1 Samuel 27-28
5 When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid; terror filled his heart. 6 He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets.
First of all, what a great message from Carlynn today on TRUSTING God! Vs 5, Saul was afraid and terror filled his heart. He inquired of the Lord but He didn’t answer to instead of waiting patiently for Gods answer, Saul sought out a ”medium” or a spiritist.
Vs 11-13 show that the “medium” wasn’t used to people responding when she’d call on the dead! She cried out (vs 12) and Saul said to her “don’t be afraid, what do you see?”
Having her summon Samuel, Samuel didn’t have good news for Saul! He reiterated what Saul already knew, that God had turned away from Saul because of his disobedience when he didn’t destroy the Amalekites. On top of that, Samuel told Saul that he and his sons and his army would all be destroyed by the Philistines.
Acts 9-
Here is a person in History that God CHOSE, predestined to do His will and who fully repented/turned from his life of sin! Saul was a persecutor of Christians and God blinded him on the road telling him what he needed to do. (vs 6)
When God called to Ananias (vs 10) he was hesitant to obey the Lord and said (vs 13) “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” God replied to Ananias “Go! In other words, don’t ask questions, I have a plan and know what I’m doing! Vs 15 “This man is my chosen instrument.”
Reading through this passage, Paul hadn’t received the Holy Spirit yet until Ananias arrived at his home (vs 17).
The Disciples were afraid of Saul too until Barnabas told them how the Lord had spoken to him.
Paul’s life is a testimony of true faith, he turned from his life of sin and vs 22 “22Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.” He became more and more powerful, PROVING Jesus is the Christ! Vs 27 says Paul “preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus” and vs 28 he “spoke boldly in the name of the Lord.” Thos are powerful words! He had confidence, assurance in what he believed!
Because of Paul’s testimony, the church was strengthened, encouraged and it grew! (vs31) That verse also said they were “living in fear of the Lord.” The people were fearing God more than man! Matthew 10:28 "Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
The woman Docas (vs 36) had died and Peter, got down on his knees and prayed! God heard Peter’s prayers and raised her from the dead and as a result MANY people believed in the Lord!
God, I thank you that you hear our prayers and that you answer them God!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
2 Samuel 21-22 Acts 21-
2 Samuel 21-22
This is the first chapter in a few chapters where David consults the Lord again and it's because of a famine!
17 But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to David's rescue; he struck the Philistine down and killed him. Then David's men swore to him, saying, "Never again will you go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel will not be extinguished."
This sentence makes so much sense to me! Why did the Kings always go out into battle with their men?
David writes a song to God describing His greatness! I think these were my favorite verses. 31 "As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. 32 For who is God besides the LORD ? And who is the Rock except our God?
Acts 21-
Paul's friends tried to persuade him not to go to Jerusalem because of the persecution he would face there! Instead, Paul answered, "vs 13 Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."
Paul goes on to preach and the people of the city seized him, dragged him out of the temple and tried to kill him! Roman troops saved Paul as he was being beaten. The bound him and carried him to the barracks because the violence of the mob was so great! It's just amazing to see what Paul endured over and over again for the gospel. Even when facing physical pain, he preached!
God, thank you for this day you've created! God, help me to be more like Paul, when faced with conflict of persecution, to persevere because YOU God are more important than what man thinks!
This is the first chapter in a few chapters where David consults the Lord again and it's because of a famine!
17 But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to David's rescue; he struck the Philistine down and killed him. Then David's men swore to him, saying, "Never again will you go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel will not be extinguished."
This sentence makes so much sense to me! Why did the Kings always go out into battle with their men?
David writes a song to God describing His greatness! I think these were my favorite verses. 31 "As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. 32 For who is God besides the LORD ? And who is the Rock except our God?
Acts 21-
Paul's friends tried to persuade him not to go to Jerusalem because of the persecution he would face there! Instead, Paul answered, "vs 13 Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."
Paul goes on to preach and the people of the city seized him, dragged him out of the temple and tried to kill him! Roman troops saved Paul as he was being beaten. The bound him and carried him to the barracks because the violence of the mob was so great! It's just amazing to see what Paul endured over and over again for the gospel. Even when facing physical pain, he preached!
God, thank you for this day you've created! God, help me to be more like Paul, when faced with conflict of persecution, to persevere because YOU God are more important than what man thinks!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
2 Samuel 19-20 Acts 20-
2 Samuel 19-20
Joab sure wasn't afraid to speak his mind against the King whom God had anointed! Sometimes we need that friend who'll confront us harshly with what needs to be said! "6 You love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that the commanders and their men mean nothing to you. I see that you would be pleased if Absalom were alive today and all of us were dead.7 Now go out and encourage your men. I swear by the LORD that if you don't go out, not a man will be left with you by nightfall. This will be worse for you than all the calamities that have come upon you from your youth till now."
18 They crossed at the ford to take the king's household over and to do whatever he wished. When Shimei son of Gera crossed the Jordan, he fell prostrate before the king 19 and said to him, "May my lord not hold me guilty. Do not remember how your servant did wrong on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem. May the king put it out of his mind. 20 For I your servant know that I have sinned, but today I have come here as the first of the whole house of Joseph to come down and meet my lord the king."
After wronging the King, Shimei was quick and humble to apologize! He fell prostrate at the king and confessed his sin.
3 When David returned to his palace in Jerusalem, he took the ten concubines he had left to take care of the palace and put them in a house under guard. He provided for them, but did not lie with them. They were kept in confinement till the day of their death, living as widows.
This is so sad! Because Abasalam had publicly humiliated the concubines of David, they lived out the remainder of their days as widows!
(vs 1) Now a troublemaker named Sheba revolved against David, taking men of Israel with him! David said he would be more trouble than Absalam was and to hunt him down. Upon arriving at Abel Beth Maacah they started to destroy the city trying to get in to get Sheba. A "wise woman" asked to speak with Joab and found out that he only wanted Sheba! They cut his head off and threw it over the wall of the city!
Acts 20-
(vs 1-2) Despite all that Paul encountered or knew what was coming, he spoke words of encouragement to the disciples! Paul has such a testimony!
24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. "
Paul warns the men too that wolves will come to try and destroy the flock and to beware of them! 30Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. 31So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.
God, help me to guard against whatever wolves might come, help me to speak words of encouragement like Paul did, and to remember my life is yours to do whatever you want with it! Help me to share the gospel with those who need to hear and that their eyes may be opened to the truth. When trouble comes too God, help me to be wise, like the woman in 2 Samuel who saved her whole town by simply asking Joab what he wanted! Thank you for the friends in my life who exhort me in the truth! Lord, most of all, when I sin like Shimei did, help me to fall prostrate and confess it to you right away God!
Joab sure wasn't afraid to speak his mind against the King whom God had anointed! Sometimes we need that friend who'll confront us harshly with what needs to be said! "6 You love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that the commanders and their men mean nothing to you. I see that you would be pleased if Absalom were alive today and all of us were dead.7 Now go out and encourage your men. I swear by the LORD that if you don't go out, not a man will be left with you by nightfall. This will be worse for you than all the calamities that have come upon you from your youth till now."
18 They crossed at the ford to take the king's household over and to do whatever he wished. When Shimei son of Gera crossed the Jordan, he fell prostrate before the king 19 and said to him, "May my lord not hold me guilty. Do not remember how your servant did wrong on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem. May the king put it out of his mind. 20 For I your servant know that I have sinned, but today I have come here as the first of the whole house of Joseph to come down and meet my lord the king."
After wronging the King, Shimei was quick and humble to apologize! He fell prostrate at the king and confessed his sin.
3 When David returned to his palace in Jerusalem, he took the ten concubines he had left to take care of the palace and put them in a house under guard. He provided for them, but did not lie with them. They were kept in confinement till the day of their death, living as widows.
This is so sad! Because Abasalam had publicly humiliated the concubines of David, they lived out the remainder of their days as widows!
(vs 1) Now a troublemaker named Sheba revolved against David, taking men of Israel with him! David said he would be more trouble than Absalam was and to hunt him down. Upon arriving at Abel Beth Maacah they started to destroy the city trying to get in to get Sheba. A "wise woman" asked to speak with Joab and found out that he only wanted Sheba! They cut his head off and threw it over the wall of the city!
Acts 20-
(vs 1-2) Despite all that Paul encountered or knew what was coming, he spoke words of encouragement to the disciples! Paul has such a testimony!
24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. "
Paul warns the men too that wolves will come to try and destroy the flock and to beware of them! 30Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. 31So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.
God, help me to guard against whatever wolves might come, help me to speak words of encouragement like Paul did, and to remember my life is yours to do whatever you want with it! Help me to share the gospel with those who need to hear and that their eyes may be opened to the truth. When trouble comes too God, help me to be wise, like the woman in 2 Samuel who saved her whole town by simply asking Joab what he wanted! Thank you for the friends in my life who exhort me in the truth! Lord, most of all, when I sin like Shimei did, help me to fall prostrate and confess it to you right away God!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Acts 17-
The first Century church faced so many things that I've NEVER seen today. Speaking in tongues, laying on of hands, evil spirits that dwelled inside of people and then physically attacked other Christians!
14 Absalom and all the men of Israel said, "The advice of Hushai the Arkite is better than that of Ahithophel." For the LORD had determined to frustrate the good advice of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.
God listened to the prayers of David and Ahithophel gives Absalom advice to attack David! This would have been horrible for Absalom's group if they proceeded to do that! Ahithopel then commits suicide because Absalom didn't follow his advice.
It's good to see David's men warning him, staying loyal to them, hiding in a well to get the information to David, and how people brought David pottery, bedding and food too!
David wants to ride out with his troops but his men say it's better for him to stay home. We then see David say "I will do whatever seems best to you." We don't see David inquiring of the Lord!
Absalom, while attacking the Kings men, was riding a mule and his head got caught up in a tree. David had asked his men not to kill him (even though he was a threat). Davids men killed him and David says at the end of the chapter he wishes it was him that died instead of his son. (vs 33)
Lord, help me to be bold like Paul, who spoke out dispite opposition! Help me to seek guidance from you, Like David used to do.
The first Century church faced so many things that I've NEVER seen today. Speaking in tongues, laying on of hands, evil spirits that dwelled inside of people and then physically attacked other Christians!
14 Absalom and all the men of Israel said, "The advice of Hushai the Arkite is better than that of Ahithophel." For the LORD had determined to frustrate the good advice of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.
God listened to the prayers of David and Ahithophel gives Absalom advice to attack David! This would have been horrible for Absalom's group if they proceeded to do that! Ahithopel then commits suicide because Absalom didn't follow his advice.
It's good to see David's men warning him, staying loyal to them, hiding in a well to get the information to David, and how people brought David pottery, bedding and food too!
David wants to ride out with his troops but his men say it's better for him to stay home. We then see David say "I will do whatever seems best to you." We don't see David inquiring of the Lord!
Absalom, while attacking the Kings men, was riding a mule and his head got caught up in a tree. David had asked his men not to kill him (even though he was a threat). Davids men killed him and David says at the end of the chapter he wishes it was him that died instead of his son. (vs 33)
Lord, help me to be bold like Paul, who spoke out dispite opposition! Help me to seek guidance from you, Like David used to do.
Monday, May 18, 2009
2 Samuel 13-14 Acts 17-
2 Samuel 13-14
David's son did a horrible evil thing to his sister Tamar yet David didn't punish his son! Absalom (another of David's sons and Tamars brother) decided to take matters into his own hands and had Amnon killed.
Absalom (vs 33) isn't accustomed to waiting around for answers! He sends for Joab, twice, so he can send a message to the King. When Joab doesn't come, Absalom has his field burned down! That got Joab's attention and the King then met with Absalom! Poor Tamar, that her father wouldn't avenge the wrong doing and for living her life desolate and with her brother. She'd even spoken out against the act Absalom was about to do! He sinned against her and it effected her the rest of her life :(
14 Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered, so we must die. But God does not take away life; instead, he devises ways so that a banished person may not remain estranged from him.
Just like 2 Samuel reminds us, we will all die on this earth. Still, God provides a way for us to not be estranged from Himself, if we repent of our sins and live with faith and trust in Jesus Christ!
Acts 17-
I just read through this chapter last night while reviewing Partners chapter 1!
11Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. 12Many of the Jews believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men.
30In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.
God, help me to examine the scriptures daily and with eagerness! Help me to repent of my sins, to throw off the things that so easily entangle and let me run with perseverance the race marked out for me.
David's son did a horrible evil thing to his sister Tamar yet David didn't punish his son! Absalom (another of David's sons and Tamars brother) decided to take matters into his own hands and had Amnon killed.
Absalom (vs 33) isn't accustomed to waiting around for answers! He sends for Joab, twice, so he can send a message to the King. When Joab doesn't come, Absalom has his field burned down! That got Joab's attention and the King then met with Absalom! Poor Tamar, that her father wouldn't avenge the wrong doing and for living her life desolate and with her brother. She'd even spoken out against the act Absalom was about to do! He sinned against her and it effected her the rest of her life :(
14 Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered, so we must die. But God does not take away life; instead, he devises ways so that a banished person may not remain estranged from him.
Just like 2 Samuel reminds us, we will all die on this earth. Still, God provides a way for us to not be estranged from Himself, if we repent of our sins and live with faith and trust in Jesus Christ!
Acts 17-
I just read through this chapter last night while reviewing Partners chapter 1!
11Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. 12Many of the Jews believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men.
30In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.
God, help me to examine the scriptures daily and with eagerness! Help me to repent of my sins, to throw off the things that so easily entangle and let me run with perseverance the race marked out for me.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
2 Samuel 9-10 Acts 14-
2 Samuel 9-10
I've been noticing most passages that David inquired of the Lord. He doesn't say that in this passage. He sends his men to the Ammonites and his men are captured and come home humiliated.
The Israelites had enemies in front and behind them yet Joab knew God was in control. He said "12 Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The LORD will do what is good in his sight."
Acts-
Vs 8, Peter is speaking about whether or not the Gentiles are saved and need circumcision. He writes "God who knows the heart." Vs 8 says how "God made a choice" and gave them the Holy Spirit just like He'd given the Holy Spirit to the Jews. Vs 11 says "We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved."
Verse 39 says that Paul and Barnabas had "such a sharp disagreement that they parted company." To the best of our ability we should try to promote unity among the church and try to be like-minded with our Christian brethren.
God, I am so thankful to know you know my heart and for salvation! Help me Lord to promote unity and stay away from disagreements that cause division.
I've been noticing most passages that David inquired of the Lord. He doesn't say that in this passage. He sends his men to the Ammonites and his men are captured and come home humiliated.
The Israelites had enemies in front and behind them yet Joab knew God was in control. He said "12 Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The LORD will do what is good in his sight."
Acts-
Vs 8, Peter is speaking about whether or not the Gentiles are saved and need circumcision. He writes "God who knows the heart." Vs 8 says how "God made a choice" and gave them the Holy Spirit just like He'd given the Holy Spirit to the Jews. Vs 11 says "We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved."
Verse 39 says that Paul and Barnabas had "such a sharp disagreement that they parted company." To the best of our ability we should try to promote unity among the church and try to be like-minded with our Christian brethren.
God, I am so thankful to know you know my heart and for salvation! Help me Lord to promote unity and stay away from disagreements that cause division.
