Importance of Good Choices

Well, I’ve been torn as to whether I should stay my own course of Bible reading and blogging, or let St. Philip’s 3-year-bible-reading-plan dictate what passage I should read for the day. I’ve decided to follow St. Philip’s reading plan.

So you may get a few missed chapters along the way (especially when they ask for more than one chapter a day!). Otherwise, if I fall one or two chapters behind, I have tendency to just skip it all together. So, God and I shall rendezvous around the chapter given by St. Philip’s for the day.

So today I am sacrificing the hope-giving story of Esther 3 for the fierce warning of judgment against Judah and Jerusalem in Isaiah 3.

God, in no uncertain terms, is letting them (and us) know that obsessing over extreme luxury while stealing from the poor shall NOT be tolerated. No wonder He responds with a shortage competent leaders.

He shall give the people what their wicked hearts desire, ungodly, incompetent leaders. Things can become so bad, that in the minds of the people, the smallest achievement will qualify a man for leadership. (you can read 2 Kings 24:14 for the fulfilled account of God’s warning…guess He wasn’t kidding). The lack of strong godly leaders will lead to shortage of water, food and justice.

Governor of the Universe and hearts of mankind, I pray for the United States and the upcoming election. May your choice (and not our own) be elected. Grant us a person who will lead us on in righteousness.

I’m struck, that if Jerusalem and Judah could have sinned against God in what they say and in what they do, does that necessarily mean that we can glorify God by what we say just as much as by what we do?

Guardian of my Life, I pray that You would set up a centurion over my mouth and lips so that I will only say that which glorifies You and edifies others. May my deeds and words be pleasing to You.

It seems to me as if God is rather passive in judgment (though we know He is always in control). For example, in today’s passage all He does is leave Judah alone, and they end up bringing evil upon themselves. Often times we choose pain and heartbreak rather than follow His guidance.

Great Shepherd, I pray that where You lead, I will follow. I know if left to myself I will surely fall headlong into evil, so I pray, keep close to You and Your flock.

Wow! When you look at the list of accessories that the women devoted too much of their lives too, you can’t help but imagine the size of the malls they must have had in Jerusalem! Though it is often argued that the fact these accessories are mentioned in regards to judgment, that they are wicked in and of themselves, that doesn’t seem to be the case.

Isaiah tells them this is for oppressing the poor and making them pay for your luxuries. You might say even in their day, there were the ‘have’s’ and the ‘have-not’s’ with the rich taking from the poor more and more.

• In one sense, God has given us all things richly to enjoy,
• yet in another sense, go, sell all that you have and give it to the poor.

And as it always seems to be, He drives us yet again to Himself for direction. We can’t get it from anyone else, or from headquarters to inquire just exactly where that fine balance is. We must get it for ourselves from the Creator and Designer.

But there is one apparel that we can be confident that is pleasing to God as He commends it in 1 Peter 3:3-4:

Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel—rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.

BTW: verse 17 makes me wonder if the last part of the verse refers to rape. It does make me wonder about that life-long question: “where is God when something as atrocious as rape is occurring?”

Lord Jesus, thank You that You are in control, and thank You for taking the time to communicate with us Your ways. I pray that we will always find ourselves running to You, our Creator and Designer, for guidance and direction, rather than to some rule book or person or board of directors. We want to use our ignorance as just another excuse to come and rendezvous with You. Thank You for Your warnings. Strengthen us all to choose the way that is right in Your eyes. In Jesus' name. Amen

Personalized Leadings from God!

Esther 1:3 & Esther 2:16 gives us indication that the “After these things” found in 2:1 doesn’t just mean “after the party that had a flopped-finale,” but is broader than just the events of the previous chapter. These verses show us that there was a four-year span between chapters one and two.

During that time King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) made an unsuccessful invasion of Greece and he came home a defeated man, wanting to cheer his heart through sensual diversions. There was no Vashti to soothe his weary-worn state. So........let’s have a “Miss Persian Empire” contest.

It seems that Esther didn’t really have a choice about whether she was going to a participant in this event or not. And yet we see how God can used the evil of man. God did not make Ahasuerus drunk, or make him demand that his queen present herself in an immodest way before the governors of the kingdom; yet God allowed this sinful action of man to fulfill a purpose in His greater plan.

I find assurance in the truth that no other person, no matter how evil they are, can defeat God’s plan for my life, no matter what they have done to me or will do to me.

Esther and Mordecai were part of the large Jewish community that was forced to relocate out of Judah, and then decided not to return with Ezra. I wonder how many returning Jews judged Mordecai and Esther for staying behind in “the world” and partaking in its system. And yet we see just how remarkable Esther’s life has been so far.

She was the child of Jewish exiles, who both died (or were they murdered as the movie depicts it?); she was raised by her cousin in a foreign and often hostile land; she was taken by compulsion into the king’s harem; she found favor with all whom she met; and she was finally selected to be the queen of the realm.

Is it possible that God could lead some to return to “God’s Country” and just as certainly, lead some to stay behind in “worldly Babylon”?

Great Shepherd, thank You that You are not just a book full of rules that we can turn to for guidance, but that we can come to You individually, personally and intimately. Thank You that You know exactly what we were made for, with our characteristics, our traits and sensitivities and You have a plan for us. I pray You would help me to walk in Your way for me and discover the joy of it all! Also, grant me discernment when to "judge" and when not to! In Your name, Amen.

Boldness to Protect God's Child

Wow! The St. Philip’s 3-year-reading plan is zipping through Esther at 2 chapters a day. I’ll probably get a little behind here as a result, but it is such an interesting book, perhaps we will be able to make it through them all in good time. As long as I keep taking the time to meet with God, I shall be more than content!!

