Saturday, May 31
Reading for today: Psalm 108-110
I didn't realize until I was halfway through Psalm 108 that David understands God to have turned his back on Israel. The reason it caught me off guard is because be begins his psalm with praises. Normally our most pressing concern (our need) would be the first thing out of our mouth, but David is better than that. He genuinely loves the Lord, despite what the current state of God's favor is. Whether he is blessed or overlooked, David exalts the Lord. I want to remember this for times when I am caught up in something that I feel is important. Maybe it will be an illness, or a financial or relational problem, but whatever it is, it shouldn't change my perpetual state of praising God. Sure, I'll tell God what I want, or why I'm hurting...but I want it to be framed in praises for who He is, and all that He has done.
Psalm 109. One word: Wow. David doesn't hold anything back when he is talking about his enemies. Now that we have encountered Jesus in human form we realize (from His teaching and His example) that we aren't to pray for horrible things to happen to evil people. If we do, God may grant our request and they would be subject to the eternal suffering of hell. Whatever they have done, we shouldn't wish that on anyone. I have moments when I say to myself "it serves them right...they got what they deserved". Then I consider that Jesus probably isn't rejoicing or nodding in approval because someone died and went to hell.
If I want to be more like Christ, I'm going to have to have "the mind of Christ".
Psalm 110. This is a messianic psalm: it points to Christ. I was teaching in a bible study a few days ago about the Holy Spirit, and we discussed how the Holy Spirit reveals things to us in advance. This is a good example. Long before Jesus actually arrived He is being described by David. Melchizedek was an ancient priest of Salem (the name of Jerusalem before it was Jerusalem) we don't know anything about him other than the fact that Abraham gave him a tenth of all the spoils of his victory in battle. Since his linage isn't known, he is an example of being a "priest forever".
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Friday, May 30, 2014
Friday, May 30th
Reading for Today: 1 Chronicles 21-22, 2 Samuel 24 and Psalm 30
I'm not sure exactly why David wasn't allowed to count the fighting men, the Bible never says why. Maybe it was because it would lead to pride, maybe it would tempt him to go to war (given the large number of combatants he could muster). It really doesn't matter what the reason was, it was wrong. David knew it, and his commander Joab knew it. But they did it anyway. I guess you can't really blame Joab, because David outranked him and made him do it. Joab could have refused, and probably would have lost his job. Somehow I think God would have made up for that for Joab.
Anyway, I pray that you and I never fall into the trap of doing something God said not to do. Even if it doesn't seem sinful by itself. For me, working on Sunday generally falls into this category. Every once in a while I feel released to work, but generally I know that I am not supposed to be working. Others occasionally come in and help out on Sunday...and that's fine, but I almost always need to clear my schedule on Sunday. God must have a reason. One of my favorite verses comes from this story. I have shortened it slightly to fit my situation. "I will not offer to the Lord a sacrifice that cost me nothing". Any time that I feel I am really "paying the full price" either in a loaned tool that doesn't return, or returns broken (from being used at the Church), or when I am sore after working, or have hurt myself in some way, or when I sometimes use my money to buy something that the Church should be purchasing.... I remember this verse, and consider whatever has happened to be part of my sacrifice.
In 1 Chronicles 22 David begins preparations for the temple. He wasn't allowed to build it, but God didn't say he couldn't help. David does two things that I think our generation is missing: He sets aside an enormous amount of resource for the next generation, and he begins training his son and instructing the advisers, casting the vision and preparing the way. If we can't do it ourselves, we shrug our shoulders and say "Oh well, someone else can do that" but what about the jobs that take more than one generation to accomplish? Some jobs need the resources and wisdom of several generations.