Friday, May 15, 2009
2 Samuel 7-8 Acts 14
2 Samuel 7-8
10 And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppress them anymore, as they did at the beginning 11 and have done ever since the time I appointed leaders over my people Israel. I will also give you rest from all your enemies. " 'The LORD declares to you that the LORD himself will establish a house for you: 12 When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be his father, and he will be my son. When he does wrong, I will punish him with the rod of men, with floggings inflicted by men. 15 But my love will never be taken away from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you. 16 Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me ; your throne will be established forever.' "
I assume God is telling David about Jesus, how Jesus will be punished for our sins and how God will set up an eternal kingdom through Jesus. (Vs 10-15) and that when God refers to a place where the Israelites won't be disturbed, he's talking about heaven? It's good to read through the 2 gospels that show the line of David and how Jesus came through them.
David had a high view of God! God continued to bless David and gave him victory wherever he went. (vs 14) 22 "How great you are, O Sovereign LORD! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears.
23 And who is like your people Israel—the one nation on earth that God went out to redeem as a people for himself, and to make a name for himself, and to perform great and awesome wonders by driving out nations and their gods from before your people, whom you redeemed from Egypt? 24 You have established your people Israel as your very own forever, and you, O LORD, have become their God.
28 O Sovereign LORD, you are God! Your words are trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant. 29 Now be pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever in your sight; for you, O Sovereign LORD, have spoken, and with your blessing the house of your servant will be blessed forever."
15 David reigned over all Israel, doing what was just and right for all his people.
Sovereign Lord, You are God! Thank you God for being in charge, for being trustworthy, for promising us eternal life in your kingdom. Thank you for giving life to the gentiles and now just the jew. Just as David did with his people, help me to do what is just and right in Your sight.
Acts
2But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.
The words that we say effect other people! Here we have disgruntled Jews who "stirred up and poisoned minds"! We see this too when Stephen was stoned, men bringing false witnesses to testify against him!
Still, despite the opposition, Paul and Barnabas "spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord." (vs 3) God enabled them to perform signs and miracles for the people. Paul walks over to a lame man and was able to SEE how he had faith to be healed. (vs 9) I wonder what that looked like? A crippled man looking intently by, could Paul read his thoughts or see his soul?
Paul was persecuted for speaking boldly and then asked the people....15"Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. Their response (vs 19) They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. 20But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe. 21They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. 22strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," they said.
27On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.
After being stoned, Paul got up and walked right back into the city! Wow. He continued to preach the good news through various places, he strengthened and encouraged the disciples and testified that we as Christians will face hardships, in fact, it says "MANY" hardships!
10 And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppress them anymore, as they did at the beginning 11 and have done ever since the time I appointed leaders over my people Israel. I will also give you rest from all your enemies. " 'The LORD declares to you that the LORD himself will establish a house for you: 12 When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be his father, and he will be my son. When he does wrong, I will punish him with the rod of men, with floggings inflicted by men. 15 But my love will never be taken away from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you. 16 Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me ; your throne will be established forever.' "
I assume God is telling David about Jesus, how Jesus will be punished for our sins and how God will set up an eternal kingdom through Jesus. (Vs 10-15) and that when God refers to a place where the Israelites won't be disturbed, he's talking about heaven? It's good to read through the 2 gospels that show the line of David and how Jesus came through them.
David had a high view of God! God continued to bless David and gave him victory wherever he went. (vs 14) 22 "How great you are, O Sovereign LORD! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears.
23 And who is like your people Israel—the one nation on earth that God went out to redeem as a people for himself, and to make a name for himself, and to perform great and awesome wonders by driving out nations and their gods from before your people, whom you redeemed from Egypt? 24 You have established your people Israel as your very own forever, and you, O LORD, have become their God.
28 O Sovereign LORD, you are God! Your words are trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant. 29 Now be pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever in your sight; for you, O Sovereign LORD, have spoken, and with your blessing the house of your servant will be blessed forever."
15 David reigned over all Israel, doing what was just and right for all his people.
Sovereign Lord, You are God! Thank you God for being in charge, for being trustworthy, for promising us eternal life in your kingdom. Thank you for giving life to the gentiles and now just the jew. Just as David did with his people, help me to do what is just and right in Your sight.
Acts
2But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.
The words that we say effect other people! Here we have disgruntled Jews who "stirred up and poisoned minds"! We see this too when Stephen was stoned, men bringing false witnesses to testify against him!
Still, despite the opposition, Paul and Barnabas "spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord." (vs 3) God enabled them to perform signs and miracles for the people. Paul walks over to a lame man and was able to SEE how he had faith to be healed. (vs 9) I wonder what that looked like? A crippled man looking intently by, could Paul read his thoughts or see his soul?
Paul was persecuted for speaking boldly and then asked the people....15"Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. Their response (vs 19) They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. 20But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe. 21They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. 22strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," they said.
27On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.
After being stoned, Paul got up and walked right back into the city! Wow. He continued to preach the good news through various places, he strengthened and encouraged the disciples and testified that we as Christians will face hardships, in fact, it says "MANY" hardships!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
2 Samuel 3-6 Acts 12-13
God, I thank you for an awesome care meeting today, that you're growing the ministry at CBC and blessing us with more people to serve!
1 The war between the house of Saul and the house of David lasted a long time. David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.
So interesting to see that David demanded his wife (Saul's daughter) be returned to him!
Poor Abner was trying to help get David into his rightful position as King over Israel and was murdered because Joab didn't wait on the Lord for revenge but sought revenge for his brothers death himself.
2 men set out on their own agenda to kill Ish-Bosheth without consulting David. When they kill the man, David doesn't respond they way they thought he would! 11 when wicked men have killed an innocent man in his own house and on his own bed—should I not now demand his blood from your hand and rid the earth of you!" David had them put to death!
Acts 12-
King Herod had Peter arrested (after killing James, brother of John). He had LOTS of men guarding Peter in prison! (vs 4 four squads of four soldiers each)
5So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.
The reaction to the woman at the door stating Peter was there, it's so funny! They are praying God will release Peter and God hears and answers their prayers and they don't believe it!
12When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. 13Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer the door. 14When she recognized Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, "Peter is at the door!" 15"You're out of your mind," they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, "It must be his angel."16But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished.
God, when I pray, help me not to doubt that you 1) hear my prayers 2)can and will answer in your timing.
2 Samuel 5-6
4 David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years.
10 And he became more and more powerful, because the LORD God Almighty was with him.
12 And David knew that the LORD had established him as king over Israel and had exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel.
19 so David inquired of the LORD, "Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?" The LORD answered him, "Go, for I will surely hand the Philistines over to you."
23 so David inquired of the LORD, and he answered, "Do not go straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees.
24 As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because that will mean the LORD has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army."
How cool to hear (vs 24) the sounds of marching in the tops of the trees because God was with them, striking down the enemies in front of them.
Again and again we see David coming before the presence of the Lord asking for guidance before making decisions.
16 As the ark of the LORD was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, she despised him in her heart.
I really feel for Michal in this passage. Her father had given her away in marriage to David, then took her back and married her off to another man. Then David says he wants his wife back after 7 years and he'd already married 2 other women. Then, he becomes king and takes on more wives and concubines! She sees David happy and blessed and vs 16 says "she despised him in her heart." She ends up speaking out to her husband in disrespect (vs 20) and God didn't allow her to have any children because of it.
Sometimes the attitudes we have in our hearts can be SIN too! It's not always an outward act. We need to be fully aware of our thoughts and as Paul says in 2 Corinthians "5We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, 6and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete."
1 The war between the house of Saul and the house of David lasted a long time. David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.
So interesting to see that David demanded his wife (Saul's daughter) be returned to him!
Poor Abner was trying to help get David into his rightful position as King over Israel and was murdered because Joab didn't wait on the Lord for revenge but sought revenge for his brothers death himself.
2 men set out on their own agenda to kill Ish-Bosheth without consulting David. When they kill the man, David doesn't respond they way they thought he would! 11 when wicked men have killed an innocent man in his own house and on his own bed—should I not now demand his blood from your hand and rid the earth of you!" David had them put to death!
Acts 12-
King Herod had Peter arrested (after killing James, brother of John). He had LOTS of men guarding Peter in prison! (vs 4 four squads of four soldiers each)
5So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.
The reaction to the woman at the door stating Peter was there, it's so funny! They are praying God will release Peter and God hears and answers their prayers and they don't believe it!
12When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. 13Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer the door. 14When she recognized Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, "Peter is at the door!" 15"You're out of your mind," they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, "It must be his angel."16But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished.
God, when I pray, help me not to doubt that you 1) hear my prayers 2)can and will answer in your timing.
2 Samuel 5-6
4 David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years.
10 And he became more and more powerful, because the LORD God Almighty was with him.
12 And David knew that the LORD had established him as king over Israel and had exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel.
19 so David inquired of the LORD, "Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?" The LORD answered him, "Go, for I will surely hand the Philistines over to you."
23 so David inquired of the LORD, and he answered, "Do not go straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees.
24 As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because that will mean the LORD has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army."
How cool to hear (vs 24) the sounds of marching in the tops of the trees because God was with them, striking down the enemies in front of them.
Again and again we see David coming before the presence of the Lord asking for guidance before making decisions.
16 As the ark of the LORD was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, she despised him in her heart.
I really feel for Michal in this passage. Her father had given her away in marriage to David, then took her back and married her off to another man. Then David says he wants his wife back after 7 years and he'd already married 2 other women. Then, he becomes king and takes on more wives and concubines! She sees David happy and blessed and vs 16 says "she despised him in her heart." She ends up speaking out to her husband in disrespect (vs 20) and God didn't allow her to have any children because of it.
Sometimes the attitudes we have in our hearts can be SIN too! It's not always an outward act. We need to be fully aware of our thoughts and as Paul says in 2 Corinthians "5We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, 6and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete."
Monday, May 11, 2009
2 Samuel 1-2 Acts 11-
2 Samuel 1-2
It’s interesting that 2nd Samuel is named 2nd Samuel, even though Samuel died in 1st Samuel ☺
13 David said to the young man who brought him the report, "Where are you from?" "I am the son of an alien, an Amalekite," he answered. 14 David asked him, "Why were you not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD's anointed?" 15 Then David called one of his men and said, "Go, strike him down!" So he struck him down, and he died. 16 For David had said to him, "Your blood be on your own head. Your own mouth testified against you when you said, 'I killed the LORD's anointed.' "
Ignorance of the law is no excuse….when God tells us not to do something, we should obey and be in fear if we don’t! This man killed Saul and for that, it cost him his life!
1 In the course of time, David inquired of the LORD. "Shall I go up to one of the towns of Judah?" he asked. The LORD said, "Go up." David asked, "Where shall I go?" "To Hebron," the LORD answered.
Here again we see David inquiring of the Lord before he makes any moves!
4 Then the men of Judah came to Hebron and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. When David was told that it was the men of Jabesh Gilead who had buried Saul, 5 he sent messengers to the men of Jabesh Gilead to say to them, "The LORD bless you for showing this kindness to Saul your master by burying him.
After Saul had been beheaded and his body hung on a wall, the men of Jabest Gilead buried Saul. Because they did that, David asked God to bless them for showing kindness.
I thought ALL of Sauls sons died on the battlefield but Vs 9 says there was another son. 8 Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul's army, had taken Ish-Bosheth son of Saul and brought him over to Mahanaim.
We have 2 Kingdoms, Judah (David) and Israel (Saul/Saul’s son) This fight between the Israelites and men of Judah/David is so weird. Let’s stand across from each other and fight one another! Whoever has the most men at the end of the fight wins the battle, really? Amazingly, 360 men with Abner (Israel) were killed and only 20 of David’s men were missing.
Acts 11-
17So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?" 18When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, "So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life."
22News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.
He encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.
26and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
I liked how verse 26 says the disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
Thank you God for saving both Jews and Gentiles. Help us to encourage our fellow Christians to remain true to You and true to Your word. Psalm 119:11 “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
It’s interesting that 2nd Samuel is named 2nd Samuel, even though Samuel died in 1st Samuel ☺
13 David said to the young man who brought him the report, "Where are you from?" "I am the son of an alien, an Amalekite," he answered. 14 David asked him, "Why were you not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD's anointed?" 15 Then David called one of his men and said, "Go, strike him down!" So he struck him down, and he died. 16 For David had said to him, "Your blood be on your own head. Your own mouth testified against you when you said, 'I killed the LORD's anointed.' "
Ignorance of the law is no excuse….when God tells us not to do something, we should obey and be in fear if we don’t! This man killed Saul and for that, it cost him his life!
1 In the course of time, David inquired of the LORD. "Shall I go up to one of the towns of Judah?" he asked. The LORD said, "Go up." David asked, "Where shall I go?" "To Hebron," the LORD answered.
Here again we see David inquiring of the Lord before he makes any moves!
4 Then the men of Judah came to Hebron and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. When David was told that it was the men of Jabesh Gilead who had buried Saul, 5 he sent messengers to the men of Jabesh Gilead to say to them, "The LORD bless you for showing this kindness to Saul your master by burying him.
After Saul had been beheaded and his body hung on a wall, the men of Jabest Gilead buried Saul. Because they did that, David asked God to bless them for showing kindness.
I thought ALL of Sauls sons died on the battlefield but Vs 9 says there was another son. 8 Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul's army, had taken Ish-Bosheth son of Saul and brought him over to Mahanaim.
We have 2 Kingdoms, Judah (David) and Israel (Saul/Saul’s son) This fight between the Israelites and men of Judah/David is so weird. Let’s stand across from each other and fight one another! Whoever has the most men at the end of the fight wins the battle, really? Amazingly, 360 men with Abner (Israel) were killed and only 20 of David’s men were missing.
Acts 11-
17So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?" 18When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, "So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life."
22News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.
He encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.
26and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
I liked how verse 26 says the disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
Thank you God for saving both Jews and Gentiles. Help us to encourage our fellow Christians to remain true to You and true to Your word. Psalm 119:11 “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
Sunday, May 10, 2009
1 Samuel 29-31 Acts 10-
1 Samuel 29-31
Things looked bad for David. The Philistine army didn’t want David and his men to fight with them even though David had done nothing wrong. When they returned home, their village had been burned and the wives and children captured. David’s men were bitter and wanted to stone David. Then, vs 6 says “but David found strength in the LORD his God.” Vs 8 “David inquired of the LORD”.
Pursuing the Amalekites, they found a slave who’d been abandoned. David was kind to him, giving him food and water and in return, the slave led them to the Amalekites! God always provides! ☺ Vs 18, David recovered everything the Amalekites had taken (vs 19) nothing was missing.
It’s sad to see in chapter 31 the deaths of Saul and his 3 sons and what was done to their bodies.
Acts 10-
Cornelius is a man we should model after! Vs 2 “He and all his family were devout and God fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.”
Vs 9 Peter went up on the roof to pray. I can imagine that would be a very peaceful place free from distractions!
This verse to me says we shouldn’t be praying to people other than God (Saints). Peter says to Cornelius “I am only a man.” We also shouldn’t be prejudice!
25As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence.
26But Peter made him get up. "Stand up," he said, "I am only a man myself." 28He said to them: "You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean. 4Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.
Lord, thank you for Mother’s Day! Help me God to find my strength daily in You as David did and to inquire of you as I raise my children and try to honor my husband. Help me not to show prejudice or favoritism or exult some people more than others, but to view everyone as equal, sinners in need of a Savior.
