to this question.
Saul had no business going to a conjurer/medium/witch. It was strictly prohibited by God. Saul has made many poor choices in his life that are dangerous to follow and this is one of them.
The fact that it seems that the witch seems to have connected with the real Samuel is a surprise even to her. This is not the usual way of things and in fact Samuel doesn't give Saul what he is looking for. He basically tells him it's too late for him--he should have consulted and obeyed the man of God when he had the chance.
Following are the scriptural prohibitions on spiritists that I copied from the bible.org article link that was listed.
First, God has strictly forbidden the use of mediums. A number of Old Testament texts forbid the presence of mediums and other spiritists in the land of Israel and also forbid the Israelites to consult such persons. Consider these prohibitions in the Law of Moses:
“‘Do not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out to be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God’” (Leviticus 19:31).
“‘As for the person who turns to mediums and to spiritists, to play the harlot after them, I will also set My face against that person and will cut him off from among his people’” (Leviticus 20:6).
“‘Now a man or a woman who is a medium or a spiritist shall surely be put to death. They shall be stoned with stones, their bloodguiltiness is upon them’” (Leviticus 20:27).
10 “There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices witchcraft, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, 11 or one who casts a spell, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. 12 “For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD; and because of these detestable things the LORD your God will drive them out before you. 13 “You shall be blameless before the LORD your God. 14 “For those nations, which you shall dispossess, listen to those who practice witchcraft and to diviners, but as for you, the LORD your God has not allowed you to do so” (Deuteronomy 18:10-14).
Micah Girl
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My views on the medium issue - while I fully concur it is prohibited by God for us to contact the dead, He appears to allow (in certain circumstances) the dead to contact the living. I had an experience after my hubby died where I 'felt' he was talking to me (in my mind just - no visitation), and the ensuing 'conversation' was very spiritual where 'he' continually exhorted me to put Jesus first, and to know that we would indeed soon be joined together in God (he was a Christian too). I actually 'prayed against' Satan twice in the early part of this encounter as I really was so unsure of its source, but Stephen insisted it was him, and said he understood why I had to do that. The more interesting point of this 'encounter' was that Stephen told me he was only being given one opportunity to talk to me, and I was under no circumstances to 'seek him out' i.e, through mediums (not that I ever would have anyway). Finally I wrote down the entire conversation 8 hours later and know it was accurate (incredible for me who forgets what I did or said 2 hours ago!), and gave it to a solid fundamentalist minister to assess his opinion of the whole thing. He considered it to be okay because 1) I hadn't sought the encounter in any way and 2) the contents of it were very 'Jesus oriented' - and continually exhorted me to put Jesus first etc, along with some other confirmations.
So, while 8 years on, I now look back at that and start to have some doubts about it, I would still hold that God can allow the dead to contact the living in certain cases and maybe in various ways, although part of me would still be very wary about it.
=================== What I marvel at in some respects regarding Saul's case, is that having just been given a definite prophecy by Samuel about what's going to happen the next day and how - Saul doesn't consider changing his plans in any way - was he unable to do so for some divine reason, or is it just another testimony to the fact that we cannot change our future no matter how much we might like to - if we're going to die tomorrow, it will happen no matter what we decide to do, and/or even if we know about it in advance. It's also interesting too from the other angle of current day affairs - those who go to mediums etc now, would very much change their routine or lifestyle if told to do so or given 'knowledge' of some future event possibly happening. At the very least, they would end up living their lives totally stressed out worrying - precisely why God has never granted us the ability to know what lies ahead. Makes for a much less stressful life. Just think how tough it can be if you know you've got a tough meeting with your boss in 2 days time, or you're going to get test results tomorrow etc - way much worse if you knew something really bad or tough to deal with was going to happen up ahead. ================== Then looking at the NT story of Lazarus - listening to it once more, just made me think about something I was vehemently against not so long ago, but now am going to go and re-research - soul sleep! I'd always gone with the 'camp' that states - "absent from the body, present with the Lord", which asserts that you are fully awake, aware and corpus mentus at the instant of death and thereafter, which I do feel seems right. But then, listening to Jesus saying that Lazarus has only fallen asleep, makes me wonder. Seems a bit strange to consider that Lazarus might have died, actually gone to heaven only to be told that he's not going to stay there, but has to return to his body for Jesus to have His glory shown to the waiting crowd. Yet, I equally wonder was Lazarus a purely special case in respect of death and resurrection and/or was the possible concept of 'soul sleep' only a reality BEFORE the resurrection of Jesus??
Anyone want to comment on these concepts? Love to hear alternate views or links to other sites which might prove useful for continuing my research into the last one. Thanks.
Romayne
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Mediums...I thought when Samuel died he went to heaven..so that meant he was with God.God had taken a stand on mediums...seeking out mediums was never his will.It would suprise me that God would make an exception for Saul by letting the spirit of Samuel be summoned by a worker of satan thereby assisting in the breaking of a law He had made.Did Saul after all he did go to heaven?I've really not seen Saul have a relationship with God at all(except when he needed something).The Samuel the medium brought up said Saul and his sons would be together with him....Well,did Samuel have the right to judge who was going where after death?But the most disturbing question to me is...would God use satan's agents (after refusing to speak to Saul)to communicate...If God said no mediums then let Samuel go "prophesy"...isn't that breaking his own law.... I haven't had the time to read Bob's commentaries but this is one time I'll say "God if this is true,show me yourself cos it just doesn't sound like it's you".