For instance: raising children. That requires more wisdom and resources than one generation can muster. Yet we see kids being raised without the benefit of family all the time. You don't get the same robust results when you try and do it all yourself. Building Churches. That requires two or three generations. And the vision must remain clear through each group. Someone has to be unselfish and set aside resources so that another generation can build. That's what David did, and that's what we should do. He didn't build the Sanctuary, but he built his legacy. We should fight against selfishness and pride, and provide for the next generation. A friend told me once that Oak trees aren't as popular for people to plant as Maple because they grow so much slower. You probably won't live to see the Oak tree become large. He said "one generation plants, so the next generation can enjoy the shade". I have planted some oak trees on our church property, and he's right...in 4 years they haven't grown much. Maybe some day my grandchildren will sit underneath a huge oak tree that has large shady branches and realize the value of working now for a people who are to come.
Psalm 30. The psalm seems to fit with David's careless taking of the census. It's nice to know that even if we do sin, God will continue to love and care for us. He will eventually turn from His wrath and restore us if we are repentant. "his anger lasts for a moment, but his favor for a lifetime". That's good stuff.
Reading for Today: 1 Chronicles 21-22, 2 Samuel 24 and Psalm 30
I'm not sure exactly why David wasn't allowed to count the fighting men, the Bible never says why. Maybe it was because it would lead to pride, maybe it would tempt him to go to war (given the large number of combatants he could muster). It really doesn't matter what the reason was, it was wrong. David knew it, and his commander Joab knew it. But they did it anyway. I guess you can't really blame Joab, because David outranked him and made him do it. Joab could have refused, and probably would have lost his job. Somehow I think God would have made up for that for Joab.
Anyway, I pray that you and I never fall into the trap of doing something God said not to do. Even if it doesn't seem sinful by itself. For me, working on Sunday generally falls into this category. Every once in a while I feel released to work, but generally I know that I am not supposed to be working. Others occasionally come in and help out on Sunday...and that's fine, but I almost always need to clear my schedule on Sunday. God must have a reason. One of my favorite verses comes from this story. I have shortened it slightly to fit my situation. "I will not offer to the Lord a sacrifice that cost me nothing". Any time that I feel I am really "paying the full price" either in a loaned tool that doesn't return, or returns broken (from being used at the Church), or when I am sore after working, or have hurt myself in some way, or when I sometimes use my money to buy something that the Church should be purchasing.... I remember this verse, and consider whatever has happened to be part of my sacrifice.
In 1 Chronicles 22 David begins preparations for the temple. He wasn't allowed to build it, but God didn't say he couldn't help. David does two things that I think our generation is missing: He sets aside an enormous amount of resource for the next generation, and he begins training his son and instructing the advisers, casting the vision and preparing the way. If we can't do it ourselves, we shrug our shoulders and say "Oh well, someone else can do that" but what about the jobs that take more than one generation to accomplish? Some jobs need the resources and wisdom of several generations.
For instance: raising children. That requires more wisdom and resources than one generation can muster. Yet we see kids being raised without the benefit of family all the time. You don't get the same robust results when you try and do it all yourself. Building Churches. That requires two or three generations. And the vision must remain clear through each group. Someone has to be unselfish and set aside resources so that another generation can build. That's what David did, and that's what we should do. He didn't build the Sanctuary, but he built his legacy. We should fight against selfishness and pride, and provide for the next generation. A friend told me once that Oak trees aren't as popular for people to plant as Maple because they grow so much slower. You probably won't live to see the Oak tree become large. He said "one generation plants, so the next generation can enjoy the shade". I have planted some oak trees on our church property, and he's right...in 4 years they haven't grown much. Maybe some day my grandchildren will sit underneath a huge oak tree that has large shady branches and realize the value of working now for a people who are to come.
Psalm 30. The psalm seems to fit with David's careless taking of the census. It's nice to know that even if we do sin, God will continue to love and care for us. He will eventually turn from His wrath and restore us if we are repentant. "his anger lasts for a moment, but his favor for a lifetime". That's good stuff.
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Thursday, May 29
Reading for today: Psalm 95 and Psalm 97-99
Psalm 95: At the time they were written, Psalms were nothing more than poetry or lyrics, or stanzas of praise written by a popular leader. I think it was in yesterdays reading (2 Samuel 23) that David was called Israel's singer of songs, or "Israels beloved singer". We all have our favorite singers, many of them are our favorites for the message they deliver in their music. It's hard for me to think of David this way, I see him more as the warrior. It's interesting in this Psalm that David begins by praising, and suddenly he is speaking first person for God. Just as interesting, I don't feel as if David were saying "I am the one you tested" but rather I immediately get the impression that God is speaking directly through David.