Before I scribble on, I will just say, that there is a pretty good rendition of Esther put out by Hollywood called “One Night with the King”. It’s a clean edition, some critics have said ‘too clean.’ But I found the movie very enjoyable and just fine without having to change the rating from PG.

Anyway, Esther is said to be the only book in the Bible that the name of God does not appear (though I still haven’t found God or Lord in the Song of Songs). But the providence of God is throughout the whole book, perhaps even the purpose of the book.

It’s like the book of Esther is a commentary, or an example, of the truth found in Romans 8:28:

All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

The whole book of Esther occurs chronologically between Ezra chapter 6 & Ezra chapter 7. Zerubabbel took a group of Jews back to Jerusalem, while most stayed behind in Persia. Hence, we have the book of Esther, the meanwhile, back at the palace kind of perspective of the story of the Jews.

The Persian Empire was the largest the world had ever seen. It covered Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Jordan, Lebanon, and Israel; and also parts of modern day Egypt, Sudan, Libya, and Arabia.

The Royal Court threw 3 feasts, apparently as a matter of pride and with hopes that they might win some allies as they prepared to take on Greece 3 years later.

1) The first feast was ½ year long! A party that never seems to end! But Xerxes did just that, with the upper echelon of society as the participants.

2) He threw another feast, this time for every citizen of the capital, but it only lasted 7 days!

3) Meanwhile, Queen Vashti was throwing her party for the women in the royal palace.

I’m sure the Xerxes popularity went up in the opinion polls during this time (except for the few naysayers who understood that it was probably the public treasury that was footin’ the bill!)

As the parties were all coming to a close, the King, with his wine-impaired mind, thought it would be a great idea to use his wife’s beauty as the grand finale for all men to google at! And, as is often the case, we shall find the king regretting the deeds done and decisions made while in the intoxicated state.

But what strikes me most strongly in this chapter is Vashti’s sense of values as well as her strength to follow through with those values despite being in a very dangerous position with the king. With the understanding that this was a drunken revelry where emotions can go from merry to furious in a heartbeat, Vashti wisely choose not to put herself in the midst of it.

Some argue that the king was asking Vashti to come out and be immodest. But even if he wasn’t asking for anything immodest, the idea of putting such a beautiful and desirable woman in the presence of men with authority, who are drunk beyond reason…who cannot commend Vashti for not exposing herself to “a group of drunken Bacchanalians”*. Her prudence and modesty and courage should be emulated.

*Adam Clarke's commentary

By the king passing his decree, he instead gave men everywhere throughout his whole kingdom the right to coerce their wives into unwise and dangerous situations. As a result, all respect was lost, for respect comes only when their a choice (which could lead quite nicely into a blog about free will!!)

BTW: Ahasuerus = Xerxes depending on which translation you are reading, and the events of this chapter occurred around 483 BC when Greece was celebrating their 79th Olympic Games!

Lord Jesus, thank You for giving us worth, purpose, and joy. It is a gift from You and it seems to be the way that we can best glorify You...is to walk in that way of joy. I pray You would give us the same boldness and courage that Vashti had, to protect Your children as well as to protect Your name. Grant us discernment to know when it is just being plain ole selfish and when it is righteously protecting purity and honesty. Thank You for being a tender, gracious, loving, patient King! In Your name we pray, Amen!

Zeal to Keep My Word!

We read of Nehemiah being so radical in the rest of chapter 13, that we wonder if perhaps he isn’t a bit irrational and overbearing. But I’m sure the memory of the day the people of Israel made a solemn covenant to God regarding three things grieved his spirit deeply.

1) In Nehemiah 10:30 they promised not to have ungodly romantic relationships.
Some 10-12 years later, they were steeped in that exact sin which provoked Nehemiah to address it in 13:23-31.

2) In Nehemiah 10:31 they swore off buying and selling on the Sabbath day.
But alas! Nehemiah’s righteous judgment is stirred as in 13:15-22, we find them violating the 4th commandment given by Moses.

3) And then to top it all off, in 10:32-39 they pledged to support the work of God with money as He commanded.
But ten years later Nehemiah returns to the restored Jerusalem only to find that the work of God had fallen into neglect because no one had supported it in 13:10-14.

Nehemiah was radical. He was earnest. He was zealous. He was a man of action and a leader. I may not want to try to implement that style in dealing with all sins or bad choices in everyone else’s lives, but I do want that kind of passion when it comes to protecting me and my relationship with God!

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your patience, for communicating with us and giving us clear direction. You are our creator and know better than anybody what is best for us and what will help us function to our fullest joy and to Your greatest glory. Help us to walk in Your ways. And oh for some of Nehemiah’s passion and leadership! In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Radical Enough to Protect!

In reading Nehemiah 13:1-14 today, I was struck at the radical measures Nehemiah took to protect and purify the people of God.

Worshipping and celebrating often leads to direction and guidance—and that according to God’s standard. That is what happened to the Israelites—as they drew near to God they became aware of His standards and areas they needed to work on in their lives. But what is more, they had the boldness to carry it out. Nehemiah 13:3

If they were like me, I’m sure they would have thought of 20 sound reasons why NOT to do what the word of God plainly told them to do.

• “That command was made long ago, and speaks to a different time.”
• “Perhaps there is a mitigating factor involved that we didn’t read about that provoked that rule.”
• “Things are different now.”
• “That totally violates my PC sensibility.”
• “That was written to a different culture.”
• “Let’s not go overboard.”
• “We should assign a task force to examine the issue!”