I have to admit the statement Jesus made"this sickness is not unto death"is kind of puzzling because Lazarus did die because of the sickness....and as Romayne pointed out...the issue of the soul sleeping..that's a pretty hard piece of meat to chew. At the same time...to the unbelieving Jews...the saw the blind man healed,now Lazarus....truly they had no excuse not to believe.It brings us to the question of those who believed...what was so different about them.Jesus said that nobody can come to Him unless the father draws him near...must say I'm having a hard time with this bit....would really love get other insights. God bless you all Anka
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Back to the mediums - Anka, I tend to think that while mediums are indeed most likely deluded by, at the very least, and totally sold over to at worst, Satan, God has only said to us that we are not to contact the dead, NOT that it's not possible though - if anything this episode with Samuel to me shows it is indeed possible, and that quite likely those on the 'other side' know more about the future perhaps and if we could indeed contact them we would know more than we should again. However, I do believe that for the most part mediums do only contact demonic spirits masquerading as dead loved ones, hence those who use them in some sense are paying for their sin twice - they're going to be deluded firstly, and judged by God secondly. But like you, I do wonder why God allowed it - or indeed why bother doing it through a medium - if He wanted Samuel to appear to Saul, I would have imagined He could just have done it Himself rather than having Saul commit the additional sin of seeking out the medium. As you say - just throws up yet more questions.
Same with your second query - sounds a bit like the Calvinistic concept of predestination - that only those God elects can actually ever come to Him (which I disagree with) and if you're elected you couldn't decide not to submit and accept Jesus. I think it's more a case that the person is already considering their options, which allows the Holy Spirit room to move in their lives and reveal the Truth to them which they then have the choice to accept or reject. Others may disagree, but before anyone shouts at me for being in the opposite camp (Armenian) I'm not - although Methodist, I disagree with its beliefs too - I'm what I fondly call a Calvinistic Armeniast (apologies for sp). Basically I would believe in a middle viewpoint.
Anyway - hopefully some others might be online soon to discuss and debate these questions further. Appreciate your input tho Anka.
Romayne
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Saul at Endor
"Question being are not all Mediums and conjourers all from satan ?"
I am not sure what "all from satan" means? A medium that CAN contact the spirit world would work through "familiar spirits". These are demons (fallen angels) who have been around since Satan's fall. They are not dummies and have extensive knowledge of the subjects that are targeted for contact. "Familiar Spirits" can give detailed information from the deceased person's life and the interactions with the person desiring contact. Hence the term "familiar". They can imitate the voice and materialize looking like that person.
That being said - I think most mediums can be classified as non-believers in Christ. They are used by Satan and his minions to influence people's thoughts about the afterlife. The mediums (especially today) think they have this great gift and are using it for good. They think they have it all figured out, but today's mediums (and maybe the OT ones) are just pawns in Satan's game plan - to make people think they get it right (about the afterlife) - reincarnation, everyone in a happy place, spirit staying on earth, etc.- as long as they never go to Christ. NOTE: You will never see a clairvoyant or medium today who claims to contact the dead make comments endorsing the gospel or Jesus. Anything but that! that is enough to raise a red flag for me.
So, I do not think it is right to say they are "all from Satan" as much as they are being used and manipulated by Satan and his minions.
As Micah and Sue said - contacting the spirit world is a no-no. Micah's citings are absolutely correct. Today there is only one spirit we are to be contacting, and that is God - through the only intercessor and mediator the Bible acknowledges - Jesus Christ.
I base the above on comments by Erwin Lutzer, John Macarthur, and David Jeremiah, and a little reading on the subject.
I believe that people see aliens, have recordings of spirit voices (EVP), that contact with the spirit world is possible and has happened, and that apparations have appeared on earth - I just believe it is all done by "familiar spirits" (demons) who try to twist and turn what goes on in the Universe and after death to spin the story away from God and Jesus.
Saul at Endor II
As "anonymous" said, there is conflicting opinions in commentarieas on what went on here. I acknowledge that, and would like to just point out some things I noticed.
1)vs 12. When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out at the top of her voice..."
The woman (medium) is either a charlatan or for real. - if a charlatan than she must have been shocked at what she saw regarding Samuel. She was probably going to try and play (con)Saul regarding Samuel and information Saul wanted. - if for "real" then something bothered her a great deal. Perhaps the normal contact with a "familiar spirit" did not play out as usual, and Samuel's appearance was a great deviation from the norm.
I base this on the Hebrew word "za`aq" translated "she cried". This verb is in the Hebrew Qal Imperfect and is translated" a) to call (to one's aid) b) to cry, cry out (in need)
In a loud voice she called or cried out "in need" or "for aid". Why would this woman if experianced need "aid" or be "in need". I would propose that something radically different from the norm is going on in her job of contacting "spirit".
2) "the woman saw Samuel...Then Saul knew it was Samuel...Samuel said to Saul" excerpts from NIV.
"Saw", "knew", "said" all Hebrew Qal tense and all mean what we think they would mean in English.
Jesus just said in John that:
(Part of John 10:35) "-and the Scripture cannot be broken-"
So I conclude it is Samuel. In addition, a "familiar spirit" COULD recount all the past info Samuel did to Saul. However familiar spirits have no power to know the future. So, by Samuel fortelling the future (accurately) is further proof to me that it is Samuel speaking to Saul.
So the BIG Question is WHY? Why did God allow Samuel to arise from Sheol/Hades)? (I am with Ramona that the Lazarus/rich man story is not a parable but an instruction as to what the afterlife consisted of before the Cross.)
I don't know. My guess is that it was done for effect. That Saul being away from his troops would be in a "different place" mentally. If Samuel appeared back in camp, maybe Saul would have broke camp and run, or gone to food and drink or sleep. Afrter Samuel finished. it says Saul's strength was gone, he had fasted (by accident or on purpose???). Perhaps if he had been in camp and had food and been strong - he would have played off Samuel, God and the predictions and made excuses as Saul had been known to do in the past. In this setting Saul was forced to reflect on Samuel's words, and his mortality, and perhaps - repent.
The big prediction is Saul and his sons would be dead on the morrow. WOW! If you knew that what would you be doing the night before and all the next day? Maybe this was Saul's last chance to repent.