Two important things I want to remember: 1. This revelation from the Lord developed out of praise. Praise and understanding, praise and growth, praise and discipleship (etc.) go hand in hand.
2. Praising God for what he as done is accomplishing more than we know or can see.
Psalm 97-99: I think it's safe to say David is having a "mountain top experience" at the time he wrote these Psalms. He is awed by the power and tenacious love of God, he sings of his faithfulness, his fearsome abilities and his tender mercy. Psalm 98:9 says "let them sing before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth." I think we would be wise to be found praising God at the time He returns. And since we don't know when He is returning, we should be always praising Him.
Reading for today: Psalm 95 and Psalm 97-99
Psalm 95: At the time they were written, Psalms were nothing more than poetry or lyrics, or stanzas of praise written by a popular leader. I think it was in yesterdays reading (2 Samuel 23) that David was called Israel's singer of songs, or "Israels beloved singer". We all have our favorite singers, many of them are our favorites for the message they deliver in their music. It's hard for me to think of David this way, I see him more as the warrior. It's interesting in this Psalm that David begins by praising, and suddenly he is speaking first person for God. Just as interesting, I don't feel as if David were saying "I am the one you tested" but rather I immediately get the impression that God is speaking directly through David.
Two important things I want to remember: 1. This revelation from the Lord developed out of praise. Praise and understanding, praise and growth, praise and discipleship (etc.) go hand in hand.
2. Praising God for what he as done is accomplishing more than we know or can see.
Psalm 97-99: I think it's safe to say David is having a "mountain top experience" at the time he wrote these Psalms. He is awed by the power and tenacious love of God, he sings of his faithfulness, his fearsome abilities and his tender mercy. Psalm 98:9 says "let them sing before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth." I think we would be wise to be found praising God at the time He returns. And since we don't know when He is returning, we should be always praising Him.
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Wednesday, May 28th
Reading for today: Psalm 57, 2nd Samuel 22-23
Psalm 57 has a note above it in my Bible saying that it was written when David hid from Saul in the cave. I have been to En Gedi, and seen the cave where David and his men hid from Saul. There was a small stream of water that trickled from the mountains above down onto a large flat rock the formed the exterior cave roof. It provided a spray of water down over the front of the cave, and it that hot, dry climate acted almost like a "swamp cooler". Combine that with the fact that the air from deep inside the cave is cooler anyway... it's no wonder both David and Saul sought out this particular spot for rest.
David said he "awakened the dawn" with his praises. I also like to get up early. It seems to be my best time to focus and reflect. Maybe your best time isn't early. Whenever it is, I hope you are using it to glorify God, and not spending it on something less worthy.
2 Samuel 22-23: David's praise is so pure and powerful. He believes that God specifically heard his cry for help, stopped what he was doing, :) and came down from heaven just to save him. It almost sounds like there was an earthquake. God has used them in the past as a means of changing the outcome on the battlefield. I wish that all of our leaders, both local and global would accept 23:3 as truth and rule righteously. When a leader "goes bad" everyone under him/her is affected.
I just read in my notes that Elim 23:34 was Bathsheba's father, and his father...that would be Bathsheba's grandfather, was Ahithophel; David's counselor. That means in addition to violating the trust of one of his mighty men (Uriah) he also offended two other key members of his team, and in covering it up he probably lost the trust of Joab as well. That is roughly an 11% erosion of his base of support because of his poor decision with Bathsheba. Some time later Joab defies his orders and kills his son, Ahithophel turns against him, and his first born with Bathsheba dies. That's a pretty steep cost. Lord, please keep me from this kind of mistake, the cost is far too great in both lives and loss of mission effectiveness.