Things looked bad for David. The Philistine army didn’t want David and his men to fight with them even though David had done nothing wrong. When they returned home, their village had been burned and the wives and children captured. David’s men were bitter and wanted to stone David. Then, vs 6 says “but David found strength in the LORD his God.” Vs 8 “David inquired of the LORD”.
Pursuing the Amalekites, they found a slave who’d been abandoned. David was kind to him, giving him food and water and in return, the slave led them to the Amalekites! God always provides! ☺ Vs 18, David recovered everything the Amalekites had taken (vs 19) nothing was missing.
It’s sad to see in chapter 31 the deaths of Saul and his 3 sons and what was done to their bodies.
Acts 10-
Cornelius is a man we should model after! Vs 2 “He and all his family were devout and God fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.”
Vs 9 Peter went up on the roof to pray. I can imagine that would be a very peaceful place free from distractions!
This verse to me says we shouldn’t be praying to people other than God (Saints). Peter says to Cornelius “I am only a man.” We also shouldn’t be prejudice!
25As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence.
26But Peter made him get up. "Stand up," he said, "I am only a man myself." 28He said to them: "You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean. 4Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.
Lord, thank you for Mother’s Day! Help me God to find my strength daily in You as David did and to inquire of you as I raise my children and try to honor my husband. Help me not to show prejudice or favoritism or exult some people more than others, but to view everyone as equal, sinners in need of a Savior.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
1 Samuel 27-28 Acts 9-
1 Samuel 27-28
5 When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid; terror filled his heart. 6 He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets.
First of all, what a great message from Carlynn today on TRUSTING God! Vs 5, Saul was afraid and terror filled his heart. He inquired of the Lord but He didn’t answer to instead of waiting patiently for Gods answer, Saul sought out a ”medium” or a spiritist.
Vs 11-13 show that the “medium” wasn’t used to people responding when she’d call on the dead! She cried out (vs 12) and Saul said to her “don’t be afraid, what do you see?”
Having her summon Samuel, Samuel didn’t have good news for Saul! He reiterated what Saul already knew, that God had turned away from Saul because of his disobedience when he didn’t destroy the Amalekites. On top of that, Samuel told Saul that he and his sons and his army would all be destroyed by the Philistines.
Acts 9-
Here is a person in History that God CHOSE, predestined to do His will and who fully repented/turned from his life of sin! Saul was a persecutor of Christians and God blinded him on the road telling him what he needed to do. (vs 6)
When God called to Ananias (vs 10) he was hesitant to obey the Lord and said (vs 13) “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” God replied to Ananias “Go! In other words, don’t ask questions, I have a plan and know what I’m doing! Vs 15 “This man is my chosen instrument.”
Reading through this passage, Paul hadn’t received the Holy Spirit yet until Ananias arrived at his home (vs 17).
The Disciples were afraid of Saul too until Barnabas told them how the Lord had spoken to him.
Paul’s life is a testimony of true faith, he turned from his life of sin and vs 22 “22Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.” He became more and more powerful, PROVING Jesus is the Christ! Vs 27 says Paul “preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus” and vs 28 he “spoke boldly in the name of the Lord.” Thos are powerful words! He had confidence, assurance in what he believed!
Because of Paul’s testimony, the church was strengthened, encouraged and it grew! (vs31) That verse also said they were “living in fear of the Lord.” The people were fearing God more than man! Matthew 10:28 "Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
The woman Dorcas (vs 36) had died and Peter, got down on his knees and prayed! God heard Peter’s prayers and raised her from the dead and as a result MANY people believed in the Lord!
God, I thank you that you hear our prayers and that you answer them God!
5 When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid; terror filled his heart. 6 He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets.
First of all, what a great message from Carlynn today on TRUSTING God! Vs 5, Saul was afraid and terror filled his heart. He inquired of the Lord but He didn’t answer to instead of waiting patiently for Gods answer, Saul sought out a ”medium” or a spiritist.
Vs 11-13 show that the “medium” wasn’t used to people responding when she’d call on the dead! She cried out (vs 12) and Saul said to her “don’t be afraid, what do you see?”
Having her summon Samuel, Samuel didn’t have good news for Saul! He reiterated what Saul already knew, that God had turned away from Saul because of his disobedience when he didn’t destroy the Amalekites. On top of that, Samuel told Saul that he and his sons and his army would all be destroyed by the Philistines.
Acts 9-
Here is a person in History that God CHOSE, predestined to do His will and who fully repented/turned from his life of sin! Saul was a persecutor of Christians and God blinded him on the road telling him what he needed to do. (vs 6)
When God called to Ananias (vs 10) he was hesitant to obey the Lord and said (vs 13) “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” God replied to Ananias “Go! In other words, don’t ask questions, I have a plan and know what I’m doing! Vs 15 “This man is my chosen instrument.”
Reading through this passage, Paul hadn’t received the Holy Spirit yet until Ananias arrived at his home (vs 17).
The Disciples were afraid of Saul too until Barnabas told them how the Lord had spoken to him.
Paul’s life is a testimony of true faith, he turned from his life of sin and vs 22 “22Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.” He became more and more powerful, PROVING Jesus is the Christ! Vs 27 says Paul “preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus” and vs 28 he “spoke boldly in the name of the Lord.” Thos are powerful words! He had confidence, assurance in what he believed!
Because of Paul’s testimony, the church was strengthened, encouraged and it grew! (vs31) That verse also said they were “living in fear of the Lord.” The people were fearing God more than man! Matthew 10:28 "Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
The woman Dorcas (vs 36) had died and Peter, got down on his knees and prayed! God heard Peter’s prayers and raised her from the dead and as a result MANY people believed in the Lord!
God, I thank you that you hear our prayers and that you answer them God!
Friday, May 8, 2009
1 Samuel 25-26 Acts 8
Ok so David is married (to Saul’s daughter!) and then meets Abigail who’s also married. Vs3 His name was Nabal and his wife's name was Abigail. She was an intelligent and beautiful woman, but her husband, a Calebite, was surly and mean in his dealings.
Ya don’t find many beautiful AND intelligent women ;) Her husband was a mean man, hurling insults at David’s men and he wasn’t generous either. Vs 17 calls him a wicked man! Abigail’s servant said to think over what could be done to right the wrongs her husband had done to David and wasting no time she sprung into action. Abigail saved the life of her “foolish” husband by being humble and bowing down before David with gifts for his men. When Abigail told her husband what she’d done for David, God ended up taking his life 10 days later! Since Abigail’s husband died, David asked her to be his wife and married another woman named Ahinoam. Saul gave David’s wife 44 But Saul had given his daughter Michal, David's wife, to Paltiel son of Laish, who was from Gallim. I totally don’t get the whole multiple wives thing of the Old Testament! I understand the great commission but when did that all change to one wife, one husband!?
I thought in the last two chapters we read that Saul decided not to pursue David anymore! Here in this chapter, he’s still following David and again at the end of the chapter he says “I will try not to harm you again.”
Acts-
3But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.
God, so often to I think of this sort of thing happening someday in the United States! People going house to house, dragging the Christians into prison. I thank you God that for now, we live in a free Country where we can worship you and read your Word!
What a powerful work you performed in Saul, transforming his life God!
People were baptized, then they came to the apostles and they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.
15When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. 17Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
We’re also unable to “buy” God. Simon offered to pay to receive the gift of giving the Holy Spirit to others. We need to be aware of our motives and be sure to
“ your heart is not right before God. 22Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. 23For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin."
(vs 26-29) Here we see Philip obeying the Spirit of the Lord and the Eunuch was saved because Philip did what the Spirit said! When the Holy Spirit prompts us, we need to be prepared and obedient to do what it says!
Ya don’t find many beautiful AND intelligent women ;) Her husband was a mean man, hurling insults at David’s men and he wasn’t generous either. Vs 17 calls him a wicked man! Abigail’s servant said to think over what could be done to right the wrongs her husband had done to David and wasting no time she sprung into action. Abigail saved the life of her “foolish” husband by being humble and bowing down before David with gifts for his men. When Abigail told her husband what she’d done for David, God ended up taking his life 10 days later! Since Abigail’s husband died, David asked her to be his wife and married another woman named Ahinoam. Saul gave David’s wife 44 But Saul had given his daughter Michal, David's wife, to Paltiel son of Laish, who was from Gallim. I totally don’t get the whole multiple wives thing of the Old Testament! I understand the great commission but when did that all change to one wife, one husband!?
I thought in the last two chapters we read that Saul decided not to pursue David anymore! Here in this chapter, he’s still following David and again at the end of the chapter he says “I will try not to harm you again.”
Acts-
3But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.
God, so often to I think of this sort of thing happening someday in the United States! People going house to house, dragging the Christians into prison. I thank you God that for now, we live in a free Country where we can worship you and read your Word!
What a powerful work you performed in Saul, transforming his life God!
People were baptized, then they came to the apostles and they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.
15When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. 17Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
We’re also unable to “buy” God. Simon offered to pay to receive the gift of giving the Holy Spirit to others. We need to be aware of our motives and be sure to
“ your heart is not right before God. 22Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. 23For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin."
(vs 26-29) Here we see Philip obeying the Spirit of the Lord and the Eunuch was saved because Philip did what the Spirit said! When the Holy Spirit prompts us, we need to be prepared and obedient to do what it says!
1 Samuel 23-24 Acts 7-
1 Samuel 23-24
When things went wrong with the Philistines, “David inquired of the LORD”. People would question David, saying they were in fear and again, David inquired of the LORD!
God, I need to inquire you more! You have all the answers, I stupidly assume I know the right answers. God, I need to depend on you, rely on you, ask you!
Vs 14, Day after day Saul searched for David but God did not give David into his hands!
It’s awesome to see that God had a plan for David’s life and Saul wasn’t going to thwart that!
16 And Saul's son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. 17 "Don't be afraid," he said. "My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this."
What an encouraging friend Jonathan was to David. He told David just what he needed to hear, he “helped him find strength in God”. Lord, I pray that you’ll give me the right words to help encourage others who need it.
Saul had this sick obsession to kill David when he hadn’t done anything wrong to Saul! As he got closer to David, the Philistines raided their land. Saul made a choice whether to continue pursuing David or rid the Philistines of the land and he chose to fight the Philistines. (Vs 28) Once the Philistines were gone, Saul went right back to chasing David.
10 This day you have seen with your own eyes how the LORD delivered you into my hands in the cave. Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you; I said, 'I will not lift my hand against my master, because he is the LORD's anointed.'11 See, my father, look at this piece of your robe in my hand! I cut off the corner of your robe but did not kill you. Now understand and recognize that I am not guilty of wrongdoing or rebellion. I have not wronged you, but you are hunting me down to take my life.
God gave David the opportunity here to kill Saul yet David knew killing the anointed King whom God had chosen was wrong! Instead, David confronted Saul, Saul wept (vs 16) and resolved not to pursue David any longer. (vs 22)
Acts 7-
The history of the Old Testament is just amazing, how God orchestrates everything that happened! From Joseph being sold into slavery who then became high in command in Egypt, to Moses being born, protected then raised in Egypt and led the slaves out of Egypt! I love reading vs 9 how “but God was with him”. Joseph’s been sold into slavery. Genesis 50:20 "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.
At 80 years old, Moses proceeded to lead the people out of Israel (34I have indeed seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free. Now come, I will send you back to Egypt.')
People stopped thinking about Moses and God and turned to their own idols (41That was the time they made an idol in the form of a calf. They brought sacrifices to it and held a celebration in honor of what their hands had made.) We constantly need to be directing our thoughts and prayers to God…if we don’t, it can bring about sin and destruction!
Vs 50 Has not my hand made all these things?'
Stephen testified, he shared the truth of the Bible, he said that these people had killed the prophets (vs 52) and they’d killed Jesus (The righteous One) and the people stoned him for it. Still, even when dying, Stephen called out to the Lord “do not hold this sin against him”. It’s so weird too to see that Saul was present at Stephens stoning.
Vs 53 reminds us that we’ve received the law but we need to obey the law! We need to not resist the Holy Spirit (vs 51). If God has called us to do something, we need to do it and with a right attitude.
God, thank you for this passage of scripture that I needed to read today. God, I need to pray more to you and not take things all on myself. Thank you that we can come to you at anytime and that you hear my prayers!
When things went wrong with the Philistines, “David inquired of the LORD”. People would question David, saying they were in fear and again, David inquired of the LORD!
God, I need to inquire you more! You have all the answers, I stupidly assume I know the right answers. God, I need to depend on you, rely on you, ask you!
Vs 14, Day after day Saul searched for David but God did not give David into his hands!
It’s awesome to see that God had a plan for David’s life and Saul wasn’t going to thwart that!
16 And Saul's son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. 17 "Don't be afraid," he said. "My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this."
What an encouraging friend Jonathan was to David. He told David just what he needed to hear, he “helped him find strength in God”. Lord, I pray that you’ll give me the right words to help encourage others who need it.
Saul had this sick obsession to kill David when he hadn’t done anything wrong to Saul! As he got closer to David, the Philistines raided their land. Saul made a choice whether to continue pursuing David or rid the Philistines of the land and he chose to fight the Philistines. (Vs 28) Once the Philistines were gone, Saul went right back to chasing David.
10 This day you have seen with your own eyes how the LORD delivered you into my hands in the cave. Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you; I said, 'I will not lift my hand against my master, because he is the LORD's anointed.'11 See, my father, look at this piece of your robe in my hand! I cut off the corner of your robe but did not kill you. Now understand and recognize that I am not guilty of wrongdoing or rebellion. I have not wronged you, but you are hunting me down to take my life.
God gave David the opportunity here to kill Saul yet David knew killing the anointed King whom God had chosen was wrong! Instead, David confronted Saul, Saul wept (vs 16) and resolved not to pursue David any longer. (vs 22)
Acts 7-
The history of the Old Testament is just amazing, how God orchestrates everything that happened! From Joseph being sold into slavery who then became high in command in Egypt, to Moses being born, protected then raised in Egypt and led the slaves out of Egypt! I love reading vs 9 how “but God was with him”. Joseph’s been sold into slavery. Genesis 50:20 "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.
At 80 years old, Moses proceeded to lead the people out of Israel (34I have indeed seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free. Now come, I will send you back to Egypt.')
People stopped thinking about Moses and God and turned to their own idols (41That was the time they made an idol in the form of a calf. They brought sacrifices to it and held a celebration in honor of what their hands had made.) We constantly need to be directing our thoughts and prayers to God…if we don’t, it can bring about sin and destruction!
Vs 50 Has not my hand made all these things?'
Stephen testified, he shared the truth of the Bible, he said that these people had killed the prophets (vs 52) and they’d killed Jesus (The righteous One) and the people stoned him for it. Still, even when dying, Stephen called out to the Lord “do not hold this sin against him”. It’s so weird too to see that Saul was present at Stephens stoning.
Vs 53 reminds us that we’ve received the law but we need to obey the law! We need to not resist the Holy Spirit (vs 51). If God has called us to do something, we need to do it and with a right attitude.
God, thank you for this passage of scripture that I needed to read today. God, I need to pray more to you and not take things all on myself. Thank you that we can come to you at anytime and that you hear my prayers!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Samuel 21-22 Acts 6-
Samuel 21-
vs 12 David was very much afraid of king Achish and pretended to be insane and acted like a madman! Why? So they would send him away unharmed?
WOW! Saul was so intent on capturing David that when a priest had given David bread and Goliath's sword, Saul killed him and 85 others!