Scripture does not tell us if Saul repented (at least I don't think so) and people discuss it all the time as to Saul's fate. Samuel said, "and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me". I believe Samuel is in Sheol on the Abraham side. Jonathan would certainly be on that side after his death? Would Saul? Or would Saul be on the rich man's side of Hades suffering and in torment. We simply do not know. It all depends on if Saul turned back to God, repented and "believed".
Sue,
Ramona posted: "Jesus was the only one who came back to physical life but will NEVER die a physical death again. Those who are His will also be clothed with a body that will be eternal and incorruptible when He returns."
Like Ramona said - Christ is the first that died and would never die again. His resurrection broke the "sting" of death" - showing there is eternal life. Something he has been preaching all through John.
All your cited passages refer to that concept:
Acts: rise and show the light or knowledge that there is eternal life.
1Cor: Christ is the firstfruits of them that slept. The first of the harvest of souls that would go to heaven. (look up Jewish offering of first fruits and its symbolism in Christ.)
Col: Christ is the first to ascend to heaven followed by the saints - the church.
Romayne,
Now that I have violated two post rule. :(
John 11:12-15 His disciples replied, "Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better." Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep.
So then he told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him."
I to believe "absent from the body, present with the Lord", it is just that I think Lazarus was in Sheol as the story lazarus/richman instructs. The Father is omnipresent, so He is there on the paradise side. It is not heaven, but it is a "happy " place. I guess since non-belief results in separation from God, that although the Father is omnipresent , He is not on the "rich man's side" of Hades/Sheol. that is why that side of Hades is such a place of torment - especially if they can see the happy side across the chasm.
I do not believe anybody went to heaven until Christ ascended their first.
I will go on record as firmly rejecting the doctrine of "soul sleep". At death we are not just laying in the ground awaiting judgment day. (At least our spirit/soul is not).
I think we will find ample text (verses) on that as we get further in the New Testament.
BTW Urban legend has it that Lazarus only smiled once after he returned from the dead. Apparently he was not all that pleased to be back from "paradise". He ended up in Lanarca in Cyprus where his second tomb is located. (you can search: lazarus lanarca cyprus (tomb) to get some interesting reading.
John
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Ramona and John:
Thanks both of you for this information. I KNEW it had to be something I just wasn't seeing, and you hit the bull's eye!
This absent from the body and present with the Lord concept is a difficult one for me to grasp. There are so many schools of thought on what happens when we die. We know we will stand before the white throne judgment and God will see Christ's righteousness, but when? After the rapture? At the moment of death? Then there is all this "near death experience tales" and it gets rather complex, so I cannot quite get my mind around this death thing, but I will reread these and try.
This is why fellowship with the saints is so important to me "...do not forsake the fellowshipping..."
God's love and blessings.
Sue
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Things to think about: 1) The Bible says that "The living know that they shall die, but the dead know not anything." 2) Angels sometimes come in the form of men - good angels and bad. The Bible also talks about the spirits of devils working miracles - why would God work with a witch? Think about a fallen angel pretending to be Samuel. He would know all about what had been the life of Samuel and he could very well make someone kill Saul the next day if God didn't overrule. And how about mediums (witches) helping police solve crimes. Don't Satan and his angels know exactly what has happened and can relay that to the witches? 3) Is the Rapture Biblical? What do you do about I Thessalonians 5:16,17? Oh, I know what people say, that Jesus has to come back for the body.... but that's not quite what the Bible says here. God bless in our continued study to know His truth.
Dora
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Dora wrote:
1) The Bible says that "The living know that they shall die, but the dead know not anything."
God didn't write that Solomon did and he wrote it "under the sun," not under the Son. You must read the text in context and understand who is speaking: is it God or is it man thinking about God and his works. That statement is based on an observation. This type of thought will also be found in the Book of Job.
I'll leave the other two points (2 & 3) for someone else or for a latter time. I have to get ready for church.
Ramona
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Years ago when I was teaching Sunday School, we studied this chapter where Saul had the spiritualist call up the ghost of Samuel. Then there were few places on the Internet that charged for readings so I printed out the free readings they predicted for me for the Saturday before the lesson. I avoided all the sites that required me to leave an email address because I did not want future communication with spiritualist! All of the readings were different and they predicted things like coming into money, finding romance, travel, etc. I passed out the readings to the class so they could see how different they were. Everyone got real interested and wanted to know which ones came true. It was not until then that I told the class that none of them came true because I had made arrangements the previous month to have someone come and help me houseclean, and that Saturday was spent washing windows and scrubbing down walls. I stressed the point that all spiritual readings, except for the Scripture, are pure trash and should be treated as trash and to drive the point home I passed around the trashcan for everyone to dump the readings in. God used that lesson to make an impression on the class because there were some in the class that admitted they started each out day by reading their horoscope instead of the Bible! They made a vow right then that they would start out each day with Bible in hand instead of the horoscope in the newspaper. I pray that each of you start your day out with the Word of God to give you the guidance you will need that day.
God Bless! Pat
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I find that it is very interesting that the verse Jesus wept, can open our minds to many thoughts. I think about how I grew up and learned that it was not ok to show my emotions, I learned not to cry. Many years went by and horrific things happened in my life, yet I couldn't cry, even when my mom graduated into Heaven! Then, my first born child, my oldest daughter, passed away unexpectedly and I cried. I cried from so very deep with in me and I thought I would never stop! God spoke to me in that verse, Jesus wept, and I realized that it was alright to cry. I then learned that God saves each of our tears and I was set free from that point. I learnd that tears are cleansing, healing and they gave me a new strength to carry on what I believed in God, to live Spiritually in the world! I found through obedience to God and following His directions, my life became a life, free from all the cluter, and garbage I had built up in it and carried like a treasure I should save, but now I let it all go and I have freedom. I now have joy, happines, and peace. I believe Jesus laughed, it says he attended a lot of weddings and there is a lot of laughter and joy at a wedding!