Having said that, Bathsheba does become the mother of Solomon, who clearly has favor with God (for some time) and is blessed by the Lord. I take from this that God doesn't stay angry forever, and isn't limited in his ability to bring His will to fruition by our shortcomings.
Reading for today: Psalm 57, 2nd Samuel 22-23
Psalm 57 has a note above it in my Bible saying that it was written when David hid from Saul in the cave. I have been to En Gedi, and seen the cave where David and his men hid from Saul. There was a small stream of water that trickled from the mountains above down onto a large flat rock the formed the exterior cave roof. It provided a spray of water down over the front of the cave, and it that hot, dry climate acted almost like a "swamp cooler". Combine that with the fact that the air from deep inside the cave is cooler anyway... it's no wonder both David and Saul sought out this particular spot for rest.
David said he "awakened the dawn" with his praises. I also like to get up early. It seems to be my best time to focus and reflect. Maybe your best time isn't early. Whenever it is, I hope you are using it to glorify God, and not spending it on something less worthy.
2 Samuel 22-23: David's praise is so pure and powerful. He believes that God specifically heard his cry for help, stopped what he was doing, :) and came down from heaven just to save him. It almost sounds like there was an earthquake. God has used them in the past as a means of changing the outcome on the battlefield. I wish that all of our leaders, both local and global would accept 23:3 as truth and rule righteously. When a leader "goes bad" everyone under him/her is affected.
I just read in my notes that Elim 23:34 was Bathsheba's father, and his father...that would be Bathsheba's grandfather, was Ahithophel; David's counselor. That means in addition to violating the trust of one of his mighty men (Uriah) he also offended two other key members of his team, and in covering it up he probably lost the trust of Joab as well. That is roughly an 11% erosion of his base of support because of his poor decision with Bathsheba. Some time later Joab defies his orders and kills his son, Ahithophel turns against him, and his first born with Bathsheba dies. That's a pretty steep cost. Lord, please keep me from this kind of mistake, the cost is far too great in both lives and loss of mission effectiveness.
Having said that, Bathsheba does become the mother of Solomon, who clearly has favor with God (for some time) and is blessed by the Lord. I take from this that God doesn't stay angry forever, and isn't limited in his ability to bring His will to fruition by our shortcomings.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Tuesday, May 27th
I'm not sure how long you have to repeat something before it becomes a habit, but however long it is, I haven't reached it yet when it comes to blogging. I am looking forward to continuing, and I am very pleased that it is "forcing" me to read my Bible and not get behind. The thought that others will know if I am not current in my Bible reading is motivating me along, and for that thought I am thankful. In fact, I am thankful for anything that moves me forward in my relationship with Christ.
Reading for today: Psalm 5, 38 and 41-42
Psalm 5: This psalm is the secret to a life well lived. Calling on God every morning and seeking His wisdom. And remembering that it is no small thing to live under His protection and in His favor.
Psalm 38: David says that it is his sin that has brought this illness upon him. Even in his sickness he knows that he can call on the Lord for help. David knows that God is predisposed to come to his aid. He knows God loves him, so he has no problem confessing his folly and asking for help. I wonder why we sometimes refuse to ask God to help us, even after we have repented. It's almost as if we think the Lord is holding a grudge against us, and we shouldn't remind him of our shortcomings.
Psalm 41: this gives some additional insight into Psalm 38. I would bet that David considers Joab to be one of the people who has betrayed him. I have done enough funerals to understand what David is going through. Even before he passes, there are some who are dividing the fruits of his labor, smiling and encouraging while they visit only to leave and talk about how terrible he looks behind his back. I think it's part of our fallen human nature to exclude the weak and the ill. Maybe it's part of some ungodly coping mechanism, or just greed and desire for the things of another bubbling to the surface. Whatever it is, the Bible says that we should protect the weak, and minister to the ill, not assault them. I have also seen several spouses taking care of their mates when they were ill...what a beautiful picture of the love of Jesus.
Psalm 42: I memorized this psalm once. The part that often comes back to me is "why are you downcast oh my soul, why so disturbed within me? Put you hope in God, for I will yet serve Him, my Savior and my God." Anytime that I felt, well....downcast, this phrase would pop into my head. I'm glad for it, because it prevented my thoughts from leading me down the wrong path.
