1 Samuel 29:1-31:13 + John 11:55-12:19 + Psalm 118:1-18 + Proverbs 15:24-26
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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:"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2h9Hm9JZho
Have you Let it be Jesus? Click here and Let it Be!
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.
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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.
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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."
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Does it get any better than this? "His love endures forever!" Doesn't that song resound in your ears? Praise God for songs!
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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
Dee