Dottie
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Knowing this about Jesus, does this help you to realize that you can approach Jesus with absolutely any situation in your life that you might be struggling with? Do you believe that Jesus will understand you if you are weeping? Do you believe that Jesus will rejoice with you when you are rejoicing? ~ Absolutely!!! I know He'll understand me, I can feel it when I cry! I feel Him comforting me when I cry. It's a wonderful feeling! He knows my struggles, He can cry with me, He can feel what I feel! And when I'm having my breakthrough and cry from happiness He's there with me too! Jesus is awesome!!! He knows me so well, He knows how to encourage me, comfort me and bring me where I want to be and most important; keeping me on the right path and bring me where God wants me to be!
Mae
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1 Samuel is again very interesting...how Saul contacted Samuel and that God permitted this. I definitely believe any kind of palm reading, mediums, tarot card, juigi boards is all occultic and bad news. Christians have no right messing with any of that, but I'd advise all ppl to stay away. Its very real and demonic...its opening the door to the demonic world. I have heard so many stories! I was reading commentary on Saul bringing up Samuel and it was saying this is the only case in the BIble and any attempt to contact the dead, if it 'works' you are really contacting demonic beings impersonating the dead. I have been in such pain from the loss of my best friend that I considered a medium, just to talk to her one time...Even after I knew it would be a demon impersonating her, i was so desperate i considered it, but then rejected it. So I know ppl in loss and pain are very vulnerable. But as christians, God forbids us! we have the choice to disobey but why would we?? This opens the doors to allowing evil spirits in. One of my good friends is not a believer and has seen demons in her house, when she describes it, it sounded terrifying! I spent the night at her apartment once and she left to hang out with the neighbor...the same apartment that the demon was in (she described it in great detail) but I felt no fear, because Greater is HE that is in me, then he that is in the world. I know a demon will not touch me bcos I have not opened those doors and I know they are NO match for Christ...they are terrified. I could tell stories of ppl i know using juigi boards and levitating but i dont want to dwell too much on the evil world. i am aware it exists, i stay away, and thats enough.
"Jesus wept". I kinda wondered about this verse a while back, why would He weep knowing He would raise Lazarus, but actually He wept because He saw the pain death left others with. He Lazarus' sisters and friends in such pain and that caused Him great pain. I know when I see ppl I care for crying over their losses and in pain, I cry too bcos I feel their hurt. Jesus, feeling total empathy and compassion is able to comfort us bcos He knows the pain it causes us humans. I have also heard Jesus was described as having a great sense of humor and being funny. I'm sure Jesus laughed: He was both fully human and fully God.
Jenny
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"David then asked Ahimelech the Hittite and Abishai son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother, "Who will go down into the camp with me to Saul?" "I'll go with you," said Abishai."
I find this nepotism very interesting:
1. Ahimelech was Hittite. 2. Zeruiah was David's Sister 3. Joab and Abishai were the sons of David's sister, Zeruiah * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * As David calls out Saul yet another time, after this time taking Saul's spear and water jug, again we hear Saul acknowledge his wrongdoing. It puts me in mind of Judah when Tamar was about to be stoned, how Judah acknowledged that she was more honorable than Judah because he would not give her his son to wed.
Then I got to thinking about what Jesus said in "Matthew 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16: But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17: And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican."
David employed this in his first encounter with Saul in the cave (privately), and now he speaks out in front of his men so that all can be party to what is really going on, and it is again remarkable to me how scripture interprets scripture. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * We know that Saul was quite aware of his sin in consulting a medium, because just before this he had expelled all the mediums and spiritists.
The witch of Endor (the medium) was located in the Philistine-held territory, so Saul disguised himself and went "by night" (bear in mind what Jesus said in John 11:9 and 10 today:
"9Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours of daylight? A man who walks by day will not stumble, for he sees by this world's light. 10It is when he walks by night that he stumbles, for he has no light."
Isn't it ironic that Saul would swear by the very existence of the Lord that this medium was safe from punishment, while he was in blatant disobedience to the very Levitical law that required her to be stoned?
The text clearly indicates that Samuel, not an apparition, was evident to the eyes of the medium. God miraculously permitted the actual spirit of Samuel to speak. Because she understood her inability to raise the dead in this manner, she immediately knew that it must have been by the power of God and that her disguised inquirer must be Saul.
The word translated "spirit" is actually the Hebrew word meaning "God, gods, angel, ruler, or judge." It can also be used to designate a likeness to one of these from the medium's perspective. Samuel appeared to be "like a spirit" ascending out of the earth. There is no other such miracle as this in all of Scripture.
Obviously age and clothing do not exist in the realm of the spirits of those who have died, but God miraculously gave such appearances so that Saul was able to perceive that the spirit was Samuel. The question arises whether all believers will remain in the form they were in when they died. Since Scripture teaches that the resurrection of the saints is yet future (Daniel 12:1,2), Samuel must have been in this condition temporarily for the benefit of Saul alone. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * The reading today is chalk so full of choice morsels. "All this meat and no potatoes." *LOL* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * Now, this Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha: He was resurrected from the dead before Jesus, and the folks in the town on the day of Jesus crucifixion; "Matthew 27:51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; 52: And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, 53: And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many."
What gives? I have a little difficulty with this, not that I believe scripture is wrong, but that my understanding is dull. How is it that we proclaim that Jesus is first to rise from the dead in light of the death of Lazarus, the child Elijah raised up, these folks coming out of the grave?
"Acts:26:23: That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.
1Cor:15:20: But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
Col:1:18: And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence."
Can someone please clarify this for me?
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * Alright, now finally we see that Caiaphas actually did prophesy about Jesus death in his plot to have him killed; remarkable how God uses even the bad things about our character to bring about good:
"John 11:49... Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, "You know nothing at all! 50You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish."