But these folks just plainly, outright, forthright obeyed. (Surely I’m not the only one convicted by that :-)

Nehemiah went back to his post in Persia for about 10 years after the revival in Jerusalem. When he came back, boy was he surprised to see that ole Ammonite enemy named Tobiah (Nehemiah 2:10) not only living amongst the Israelites, but he actually booted God out of His own house so he could camp out there. Is that something similar to hiring someone who is actively opposed to God to be your elder or deacon?

And though the spiritual leader Eliashib disagreed with Nehemiah, I stand in admiration of that bold leader Nehemiah as he had
the wisdom to not confuse love with being “nice” and
the wisdom to know when to take bold action.

I don’t want to get tangled into the thinking that
Nehemiah was overreacting or that
he was being insensitive or
accuse him of missing an opportunity to “win someone to God” by being their friend.

Rather, Nehemiah saw the situation for the danger that it was—someone is in the Temple courts of Jehovah, openly opposing His purposes and His people.

I’m wondering if I could rise to such integrity if I were confronted with the same kind of situation that Nehemiah or Jesus (remember? He cleansed the temple out twice…once at the beginning of His ministry and once at the end of His ministry) found God’s people in. Or would I take such radical steps to protect just one of God’s people? Myself? Hmmm.

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your patience. And that while You do love us, You are also jealous for us and will take radical measures to protect us from ourselves, sin and any other kind of harm. I pray that You will grant us discernment to know how to interact Christ-like with others. I invite You Lord to come and be a Nehemiah to cleanse my life of any tobiah-like behavior. In Jesus’ name. Amen

Returning to My Jerusalem!

In Ezra and Nehemiah we learn of the Jews who have returned to Jerusalem to tryst with God once again in the Temple, so I too hope to rendezvous with God on a consistent basis again, by the work done by the Final Temple, Jesus Christ.

Thankfully, it hasn’t been 70 years since I have written, but I did miss nearly 500 years!!

So I’m picking up with St. Philip’s 3-year-reading plan and am looking at Nehemiah 12:27-47 – Dedicating a Wall unto the Lord! It seems rather appropriate after taking a four-month course about boundaries and protecting oneself! My ceremonial dedication (i.e., graduation) took place on August 10th.

And though I didn’t have quite the line up of thanksgiving choirs that Nehemiah and the Levites had, there was much rejoicing for God had made us rejoice with great joy! Well, enough about Pathways and what it meant to me…on to Nehemiah 12:27-47.

• Celebrate
• Dedication
• Gladness
• Thanksgivings
• Singing
• Music
• Choirs
• Sang loudly

Having God’s chosen city (or child) fully protected is something that is worth celebrating! And the Levites, the leaders of worship, sure knew how to do that!

(FYI: I once heard that there are 22 different instruments mentioned in the Bible…including the four mentioned in this passage!)

Have you ever heard that probably-most-famous-passage in Scripture (and I don’t mean John 3:16!)? But rather, “Judge not, lest ye be judged.” Matthew 7:1. Well, the rest of that Matthew passage says:

First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

And so the priests did exactly that in verse 30 of Nehemiah chapter 12:

Then the priests and Levites purified themselves, and then purified the people, the gates and the wall.

The fact that they purified the gates and walls, also shows me that I too should have my surroundings wholesome and pure.

Verse 43 is beautiful expression of joy, the source of joy and the extent of joy….everyone got to rejoice in the great joy the Lord gave them…even the women and children ;-)

And notice what was heard throughout all Jerusalem…it wasn’t the singing, but rather The Joy! I can think of a few places where the joy of the Lord has been unmistakably heard! Can you?

Purification --> Celebration --> Rejoicing --> it certainly makes giving and offering a delight instead of a burden or a hard task! So we see it happening even in the day of Nehemiah!

Lord Jesus, I thank you for Pathways and the healthy boundaries you have helped put in in my life through them. I pray Lord that I would have such a celebratory lifestyle that those around me would hear the Joy of the Lord! Above all Lord Jesus, keep me pure, keep my focus on You! Amen!

Royal Bounty

Well hello everyone! Boy did I take a long sabbatical from some of the most exciting chapters in scripture. I hope to go back and catch up on the chapters missed from 2 Samuel and 1 King, but for now I think I’ll pick up where the 3-Year Reading Plan of St. Philip’s is presently.

That means we are looking at 1 Kings 10 today.

Many thoughts came to mind today regarding the trip to Israel by the queen from modern-day Yemen, but the most prevalent was the memory of reading a little devotion by Francis Ridley Havergal on chapter 10:13 entitled Royal Bounty.

And King Solomon gave unto the queen of Sheba all her desire, whatsoever she asked, beside that which Solomon gave her of his royal bounty.

All God’s goodness to us is humbling. The more He does for us, the more ready we are to say, “I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which Thou hast shown unto Thy servant.”

The weight of a great answer to prayer seems almost too much for us. The grace of it is “too wonderful” for us. It throws up in such startling relief the disproportion between our little, poor, feeble cry, and the great shining response of God’s heart and hand, that we can only say: “Who am I, O Lord God, that Thou hast brought me hitherto? Is this the manner of man, O Lord God?”

But it is more humbling still, when we stand face to face with great things which the Lord hath done for us and given us, which we never asked at all, never even thought of asking – royal bounty, with which not even a prayer had to do.

It is so humbling to get a view of these, that Satan tries to set up a false humility to hinder us from standing still and considering how great things the Lord hath done for us; thus he also contrives to defraud our generous God of the glory due unto His name.

For, of course, we do not praise for what we will not recognize!

Let us try to baffle this device today, and give thanks for the overwhelming mercies for which we never asked. “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits.” Just think of them deliberately (they are far too many to think of all in a flash); and how many did we actually ask for? Even that poor little claim was never brought to bear on thousand of them.