David had a very sad group of people following him "2 All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him." Then, the son of Ahimelech (Saul had killed his family) also stayed with David because David said vs 22-23 "I am responsible for the death of your father's whole family. 23 Stay with me; don't be afraid; the man who is seeking your life is seeking mine also. You will be safe with me." David didn't know what could happen to Ahimelechs family yet still took responsibility for Saul's actions. In truth, Saul really was responsible for his actions and murders!
Acts 6-
When a need came up in the church, the disciples delegated to other men who could accomplish the tasks at hand! in this chapter, the widows were being overlooked and weren't receiving food! They chose 7 men to look over them. What a great reminder that we need to be serving the church body in whatever way is needed so that the preachers and teachers can attend to their jobs, instructing the flock! :)
It's so sad to see in this chapter that a man of God, who was filled with faith and the holy spirit (vs 5) would be blasphemed about! They lied, spread rumors and untruths, and "stirred up the people and elders and the teachers of the law" vs 12. They had false witnesses, the men were liars!
God, we know that Satan is the father of all lies. He lives to thwart the truth of your Word! I'm thankful that he will be punished someday for all the grief he's put on the people of this world. Help me God to share truth with people who claim to not know the truth!
vs 12 David was very much afraid of king Achish and pretended to be insane and acted like a madman! Why? So they would send him away unharmed?
WOW! Saul was so intent on capturing David that when a priest had given David bread and Goliath's sword, Saul killed him and 85 others!
David had a very sad group of people following him "2 All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him." Then, the son of Ahimelech (Saul had killed his family) also stayed with David because David said vs 22-23 "I am responsible for the death of your father's whole family. 23 Stay with me; don't be afraid; the man who is seeking your life is seeking mine also. You will be safe with me." David didn't know what could happen to Ahimelechs family yet still took responsibility for Saul's actions. In truth, Saul really was responsible for his actions and murders!
Acts 6-
When a need came up in the church, the disciples delegated to other men who could accomplish the tasks at hand! in this chapter, the widows were being overlooked and weren't receiving food! They chose 7 men to look over them. What a great reminder that we need to be serving the church body in whatever way is needed so that the preachers and teachers can attend to their jobs, instructing the flock! :)
It's so sad to see in this chapter that a man of God, who was filled with faith and the holy spirit (vs 5) would be blasphemed about! They lied, spread rumors and untruths, and "stirred up the people and elders and the teachers of the law" vs 12. They had false witnesses, the men were liars!
God, we know that Satan is the father of all lies. He lives to thwart the truth of your Word! I'm thankful that he will be punished someday for all the grief he's put on the people of this world. Help me God to share truth with people who claim to not know the truth!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
1 Samuel 19-20
1 Samuel 19-20
Jonathan tells Saul all of the good things David has done for him and how he shouldn’t hurt Saul. Saul makes an oath that he won’t put David to death yet we see he doesn’t try and keep that promise!
We need to be careful what we say, that it matches our actions! Don’t make promises I can’t keep.
This chapter talks a lot about the spirit coming upon people and how they started prophesying…
Saul really had an anger problem and I don’t think I would have kept spears near the King because he was prone to throw them at people! In vs 34 we see that Saul threw a spear at Jonathan, his own son!
Acts-
19But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out.
They were jailed for preaching, the Lord released them from prison and they went right back to teaching! (vs 25) Even a jail couldn’t contain men who were doing God’s will! He opened the doors!
Vs 28 We must obey God rather than men!
39But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God." 40His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 42Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.
I liked verse 39, if these people are from God, you won’t be able to stop them, you’ll only be fighting against God. I need to remember we’re in a battle here on earth and have my armor ready and prepared to fight! My best weapon is knowing the Word of God.
The Disciples rejoiced because they’d be persecuted for Christ! They knew the truth and couldn’t withhold the news from people! They’d been commanded by God to proclaim the good news and that’s what they did! They feared God more than man!
Lord, help me not to be afraid of what others may say or think, help me to speak up, to be bold, to be willing to suffer persecution so that the good news can be proclaimed!
Jonathan tells Saul all of the good things David has done for him and how he shouldn’t hurt Saul. Saul makes an oath that he won’t put David to death yet we see he doesn’t try and keep that promise!
We need to be careful what we say, that it matches our actions! Don’t make promises I can’t keep.
This chapter talks a lot about the spirit coming upon people and how they started prophesying…
Saul really had an anger problem and I don’t think I would have kept spears near the King because he was prone to throw them at people! In vs 34 we see that Saul threw a spear at Jonathan, his own son!
Acts-
19But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out.
They were jailed for preaching, the Lord released them from prison and they went right back to teaching! (vs 25) Even a jail couldn’t contain men who were doing God’s will! He opened the doors!
Vs 28 We must obey God rather than men!
39But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God." 40His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 42Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.
I liked verse 39, if these people are from God, you won’t be able to stop them, you’ll only be fighting against God. I need to remember we’re in a battle here on earth and have my armor ready and prepared to fight! My best weapon is knowing the Word of God.
The Disciples rejoiced because they’d be persecuted for Christ! They knew the truth and couldn’t withhold the news from people! They’d been commanded by God to proclaim the good news and that’s what they did! They feared God more than man!
Lord, help me not to be afraid of what others may say or think, help me to speak up, to be bold, to be willing to suffer persecution so that the good news can be proclaimed!
Monday, May 4, 2009
1 Samuel 17-18
10 Then the Philistine said, "This day I defy the ranks of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other." 11 On hearing the Philistine's words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified
26 David asked the men standing near him, "What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?"
Goliath was over 9 feet tall. For 40 days Goliah came out and challenged the Israelites. Nowhere does it say that Saul ever tried to consult the Lord during this time! They were afraid! Goliah was insulting God!
David wouldn’t take no for an answer, he knew he could triumph. He knew that God was on his side, no matter how small he was or hor large Goliah was! He had faith and trust! What an awesome testimony that David wasn’t afraid and spoke out against Goliath! He had such assurance!
37 The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." Saul said to David, "Go, and the LORD be with you." 45 David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands."
I like too how David said in front of everyone what was going to take place. Goliath was going to die and he was going to cut his head off!
9 And from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David. 10 The next day an evil spirit from God came forcefully upon Saul. He was prophesying in his house, while David was playing the harp, as he usually did. Saul had a spear in his hand 11 and he hurled it, saying to himself, "I'll pin David to the wall." But David eluded him twice. 12 Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with David but had left Saul.
Here we have David and Saul, God had taken his spirit from Saul and given it to David. This made Saul jealous and afraid (vs 15) of what David could accomplish. He tried to kill David and plot against him by having him fight the Philistines for Michals hand. All that Saul planned for David’s destruction didn’t happen. Vs 14 talking about David, 14 In everything he did he had great success, because the LORD was with him. If Saul could have put his feelings aside, he probably could have been a good mentor to David, having reigned in power for so many years and having known what upsets the Lord from his past experience. Instead Saul became David’s enemy!
Vs 28 When Saul realized that the LORD was with David and that his daughter Michal loved David, 29 Saul became still more afraid of him, and he remained his enemy the rest of his days.
Lord, help me not to get caught up in my feelings that would hinder me from doing your will. I don’t want to be fearful of anything, I only want to fear You who can kill body and soul and want to do your will for my life. Help me to be confident like David.
26 David asked the men standing near him, "What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?"
Goliath was over 9 feet tall. For 40 days Goliah came out and challenged the Israelites. Nowhere does it say that Saul ever tried to consult the Lord during this time! They were afraid! Goliah was insulting God!
David wouldn’t take no for an answer, he knew he could triumph. He knew that God was on his side, no matter how small he was or hor large Goliah was! He had faith and trust! What an awesome testimony that David wasn’t afraid and spoke out against Goliath! He had such assurance!
37 The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." Saul said to David, "Go, and the LORD be with you." 45 David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands."
I like too how David said in front of everyone what was going to take place. Goliath was going to die and he was going to cut his head off!
9 And from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David. 10 The next day an evil spirit from God came forcefully upon Saul. He was prophesying in his house, while David was playing the harp, as he usually did. Saul had a spear in his hand 11 and he hurled it, saying to himself, "I'll pin David to the wall." But David eluded him twice. 12 Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with David but had left Saul.
Here we have David and Saul, God had taken his spirit from Saul and given it to David. This made Saul jealous and afraid (vs 15) of what David could accomplish. He tried to kill David and plot against him by having him fight the Philistines for Michals hand. All that Saul planned for David’s destruction didn’t happen. Vs 14 talking about David, 14 In everything he did he had great success, because the LORD was with him. If Saul could have put his feelings aside, he probably could have been a good mentor to David, having reigned in power for so many years and having known what upsets the Lord from his past experience. Instead Saul became David’s enemy!
Vs 28 When Saul realized that the LORD was with David and that his daughter Michal loved David, 29 Saul became still more afraid of him, and he remained his enemy the rest of his days.
Lord, help me not to get caught up in my feelings that would hinder me from doing your will. I don’t want to be fearful of anything, I only want to fear You who can kill body and soul and want to do your will for my life. Help me to be confident like David.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
1 Samuel 15-16
Samuel SPECIFICALLY tells Saul to destroy EVERYTHING and he blatantly disobeys and makes excuses for his sin!!
9 But Saul and the army spared Agag and the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calves and lambs—everything that was good. These they were unwilling to destroy completely, but everything that was despised and weak they totally destroyed.
10 Then the word of the LORD came to Samuel: 11 "I am grieved that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions." Samuel was troubled, and he cried out to the LORD all that night.
Samuel goes to meet Saul and found Vs 12 he set up a monument in his own honor. I believe it was GOD that made Sauls battle against the Amalekites successful so why would he need his own monument?
We see that unless we FULLY obey, it’s sin and disobedience and it grieves God. Also, we can’t applaud ourselves for the good things that come into our lives, they are all from God and He deserves the glory and praise.
Samuel goes on to say that Saul was in rebellion against God and arrogant! Vs 23 The excuses Saul makes are so sad, “the men brought back the cattle and plunder” vs 22 and 24 e confesses he’s sinned then blames the people vs 24 saying he was afraid of them so he gave in to sin! We shouldn’t make excuses for sin!
I am thankful that God is a God that doesn’t lie or change His mind. He’s not a man, He is God! (vs 29)
1 Samuel 16
1 The LORD said to Samuel, "How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king."
God doesn’t want us to mourn for long, or wallow in the guilt of our sin. He wants us to move forward, confessing sins or coming to the understanding that things only happen when He wills it to happen. We need to move forward and do His will. Nothing is a surprise to God.
7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
We need to not look at the outward appearance of man but to try and view people as God views them!
13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power. Samuel then went to Ramah. 14 Now the Spirit of the LORD had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD tormented him. 23 Whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would take his harp and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him.
I thought these verses were interesting that God sent an evil spirit to torment Saul! Then, to bring relief, Saul would call on David (who’d been announced King and Saul didn’t know it!) and the evil spirit would depart him.
9 But Saul and the army spared Agag and the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calves and lambs—everything that was good. These they were unwilling to destroy completely, but everything that was despised and weak they totally destroyed.
10 Then the word of the LORD came to Samuel: 11 "I am grieved that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions." Samuel was troubled, and he cried out to the LORD all that night.
Samuel goes to meet Saul and found Vs 12 he set up a monument in his own honor. I believe it was GOD that made Sauls battle against the Amalekites successful so why would he need his own monument?
We see that unless we FULLY obey, it’s sin and disobedience and it grieves God. Also, we can’t applaud ourselves for the good things that come into our lives, they are all from God and He deserves the glory and praise.
Samuel goes on to say that Saul was in rebellion against God and arrogant! Vs 23 The excuses Saul makes are so sad, “the men brought back the cattle and plunder” vs 22 and 24 e confesses he’s sinned then blames the people vs 24 saying he was afraid of them so he gave in to sin! We shouldn’t make excuses for sin!
I am thankful that God is a God that doesn’t lie or change His mind. He’s not a man, He is God! (vs 29)
1 Samuel 16
1 The LORD said to Samuel, "How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king."
God doesn’t want us to mourn for long, or wallow in the guilt of our sin. He wants us to move forward, confessing sins or coming to the understanding that things only happen when He wills it to happen. We need to move forward and do His will. Nothing is a surprise to God.
7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
We need to not look at the outward appearance of man but to try and view people as God views them!
13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power. Samuel then went to Ramah. 14 Now the Spirit of the LORD had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD tormented him. 23 Whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would take his harp and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him.
I thought these verses were interesting that God sent an evil spirit to torment Saul! Then, to bring relief, Saul would call on David (who’d been announced King and Saul didn’t know it!) and the evil spirit would depart him.
Samuel
7He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.
The Disciples were asking Jesus questions and his response was, it’s not for us to know the dates and times. I think this is a good reminder to not ask WHY so much, God tells us to do something or if something happens we should respond the way He wants and not ask why.
11"Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."
Oh Lord, just as you left in the sky, you’ll come back through the sky! God, I pray in my lifetime to see you return! I want to be part of hearing those trumpets sound and seeing you return for your children to take us home to our eternal dwelling place! I anticipate that day!
12 The people then said to Samuel, "Who was it that asked, 'Shall Saul reign over us?' Bring these men to us and we will put them to death." 13 But Saul said, "No one shall be put to death today, for this day the LORD has rescued Israel."
I thought this passage was great! Paul had the peoples support in killing the men who mocked him! Instead though, he really let God deal with those people since vengeance is the Lords! He decided to focus the day on how the Lord had saved them instead of making it about how he’d been wronged by others.
14 If you fear the LORD and serve and obey him and do not rebel against his commands, and if both you and the king who reigns over you follow the LORD your God-good! 15 But if you do not obey the LORD, and if you rebel against his commands, his hand will be against you, as it was against your fathers. 16 "Now then, stand still and see this great thing the LORD is about to do before your eyes! 20 "Do not be afraid," Samuel replied. "You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. 21 Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless. 24 But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.
Just like the Israelites, we need to 1) fear the Lord 2)obey Him 3)serve Him will all our hearts. Do we serve God with all our hearts? Have we given over every part of Him for His use and guidance? Have we turned away from whatever useless idols we may have in our lives?
6 When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God came upon him in power, and he burned with anger. 7 He took a pair of oxen, cut them into pieces, and sent the pieces by messengers throughout Israel, proclaiming, "This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone who does not follow Saul and Samuel." Then the terror of the LORD fell on the people, and they turned out as one man.
What does this verse mean, turned out as one man???
The Disciples were asking Jesus questions and his response was, it’s not for us to know the dates and times. I think this is a good reminder to not ask WHY so much, God tells us to do something or if something happens we should respond the way He wants and not ask why.
11"Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."
Oh Lord, just as you left in the sky, you’ll come back through the sky! God, I pray in my lifetime to see you return! I want to be part of hearing those trumpets sound and seeing you return for your children to take us home to our eternal dwelling place! I anticipate that day!
12 The people then said to Samuel, "Who was it that asked, 'Shall Saul reign over us?' Bring these men to us and we will put them to death." 13 But Saul said, "No one shall be put to death today, for this day the LORD has rescued Israel."
I thought this passage was great! Paul had the peoples support in killing the men who mocked him! Instead though, he really let God deal with those people since vengeance is the Lords! He decided to focus the day on how the Lord had saved them instead of making it about how he’d been wronged by others.