I'm not sure how long you have to repeat something before it becomes a habit, but however long it is, I haven't reached it yet when it comes to blogging. I am looking forward to continuing, and I am very pleased that it is "forcing" me to read my Bible and not get behind. The thought that others will know if I am not current in my Bible reading is motivating me along, and for that thought I am thankful. In fact, I am thankful for anything that moves me forward in my relationship with Christ.
Reading for today: Psalm 5, 38 and 41-42
Psalm 5: This psalm is the secret to a life well lived. Calling on God every morning and seeking His wisdom. And remembering that it is no small thing to live under His protection and in His favor.
Psalm 38: David says that it is his sin that has brought this illness upon him. Even in his sickness he knows that he can call on the Lord for help. David knows that God is predisposed to come to his aid. He knows God loves him, so he has no problem confessing his folly and asking for help. I wonder why we sometimes refuse to ask God to help us, even after we have repented. It's almost as if we think the Lord is holding a grudge against us, and we shouldn't remind him of our shortcomings.
Psalm 41: this gives some additional insight into Psalm 38. I would bet that David considers Joab to be one of the people who has betrayed him. I have done enough funerals to understand what David is going through. Even before he passes, there are some who are dividing the fruits of his labor, smiling and encouraging while they visit only to leave and talk about how terrible he looks behind his back. I think it's part of our fallen human nature to exclude the weak and the ill. Maybe it's part of some ungodly coping mechanism, or just greed and desire for the things of another bubbling to the surface. Whatever it is, the Bible says that we should protect the weak, and minister to the ill, not assault them. I have also seen several spouses taking care of their mates when they were ill...what a beautiful picture of the love of Jesus.
Psalm 42: I memorized this psalm once. The part that often comes back to me is "why are you downcast oh my soul, why so disturbed within me? Put you hope in God, for I will yet serve Him, my Savior and my God." Anytime that I felt, well....downcast, this phrase would pop into my head. I'm glad for it, because it prevented my thoughts from leading me down the wrong path.
Monday, May 26, 2014
Monday, May 26th (Memorial Day)
Abraham Lincoln said in the Gettysburg Address "the world will not long remember what we say here today.." Little did he know how famous that the few words from his heart that he scribbled onto paper before stepping onto the stage at Gettysburg would become. It's possible that what will be most remembered about us is not what we planned to be remembered for, but something entirely different. Maybe I should be mindful of that. I wouldn't want to be remembered for something I said carelessly.
Reading for today: 2 Samuel 19-21
Two things jump off the page at me. The treachery of Joab and the brutality of the Gibeonites.
David must have sensed that Joab's heart wasn't right. He did kill Absalom after all, and he knew that the king did not want him harmed. I suspect that Joab thought that he knew what the king needed more than the king himself did. I sometimes have a similar discussion with God. I try and convince Him that I know what He needs, in spite of what He has already told me to do. It's just that sometimes what God says doesn't seem to make sense. I feel the need to reason with Him...try to get Him to see it from my perspective. I'm so glad God is patient and understanding. I need to learn not to be like Joab.
It's not the request of the Gibeonites that bothers me as much as it is that God saw what they did and seemingly looked with favor upon it. This appears to be one of those times that I want to reason with God. "Lord, taking the life of an innocent person isn't going to accomplish anything" But for some reason God is satisfied with this. The lesson I take from it (setting aside the brutality and seeming injustice of it) is that "the sins of the father are visited upon the children" I need to remember that my actions have consequences, and while I could be convinced to suffer the penalty of my sins in my own body, I could never be agreeable to have them visited on my grandchildren. I will do whatever God wants, so that they may grow up in God's favor. He will be present with them after I am gone. My most prevent prayer is that they will be friends. Actually, both of my grandfathers were godly men, and I suspect that whatever favor I enjoy with the Lord is partially due to their faith. I relish the thought of passing that along to my grandkids.
