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!
Friday, May 15, 2009
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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)