Some thoughts regarding the rest of the verses are:
To serve Jesus is to be a happy occupation. If joy be missing from my attempts to do as the Lord says,

• perhaps I do not understand aright Who it is I am serving, or
• Who it is that is to empower me to accomplish the tasks.

As the Queen of Sheba says of Solomon, even more it can be said of Jesus, “happy are these Your servants, who stand continually before You and hear Your wisdom!”

In Matthew 12:42 the Queen is highly praised for her seeking. Jesus commended her for:

• She came from a great distance
• She came with gifts to offer
• She came to question and to learn
• She came and saw the riches of the king
• She came for an extended period
• She came telling all that was on her heart

How much more should I respond to the opportunity to hook up and meet with Jesus Christ Himself?

666 talents of gold is assessed at $281,318,400 today! (btw: Solomon is the only person in the Bible associated with the number 666, other than the antichrist! [Rev. 13:18])

The 500 shields of gold were strictly for beautifully displaying in the House of the Forest of Lebanon. They were of no use in battle, too soft and too heavy! This shows Solomon with the image of a warrior king, but without the substance! He invested $33 million for his image.

At the end of this great description of Solomon's wealth and splendor, there sounds a dark note:

Also Solomon had horses imported from Egypt and Keveh

This was in direct disobedience to Deuteronomy 17:16, which said to the Kings of Israel:

But he shall not multiply horses for himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt to multiply horses, for the LORD has said to you, "You shall not return that way again."

And the very last phrase of the chapter compels me to think we have Solomon's rationalization as to how he could involve himself in "multiplying horses" for himself and break such an obvious commandment:

Thus, through their agents, they exported them to all the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Syria.

Perhaps the importation of horses from Egypt began as trading as an agent on behalf of other kings. From this, perhaps Solomon could say, "I'm importing horses from Egypt but I am not doing it for myself. I'm not breaking God's command." Many times in my own life, gross disobedience begin as clever rationalizations.

O Thou Greater-than-Solomon, thank You for Your Royal Bounty, and how You open it up so generously to all of us. I pray You would make me a woman of substance in the battles of life and keep me from my own manipulative rationalizations. I want to revel in Your wisdom and riches more than the Queen of Sheba did in Solomon's. You alone are worthy!

Right Thing Done the Wrong Way

Today's story found in 2 Samuel 6 revolves around the Ark of God represented the immediate presence and glory of God. David considered it a top priority to bring the Ark out of obscurity and back into prominence. He just wanted Israel to be alive with a sense of the presence and glory of God.

Seventy years before the Philistines transported the Ark on a cart in that moving story found in 1 Samuel 6. And they got away with it without any consequences. But for the Israelites to borrow man's ways instead of going to God's Word for directions was (and is) costly.

Transporting the ark on a cart was against God's specific command. The ark was designed to be carried (Exodus 25:12-15) and was only to be carried by Levites of the family of Koath (Numbers 4:15).

I'm sure in David's zeal to return the Ark to prominence that he prayed for God's blessing on this major undertaking. It was a very important occasion, the atmosphere was joyful, exciting and engaging. But did he neglect to inquire of God regarding the production itself? Could it be that none of the whole procession pleased God because it was all in disobedience to His revealed Word?

This was a good thing done the wrong way. Though they experienced dire consequences and pain from their first attempt done in the arm of flesh, God still gave them a second chance at bringing His presence and glory near to them. It wasn't like David and his men got one chance, and one chance only, to draw near to God.

God met with David in 1 Chronicles 15 to discuss what transpired. After meeting with God and listening to His word, David tried again to bring the Ark to Jerusalem.

It was still with a big production - bigger than the first attempt. Because David was wise enough to know that the problem with the first attempt wasn't that it was a big production, but that it was a big production that came from man and not God.

David was able to navigate the waters of emotions in this event. The two great errors in regards to Christianity and emotions are -

• the error of making emotions the center of our Christian life and
• the error of an emotionally detached Christian life.

In the Christian life emotions must not be manipulated and they must not be repressed. David is a good example of how this might look like in our lives!

And what of Uzzah? He made a decision in a split second to disregard God's command and do what seemed, and perhaps felt, right to him. But God fulfilled the ominous promise of Numbers 4:15 and struck Uzzah.

David desired Israel to know the presence of the Lord, and sure enough, God showed up at Nachon's threshing floor - but not in the way anyone wanted.

What was the error of Uzzah? It was more than just a reflex action or instinct. God struck Uzzah because his action was based upon a critical error in thinking.

• Uzzah erred in thinking it didn't matter who transported the ark
• Uzzah erred in thinking it didn't matter how the ark was transported
• Uzzah erred in thinking he knew all about the ark because it was in his father's house for so long
• Uzzah erred in thinking that God couldn't take care of the ark of Himself
• Uzzah erred in thinking that the ground of Nachon's threshing floor was less holy than his own hand

"His intention to help was right enough; but there was a profound insensibility to the awful sacredness of the ark, on which even its Levitical bearers were forbidden to lay hands." (Spurgeon)

David became angry at God in his confusion. And in his anger directed towards the Lord, He sought God! Anger can drive us to God, even anger directed towards Him in our confusion.

David simply didn't understand why his good intentions weren't enough. God is concerned with both our intentions and our actions.

So the Lord deals with David, and causes him to fulfill His word by housing the Ark with Obed-Edom who was a Levite of the family of Koath (1 Chronicles 26:4). This was the family within the tribe of Levi that God commanded to transport and take care of the ark (Numbers 4:15).