51He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, 52and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one. 53So from that day on they plotted to take his life."
Bet you thought I was going to use the entire page today, huh? (Oh, I did?)
Sue
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While every life has seasons of laughter and sorrow, I believe that communities do also. I just think that the times that the writers of the gospels were living in, they were more impressed by the weeping. Maybe Jesus laughed a lot in an age of sorrow. Think of the recent hard times of our own country and the depression. It shaped people's lives. The crucification of Jesus was still fresh on their minds. I've heard preachers say that Jesus my have been weeping because He knew Lazarus was in God's presence and the miracle required Lazarus to come back into a sinful environment. It is comforting to know that Jesus wept- and I believe our Father planned that we would know this. I believe that he weeps even now with us-at least we know that the Holy Spirit grieves.
Lisa
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When I read the John passage I assumed Jesus was weeping partly because he alone *knew* that was going to be him in a very short time: a combination of natural human dread and fear at that prospect mixed together with the infinite love and power of God. Who wouldn't weep?
As for laughing, I'm *sure* from personal experiences that God has a very good sense of humor. That said, if the majority of your children were slaves to sin and death and refused to even recognize, much less obey you, would you laugh?
Art
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IMHO, Samuel would have temporarily gone to the place Jesus spoke of in the parable of Lazarus & the Rich Man... only at the cross did Jesus offer anyone the chance to actually & finally go to Paradise. Even then, the dead are still awaiting the resurrection and the final fulfillment of the of the Kingdom and eternity as transformed beings as Paul tells us the dead and the living will be at Jesus 2nd appearance!
As far as this being truly Samuel appearing to Saul... even though this is a contested issue with possible evidence on either side, I tend to think that short of God suspending the usual "uncrossable gulf between the dead and the living" ala the parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man that existed even for the righteous dead, this is not Samuel, but only appears to be. I won't go into more detail why I think that, but necromancy is called evil by the Lord, so why would God allow or practice it himself??!! There is such a thing as raising the dead back to life & there will be resurrection for all, but all the mentioning of the living being concerned with "ghosts/spirits of the dead" in the Bible is surrounded with superstition and/or evil spiritual practices...just some thoughts (sorry I did not include scripture references, but anyone can easily search these things out)
Peace Timberwolf
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No time now to expound now but...
just think about Moses & Elija coming back and talking with Jesus during the transfiguration...
And as to Mike's question about the Lord laughing:
"He who sits in the heavens laughs...." Psalm 2:4
Kary
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Kary, that is an interesting comment.. thanks for it!
A difference between Samuel and Moses & Elijah was that both of their bodies were removed from the earth or somehow contended for ... I wonder if there was a reason for that?
Ramona said: "Also something to think about, if death, physical death is so atrocious for the believer, why would Samuel be upset to be called back into the land of the physical living. He said that they had disturbed him."
There is no indication that the supposed Samuel was physical in nature... if a donkey can see an angel like Balaam's did, even if this was a spirit, there is no body needed.
Look at the way this passage is worded. It is just like a typical modern seance... Saul sees nothing! Perhaps the "Samuel" that is speaking is the medium speaking on his behalf (falsely or not):
1 Samuel 29: 13 The king said to her, “Do not be afraid. What do you see?” And the woman said to Saul, “I see a god coming up out of the earth.” 14 He said to her, “What is his appearance?” And she said, “An old man is coming up, and he is wrapped in a robe.” And Saul knew that it was Samuel, and he bowed with his face to the ground and paid homage.
15 Then Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?”
God said that one of the reasons Saul was judged for consulting a medium... obviously he did something evil... so, is God in the necromancy business or not?
1 Chronicles 10: 13 So Saul died for his breach of faith. He broke faith with the Lord in that he did not keep the command of the Lord, and also consulted a medium, seeking guidance. 14 He did not seek guidance from the Lord. Therefore the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse.
(God doesn't seem to be laughing there!)
I think Kary's meeting of Jesus with the 2 prophets is a completely different thing!
These kinds of passages are certainly interesting, but definitely complex! Just more to think about in this difficult issue, that will always have 2 interpretations I am sure ;)
peace Timberwolf
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I agree with Mike's comments on tarot cards. In fact, we should be careful with Yoga as well.
David did not kill Saul for a second time. This makes me think of the Northern Israeli kingdom after Solomon. I the later books that we will read, we will learn that the later kings succeeded not by natural means. They murdered. I believe David set a godly example in front of God that David did not murder Saul, although he could. But that would reflected the serious sins of the later kings as they never learned from this example.
Re: 1 Samuel 27--David Among the Philistines
As Ramona said in her comments, David also sinned. He lied to the Achish son of Maok king of Gath. David is not perfect. Although he did not kill Saul just a while ago, he had not enough faith (he feared Saul) and so he went to Philistines. And he lied to the king. The bible recorded David's lies and lack of faith.
Frederick
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I am sure that Jesus must have laughed. He spent time with children and they liked being around Him. Children like to have fun and laugh. He must have laughed. Also, look at all the funny things He created. He *must* have a sense of humor - monkeys, strange-looking animals, etc.
Cheryl
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Jesus wept. This is the shortest verse in the Bible.
Raeann
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19"Moreover the LORD will also give over Israel along with you into the hands of the Philistines, therefore tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. Indeed the LORD will give over the army of Israel into the hands of the Philistines!"
Does this imply that Saul would be in the same place as Samuel? You and your sons. I believe that Jonathan was a rightous son.
It is quite something how the bible lines up, we get the shortest chapter of the bible, Psalm 117 and the shortest verse, "Jesus wept."
He is the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Christ, will live even if he dies, Praise His Holy Name.
Patty
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I believe Jesus laughed...because of his love for the children, he must have...kids do such funny, cute, quirky and even though they don't realize it, insightful things. We love and laugh with our children. I believe Jesus does too.