14 If you fear the LORD and serve and obey him and do not rebel against his commands, and if both you and the king who reigns over you follow the LORD your God-good! 15 But if you do not obey the LORD, and if you rebel against his commands, his hand will be against you, as it was against your fathers. 16 "Now then, stand still and see this great thing the LORD is about to do before your eyes! 20 "Do not be afraid," Samuel replied. "You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. 21 Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless. 24 But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.
Just like the Israelites, we need to 1) fear the Lord 2)obey Him 3)serve Him will all our hearts. Do we serve God with all our hearts? Have we given over every part of Him for His use and guidance? Have we turned away from whatever useless idols we may have in our lives?
6 When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God came upon him in power, and he burned with anger. 7 He took a pair of oxen, cut them into pieces, and sent the pieces by messengers throughout Israel, proclaiming, "This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone who does not follow Saul and Samuel." Then the terror of the LORD fell on the people, and they turned out as one man.
What does this verse mean, turned out as one man???
Friday, May 1, 2009
John 21- Samuel 9-10
I don’t think I realized before that Saul was from Benjamins line.
This passage reminds me that I need to CONSULT GOD FIRST! Saul’s donkeys were missing and searching on his own, he didn’t find them! Then his servant says let’s go ask this man of God (prophet, seer) who was Samuel. Before Saul even asked about the donkeys, Samuel informed Saul that they had been found (vs 20).
Nothing in the Bible happens just by chance! The donkeys got lost, the servant says lets ask the man of God, Samuel is told by God that Saul is coming the next day….everything is God ordained!
Vs 27 how amazing would it be to have been given a message from God FROM a real prophet!
Vs 6 The Spirit of the LORD will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person. 9 As Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed Saul's heart, and all these signs were fulfilled that day. 10 When they arrived at Gibeah, a procession of prophets met him; the Spirit of God came upon him in power, and he joined in their prophesying.
Samuel lists off very specific things that were to come and they were fulfilled!
22 So they inquired further of the LORD, "Has the man come here yet?" And the LORD said, "Yes, he has hidden himself among the baggage."
I wonder why Saul hid? Was he afraid of what the people’s reactions would be? God appointed him King!
John 21-
The disciples are fishing but haven’t caught any fish. As soon as Jesus tells them to cast their nets on the right side of the boat, their nets are FULL of fish!
18 I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go."
19Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!"
I love verse 19. Wow, it brought tears to my eyes to see that Peters death glorified God. Our whole purpose on this earth is to bring glory to God but to die for the faith, that’s the ultimate sacrifice.
God, I thank you so much for today. Help me God to consult you before making plans and for you to be glorified in all that we do.
This passage reminds me that I need to CONSULT GOD FIRST! Saul’s donkeys were missing and searching on his own, he didn’t find them! Then his servant says let’s go ask this man of God (prophet, seer) who was Samuel. Before Saul even asked about the donkeys, Samuel informed Saul that they had been found (vs 20).
Nothing in the Bible happens just by chance! The donkeys got lost, the servant says lets ask the man of God, Samuel is told by God that Saul is coming the next day….everything is God ordained!
Vs 27 how amazing would it be to have been given a message from God FROM a real prophet!
Vs 6 The Spirit of the LORD will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person. 9 As Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed Saul's heart, and all these signs were fulfilled that day. 10 When they arrived at Gibeah, a procession of prophets met him; the Spirit of God came upon him in power, and he joined in their prophesying.
Samuel lists off very specific things that were to come and they were fulfilled!
22 So they inquired further of the LORD, "Has the man come here yet?" And the LORD said, "Yes, he has hidden himself among the baggage."
I wonder why Saul hid? Was he afraid of what the people’s reactions would be? God appointed him King!
John 21-
The disciples are fishing but haven’t caught any fish. As soon as Jesus tells them to cast their nets on the right side of the boat, their nets are FULL of fish!
18 I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go."
19Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!"
I love verse 19. Wow, it brought tears to my eyes to see that Peters death glorified God. Our whole purpose on this earth is to bring glory to God but to die for the faith, that’s the ultimate sacrifice.
God, I thank you so much for today. Help me God to consult you before making plans and for you to be glorified in all that we do.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
John 20- 1 Samuel 7-8
John 20-
22And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit.
Prior to Jesus’ death on the Cross, the Holy Spirit wasn’t able to dwell inside of people. (John 14)
29Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
Jesus was speaking to Thomas in this verse but God is referring to US today! We are believers who haven’t physically seen Jesus!
2 Samuel-
3 And Samuel said to the whole house of Israel, "If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines."
For 20 years the Israelites mourned and sought after the Lord YET STILL they had idols in their homes!!! How often do our actions not match up to what we’re saying??? Vs 4 says they “put away their Baals and Ashtoreths”, really they needed to DESTROY them!
3 But his sons did not walk in his ways. They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice.
Samuel was the son of Hannah who’d prayed for a son and gave her son over to full time ministry at the temple under Eli. We see that Samuel had sons and vs 3 “but his sons did not walk in his ways.” It is imperative that we teach and train our children Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it. I still remember Lisa Reed’s message at WBS last year on Hannah and how she only had a few years with her son! We need to make the most of the years that we have with our children, raising them up in the Lord and praying for them.
The people of Israel asked Samuel for a King. Vs 7 And the LORD told him: "Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king.
8 When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the LORD will not answer you in that day." 19 But the people refused to listen to Samuel. "No!" they said. "We want a king over us.
Here they had the ultimate ruler, God as their King. They were able to consult with Him through the Priest yet still they looked at other nations and wanted what other men had! They rejected God as their King.
Lord, thank you for this new day. Help me today to remember you are King and in charge of my day-to-day activities! Help me to instill I my children what you want them to know God and I thank you for giving me the opportunity to teach them.
22And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit.
Prior to Jesus’ death on the Cross, the Holy Spirit wasn’t able to dwell inside of people. (John 14)
29Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
Jesus was speaking to Thomas in this verse but God is referring to US today! We are believers who haven’t physically seen Jesus!
2 Samuel-
3 And Samuel said to the whole house of Israel, "If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines."
For 20 years the Israelites mourned and sought after the Lord YET STILL they had idols in their homes!!! How often do our actions not match up to what we’re saying??? Vs 4 says they “put away their Baals and Ashtoreths”, really they needed to DESTROY them!
3 But his sons did not walk in his ways. They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice.
Samuel was the son of Hannah who’d prayed for a son and gave her son over to full time ministry at the temple under Eli. We see that Samuel had sons and vs 3 “but his sons did not walk in his ways.” It is imperative that we teach and train our children Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it. I still remember Lisa Reed’s message at WBS last year on Hannah and how she only had a few years with her son! We need to make the most of the years that we have with our children, raising them up in the Lord and praying for them.
The people of Israel asked Samuel for a King. Vs 7 And the LORD told him: "Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king.
8 When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the LORD will not answer you in that day." 19 But the people refused to listen to Samuel. "No!" they said. "We want a king over us.
Here they had the ultimate ruler, God as their King. They were able to consult with Him through the Priest yet still they looked at other nations and wanted what other men had! They rejected God as their King.
Lord, thank you for this new day. Help me today to remember you are King and in charge of my day-to-day activities! Help me to instill I my children what you want them to know God and I thank you for giving me the opportunity to teach them.
John 19- 1 Samuel 5 and 6-
John 19-
Vs 3 they struck him in the face.
I’m always saddened when I read the crucifixion, the gory details of what Christ endured on MY behalf, because of MY sins. God, I’m sorry for my sins and I thank you for the forgiveness you give me daily!
10"Do you refuse to speak to me?" Pilate said. "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?" 11Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin."
21The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, "Do not write 'The King of the Jews,' but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews." 22Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written."
From this chapter, it seems that Pilate believed that Jesus WAS in fact the Son of God! Just like Pilate, we think we can do things…we don’t acknowledge God or depend on Him or consult Him. We need to give God the glory He deserves and know that He controls our life!
1 Samuel 5 and 6-
I love this chapter how, in the presence of the ark, the Philistines “god” had “fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the LORD”
1 So they called together all the rulers of the Philistines and said, "Send the ark of the god of Israel away; let it go back to its own place, or it will kill us and our people." For death had filled the city with panic; God's hand was very heavy upon it.
19 But God struck down some of the men of Beth Shemesh, putting seventy of them to death because they had looked into the ark of the LORD. The people mourned because of the heavy blow the LORD had dealt them,
I’ve always been SO curious as to what happened with the ark. God sent plagues and tumors, made cities break out in chaos, and if you looked inside, He killed people for that! I know it was captured but other times when it was captured, they sent it back!!!
Vs 3 they struck him in the face.
I’m always saddened when I read the crucifixion, the gory details of what Christ endured on MY behalf, because of MY sins. God, I’m sorry for my sins and I thank you for the forgiveness you give me daily!
10"Do you refuse to speak to me?" Pilate said. "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?" 11Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin."
21The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, "Do not write 'The King of the Jews,' but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews." 22Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written."
From this chapter, it seems that Pilate believed that Jesus WAS in fact the Son of God! Just like Pilate, we think we can do things…we don’t acknowledge God or depend on Him or consult Him. We need to give God the glory He deserves and know that He controls our life!
1 Samuel 5 and 6-
I love this chapter how, in the presence of the ark, the Philistines “god” had “fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the LORD”
1 So they called together all the rulers of the Philistines and said, "Send the ark of the god of Israel away; let it go back to its own place, or it will kill us and our people." For death had filled the city with panic; God's hand was very heavy upon it.
19 But God struck down some of the men of Beth Shemesh, putting seventy of them to death because they had looked into the ark of the LORD. The people mourned because of the heavy blow the LORD had dealt them,
I’ve always been SO curious as to what happened with the ark. God sent plagues and tumors, made cities break out in chaos, and if you looked inside, He killed people for that! I know it was captured but other times when it was captured, they sent it back!!!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Ruth 3-4 John 16-
I love the story of Ruth and how she is such a good example for women to follow! In these 2 chapters, we see her being patient and also humble. Laying at the feet of Boaz then waiting to hear whether or not he was going to marry her I’m sure wasn’t easy for Ruth! You can tell too that Ruth respected Boaz, where he says, “you have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor”. He also calls her “a woman of noble character.” We also see how God rewarded Ruth for her faithfulness by placing her in the line of Jesus. Vs 17 they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David. The elders had also prayed a blessing on her, that Ruth would be like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel (vs 11).
John 16:7
Jesus explains to the disciples how the Holy Spirit can’t come until He has departed and ultimately has paid the penalty for sin. Vs 7 But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment:
God, I thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to help guide and convict us and intercede for us!
20I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. 21A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. 22So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.
What a great depiction, the mother giving birth in pain but once the child is born, her anguish turns to joy! I love how vs 22 says “no one will take away your joy”. Nehemiah 8:10b “This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." We can always find joy because “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)
33"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Great verse that I’ve memorized! We’re not promised an easy life here on earth, vs 33 says we “WILL” have trouble. Still, God is good and He’s in control and says we can still have peace through times of tribulation. I really enjoyed studying James last year in how we can persevere through trials!
John 16:7
Jesus explains to the disciples how the Holy Spirit can’t come until He has departed and ultimately has paid the penalty for sin. Vs 7 But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment:
God, I thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to help guide and convict us and intercede for us!
20I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. 21A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. 22So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.
What a great depiction, the mother giving birth in pain but once the child is born, her anguish turns to joy! I love how vs 22 says “no one will take away your joy”. Nehemiah 8:10b “This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." We can always find joy because “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)
33"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Great verse that I’ve memorized! We’re not promised an easy life here on earth, vs 33 says we “WILL” have trouble. Still, God is good and He’s in control and says we can still have peace through times of tribulation. I really enjoyed studying James last year in how we can persevere through trials!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
John 13- Judges 17-19
Judges 17-19
6 In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.
Since there wasn't a King, I assume there wasn't an enforcer to punish wrong or uphold the law.
Micah made idols for himself which then became the idols of the Danites. Today is "Earth Day" and people worship creation rather than the Creator (Romans 1:25) Even though Micah hired a man to be his "priest", since he was worshiping idols, this wasn't pleasing to the Lord and his idols and priest were taken away.
A man had a concubine who became unfaithful then went back to her fathers house. The man went to retrieve her and bring her home. On the journey back, staying in this foreign town, men of the city wanted to have sex with the man but raped and abused the woman instead. Had this woman been faithful and not left the man, this whole scenario would have been different. Sometimes we really have to examine what actions we will take because they can have grave consequences.
John 13-
1It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.
He showed us the full extent of His love by saving us from sins through dying on the cross!
14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. 15I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.
Jesus has given us an example how to act, how to serve and how to show love so we can follow His example.
Reading verse 21, "Jesus was troubled in spirit" how difficult to be Jesus and know in advance everything that is to come. To know that Peter, the one who Jesus loved vs 23, was going to deny Him 3 times. To know that Judas was going to betray Him. Also, to know that Satan had entered into Judas and was in His presence.
The devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot (vs 2). As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. "What you are about to do, do quickly," Jesus told him. (vs 27)
Here's Judas who had been in the presence of Jesus, seen His miracles, yet didn't believe and left himself unguarded where the Devil used him as his tool. Those who aren't Christians need to know that if they aren't with God, they are against God and that Satan can and might use them to do evil things! Revelation 3:16 "So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth."
34"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."
Galatians 5:13b "Serve one another in love"
Our life as Christians should show a genuine love for others and a service to them!
6 In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.
Since there wasn't a King, I assume there wasn't an enforcer to punish wrong or uphold the law.
Micah made idols for himself which then became the idols of the Danites. Today is "Earth Day" and people worship creation rather than the Creator (Romans 1:25) Even though Micah hired a man to be his "priest", since he was worshiping idols, this wasn't pleasing to the Lord and his idols and priest were taken away.
A man had a concubine who became unfaithful then went back to her fathers house. The man went to retrieve her and bring her home. On the journey back, staying in this foreign town, men of the city wanted to have sex with the man but raped and abused the woman instead. Had this woman been faithful and not left the man, this whole scenario would have been different. Sometimes we really have to examine what actions we will take because they can have grave consequences.
John 13-
1It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.
He showed us the full extent of His love by saving us from sins through dying on the cross!
14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. 15I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.
Jesus has given us an example how to act, how to serve and how to show love so we can follow His example.
Reading verse 21, "Jesus was troubled in spirit" how difficult to be Jesus and know in advance everything that is to come. To know that Peter, the one who Jesus loved vs 23, was going to deny Him 3 times. To know that Judas was going to betray Him. Also, to know that Satan had entered into Judas and was in His presence.
The devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot (vs 2). As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. "What you are about to do, do quickly," Jesus told him. (vs 27)
Here's Judas who had been in the presence of Jesus, seen His miracles, yet didn't believe and left himself unguarded where the Devil used him as his tool. Those who aren't Christians need to know that if they aren't with God, they are against God and that Satan can and might use them to do evil things! Revelation 3:16 "So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth."
34"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."
Galatians 5:13b "Serve one another in love"
Our life as Christians should show a genuine love for others and a service to them!
John 12-
Judas stealing money, Mary sitting at Jesus' feet, Martha serving.
23Jesus replied, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.
24I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.
25The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
26Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
27"Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.
28Father, glorify your name!" Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again."
29The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.
30Jesus said, "This voice was for your benefit, not mine.
31Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.
32But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself."
37Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him.
42Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue;
43for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.
47"As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it.
48There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day.
23Jesus replied, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.