When God's Word was obeyed and His holiness was respected, blessing followed for Obed-Edom and his household. God wanted the ark to be a blessing for Israel, not a curse. We might say that the curse didn't come from God's heart but from man's disobedience. That which God intended for our good can feel bad if we walk in disobedience regarding it.

I think it is a mistake to think that David was immodest in his dancing as 1 Chronicles 15:27 indicates that David set aside his royal robes and simply dressed just like everyone else in the procession. But Michal felt it wasn't dignified for the King of Israel to express his emotions before God. But as she casts judgement on David's lack of royal behavior, she chides him with biting sarcasm (which is very unbecoming for royalty!).

But David was in a good and healthy place. He didn't let Michal's sarcastic criticism ruin his day. He simply explained the truth: "I did it for God, not for you." David was in touch with God and so he was not offended (Psalm 119:165).

Michal was barren, proving that a critical spirit stifles fruitfulness.

Creator of Emotions and Truth, may You align my thinking and feelings to Your will and ways. I do not want a big production if it is not done according to Your Word. Nor do I want to be stifled and repressed when indeed something as glorious as Your presence is marching forward for the healing of people. May I love Thy Word that I shall have great peace nor be offended.

Became Great...God was with Him

Prior to this 3rd anointing of David as king in 2 Samuel 5, only one of the tribes of Israel recognized David as king at all (Judah). The other tribes recognized the son of Saul, the puppet Ishbosheth, as king.

After Ishbosheth is murdered, they then turn to David. The tribes only turned to David after their previous choice was taken away. How often I recognize Jesus as king in an area of my life only when my other choices crumble!

Lord Jesus, I desire to chose You outright rather than going through the heartbreak and trials of my other choices failing me!

This 3rd anointing of David is described in greater detail in 1 Chronicles 12:23-40. It tells of the great assembly that gathered in Hebron to finally recognize David as king over all Israel. Chronicles describes the impressive army that came to Hebron, and numbers the ranks at over 340,000 men. The scene is depicted as:

All these men of war, who could keep ranks, came to Hebron with a loyal heart, to make David king over all Israel; and all the rest of Israel were of one mind to make David king. And they were there with David three days, eating and drinking, for their brethren had prepared for them...for there was joy in Israel.

• David was first anointed by the prophet Samuel when he was about 15.
• Then the kingly tribe of Judah anointed him in Hebron when he was 30 years old.
• And finally at the age of 37, God's promise is realized where all Israel unites under the reign of David.

Twenty-two years later!

David spent at least 15 years in preparation for the 40-year-long throne of Israel. God uses great preparation when the task is great. In God’s plan there is almost always a hidden price of greatness. It seems that those who become 'great' among God's people experience much pain and difficulty in God's training process.

I love this quote by Alan Redpath, and so I'll force it right here! The Jebusites thought their city impenetrable, so much so, that they mocked David saying that even their lame and blind could defend so great a city! But as Alan said about that besetting sin that we think unconquerable,

"I want to say to you in the name of the Lord Jesus that there is no habit that has gone so deep but that the power of the blood of Jesus can go deeper, and there is no entrenchment of sin that has gone so far but the power of the risen Lord, by His Holy Spirit, can go further."

So as it was with the fortress on Mt. Zion, even so shall my immovable mountain fortress of sin be defeated by the Son of David, Jesus Christ!

David could have written the original The Purpose Driven Life! What peace and purpose there is when we can know the three things David knew:

• David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel: David knew that God called him and established him over Israel.
• He had exalted His kingdom: David knew that the kingdom belonged to God - it was His kingdom.
• For the sake of His people Israel: David knew God wanted to use him as a channel to bless His people. It was not for David's sake that he was lifted up, but for the sake of His people Israel.

But even in his purpose driven life, he fought his battles and made poor choices. When David took more concubines and wives to himself, he was in direct disobedience to Deuteronomy 17:17: Neither shall he multiply wives for himself, lest his heart turn away.

And though the David and everyone else around him may have seen his many children as God's sign of blessing upon him; we read that most of the trouble to come in David's life comes from his relationship with women and from his children.

Here David was with great success and prosperity (the Lord was with him despite these choices) and David is sowing seeds of trouble for the future. There were no immediate ramifications for his actions, but the seeds were buried away and was only enduring a gestation period before blooming into full blown coup!

Yet, despite his inability to exercise discernment in his intimate relationships, he was wise enough to wait on the Lord before the second battle that would affect all of Israel.

If in the same situation of facing a second battle, I would have said, "I've fought this battle before. I know how to win. This will be easy." But David didn't run on the fuel of yesterday's victory. He always triumphed when he sought and obeyed God.

We just finished a Bible study by Priscilla Shirer regarding Discerning the Voice of God. A quote from the old commentator Adam Clark seems to tie in nicely with that Bible Study and today's passage:

"How is it that such supernatural directions and assistances are not communicated now? Because they are not asked for; and they are not asked for because they are not expected; and they are not expected because men have not faith; and they have not faith because they are under a refined spirit of atheism, and have no spiritual intercourse with their Maker."

O Word become Flesh, grant me ears to hear, and a heart that believes. Teach me what "spiritual intercourse with the Maker" looks like.

Zeal for Others

In 2 Samuel 4, we again see what zeal David seems to have in vindicating people wronged other than himself. He will endure for years someone who mistreats him, but lay a hand on another and David is compelled to requite justice.

His name was Mephibosheth:
This was the son of Jonathan, David's covenantal friend, who died with his father in battle. Mephibosheth was the last male descendant of Saul with a strong legal claim to the throne of Saul. At this time he was only 12 years old - and he was lame.

As she made haste to flee, that he fell and became lame:
Mephibosheth was weak because of circumstances beyond his control. He was weak because of his age, and because of injury that came from the hand of another.