Marcella
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Yes, I think Jesus laughed. He loves children and children love Him. Love of children has intrinsic laughter, joy and pleasure. Our Saviour is the positive force in the universe, He created it, He has to have a sense of humour.
Diane
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Mike and everyone, Mike - thank you for pointing out the verse: "Jesus wept." (John 11:35 NIV). i've spent the day on and off looking up commentaries and sermons regarding this verse. came across this story to share: 'A mission executive from the United States was visiting a school in Kenya where he was listening as teenage girls shared how they had been blessed by hearing the Bible in their own language. One girl testified that the verse that had the greatest impact on her was Matthew 5:4, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Another said that the verse that had the greatest impact on her was John 11:35, “Jesus wept.” She said that when she wept in the night, she knew that Jesus was weeping with her. The mission executive wondered why these two girls were mourning and weeping. He thought that maybe they had chosen these verses to share because they were short and easy to remember. But the school’s teacher leaned over and whispered to him that both of these girls had lost their parents to AIDS. Jesus’ compassion comforted them in their losses.' (from Bible.org, Lesson 62:The Teacher's Tears, John 11:28-37, Steven J Cole)
Father, thank You that through Jesus' word and His life, You've let us know, that You are a God of compassion. You rejoice when we are happy, and weep when we are sad. Thank You for the blessing and privilege in believing in You. in Jesus' name, amen.
Sincerely, Joyce
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Thank you Ramona. My wife of nearly 19 years just [assed away April 10 of this year and I believe, absent from the body, present with the Lord. We get our resurrected bodies after the tribulation, that 1000 years Jesus will be on this earth. Praise the Lord from whom all blessings flow. The Holy Spirit is helping me get better every day.
Alan
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Jesus was fully divine and fully human. He went through everything we experienced. This is what makes it so easy for us to come to Him. He understands our humanity while fully being God. Which makes me believe he had to have a good laugh too! Because, He loves being with all people and children. That fact alone had to have had many comical moments! Even now, I’m positive we make him laugh, He brings me joy daily!
Imja
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There may be no record of Jesus ever laughing, but I suspect He did... pretty often. After all, look at the disciples He was surrounded with!
Sam
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Wow..witches..spirits and mediums in 1 Samuel..bad on Saul..he wasn't very aware of the power of prayer and of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He just knew he was not anointed anymore. His time to shine is dwindling down and he is desperate. However he knows that David is the promised one to be on the throne next.
I just always think wow for John 11. To have a friend like Jesus in those times visit in flesh and blood and weep over me(which I know we have this relationship now when we surrender and ask him in our heart) but I still say wow! Lazarus being Risen from the grave. Jesus wept. Wow!
Sweet short verses on other two..Allalejuh verses.
Can anyone think of a better verse than Psalm 119:32 where it says, "I run in the path of your commands for you have set my heart free." Jesus said, if the Son shall set you free you shall be free indeed. (John 8:31-36) and He also said, If you continue in my Word you are truly my disciples and the truth shall set you free.
Freedom comes from being like the person James wrote about in James 1:25 'who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and CONTINUES TO DO THIS, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he/she will be blessed in what he does."
Another great verse we read recently in Psalm 107:20 was where it says, "He sent forth his word and healed them..." So many choose to live in bondage, even in bondage to their religious systems. Their religious systems become 'God' to them more than the refreshing teaching, living word of Jesus. No wonder Paul exhorted the colossians in 3:16 "Let the word of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God."
I don't know about anyone else but I want to keep on running in the path of His commands, for He is forever setting our hearts free. "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Gal. 5:1
Luch
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Yes, I believe that Jesus/God/Holy Spirit has a very very good sense of humor; for instance the end of April I went to a small conference at the Vineyard Church here in OKC & heard Bobby Connor speak that night. It stormed really bad that night & we prayed really hard for it not to hit the church where we were gathered & God honored those prayers but not so over some of Oklahoma that night.
Anyway, during the praise & worship I saw a young man on the front row praising & worshipping the Lord with abandon & it touched my heart so that I began to focus all my prayer on my 23 yo son, that one day soon I would get to see him praise & worship the Lord with abandon too (for sure before I go home to be with my Lord).
When Bobby Connor was teaching/preaching, he told us that most times God gives him a sign in regard to something is is praying about...supernatural signs & wonders & some of them are really odd/strange.
SO...the next day when I was in a Sales Meeting at work, the phone rang & the receptionist answered it & called me out of the meeting & said something had happened to my apartment; so I called the apartment office & she said that someone had run into our apartment with their car!!! It was in my son's room right at the head of his bed & knocked the bed & nightstand forward & picture off the wall. My son had gone to work earlier in the morning so he wasn't in his room/bed when it happened or he might have been injured really bad.
To make a long story short...when I came home that evening from work, of course I surveyed the damage & it was a huge huge crack in the wall from ceiling to floor...a huge Word Picture for sure!!! I ask the Lord what happened here & this is what I hear Him say, "BREAKTHROUGH!"
I was so excited I was beside myself with joy. I will always have that beautiful Word Picture stamped in my memory/hard drive & that lovely voice of His with excitement too. That was my sign for my prayers also (especially in regard to my 23 yo son)...BREAKTHROUGH in his/son's room & in both of our lives.
I am so glad that God has a very very good sense of humor, He sure made me laugh instead of cry that day.
They have finally sheet rocked the huge crack/breakthrough, but not taped & bedded yet inside the room & have not fixed the brick on the outside of the wall. There is scaffolding still there holding up the brick.
Yes, I have danced with abandon more than once before the Lord like David...but not enough. Have done it public & private...public is the hardest, but corporate dancing/worship is so powerful in the Spirit realm...worshipping in Spirit & Truth is so awesome & free in Him.