Abraham Lincoln said in the Gettysburg Address "the world will not long remember what we say here today.." Little did he know how famous that the few words from his heart that he scribbled onto paper before stepping onto the stage at Gettysburg would become. It's possible that what will be most remembered about us is not what we planned to be remembered for, but something entirely different. Maybe I should be mindful of that. I wouldn't want to be remembered for something I said carelessly.
Reading for today: 2 Samuel 19-21
Two things jump off the page at me. The treachery of Joab and the brutality of the Gibeonites.
David must have sensed that Joab's heart wasn't right. He did kill Absalom after all, and he knew that the king did not want him harmed. I suspect that Joab thought that he knew what the king needed more than the king himself did. I sometimes have a similar discussion with God. I try and convince Him that I know what He needs, in spite of what He has already told me to do. It's just that sometimes what God says doesn't seem to make sense. I feel the need to reason with Him...try to get Him to see it from my perspective. I'm so glad God is patient and understanding. I need to learn not to be like Joab.
It's not the request of the Gibeonites that bothers me as much as it is that God saw what they did and seemingly looked with favor upon it. This appears to be one of those times that I want to reason with God. "Lord, taking the life of an innocent person isn't going to accomplish anything" But for some reason God is satisfied with this. The lesson I take from it (setting aside the brutality and seeming injustice of it) is that "the sins of the father are visited upon the children" I need to remember that my actions have consequences, and while I could be convinced to suffer the penalty of my sins in my own body, I could never be agreeable to have them visited on my grandchildren. I will do whatever God wants, so that they may grow up in God's favor. He will be present with them after I am gone. My most prevent prayer is that they will be friends. Actually, both of my grandfathers were godly men, and I suspect that whatever favor I enjoy with the Lord is partially due to their faith. I relish the thought of passing that along to my grandkids.
Sunday, May 25th
Reading for today: Psalm 26, 40, 58, 61, 62 and 64
These are mostly short psalms. When I first saw the list I thought it would take a long time to read. Instead, they are just what I like...read for a few minutes and then stop before I begin to wander in my thoughts.....
Psalm 26: David seems fairly confident in his obedience to God's law. He must, in order to make the statement "I lead a blameless life". That's certainly better than where I am. Perhaps that's why he is so outspoken about the unrighteous.
Psalm 40: some say that verses 6-8 pertain to Jesus. How incredible is it that while David is going through a difficult time, and wondering about his future, God is using his reflections to give us hints about the coming of the Savior. Truly, nothing is too difficult for God, and none of our experiences are wasted with Him. He can use anything.
Psalm 58: If our chronological readings are correct, then this Psalm would have been written near the time that David was betrayed by some of his advisors, and his son Absalom. Betrayal seems to be one of the hardest things to cope with. I understand David's anger here. Wouldn't it be nice if we lived in a time when everyone could be taken at his word? Instead, the general feeling is that our leaders will say almost anything, without regard for accuracy. How sad.
Psalm 61 and 62: David had spent a great deal of time in the rocky caves of the wilderness. He knew from experience how well protected he was there. From that experience he tells us the Jesus is the fortress that cannot be overtaken by the enemy. "those whom God holds in His hand cannot be removed by another".
Psalm 64: Here again, David is speaking about those who lie and cheat in order to get ahead. They will succeed for a short time, but they will not endure. There isn't a single dishonest deed that God does not see. He will make everyone who behaves in this way pay for what they have done. On the other hand, He also sees every kind and noble act and will reward them as well.
Reading for today: Psalm 26, 40, 58, 61, 62 and 64
These are mostly short psalms. When I first saw the list I thought it would take a long time to read. Instead, they are just what I like...read for a few minutes and then stop before I begin to wander in my thoughts.....
Psalm 26: David seems fairly confident in his obedience to God's law. He must, in order to make the statement "I lead a blameless life". That's certainly better than where I am. Perhaps that's why he is so outspoken about the unrighteous.
Psalm 40: some say that verses 6-8 pertain to Jesus. How incredible is it that while David is going through a difficult time, and wondering about his future, God is using his reflections to give us hints about the coming of the Savior. Truly, nothing is too difficult for God, and none of our experiences are wasted with Him. He can use anything.