24I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.
25The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
26Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
27"Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.
28Father, glorify your name!" Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again."
29The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.
30Jesus said, "This voice was for your benefit, not mine.
31Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.
32But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself."
37Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him.
42Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue;
43for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.
47"As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it.
48There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Judges 15-16
Samson served Israel for 20 years. Some of the things he did in life weren't very "God pleasing". Staying with a prostitute, and then falling in love with a Philistine girl who ended up betraying him. It seems that his weakness was women, and it was the love for the wrong woman that ultimately cost him his life. He could have led Israel longer had be not confided in Delilah. Still, when captured, God heard Samson's prayers and restored his strength one last time and Samson was able to destroy more Israelites through his death than he did while alive!
Again, we see a manipulative woman and can learn how not to act towards the men in our lives! ""How can you say, 'I love you,' when you won't confide in me?" Vs 15 and vs 16 "with such nagging she prodded him day after day until he was tired to death."
We see too in this chapter that Samson seeks "revenge" a lot! Ultimately we know that vengeance is the Lord's! (Hebrews 10:30)
Again, we see a manipulative woman and can learn how not to act towards the men in our lives! ""How can you say, 'I love you,' when you won't confide in me?" Vs 15 and vs 16 "with such nagging she prodded him day after day until he was tired to death."
We see too in this chapter that Samson seeks "revenge" a lot! Ultimately we know that vengeance is the Lord's! (Hebrews 10:30)
Monday, April 20, 2009
John 11- Judges 12-14
Judges 13-
Even before Samson's birth, God had specific rules that the Angels of the Lord gave to his parents. I find it interesting that this passage doesn't say the "wifes" name, she's just Manoahs wife. I think too that it's great that Manoah believed his wifes story and wanted to know more from the Lord so he prayed "8 Then Manoah prayed to the LORD : "O LORD, I beg you, let the man of God you sent to us come again to teach us how to bring up the boy who is to be born."
Judges 14-
This passage with Samsons wife is so sad. It's a great reminder for me not to pressure or nag or bother my husband!!!
16 Then Samson's wife threw herself on him, sobbing, "You hate me! You don't really love me. You've given my people a riddle, but you haven't told me the answer." "I haven't even explained it to my father or mother," he replied, "so why should I explain it to you?" 17 She cried the whole seven days of the feast. So on the seventh day he finally told her, because she continued to press him.
Vs 19 says that the Spirit of the Lord came upon Samson in power. He then killed 30 men. It also says that he was "burning with anger". This verse reminds me of Ephesians 4:26 "In your anger, do not sin".
20 And Samson's wife was given to the friend who had attended him at his wedding.
Does this verse mean that Samson gave his wife away to someone else???
John 11-
What a great passage of scripture where Jesus shows His power to others! Lazarus was sick, Jesus knew in advance he'd died. He comes to Martha and says "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"
I thank God for that eternal truth! If I believe in God, I will never die a Spiritual death, I'll continue to live on in Heaven with God!
Both sisters had faith, believing if Jesus had been present during Lazurus' sickness, that Jesus would have been able to heal him. He says to take away the gravestone which people questioned! Jesus says vs 40 "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see he glory of God?" He then prayed to God...such a beautiful prayer (John 11:41-42)
Lazarus came out of the tomb very much alive and not all who witnessed this miracle, put their faith in Jesus!!! How do you see a man raised from the dead, who's been dead for 4 days, and not believe that Jesus is God's Son? What did people think He was???
I also had to point out something SO awesome about Scripture. We know there were 40 different authors and hundreds of years between Genesis and John. Reading today, Jesus went to a Village called "Ephraim" which is the same name mentioned in Judges 12 :)
God I thank you that you hear me, and God that you always hear. I thank you for the scriptures, that we can read them and compare them and understand them and believe in them!
Even before Samson's birth, God had specific rules that the Angels of the Lord gave to his parents. I find it interesting that this passage doesn't say the "wifes" name, she's just Manoahs wife. I think too that it's great that Manoah believed his wifes story and wanted to know more from the Lord so he prayed "8 Then Manoah prayed to the LORD : "O LORD, I beg you, let the man of God you sent to us come again to teach us how to bring up the boy who is to be born."
Judges 14-
This passage with Samsons wife is so sad. It's a great reminder for me not to pressure or nag or bother my husband!!!
16 Then Samson's wife threw herself on him, sobbing, "You hate me! You don't really love me. You've given my people a riddle, but you haven't told me the answer." "I haven't even explained it to my father or mother," he replied, "so why should I explain it to you?" 17 She cried the whole seven days of the feast. So on the seventh day he finally told her, because she continued to press him.
Vs 19 says that the Spirit of the Lord came upon Samson in power. He then killed 30 men. It also says that he was "burning with anger". This verse reminds me of Ephesians 4:26 "In your anger, do not sin".
20 And Samson's wife was given to the friend who had attended him at his wedding.
Does this verse mean that Samson gave his wife away to someone else???
John 11-
What a great passage of scripture where Jesus shows His power to others! Lazarus was sick, Jesus knew in advance he'd died. He comes to Martha and says "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"
I thank God for that eternal truth! If I believe in God, I will never die a Spiritual death, I'll continue to live on in Heaven with God!
Both sisters had faith, believing if Jesus had been present during Lazurus' sickness, that Jesus would have been able to heal him. He says to take away the gravestone which people questioned! Jesus says vs 40 "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see he glory of God?" He then prayed to God...such a beautiful prayer (John 11:41-42)
Lazarus came out of the tomb very much alive and not all who witnessed this miracle, put their faith in Jesus!!! How do you see a man raised from the dead, who's been dead for 4 days, and not believe that Jesus is God's Son? What did people think He was???
I also had to point out something SO awesome about Scripture. We know there were 40 different authors and hundreds of years between Genesis and John. Reading today, Jesus went to a Village called "Ephraim" which is the same name mentioned in Judges 12 :)
God I thank you that you hear me, and God that you always hear. I thank you for the scriptures, that we can read them and compare them and understand them and believe in them!
John 10- Judges 9-11
Judges 9-11
Abimelech approaches people and asks if it's better to be ruled by 1 person or 70 people. He then took the liberty of murdering the 70 except for one!
22 After Abimelech had governed Israel three years, 23 God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the citizens of Shechem, who acted treacherously against Abimelech. 24 God did this in order that the crime against Jerub-Baal's seventy sons, the shedding of their blood, might be avenged on their brother Abimelech and on the citizens of Shechem, who had helped him murder his brothers.
31 Under cover he sent messengers to Abimelech, saying, "Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers have come to Shechem and are stirring up the city against you. 52 Abimelech went to the tower and stormed it. But as he approached the entrance to the tower to set it on fire, 53 a woman dropped an upper millstone on his head and cracked his skull. 54 Hurriedly he called to his armor-bearer, "Draw your sword and kill me, so that they can't say, 'A woman killed him.' " So his servant ran him through, and he died. 55 When the Israelites saw that Abimelech was dead, they went home. 56 Thus God repaid the wickedness that Abimelech had done to his father by murdering his seventy brothers.
Judges 10:31 says that people were stirring up the city against Abimelech. A good reminder that words and grumbling can accomplish a lot of good or harm!
I love when God uses women to accomplish His plans! Here, people have gathered into a tower and as Abimelech approaches to burn it and all the people inside, a woman dropped a millstone on his head!
10:6 Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD. They served the Baals and the Ashtoreths, and the gods of Aram, the gods of Sidon, the gods of Moab, the gods of the Ammonites and the gods of the Philistines. And because the Israelites forsook the LORD and no longer served him, 7 he became angry with them. He sold them into the hands of the Philistines and the Ammonites, 8 who that year shattered and crushed them. For eighteen years they oppressed all the Israelites on the east side of the Jordan in Gilead, the land of the Amorites.
Judges 10:6-16 Then the Israelites cried out to the LORD, "We have sinned against you, forsaking our God and serving the Baals." 11 The LORD replied, "When the Egyptians, the Amorites, the Ammonites, the Philistines, 12 the Sidonians, the Amalekites and the Maonites oppressed you and you cried to me for help, did I not save you from their hands? 13 But you have forsaken me and served other gods, so I will no longer save you. 14 Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen. Let them save you when you are in trouble!" 15 But the Israelites said to the LORD, "We have sinned. Do with us whatever you think best, but please rescue us now." 16 Then they got rid of the foreign gods among them and served the LORD. And he could bear Israel's misery no longer.
The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord. They served idols, again!
18 years, the Israelites were oppressed. They served other gods and forgot God! God said to cry out to the gods they've chosen but, they repented of their sin, throwing the idols out and God showed grace and mercy again.
11:27 I have not wronged you, but you are doing me wrong by waging war against me. Let the LORD, the Judge, decide the dispute this day between the Israelites and the Ammonites." I like that this verse Jephthah has a clear conscience and is able to say with truth, "I have not wronged you". I need to be careful of whom I wrong so I can say that too with a clear conscience!
Jephthah's family drove Jephthah away but when they needed help, they searched for him and asked him to be their leader!
This chapter, Jephthah made a vow to God that he'd sacrifice the first thing that came out his door if the Lord would let him win the battles against his enemies. This reminds me to watch what I promise the Lord! The first thing out of his door was his only child, his daughter. This is different from when God tested Abraham with Isaac. Verse 39 says that her father did to her as he had vowed, meaning he sacrificed his daughter to God!
John 10-
14-15"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—
15just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 17The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 18No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father."27My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. 29My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. 30I and the Father are one."
The Jews ask Jesus to tell them if he's the Son of God. He responds saying "I and the Father are one" and the Jews pick up stones to stone him! (Vs 31)
Thank you God for the gift of eternal life! Thank you Jesus for laying down your life on your own accord! Thank you that no one can take me away from you Lord.
Abimelech approaches people and asks if it's better to be ruled by 1 person or 70 people. He then took the liberty of murdering the 70 except for one!
22 After Abimelech had governed Israel three years, 23 God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the citizens of Shechem, who acted treacherously against Abimelech. 24 God did this in order that the crime against Jerub-Baal's seventy sons, the shedding of their blood, might be avenged on their brother Abimelech and on the citizens of Shechem, who had helped him murder his brothers.
31 Under cover he sent messengers to Abimelech, saying, "Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers have come to Shechem and are stirring up the city against you. 52 Abimelech went to the tower and stormed it. But as he approached the entrance to the tower to set it on fire, 53 a woman dropped an upper millstone on his head and cracked his skull. 54 Hurriedly he called to his armor-bearer, "Draw your sword and kill me, so that they can't say, 'A woman killed him.' " So his servant ran him through, and he died. 55 When the Israelites saw that Abimelech was dead, they went home. 56 Thus God repaid the wickedness that Abimelech had done to his father by murdering his seventy brothers.
Judges 10:31 says that people were stirring up the city against Abimelech. A good reminder that words and grumbling can accomplish a lot of good or harm!
I love when God uses women to accomplish His plans! Here, people have gathered into a tower and as Abimelech approaches to burn it and all the people inside, a woman dropped a millstone on his head!
10:6 Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD. They served the Baals and the Ashtoreths, and the gods of Aram, the gods of Sidon, the gods of Moab, the gods of the Ammonites and the gods of the Philistines. And because the Israelites forsook the LORD and no longer served him, 7 he became angry with them. He sold them into the hands of the Philistines and the Ammonites, 8 who that year shattered and crushed them. For eighteen years they oppressed all the Israelites on the east side of the Jordan in Gilead, the land of the Amorites.
Judges 10:6-16 Then the Israelites cried out to the LORD, "We have sinned against you, forsaking our God and serving the Baals." 11 The LORD replied, "When the Egyptians, the Amorites, the Ammonites, the Philistines, 12 the Sidonians, the Amalekites and the Maonites oppressed you and you cried to me for help, did I not save you from their hands? 13 But you have forsaken me and served other gods, so I will no longer save you. 14 Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen. Let them save you when you are in trouble!" 15 But the Israelites said to the LORD, "We have sinned. Do with us whatever you think best, but please rescue us now." 16 Then they got rid of the foreign gods among them and served the LORD. And he could bear Israel's misery no longer.
The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord. They served idols, again!
18 years, the Israelites were oppressed. They served other gods and forgot God! God said to cry out to the gods they've chosen but, they repented of their sin, throwing the idols out and God showed grace and mercy again.
11:27 I have not wronged you, but you are doing me wrong by waging war against me. Let the LORD, the Judge, decide the dispute this day between the Israelites and the Ammonites." I like that this verse Jephthah has a clear conscience and is able to say with truth, "I have not wronged you". I need to be careful of whom I wrong so I can say that too with a clear conscience!
Jephthah's family drove Jephthah away but when they needed help, they searched for him and asked him to be their leader!
This chapter, Jephthah made a vow to God that he'd sacrifice the first thing that came out his door if the Lord would let him win the battles against his enemies. This reminds me to watch what I promise the Lord! The first thing out of his door was his only child, his daughter. This is different from when God tested Abraham with Isaac. Verse 39 says that her father did to her as he had vowed, meaning he sacrificed his daughter to God!
John 10-
14-15"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—
15just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 17The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 18No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father."27My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. 29My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. 30I and the Father are one."
The Jews ask Jesus to tell them if he's the Son of God. He responds saying "I and the Father are one" and the Jews pick up stones to stone him! (Vs 31)
Thank you God for the gift of eternal life! Thank you Jesus for laying down your life on your own accord! Thank you that no one can take me away from you Lord.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
John 9- Judges 8-9
John 9-
1As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" 3"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.
4As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.
When things happen that we don't expect, we should see it as an opportunity that God's work might be displayed in our life! Also, verse 4, what a great reminder for US that as long as it is day, we must do the work of God!
31We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will. 32Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. 33If this man were not from God, he could do nothing."
Judges 7-8
Gideon started out with 32,000 men and God told him to keep 300 of them! Vs 8, So Gideon sent the rest of the Israelites to their tents but kept the 300. Vs 10, God tells Gideon that if he's afraid to attack, go hear what the men in camp are saying. A man had a dream that confirmed Gideon should attack! With trumpets, jars and 300 men, they defeated the Midianites.
Judges 8-
22 The Israelites said to Gideon, "Rule over us—you, your son and your grandson—because you have saved us out of the hand of Midian." 23 But Gideon told them, "I will not rule over you, nor will my son rule over you. The LORD will rule over you."
Gideon gave God the glory for his wins over Midian and knew who really was in charge and would rule over the people! They experienced 40 years of peace.
33 No sooner had Gideon died than the Israelites again prostituted themselves to the Baals. They set up Baal-Berith as their god and did not remember the LORD their God, who had rescued them from the hands of all their enemies on every side.
If we always start off our prayers with thanksgiving, we should never forget the things the Lord has done! The Israelites forgot God! Help me Lord to always remember your blessings, especially the gift of your Son!
1As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" 3"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.
4As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.
When things happen that we don't expect, we should see it as an opportunity that God's work might be displayed in our life! Also, verse 4, what a great reminder for US that as long as it is day, we must do the work of God!
31We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will. 32Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. 33If this man were not from God, he could do nothing."
Judges 7-8
Gideon started out with 32,000 men and God told him to keep 300 of them! Vs 8, So Gideon sent the rest of the Israelites to their tents but kept the 300. Vs 10, God tells Gideon that if he's afraid to attack, go hear what the men in camp are saying. A man had a dream that confirmed Gideon should attack! With trumpets, jars and 300 men, they defeated the Midianites.