Jan
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I will take a different take on sense of humour subject. Sense of humour is a very vague and over-lapping subject. I think devil has great sense of humour in the sense it can titillate and stimulate our senses... Dark humour/ Black humour/ slapstick humour/ Earthy Humour that is overflowing in all media.... is what that can really make us laugh.
But then I wonder whether we should put boundaries on humour and tag it strictly as godly or ungodly... ? Humour is mysterious really. Say, if someone slips on the floor and tumbles to a fall, it may appear as funny. But it actually may result in a grave injury to the fallen. So, what is so funny about it! ? :-)
So, humour is one of those things that belong to the mystery realm. By the way, one can be amazed to trace funny dark humour in various parts of OT. I guess it is there for a purpose. ;-)
Emberglow
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Sorry to be so verbose today; just so much meat!
Recab and Baanah: They thought they were going to find favor with David, the King, because they believed they were supporting his position as Israel's king. Isn't it interesting how when we take up an offense for someone, we end up being the "bad guy?" I think that is why police do not like involve themselves in "domestic quarrels," because likely as not, the spouse they try to protect will turn on them.
I do not mean to imply that David was wrong to have turned on these two cowards. They were misguided in their desire to help the "cause" of the king, but it was not THEIR "fight." How can one find common ground, if they have a whole "army" of folks going after their heads out of some misguided loyalty. We may THINK we know that someone will be grateful when we uphold their cause, but in the end, we probably misunderstood what caused the breach in the first place and in the second place how to mend it, and it certainly will turn itself on us.
Numbers:
Maybe pertinent--maybe not, but I find it interesting that David reigned 40 years as king (same as Saul) and that the first 7 years of his kingship in Judah began when he was age 30 (same as when Jesus began his ministry) and he reigned as king over all Israel and Judah 33 years (the number depicted when Jesus was crucified).
11 more sons; a total of 17 now: I know the caption was "David conquers Jerusalem," but to me the relevant text had to do with 11 more contenders for the throne -- and Solomon was not even born yet!
I wonder how David had time to be a "husband" to his wives, and then I remember that in those days, having a husband was tantamount to having protection: food, clothing, and shelter. I imagine their concept of polygamy was more a matter of "sharing the wealth," instead of our understanding of polygamy today.
idols:
"The Philistines abandoned their idols there, and David and his men carried them off." Why do we not read that they destroyed the idols? Last night I was watching a program on PBS about the people in Bolivia who work the mines. The Spaniards erected idols that they misnamed "Tios" because they did not understand that the word was "Deos" for God, and the "Tios" were considered evil spirits who would punish the miners if they were not paid homage. The devastation that this caused those poor people praying to idols was heartbreaking, and the Christians who tried to teach them about Jesus' love were unable to convey to them that God has more power than those idols.
Uzzah! Uzzah! Uzzah!
For years I struggled with this portion of scripture. It caused me to fear God, and that is a good thing, but I could not understand WHY God would be so harsh with Uzzah when he was protecting the Ark of God; should he have just let it fall off the cart when the oxen stumbled? It was very perplexing to me.
Then my eyes were opened one Sunday while sitting in church and listening to John MacArthur explain that God wants our obedience first, and the emotions will follow. A case of putting the cart before the horse?--or the "oxen" if you will. So many times we have to guard against putting our emotions (feelings) above what we know to be God's will. Only the Levites were allowed to touch the Ark of God, and Uzzah knew this. God was fully capable of protecting his own Ark, but what a hard lesson for all those who saw God strike him dead.
love:
A new "command" Jesus gave to us: "Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."
This was not a request. So how does Jesus love us? I have seen so many people attempt to define love; I suppose we all have our concepts of what constitutes love, but for me it is summed up in one word: Sacrifice.
I do not believe any mother loves another's child like she loves her own, but it is not just because it issued from her body or was adopted, nor because it was the culmination of her expression of affection for the baby's father. No, that "love" is expression of her diligent service to that child from conception, when she begins to wonder about the future of the child, the anxiety of childbirth, the labor and delivery that require teeth gritting effort and the joy of a beautiful infant, but it does not end there; it goes on to the daily diaper changing, spitting up of food administered during all hours of the night, the daily "sacrifice" of nurturing, teaching, tending...and no one loves your child like you do.
Why?
Because YOU have sacrificed. I think that is one of the reasons we are told to do good to those who hate you and pray for them who despitefully use you.
Matthew 5
43: Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
45: That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
46: For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
In my father's house:
This verse has great significance to me because it was my son's favorite. He would say: "In my father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you."
I believe my son is in one of those mansions now. That gives me great peace.
obey what I command:
How do we really know if someone loves God? "Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me."
"If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching."
"...the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you..."
HOW?
How can we be reminded of everything Jesus has said to us if we do not ever get it in there in the first place? It is one of the reasons I cherish this One Year Bible reading...so that the Holy Spirit can bring it to my remembrance.
Psalm 119
David expounds of the value of the law here; he certainly knows that rulers are gathered together scorning and having contempt for him, but his counselor is God's statutes, and he meditates on the law, seeks understanding (open my eyes that I may see). It reads like a plea to "teach me your decrees" and to understand the teaching of the Lord's precepts that will result in meditation on His wonders. Keeping God's laws has set David's heart free.
Proverbs:
And the Proverbs underscore that we need discipline and rebuke in order to gain understanding.
====
I just LOVE Psalm 119!
Verse 26) I told You my plans, and you answered.
Now teach me your decrees.
In Dutch: Ik heb U alles verteld wat ik heb gedaan en U hebt mij ook antwoord gegeven. Leer mij nu hoe ik naar Uw wil kan leven.