Psalm 58: If our chronological readings are correct, then this Psalm would have been written near the time that David was betrayed by some of his advisors, and his son Absalom. Betrayal seems to be one of the hardest things to cope with. I understand David's anger here. Wouldn't it be nice if we lived in a time when everyone could be taken at his word? Instead, the general feeling is that our leaders will say almost anything, without regard for accuracy. How sad.
Psalm 61 and 62: David had spent a great deal of time in the rocky caves of the wilderness. He knew from experience how well protected he was there. From that experience he tells us the Jesus is the fortress that cannot be overtaken by the enemy. "those whom God holds in His hand cannot be removed by another".
Psalm 64: Here again, David is speaking about those who lie and cheat in order to get ahead. They will succeed for a short time, but they will not endure. There isn't a single dishonest deed that God does not see. He will make everyone who behaves in this way pay for what they have done. On the other hand, He also sees every kind and noble act and will reward them as well.
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Saturday, May 24
Reading for today: 2nd Samuel 16-18
Absalom really seems to be a treacherous young man. He deliberately undermined his fathers authority while greeting travelers at the city gate. I wonder if all of this goes back to David's failure to act when Amnon slept with his sister? Did the seed of contempt begin to grow from that point? I guess that great tragedies often begin with a small festering wound, the result of a careless word, or inaction on the part of a godly person. I understand grieving for your son...but this kid had slept with his father's concubines, brought great shame and pain to his father, and was pursuing him to take his life! I can't seem to get my head around why David would be grieving so violently.
I marvel at David not striking out at Shimei, that took great restraint. It's so easy to lash out at others when you are frustrated. I pray that I will model David's godly behavior in this situation. And I cannot forget to mention Ziba....who comes with a large gift, and tells David an outright lie. It seems that there were plenty of snake oil salesmen in David's time as well.
Lord, help me to recognize good counsel for what it is, and to reject the counsel of those who desire harm to the kingdom of God. Grant me the patience and self control to not lash out at others when I am having a bad day.
Reading for today: 2nd Samuel 16-18
Absalom really seems to be a treacherous young man. He deliberately undermined his fathers authority while greeting travelers at the city gate. I wonder if all of this goes back to David's failure to act when Amnon slept with his sister? Did the seed of contempt begin to grow from that point? I guess that great tragedies often begin with a small festering wound, the result of a careless word, or inaction on the part of a godly person. I understand grieving for your son...but this kid had slept with his father's concubines, brought great shame and pain to his father, and was pursuing him to take his life! I can't seem to get my head around why David would be grieving so violently.
I marvel at David not striking out at Shimei, that took great restraint. It's so easy to lash out at others when you are frustrated. I pray that I will model David's godly behavior in this situation. And I cannot forget to mention Ziba....who comes with a large gift, and tells David an outright lie. It seems that there were plenty of snake oil salesmen in David's time as well.
Lord, help me to recognize good counsel for what it is, and to reject the counsel of those who desire harm to the kingdom of God. Grant me the patience and self control to not lash out at others when I am having a bad day.
Friday, May 23, 2014
Readings for today: Psalm 3 and 4, Psalm 12 and 13, Psalm 28 and 55
That seems like a lot, but they are short, and packed with good thoughts. Well worth the read.
Psalm 4:4 caught my attention right away. There is a difference between anger and sin, and from this I gather that it has something to do with ruminating on it. "stewing" someone used to call it. It might be wise to ask the Lord to help me not to "sit and stew" about little things that make me angry, otherwise they could turn into something serious. Verse 5 and 7 remind me that obedience quite often brings a greater sense of joy and contentment than can be found anywhere else. There should be days when we are filled with "inexpressible joy" that cannot be traced back to any event in our lives. Supernatural joy from a loving Father.