Judges 8-
22 The Israelites said to Gideon, "Rule over us—you, your son and your grandson—because you have saved us out of the hand of Midian." 23 But Gideon told them, "I will not rule over you, nor will my son rule over you. The LORD will rule over you."
Gideon gave God the glory for his wins over Midian and knew who really was in charge and would rule over the people! They experienced 40 years of peace.
33 No sooner had Gideon died than the Israelites again prostituted themselves to the Baals. They set up Baal-Berith as their god and did not remember the LORD their God, who had rescued them from the hands of all their enemies on every side.
If we always start off our prayers with thanksgiving, we should never forget the things the Lord has done! The Israelites forgot God! Help me Lord to always remember your blessings, especially the gift of your Son!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Judges 5-6 John 8-
Judges 5-6
2 "When the princes in Israel take the lead, when the people willingly offer themselves— praise the LORD!
9 My heart is with Israel's princes, with the willing volunteers among the people. Praise the LORD!
31 "So may all your enemies perish, O LORD! But may they who love you be like the sun when it rises in its strength." Then the land had peace forty years.
1 Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD, 6 Midian so impoverished the Israelites that they cried out to the LORD for help. 7 When the Israelites cried to the LORD because of Midian, 8 he sent them a prophet, who said, "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: I brought you up out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 9 I snatched you from the power of Egypt and from the hand of all your oppressors. I drove them from before you and gave you their land.
God, help me Lord to not worship anything but you, if there are idols in my life (5:6), convict me of it Lord and any evil I may have in me(5:1)! Help me to continually willingly and voluntarily offer myself for your service God(5:2,9)!
10 I said to you, 'I am the LORD your God; do not worship the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you live.' But you have not listened to me." 12 When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior." 13 "But sir," Gideon replied, "if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our fathers told us about when they said, 'Did not the LORD bring us up out of Egypt?' But now the LORD has abandoned us and put us into the hand of Midian." 14 The LORD turned to him and said, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?" 15 "But Lord , " Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family." 16 The LORD answered, "I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together." 17 Gideon replied, "If now I have found favor in your eyes, give me a sign that it is really you talking to me.
25 That same night the LORD said to him, "Take the second bull from your father's herd, the one seven years old. Tear down your father's altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole beside it.29 They asked each other, "Who did this?" When they carefully investigated, they were told, "Gideon son of Joash did it."
30 The men of the town demanded of Joash, "Bring out your son. He must die, because he has broken down Baal's altar and cut down the Asherah pole beside it." 31 But Joash replied to the hostile crowd around him, "Are you going to plead Baal's cause? Are you trying to save him? Whoever fights for him shall be put to death by morning! If Baal really is a god, he can defend himself when someone breaks down his altar."
(Judges 6:25-31) We notice in this passage that Gideon's FATHER was a Baal worshiper. Here he'd heard all that God had done for the Israelites but his own family had turned away from worshiping God and did what was detestable in His eyes, idol worship. For Gideon too to ask God "WHY" all this had happened to Israel.
34 Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet, summoning the Abiezrites to follow him. 36 Gideon said to God, "If you will save Israel by my hand as you have promised- 37 look, I will place a wool fleece on the threshing floor. If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you said." 38 And that is what happened. Gideon rose early the next day; he squeezed the fleece and wrung out the dew—a bowlful of water. 39 Then Gideon said to God, "Do not be angry with me. Let me make just one more request. Allow me one more test with the fleece. This time make the fleece dry and the ground covered with dew." 40 That night God did so. Only the fleece was dry; all the ground was covered with dew.
(Judges 6:34-40) God was SO patient with Gideon! An angel of the Lord appeared to him and said he'd be the one to save Israel and yet Gideon on multiple occasions asks questions and asks for signs! Also, after being told to tear down the Baal idol, he fears man so much, he takes it down at night when no one is watching!
Psalm 56:4 In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? Matthew 10:28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
God, when you come to me wanting me to do something, help me to have the right response! Help me too God not to get caught up in the "why" but to try to focus on the task at hand and what You want accomplished.
John 8
3The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4 and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" 6They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." 8Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" 11"No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."
What words did Jesus write in the sand? Knowing the hearts and minds and deeds of ALL the people gathered around, He convicted each of them and that's why they walked away. God, we are ALL guilty of sin, help us to realize that we're no better than anyone else.
Pharisees 21Once more Jesus said to them, "I am going away, and you will look for me, and you will die in your sin. 23But he continued, "You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. 24I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins." 29The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him." 30Even as he spoke, many put their faith in him. 31To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." 34Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 44You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
"You will die in your sin" and believe "the father of lies." (Vs 21 & 44) Thank you for sending Jesus who's not of this world, to save us! (vs 23)
45Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! 46 Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don't you believe me? 47He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God." 50I am not seeking glory for myself; but there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge. 51I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death." 55 Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and keep his word.
Lord, help me to keep your word (51) and to not seek the glory of men.(vs 50) Help me to live a life that pleases you (vs 29) Thank you God for setting me free (vs 32). Help me cling to the truth (vs 43). Remind me that only Jesus Himself is the only person who can ever say "can you prove me guilty of sin?" (vs 46)
2 "When the princes in Israel take the lead, when the people willingly offer themselves— praise the LORD!
9 My heart is with Israel's princes, with the willing volunteers among the people. Praise the LORD!
31 "So may all your enemies perish, O LORD! But may they who love you be like the sun when it rises in its strength." Then the land had peace forty years.
1 Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD, 6 Midian so impoverished the Israelites that they cried out to the LORD for help. 7 When the Israelites cried to the LORD because of Midian, 8 he sent them a prophet, who said, "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: I brought you up out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 9 I snatched you from the power of Egypt and from the hand of all your oppressors. I drove them from before you and gave you their land.
God, help me Lord to not worship anything but you, if there are idols in my life (5:6), convict me of it Lord and any evil I may have in me(5:1)! Help me to continually willingly and voluntarily offer myself for your service God(5:2,9)!
10 I said to you, 'I am the LORD your God; do not worship the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you live.' But you have not listened to me." 12 When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior." 13 "But sir," Gideon replied, "if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our fathers told us about when they said, 'Did not the LORD bring us up out of Egypt?' But now the LORD has abandoned us and put us into the hand of Midian." 14 The LORD turned to him and said, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?" 15 "But Lord , " Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family." 16 The LORD answered, "I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together." 17 Gideon replied, "If now I have found favor in your eyes, give me a sign that it is really you talking to me.
25 That same night the LORD said to him, "Take the second bull from your father's herd, the one seven years old. Tear down your father's altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole beside it.29 They asked each other, "Who did this?" When they carefully investigated, they were told, "Gideon son of Joash did it."
30 The men of the town demanded of Joash, "Bring out your son. He must die, because he has broken down Baal's altar and cut down the Asherah pole beside it." 31 But Joash replied to the hostile crowd around him, "Are you going to plead Baal's cause? Are you trying to save him? Whoever fights for him shall be put to death by morning! If Baal really is a god, he can defend himself when someone breaks down his altar."
(Judges 6:25-31) We notice in this passage that Gideon's FATHER was a Baal worshiper. Here he'd heard all that God had done for the Israelites but his own family had turned away from worshiping God and did what was detestable in His eyes, idol worship. For Gideon too to ask God "WHY" all this had happened to Israel.
34 Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet, summoning the Abiezrites to follow him. 36 Gideon said to God, "If you will save Israel by my hand as you have promised- 37 look, I will place a wool fleece on the threshing floor. If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you said." 38 And that is what happened. Gideon rose early the next day; he squeezed the fleece and wrung out the dew—a bowlful of water. 39 Then Gideon said to God, "Do not be angry with me. Let me make just one more request. Allow me one more test with the fleece. This time make the fleece dry and the ground covered with dew." 40 That night God did so. Only the fleece was dry; all the ground was covered with dew.
(Judges 6:34-40) God was SO patient with Gideon! An angel of the Lord appeared to him and said he'd be the one to save Israel and yet Gideon on multiple occasions asks questions and asks for signs! Also, after being told to tear down the Baal idol, he fears man so much, he takes it down at night when no one is watching!
Psalm 56:4 In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? Matthew 10:28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
God, when you come to me wanting me to do something, help me to have the right response! Help me too God not to get caught up in the "why" but to try to focus on the task at hand and what You want accomplished.
John 8
3The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4 and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" 6They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." 8Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" 11"No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."
What words did Jesus write in the sand? Knowing the hearts and minds and deeds of ALL the people gathered around, He convicted each of them and that's why they walked away. God, we are ALL guilty of sin, help us to realize that we're no better than anyone else.
Pharisees 21Once more Jesus said to them, "I am going away, and you will look for me, and you will die in your sin. 23But he continued, "You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. 24I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins." 29The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him." 30Even as he spoke, many put their faith in him. 31To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." 34Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 44You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
"You will die in your sin" and believe "the father of lies." (Vs 21 & 44) Thank you for sending Jesus who's not of this world, to save us! (vs 23)
45Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! 46 Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don't you believe me? 47He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God." 50I am not seeking glory for myself; but there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge. 51I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death." 55 Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and keep his word.
Lord, help me to keep your word (51) and to not seek the glory of men.(vs 50) Help me to live a life that pleases you (vs 29) Thank you God for setting me free (vs 32). Help me cling to the truth (vs 43). Remind me that only Jesus Himself is the only person who can ever say "can you prove me guilty of sin?" (vs 46)
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Judges 3-4 John 7-
4 They were left to test the Israelites to see whether they would obey the LORD's commands, which he had given their forefathers through Moses.
We are not supposed to test God but we see in vs 4 here that God tests us! We need to learn how God wants us to respond during those times of testing, are we going to pass or fail?
Judges is all about the Israelites following God, then doing evil in His sight forgetting God then crying out to God and the cycle repeats itself!
6 They took their daughters in marriage and gave their own daughters to their sons, and served their gods. 7 The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD; they forgot the LORD their God and served the Baals and the Asherahs. 8 The anger of the LORD burned against Israel so that he sold them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram Naharaim, to whom the Israelites were subject for eight years. 9 But when they cried out to the LORD, he raised up for them a deliverer, Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, who saved them.
Sometimes in life we just need someone to lead us! Vs 28, Ehud said "Follow me" and the people did!
28 "Follow me," he ordered, "for the LORD has given Moab, your enemy, into your hands." So they followed him down and, taking possession of the fords of the Jordan that led to Moab, they allowed no one to cross over.
In Judges chapter 4, God uses 2 women to accomplish His plans!
4 Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time.
Vs 9 Deborah said, "I will go with you. But because of the way you are going about this, the honor will not be yours, for the LORD will hand Sisera over to a woman."
21 But Jael, Heber's wife, picked up a tent peg and a hammer and went quietly to him while he lay fast asleep, exhausted. She drove the peg through his temple into the ground, and he died.
John 4-
4No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world." 5For even his own brothers did not believe in him.
It's sad to think that the people from Jesus' home town and even his family members didn't believe He was the Christ!
17If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. 18He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.
I like seeing how the minds of the people at the feast were trying to figure out exactly who Christ was and decide that if He wasn't Christ if someone more fitting could come along!
31Still, many in the crowd put their faith in him. They said, "When the Christ comes, will he do more miraculous signs than this man?"
Verse 39 tells us that the people were still under the old Law and hadn't received the Holy Sprit yet because Jesus hadn't been crucified and the atonement for sin hadn't been made yet.
39By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.
We are not supposed to test God but we see in vs 4 here that God tests us! We need to learn how God wants us to respond during those times of testing, are we going to pass or fail?
Judges is all about the Israelites following God, then doing evil in His sight forgetting God then crying out to God and the cycle repeats itself!
6 They took their daughters in marriage and gave their own daughters to their sons, and served their gods. 7 The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD; they forgot the LORD their God and served the Baals and the Asherahs. 8 The anger of the LORD burned against Israel so that he sold them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram Naharaim, to whom the Israelites were subject for eight years. 9 But when they cried out to the LORD, he raised up for them a deliverer, Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, who saved them.
Sometimes in life we just need someone to lead us! Vs 28, Ehud said "Follow me" and the people did!
28 "Follow me," he ordered, "for the LORD has given Moab, your enemy, into your hands." So they followed him down and, taking possession of the fords of the Jordan that led to Moab, they allowed no one to cross over.
In Judges chapter 4, God uses 2 women to accomplish His plans!
4 Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time.
Vs 9 Deborah said, "I will go with you. But because of the way you are going about this, the honor will not be yours, for the LORD will hand Sisera over to a woman."
21 But Jael, Heber's wife, picked up a tent peg and a hammer and went quietly to him while he lay fast asleep, exhausted. She drove the peg through his temple into the ground, and he died.
John 4-
4No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world." 5For even his own brothers did not believe in him.
It's sad to think that the people from Jesus' home town and even his family members didn't believe He was the Christ!
17If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. 18He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.
I like seeing how the minds of the people at the feast were trying to figure out exactly who Christ was and decide that if He wasn't Christ if someone more fitting could come along!
31Still, many in the crowd put their faith in him. They said, "When the Christ comes, will he do more miraculous signs than this man?"
Verse 39 tells us that the people were still under the old Law and hadn't received the Holy Sprit yet because Jesus hadn't been crucified and the atonement for sin hadn't been made yet.
39By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Luke 23- Joshua 11-12
Joshua 11-12
6 The LORD said to Joshua, "Do not be afraid of them, because by this time tomorrow I will hand all of them over to Israel, slain. You are to hamstring their horses and burn their chariots."
Having God on your side saying, don't be afraid, what peace and assurance that must have given Joshua and his men.
7 So Joshua and his whole army came against them suddenly at the Waters of Merom and attacked them,8 and the LORD gave them into the hand of Israel. They defeated them and pursued them all the way to Greater Sidon, to Misrephoth Maim, and to the Valley of Mizpah on the east, until no survivors were left. 9 Joshua did to them as the LORD had directed: 15 As the LORD commanded his servant Moses, so Moses commanded Joshua, and Joshua did it; he left nothing undone of all that the LORD commanded Moses. 16 So Joshua took this entire land:
Joshua was obedient and God was faithful to fulfill His promise of inhabiting a great land!
20 For it was the LORD himself who hardened their hearts to wage war against Israel,
God chose what people would be saved and what kingdoms would be destroyed.
23 So Joshua took the entire land, just as the LORD had directed Moses, and he gave it as an inheritance to Israel according to their tribal divisions. Then the land had rest from war.
Vs 23 I love how it says "then the land had rest from war." We know that till the end of the earth, there will be wars till Jesus comes back!
12:24 Joshua's army ended up defeating 31 kings!
Luke 23-
5But they insisted, "He stirs up the people all over Judea by his teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here."
It's so sad to see that Jesus was put on trial by his teaching! "He stirs up the people!" Instead, the crowd wanted a murderer and opposer of the law to be released!
8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform some miracle.
Herod wasn't interested in believing that Christ was the Son of God, he just wanted to be amused. This reminds me of the passages 2 Timothy 4:3 says people won't put up with sound doctrine, they just want to have their ears tickled Matt. 16:4/Luke 11:29 says that a wicked generation seeks after signs and none will be given!
We see here too that Pilot sent Jesus to Harod who then sent him back to Pilot!
34Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
In all His pain and agony, He endured it all and asked for forgiveness for me, a sinner. Thank you God for sending your Son to die on the cross so that we might live for Your glory! 1 John 4:9 This is how God showed His love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.