We will see more of Mephibosheth in later chapters!

Think of those two Benjamites bringing Ishbosheth's severed head to David. Claiming to David, "We are God's servants, defeating your enemies as instruments of God."

Their claim, "The Lord has avenged my lord the king," was presuming on God’s approval of their deed, as though they had acted on the Lord’s express orders, instead of their own selfish plot to gain favor with the up and coming king!

The son of Saul your enemy.
Rechab & Baanah would have fared better if they had kept their mouth shut. How often I add words to a conversation just to prevent silence, and it ends up damaging things.

So as these Benjamites relate to David the account the son of Saul your enemy...David couldn't relate to this, because he didn't think of Saul as his enemy. The beautiful song David composed at the death of Saul and Jonathan shows that though Saul set himself as an enemy of David, David did not regard him as an enemy, but rather as the Lord's anointed!

Rechab and Baanah thought David would be pleased to see the severed head of Ishbosheth. They underestimated David's loyalty to God and the house of Saul. David was loyal to his pledge to honor and preserve Saul's family and descendants.

Even though Ishbosheth was not the Lord’s anointed in the same sense as Saul was, David had thoroughly learned to let God take vengeance!

So, David would not accept their evil deed, even though it seemed to serve a good purpose - unifying Israel under David's reign as king.

"While it is true that God overrules all the doings of men, and compels them ultimately to serve His high purposes, it is equally true that no servant of His can ever consent to do evil that good may come. It is an arresting truth that our Lord in the days of his earthly life would not accept the testimony of demons." (You'll never guess! Yep, Spurgeon!)

Oh Loyal Covenant Keeper, grant me a heart that waits patiently for Your will to be accomplished, and a zeal for the justice for others. And guide this fickled heart to be able to discern how a good purpose should righteously be pursued! Bank me in with discernment and wisdom.

Choosing Our Responses

Interesting how much of this chapter is taken up with wives & concubines. The first thing listed in 2 Samuel 3 are the six wives and six kids of David. One-half of them we will learn more about, and that not in pretty colors.

• Amnon raped his half-sister and was murdered by his half-brother.
• Absalom murdered his half-brother and led a civil war against his father David, attempting to murder David.
• Adonijah tried to seize the throne from David and David's appointed successor - then he tried to take one of David's concubines and was executed for his arrogance.

Since I know a little something about fickleness, it isn't hard to detect ole Abner and his many multi-faceted plots! But in the midst of it all, if Abner knew that David was God's choice for king, why did he fight against him before this? Abner is a good example of those of us who know things to be true but don't live as if they were true.

Lord Jesus, where You lead, I will follow!

So Abner did the right thing when he joined David's side but he did it for the wrong reason. Instead of joining David because Ishbosheth offended him personally, he should have joined David because he knew that David was God's choice to be king.

God of Righteousness, help me to serve You with a pure heart and with pure motives!

The fact that Abner - who was a general, not a Bible scholar - knew the prophecies regarding David, and the fact that he could ask the leaders of Israel to consider them means that these prophecies of David were widely known.

Sadly, they were not widely obeyed - most of Israel was lukewarm and unenthusiastic in their embrace of David as king. In this regard David prefigures his greater Son. Jesus fulfilled all manner of prophecy regarding the Messiah, yet He was rejected by all but a remnant of Israel.

After Abner came and tried to get reconciled with David, David responded very gently, as he seemed to most everyone who tried to usurp his position. As with Saul and Ishbosheth, David was wise and generous towards a former adversary. A lesser man would never forgive Abner for leading an army against God's king, but David was a great, wise, and generous man.

Now, why wasn't Joab pleased that Abner had defected and joined David's side? There are at least three reasons for his hostility.

1. Joab feared Abner was a deceiver, a double agent working on behalf of Ishbosheth, the pretender king.

2. Abner killed Joab's brother, and Joab was the avenger of blood for Asahel.

3. As the chief general of the former King Saul, Abner had a lot of top-level military experience. Abner might take Joab's place as David's chief military assistant.

And I can see Joab's response better than I can see David's! Joab may have even justified his actions by thinking, "I'm doing this to defend and honor David my king."

But our sin and treachery never honors our king. We must avoid the trap Spurgeon spoke of: "We may even deceive ourselves into the belief that we are honoring our Lord and Master when we are, all the while, bringing disgrace upon his name."

Oh Holy Spirit, grant guidance, discernmnet and power to know Your will and to walk in it!

Patience of David

I have been googling and reading and contemplating the relationship between David and Jonathan, and thought perhaps that I could scribble out my thoughts in a day or two's time. But there seems to be a gaping hole missing in all the commentaries about these two fellows.

They seem to fall within one of two camps.
1) They were just commonly good close friends; or
2) they were homosexual lovers.

I'm not convinced that either one is correct. Perhaps we are missing from our American mindset a third type of relationship, that more suitably describes the convenantal relationship between Jonathan and David.

So, since I have not done with that project, I thought it best not to delay the continuing on with our readings in 2 Samuel. And will be blogging tonight about 2 Samuel 2.

David inquired of the Lord.

How much of David's successes hinged on this very practice of his? David wanted more than God's blessings on his plans, but he wanted to be right smack dab in the middle of God's plan.

So instead of David taking the fleshly opportunity to capitalize on the chaos in Israel following Saul's death, David "inquires of the Lord."

How often I am inclined to force a calling or a promise using the arm of flesh instead of waiting God's perfect timing. Remember, David was anointed king of Israel by Samuel 15 to 20 years before this.

I not only struggle with manipulating myself and others, but also trying to manipulate God Himself! David resisted such a temptation!