~ This verse is so beautiful! When I read this, it made me think of something that happened this week. I was going through a hard time the past week about making a choice. A choice that would change A LOT. I prayed over this asking the Lord how to do this, I asked for directions and did the same prayer over and over again. Till Monday ... then instead of ASKING for directions, I TOLD the Lord about my plans. And He answered in the most beautiful and clear way! I could hear Him talking to me! It was a wonderful experience which gave me the courage to cut the knot. On Tuesdaymorning I was on my knees, thanking and praising the Lord for His help. And He covered me with blessings that day. I cut the knot I needed to and He lifted me up and carried me through it. God is just so good! He gave me strength to do what I had to do. Sometimes I can be insecure in what I have to do. I keep on doubting if I can do a thing being a Christian. I don't really know how to explain this feeling. But I can wonder about things that I want to do, I constantly ask myself "Can I do this or that? I'm a Christian and that seems not Christian-like". But God is teaching me His decrees. I took a step in the right direction and from that point, He could teach me! I told Him about my plans and that was an open door for Him to teach me! He wanted me to figure it out by myself in order to give me the blessings! This incident was such a revelation for me!
Yes, I'm in a community. The church I go to is named "De Deur", we have a fellowship all over the world. (Potter's House & Open Door) I really love this community! It's a wonderful community! And I'm so glad I've found them! I'm only saved for 9 months, so they're not really criticize (yet). I'm a 'newborn', so they pretty much only encouraging me, which I love! I know when I'm saved longer, it will change. Not that they stop encouraging!!! But I know they will sharpen a bit. My husband and I have a good understanding with our pastor, we talk with him a lot. He's really encouraging towards us, and tells us how great we are doing. It's nice to have such encouraging! My husband didn't ask for our pastor to disciple him yet, but I know that from the moment he asks, he'll get criticism from time to time. But it will help him grow. I know my husband takes criticism very well, I'm glad to. That way his understandig can grow and there's place for God to work on my husband.
Mae
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Hahahaha! The doggie pic is gr8! How do you do it my friend?!!! Bless you.
I think of the Lord's amazing sense of humor and His merciful, gentle,
ever lovingkindness- gently making a point.
What a sobering thought visualizing the pic: does He see me this way or has He
pictured me this way; as I think about situations been in and my response/actions!
That pic will be with me and associated with the Word.
May The Lord bless your ministry, freshly annoint it each day, increase it, and honor and grace you abundantly as you serve Christ Jesus to the Glory and Praise of His name!
Susanne
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Lots of head toting in the Samuel books! Also found 2 Sam 4:4, about Jonathan's son, to be so random! Aw, David became king at age 30, what a great prime age! :p. I like how he never rushed things, he waited for God's timing. He let God establish him.
I like how David always stopped and asked God first what to do. He could have rushed in to attack the Philistines just thinking God had his back. But he coinsulted the Lord first.
Wow, seems kinda brutal that Uzzah was struck bcos the tried to steady the Ark after the ox stumbled. Maybe i'm missing something. kinda seems like a reflex, if i see something that starts to fall or something, its kinda a reflex to steady it. Hm, i'll have to get out my commentary on that.
I love John 4:3...i think thats the 2nd verse i memorized as a child. Love the Proverbs!
Jenny
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I noticed the rebuking from Proverbs to the Psalms. Thinking I'm too good and smart to learn from anyone anymore. Being able to hear rebuking and discern if it's something I need to listen to or not. Jesus's way is the only way. All good things get done only if in His Word, His laws
Cynthia
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Something stood out to me today (but it was in yesterday's reading of John 13:21-25) that I hadn't thought about before. Why did Peter motion to John to, "Ask Him which one He means." [would betray Him], when Peter usually just popped out with the questions? It hit me that he motioned to John to ask because John was thought to be the youngest disciple and at a Seder meal, as the Last Supper was, the youngest asks the questions.
Will
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Hello, I thank God for you Mike. You have no idea what this bible study has done for me. For years I tried to become interested in the bible but I found it boring and whats worse is I could not understand a lot of it. It had no meaning for me. Now it just jumps out at me with so much meaning, I finally get it. There arent many days where I dont think of God, he is becoming very important in my life and I just couldnt imagine my life without him. So I thank God for caring enough about me to bring you into my life and so many others.I pray that one day God will also use me so I can make a difference in someones life.
Linda
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2 Samuel 5 and 6
Three things came to mind about this reading.
The first was at about 5:10 we see the time in David's life was messy chaotic, confusing and the raw historical events were a way Yahweh used them and worked them out in a way for his purpose. From here on we see all the ways David exercises his kingship, good and bad.
The second, is watching the ark being moved and I wonder did he ask God about moving it to Jerusalem? David did the right thing but he did not do it the right way. A lesson for us all.
Third, David's "inappropriate" worship and this opens up the question about my worship. Is it real from the heart and pleasing to the Lord? I have danced in church, (alone) because my spirit was moved to do so. The Lord can use that for his glory.
Amen.
John 14: 2-3
Where are we going?.
The Lord is preparing a "room" for me! Sooo Cool. I believe this is the ultimate consolation of the Christian faith. I am very pleased, humbled and filled with joy by being called a child of God. Re: 1 John 3:1-9
Thank you Lord.
Robert
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2nd Samuel 4:1-6
I love reading the story of David and I know he was a man after God's own heart but at the same time..I feel for all the women ..long list of women and children that were his. Can't help to feel for Michal who was his first wife but thrown to the side and then reclaimed as property just to be one of many when she had a husband that really cared for her. I know there are two sides of the story and I get it. She was the daughter of Saul so I'm sure she had some of him in her and she must have done something detestable because she barren.
Book of John: the dialogue between Thomas and Jesus. He was genuine to Jesus. Master, how do I know which way is right? Jesus told him, I am the Way, the Truth and the Life..wow.
Psalm 119
Have I ever lied to myself? Sure I have. We don't want to face the truth at times. Do I want to improve. Absolutely. Absolutely...
Proverbs 15:32 part b: listen to correction, grow in understanding! That is what I want to gleam from here on out. I want to grow..and grow and grow
Dee