Psalm 12 could have been written yesterday, that's how contemporary it is. Lately, there seems to be an overwhelming approval of evil in our society. (drug use, homosexuality, false religions, etc.) It seems that Christians are the quietest group when they are mistreated. Other religions and other groups would howl and petition until they had their own way. Yet Christians seem to not become upset enough to protest loudly. It sometimes gives you the impression that there aren't many Christians around. I think that might be the modern equivalent to what David experienced. Yet I am reminded that even though we aren't popular in the news, God has reserved a great number of people who are devoted and call upon His name. The situation isn't as bleak as it might first appear. After all, in the end.....we win.
Psalm 28 and 55. David seems to be pressed by his enemies in our selected reading today. In fact it seems like a close friend has betrayed him. That's always difficult. It's no wonder that his current confrontations have colored everything around him in dark shades. He sees evil everywhere. But in his lament he also gives us the best advice: 55:22 "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you"... Most of what we see and experience isn't meant to be our burden to carry. Let God worry about those things. After all, He did tell us that our yoke would be easy, and our burden light.
That seems like a lot, but they are short, and packed with good thoughts. Well worth the read.
Psalm 4:4 caught my attention right away. There is a difference between anger and sin, and from this I gather that it has something to do with ruminating on it. "stewing" someone used to call it. It might be wise to ask the Lord to help me not to "sit and stew" about little things that make me angry, otherwise they could turn into something serious. Verse 5 and 7 remind me that obedience quite often brings a greater sense of joy and contentment than can be found anywhere else. There should be days when we are filled with "inexpressible joy" that cannot be traced back to any event in our lives. Supernatural joy from a loving Father.
Psalm 12 could have been written yesterday, that's how contemporary it is. Lately, there seems to be an overwhelming approval of evil in our society. (drug use, homosexuality, false religions, etc.) It seems that Christians are the quietest group when they are mistreated. Other religions and other groups would howl and petition until they had their own way. Yet Christians seem to not become upset enough to protest loudly. It sometimes gives you the impression that there aren't many Christians around. I think that might be the modern equivalent to what David experienced. Yet I am reminded that even though we aren't popular in the news, God has reserved a great number of people who are devoted and call upon His name. The situation isn't as bleak as it might first appear. After all, in the end.....we win.
Psalm 28 and 55. David seems to be pressed by his enemies in our selected reading today. In fact it seems like a close friend has betrayed him. That's always difficult. It's no wonder that his current confrontations have colored everything around him in dark shades. He sees evil everywhere. But in his lament he also gives us the best advice: 55:22 "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you"... Most of what we see and experience isn't meant to be our burden to carry. Let God worry about those things. After all, He did tell us that our yoke would be easy, and our burden light.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Welcome to the first post of the YFMC devotional blog. The concept is fairly simple: Pastor Rick or Pastor Kathy will give the reference of what we are reading today (from our "Bible in a Year" handout) and then make a comment or two. As you read and make comments of your own, we will all benefit from the insights of others.
Let's try it out: Reading for May 22, 2012 is 2 Samuel 13-15
PR says: I read that David was furious, but because he doesn't take some disciplinary action the family (and later, the kingdom) almost falls apart. This is a pretty good lesson in "training your children in the way they should go". David was a man "after God's own heart", but he still had blind spots and weaknesses. If David had acted, both his sons may have survived.
Absalom flees to another city, and again David does nothing. A third party (Joab) has to intervene in order to reconcile the two. I wonder how different history would be if each of us were better parents. Thankfully God forgives us of our shortcomings, and is able to use even our failures to bring glory to himself.
Let's try it out: Reading for May 22, 2012 is 2 Samuel 13-15
PR says: I read that David was furious, but because he doesn't take some disciplinary action the family (and later, the kingdom) almost falls apart. This is a pretty good lesson in "training your children in the way they should go". David was a man "after God's own heart", but he still had blind spots and weaknesses. If David had acted, both his sons may have survived.
Absalom flees to another city, and again David does nothing. A third party (Joab) has to intervene in order to reconcile the two. I wonder how different history would be if each of us were better parents. Thankfully God forgives us of our shortcomings, and is able to use even our failures to bring glory to himself.
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