35The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One."
Again, here the people just wanted to see a sign. Christ had the power to save Himself!
47The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, "Surely this was a righteous man."
Here's one person who was affected by Christ's crucifixion. Jesus showing mercy and asking for forgiveness for others while on the cross had an impact on the centurion.
6 The LORD said to Joshua, "Do not be afraid of them, because by this time tomorrow I will hand all of them over to Israel, slain. You are to hamstring their horses and burn their chariots."
Having God on your side saying, don't be afraid, what peace and assurance that must have given Joshua and his men.
7 So Joshua and his whole army came against them suddenly at the Waters of Merom and attacked them,8 and the LORD gave them into the hand of Israel. They defeated them and pursued them all the way to Greater Sidon, to Misrephoth Maim, and to the Valley of Mizpah on the east, until no survivors were left. 9 Joshua did to them as the LORD had directed: 15 As the LORD commanded his servant Moses, so Moses commanded Joshua, and Joshua did it; he left nothing undone of all that the LORD commanded Moses. 16 So Joshua took this entire land:
Joshua was obedient and God was faithful to fulfill His promise of inhabiting a great land!
20 For it was the LORD himself who hardened their hearts to wage war against Israel,
God chose what people would be saved and what kingdoms would be destroyed.
23 So Joshua took the entire land, just as the LORD had directed Moses, and he gave it as an inheritance to Israel according to their tribal divisions. Then the land had rest from war.
Vs 23 I love how it says "then the land had rest from war." We know that till the end of the earth, there will be wars till Jesus comes back!
12:24 Joshua's army ended up defeating 31 kings!
Luke 23-
5But they insisted, "He stirs up the people all over Judea by his teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here."
It's so sad to see that Jesus was put on trial by his teaching! "He stirs up the people!" Instead, the crowd wanted a murderer and opposer of the law to be released!
8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform some miracle.
Herod wasn't interested in believing that Christ was the Son of God, he just wanted to be amused. This reminds me of the passages 2 Timothy 4:3 says people won't put up with sound doctrine, they just want to have their ears tickled Matt. 16:4/Luke 11:29 says that a wicked generation seeks after signs and none will be given!
We see here too that Pilot sent Jesus to Harod who then sent him back to Pilot!
34Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
In all His pain and agony, He endured it all and asked for forgiveness for me, a sinner. Thank you God for sending your Son to die on the cross so that we might live for Your glory! 1 John 4:9 This is how God showed His love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.
35The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One."
Again, here the people just wanted to see a sign. Christ had the power to save Himself!
47The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, "Surely this was a righteous man."
Here's one person who was affected by Christ's crucifixion. Jesus showing mercy and asking for forgiveness for others while on the cross had an impact on the centurion.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Joshua 9-10 Luke 22-
Joshua 9-10
14 The men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the LORD.
24 They answered Joshua, "Your servants were clearly told how the LORD your God had commanded his servant Moses to give you the whole land and to wipe out all its inhabitants from before you. So we feared for our lives because of you, and that is why we did this. 25 We are now in your hands. Do to us whatever seems good and right to you." 26 So Joshua saved them from the Israelites, and they did not kill them.
This story is so interesting. The men feared the Lord and didn’t want to be wiped out by the Israelites so they deceived Joshua rather than just come to him asking for mercy! Then, Joshua doesn’t “inquire” the Lord who I’m sure would have said these men are trying to deceive you! Still, Joshua spares there life after making an oath with them.
2 Gibeon was an important city, like one of the royal cities; it was larger than Ai, and all its men were good fighters. 6 The Gibeonites then sent word to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal: "Do not abandon your servants. Come up to us quickly and save us! Help us, because all the Amorite kings from the hill country have joined forces against us." 7 So Joshua marched up from Gilgal with his entire army, including all the best fighting men. 8 The LORD said to Joshua, "Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you." 11 As they fled before Israel on the road down from Beth Horon to Azekah, the LORD hurled large hailstones down on them from the sky, and more of them died from the hailstones than were killed by the swords of the Israelites.
5 kingdoms attacked the Gibeonites! How awesome to have had the confidence going into battle knowing the Lord was on their side and had given these 5 armies into their hands!!! Then, God thew STONES from the sky that struck more of the retreating soldiers!
12 On the day the LORD gave the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua said to the LORD in the presence of Israel: "O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon."
13 So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, till the nation avenged itself on its enemies, as it is written in the Book of Jashar. The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. 14 There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the LORD listened to a man. Surely the LORD was fighting for Israel!
The sun stopped moving till the battle ended!
25 Joshua said to them, "Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the LORD will do to all the enemies you are going to fight." 26 Then Joshua struck and killed the kings and hung them on five trees, and they were left hanging on the trees until evening. 27 At sunset Joshua gave the order and they took them down from the trees and threw them into the cave where they had been hiding. At the mouth of the cave they placed large rocks, which are there to this day.
The 5 kings ran and hid in caves and Joshua pursued them! God said he’d delivered all the men into their hands!
As Joshua and his men conquered kingdoms, they left no survivors! This was because (vs 42) the LORD, the God of Israel, fought for Israel.
40 So Joshua subdued the whole region, including the hill country, the Negev, the western foothills and the mountain slopes, together with all their kings. He left no survivors. He totally destroyed all who breathed, just as the LORD, the God of Israel, had commanded.
Luke 22-
3Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve.
This is something I haven’t studying at all! Satan’s ability to possess people, demons able to possess people and be cast out of people by the disciples.
In this chapter we see numerous examples of Jesus foretelling the future!
10He replied, "As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, 11and say to the owner of the house, 'The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' 12He will show you a large upper room, all furnished. Make preparations there." 13They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. Then, Jesus says one of the 12 will betray me!
This reminds me of Pastor Mike’s message Sunday “Jesus came to serve, not be served.” 27For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.
31"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."
Jesus PRAYED for Simon. If Jesus prayed for people, what an example for US to pray for other people!
How appropriate to be reading Luke during the week of Easter!
14 The men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the LORD.
24 They answered Joshua, "Your servants were clearly told how the LORD your God had commanded his servant Moses to give you the whole land and to wipe out all its inhabitants from before you. So we feared for our lives because of you, and that is why we did this. 25 We are now in your hands. Do to us whatever seems good and right to you." 26 So Joshua saved them from the Israelites, and they did not kill them.
This story is so interesting. The men feared the Lord and didn’t want to be wiped out by the Israelites so they deceived Joshua rather than just come to him asking for mercy! Then, Joshua doesn’t “inquire” the Lord who I’m sure would have said these men are trying to deceive you! Still, Joshua spares there life after making an oath with them.
2 Gibeon was an important city, like one of the royal cities; it was larger than Ai, and all its men were good fighters. 6 The Gibeonites then sent word to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal: "Do not abandon your servants. Come up to us quickly and save us! Help us, because all the Amorite kings from the hill country have joined forces against us." 7 So Joshua marched up from Gilgal with his entire army, including all the best fighting men. 8 The LORD said to Joshua, "Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you." 11 As they fled before Israel on the road down from Beth Horon to Azekah, the LORD hurled large hailstones down on them from the sky, and more of them died from the hailstones than were killed by the swords of the Israelites.
5 kingdoms attacked the Gibeonites! How awesome to have had the confidence going into battle knowing the Lord was on their side and had given these 5 armies into their hands!!! Then, God thew STONES from the sky that struck more of the retreating soldiers!
12 On the day the LORD gave the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua said to the LORD in the presence of Israel: "O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon."
13 So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, till the nation avenged itself on its enemies, as it is written in the Book of Jashar. The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. 14 There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the LORD listened to a man. Surely the LORD was fighting for Israel!
The sun stopped moving till the battle ended!
25 Joshua said to them, "Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the LORD will do to all the enemies you are going to fight." 26 Then Joshua struck and killed the kings and hung them on five trees, and they were left hanging on the trees until evening. 27 At sunset Joshua gave the order and they took them down from the trees and threw them into the cave where they had been hiding. At the mouth of the cave they placed large rocks, which are there to this day.
The 5 kings ran and hid in caves and Joshua pursued them! God said he’d delivered all the men into their hands!
As Joshua and his men conquered kingdoms, they left no survivors! This was because (vs 42) the LORD, the God of Israel, fought for Israel.
40 So Joshua subdued the whole region, including the hill country, the Negev, the western foothills and the mountain slopes, together with all their kings. He left no survivors. He totally destroyed all who breathed, just as the LORD, the God of Israel, had commanded.
Luke 22-
3Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve.
This is something I haven’t studying at all! Satan’s ability to possess people, demons able to possess people and be cast out of people by the disciples.
In this chapter we see numerous examples of Jesus foretelling the future!
10He replied, "As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, 11and say to the owner of the house, 'The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' 12He will show you a large upper room, all furnished. Make preparations there." 13They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. Then, Jesus says one of the 12 will betray me!
This reminds me of Pastor Mike’s message Sunday “Jesus came to serve, not be served.” 27For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.
31"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."
Jesus PRAYED for Simon. If Jesus prayed for people, what an example for US to pray for other people!
How appropriate to be reading Luke during the week of Easter!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Luke 18- Joshua 1-2
Vacation to Cambria, no Internet to post!
Luke 18-
1Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.
I was just listening to Rob Biagi’s song this week about prayer. God answers prayer 3 ways, He says yes, no, or not today. I am so thankful that we’re able to come to God with requests! We don’t have to have an appointment, we can talk to Him anywhere, anytime! This verse is a great reminder for me to not give up on my requests, so I can see the full answer to prayer.
Luke 18: 8 when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?
Wow. We know that Jesus is coming back. Carlynn did a great WBS message on, do we doubt His return? He could come back today! We need to make sure we’re doing the work of God when He returns! We need to be evaluating our time and priorities, seeing where we’re serving, who are we witnessing to?
9To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable:
13"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'
14"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
God thank you for this reminder how 1) we’re not to look down on others and compare ourselves and 2) how we’re to be humble, remembering we’re ALL sinners. Lord, help me as I struggle with this sometimes, I am a sinner, we’re all the same.
16But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
Thank you for the blessing of my children and for allowing me to raise them and teach them and train them. I thank you God for Abigail especially, who’s trying God, she’s learning obedience, listening, and mostly, I thank you that she wants to pray God and is already memorizing your Word at 3! I pray God that my children will be saved by you, that you will call them to yourself God. Help me DAILY to instill YOU into their minds God. Give me endurance and patience Lord and forgive me of my sins when I’m impatient and frustrated.
18A certain ruler asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
19"Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good—except God alone.
How true, there is NONE righteous, no not one. Romans 3:10. Help us to remember that NO ONE is good except you God and Lord, that none of us deserve anything good!
22When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
23When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth.
Vs 22 says you lack ONE thing. For this man, it was his love of wealth that kept him from following Christ. I think sometimes in our own life, we can make idols of things and people, a desire for material things, or making our children our first priority over God and spouse. We need to make sure we’re not holding on too tight to the things God has blessed us with. I love the song “Blessed Be Your Name” because it’s so true, He gives and He takes away. Just like in the days of Job, job lost so much! “When I survey the wondrous cross” the lyrics say “my richest gain I count but loss”, He demands my soul, my life, my all.” Vs 28 Peter said to him, "We have left all we had to follow you!" Help me God to constantly be examining my life to purge what needs to go and to follow when and where you lead.
27Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."
Joshua 1-2
What a great encouraging passage of scripture!
No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 6 "Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
The truths God shares here with Joshua!
I am with you! Don’t fear! Be courageous! Don’t turn to the left or right. Don’t be terrified! Don’t be discouraged! Meditate on the Book DAY and NIGHT! Wow.
16 Then they answered Joshua, "Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. 17 Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you. Only may the LORD your God be with you as he was with Moses.
Just as the passage in Luke we read how we’re all sinners, I like reading how God uses people of all circumstances to perform his will. Here in Joshua, the two spies are hidden by a prostitute! She feared the Lord more than she feared the guards and their King.
To read what Rahab shared with the spies, how the truth of God’s mighty works had been heard throughout the lands, people who weren’t God’s people feared Him 9 "I know that the LORD has given this land to you and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. 10 We have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. 11 When we heard of it, our hearts melted and everyone's courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.
Also, Rahab knew that God was (and still IS) the God in heaven and on earth and had the power to save her family! (vs 12-13)
Luke 18-
1Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.
I was just listening to Rob Biagi’s song this week about prayer. God answers prayer 3 ways, He says yes, no, or not today. I am so thankful that we’re able to come to God with requests! We don’t have to have an appointment, we can talk to Him anywhere, anytime! This verse is a great reminder for me to not give up on my requests, so I can see the full answer to prayer.
Luke 18: 8 when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?
Wow. We know that Jesus is coming back. Carlynn did a great WBS message on, do we doubt His return? He could come back today! We need to make sure we’re doing the work of God when He returns! We need to be evaluating our time and priorities, seeing where we’re serving, who are we witnessing to?
9To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable:
13"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'
14"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
God thank you for this reminder how 1) we’re not to look down on others and compare ourselves and 2) how we’re to be humble, remembering we’re ALL sinners. Lord, help me as I struggle with this sometimes, I am a sinner, we’re all the same.
16But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
Thank you for the blessing of my children and for allowing me to raise them and teach them and train them. I thank you God for Abigail especially, who’s trying God, she’s learning obedience, listening, and mostly, I thank you that she wants to pray God and is already memorizing your Word at 3! I pray God that my children will be saved by you, that you will call them to yourself God. Help me DAILY to instill YOU into their minds God. Give me endurance and patience Lord and forgive me of my sins when I’m impatient and frustrated.
18A certain ruler asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
19"Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good—except God alone.
How true, there is NONE righteous, no not one. Romans 3:10. Help us to remember that NO ONE is good except you God and Lord, that none of us deserve anything good!
22When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
23When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth.
Vs 22 says you lack ONE thing. For this man, it was his love of wealth that kept him from following Christ. I think sometimes in our own life, we can make idols of things and people, a desire for material things, or making our children our first priority over God and spouse. We need to make sure we’re not holding on too tight to the things God has blessed us with. I love the song “Blessed Be Your Name” because it’s so true, He gives and He takes away. Just like in the days of Job, job lost so much! “When I survey the wondrous cross” the lyrics say “my richest gain I count but loss”, He demands my soul, my life, my all.” Vs 28 Peter said to him, "We have left all we had to follow you!" Help me God to constantly be examining my life to purge what needs to go and to follow when and where you lead.
27Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."
Joshua 1-2
What a great encouraging passage of scripture!
No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 6 "Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
The truths God shares here with Joshua!
I am with you! Don’t fear! Be courageous! Don’t turn to the left or right. Don’t be terrified! Don’t be discouraged! Meditate on the Book DAY and NIGHT! Wow.
16 Then they answered Joshua, "Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. 17 Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you. Only may the LORD your God be with you as he was with Moses.
Just as the passage in Luke we read how we’re all sinners, I like reading how God uses people of all circumstances to perform his will. Here in Joshua, the two spies are hidden by a prostitute! She feared the Lord more than she feared the guards and their King.
To read what Rahab shared with the spies, how the truth of God’s mighty works had been heard throughout the lands, people who weren’t God’s people feared Him 9 "I know that the LORD has given this land to you and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. 10 We have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. 11 When we heard of it, our hearts melted and everyone's courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.
Also, Rahab knew that God was (and still IS) the God in heaven and on earth and had the power to save her family! (vs 12-13)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)