David receives a second anointing at the hands of more people. O thank God that He meets with us in a special way more than once at the beginning of our Christian journey. But He gives us milestones along the way!

And I would just suggest that this anointing came as a result of getting making amends and getting reconciled with the people of Judah.

Seems like Abner still has ought against David from the embarrassement suffered at his hands in 1 Samuel 26 where Abner failed to protect his cousin, king Saul (though David did spare his life!).

So Abner set up Ishbosheth, son of Saul (perhaps an illegitimate one - considering the name), to be king, though he certainly seems to be playing the puppet to Abner.

And if David's sparing of Saul, the Lord's anointed, mystified us, what are we to make of this man-made uprising by Ishbosheth that lasted for two years?

Clearly, Ishbosheth and the tribes that followed after him, could have been defeated if the ratio was 20:360 in just one of the battles. But David exercised ridiculous (or so I would have assessed it) patience, longsuffering and trust in God.

I can't help but notice the similarily between David not forcing his reign on anyone, and how that the Son of David won't force Himself on us either.

O Patient, Spotless One! Reign over me! Tear down any false pretenders to the throne of my heart. Purify my heart and make it wholly Thine. Please give insight into David and Jonathan's relationship as well.

Just for the record, Abner is Saul's cousin. Joab, Abishai and Asahel were David's nephews, the sons of his sister Zeruiah.

Battling Bitterness

The second book of Samuel opens with an Amalekite's account of how Saul died in battle, which had him actually delivering the death-blow to Saul. 1 Samuel 31 had Saul falling on his sword, and when his armorbearer saw that "he was dead" he fell on his sword too.

So whether the Amalekite came upon Saul while life still lingered in him and finished him off at his request; or whether he simply lied in hopes that David would be pleased and reward him...David did not appreciate the Amalekite's hand had ANYTHING to do with the death of the "Lord's Anointed."

1) If we do take the Amalekite's story as true, this is a chilling irony in the life and death of Saul. Back in 1 Samuel 15, God commanded Saul to completely destroy the people of Amalek in a unique war of judgment. But Saul blatantly failed to do that! And now an Amalekite will bring a bitter end to his tragic life.

Captain of my Soul, help me to obey fully Your edicts. Empower me to utterly put to death the cravings and lust of the flesh, lest it be the death of me!

2) But I can certainly imagine the Amalekite telling a tale of him slaying the king of Israel in hopes it would put him in good graces with David. I spent the first 35 years of my life doing that, and find myself still tempted to do the same. Make me look better than I really am.

The truth of the matter is, the Amalekite probably just happened to be the first person to come across the body of Saul and his armorbearer, and he scavanged the crown and bracelet from him and brought it to David. What would have happened to him if he had just stuck to the truth of the matter, instead of embellishing it?

Jesus, who is full of Grace and Truth, help me to daily experience the freedom that is found in honesty and truth.

When David heard of Saul's death I would have expected celebration at the death of this great enemy and rival. After all, out of pure jealousy, hatred, spite, and ungodliness Saul took away David's family, home, career, security, and the best years of David's life - and Saul was utterly unrepentant to the end. Yet...

...when David heard of Saul’s death, he did not rejoice. Instead, he mourned, wept, fasted and composed a song in honor of Saul and Jonathan. In spite of all that Saul did against David, David spoke well of Saul after his death.

I'm convicted by the powerful testimony of how David kept his heart free from bitterness, even when we was greatly wronged and sinned against. David fulfilled 1 Corinthians 13:5: love thinks no evil. He knew the principle of 1 Peter 4:8: And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins.

Does this mean that hatred and bitterness and unforgiveness are chosen? And that they are not necessarily imposed on us? Somehow David chose to become better instead of bitter.

One truth that might have supported David during this time was knowing that God was in charge of his life, and that even if Saul meant it for evil, God could use it for good. Perhaps the years in the wilderness, escaping Saul, really were years when God trained David to be a king!

I wonder if it also helped David to forgive Saul when he remembered how God had forgiven him. David heard the news of Saul’s death and sang the “Song of the Bow” when he was in Ziklag. The city was still filled with burned rubble that was the indirect result of David’s backsliding and sin. David had just come from a time when the Lord had graciously forgiven him - how could he not show a gracious heart towards Saul’s memory.

The contents of David's song displays for us that he really somehow managed to esteem Saul:

• David saw beauty in Saul (2 Samuel 1:19).
• David wanted no one to rejoice in Saul’s death (2 Samuel 1:20).
• David wanted everyone to mourn, even the mountains and fields (2 Samuel 1:21).
• David praised Saul as a mighty warrior (2 Samuel 1:22-23).
• David complimented the personality and loyalty of Saul (2 Samuel 1:23).
• David called Israel to mourning, and called on others to praise Saul for the good he did for Israel (2 Samuel 1:24).

I have been thinking alot about Jonathan and David and their friendship lately. I'll scribble something about that next before moving on to chapter 2.

Love of Heaven, thank You for Your forgiveness. I pray that I will walk in it as David did, especially when dealing with those who have offended me. Oh for a heart that esteems every person above myself in a healthy way.

Tragedy of Being Unprepared

We come to the conclusion of 1 Samuel and the conclusion of the people's king, Saul. Sin causes such chaos and confusion.

What a sad plot Saul's life took. As sad as anything is in this account, sad is the absence of any kind of sorrow or repentance or crying out to God at all on Saul’s part. He was told the previous day that he would die, yet he does not seem to have prepared his soul to meet God in any way.

When Saul saw the Philistine army preparing to attack Israel, he spent his time going undercover to a witch's cove. No preparation of his army. No preparation to meet God. No preparation from a kingly standpoint except to consult a medium. So no wonder when the Philistines attacked all Israel was thrown into disarray and slain on Mt. Gilboa.

