Thursday, May 28, 2009

1 Samuel 27-28

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 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!

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!

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.

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.

2 Samuel 11-12 Acts 16-

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.

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!

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."

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.”

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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???

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.