Lord God, as I hear hard words or encounter difficult times, may I cry out to You, and be quick to repent lest it give the Philistines the victory.

And to think...David wanted to be a part of this group of Philistines. It was the Lord’s mercy that did not allow David to take up with these enemies of the Lord. David would have had a hand not only in slaying Saul, but in killing his covenantal best friend, that brave and worthy Jonathan. To the end, we see Jonathan loyally fighting for his God, his country, and his father the king unto the very end.

Merciful Saviour, how I thank You for sparing me the many snares I would I have chosen to fall headlong into, if it were not for Your intervention.

As much as the events of Saul and his family's death grieved David, it is clear to see that it did provide David a smoother path to the kingship of Israel in the aftermath. I'm thankful the Lord is able to see the big picture.

What can be said about suicide? Saul's beginning looked so bright, but as time took it's toll on this tall, handsome man, jealousy took over. Even to the point that it led to the sin of suicide. After all, suicide is self-murder. Yet, it is wrong to regard suicide as the unforgivable sin.

There is no depth that a person (yes, even a Christian), won't go, if we start trusting in our own hearts more instead of God's will. And this isn't even addressing the physical suicidal causes. The Christian is not granted a special hedge of protection over the synapses of the brain or the chemical balance of it. We are prone to heart disease, liver disease, and any other organ disease, including the brain, just like the rest of the world.

Every sin is forgivable. Every poor choice we make is forgivable. But just as in this story...the tragedy is so far reaching. All of God's people were in total chaos and on the edge of captivity. It was even used to glorify pagan gods and to mock the living God (to proclaim it in the temple of their idols and among the people).

Giver of Life, help me to embrace You as the source of Life. During the darkness of life may I lean hard on You rather than leaning on my sword.

Out of the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead arose valiant men who gave kindness to the memory of Saul, Jonathan, and Saul's other sons. Many years before, Saul delivered their city from the Ammonites, and they faithfully repay the kindness God showed them from the hand of Saul. And so the men of Jabesh Gilead took down the bodies of Saul and his sons from their place of humiliation and gave them a proper burial.

Lord Jesus, help me to give tokens of my appreciation and gratitude to the many people You have used in my life to deliver me from the "Ammonites," while they are still alive. Oh for a deeply grateful heart!

Return to the Lord

This is a turn-around-chapter for David (1 Samuel 30). For 16 months he's been mercilessly raiding other villages, being sure to leave no survivors behind in order to cover his sin (compare David's tactics with the Amalekites "merciful" kidnappings!); and even arrived to the point where he was ready to battle against God's people of whom he was to be king!

And remember how he got himself into this whole mess? David said in his heart lies, old tapes, discouragements, etc. But in this chapter, after much orchestrating and corralling by the Lord, David returns to the Lord in his thinking.
David strengthened himself in the Lord!
Our heart is the battlefield for the soul!

When the Bible reads "Now it happened..." I take great comfort knowing that the Amalekites invasion didn't "just happen." God had a purpose for orchestrating this whole thing in David's life. Yes! Even though it affected 600 men and their families!

So it was "All had been lost." At this point, David has nothing more to support him. No one in Israel can help him. The Philistines don’t want him. His family is gone; all he has owned is gone.

But at least he has his friends, right? Not really; the people spoke of stoning him. Every support is gone, except the Lord. That is a good place to be in, not a bad place.

So after God has painted him into a corner, David reaches out to the character of God. David went to Him for comfort when everything and everyone was against him.

He knew there was no one to turn to for strength in such an overwhelming crisis except the Lord...and he had confidence that the Lord would be merciful even after 1-1/2 years of doing his own rebellious way!

Yes, even backslidden David, wayward David, “fight-with-the-Philistines” David can reach the ear and heart of the Lord! Why would God strengthen him? Because God is rich in mercy and grace. David was completely broken, bringing absolutely nothing but filthy, empty hands to God.

It is not the sinlessness of our hearts that causes God to bend His ear. Sometimes we think we have to achieve God’s blessing or strength, but David shows us another way...and how much more does the Son of David offer us a freer way!

David is given assurance from the Lord that he shall have the victory over the Amalekites. But even after being given the God-backed-guarenteed win, 1/3 of David's men (200) were still too emotionally drained and physically exhausted from their 3-day (75 miles) march to Ziklag.

This might have been tremendously discouraging to David. As he pursues a significantly larger Amalekite army, he finds that one-third of his men can’t continue.

But David doesn’t let this trial stop him. His faith is being revived by the mercy of God and he continues on his battle to reclaim lost treasures!

After leaving behind 200 fighting men, he marches toward the Amalekites with a strong resolve to secure what had been lost. But then they come across a man collapsed in the wilderness.

It would have been easy, and perhaps logical, to ignore this man because they had a “much greater” mission in pursing the Amalekites. But David and his men show unexpected kindness to this man,
and they gave him bread and he ate, and they let him drink water.
A revival seems to be occuring in the heart of David!

The Egyptian man is able to lead David to the Amalekites (just like God to give him a pat on the back for meeting this one man's needs!). After assessing the situation, David clearly sees that the best strategy is to attack when all of the enemy are suffering hang overs from the victory celebration!

Everything that the enemy had taken, David took back. God gave him a complete victory. God gave David even more than what was promised. He received spoil from the battle, beyond what had been taken from Ziklag. This was blessing straight from the grace of God.

(Now, in the great battle of Christ on our behalf, He has not only given us back what we lost, but He has given us what Adam in his perfection never had. The Lord's restoration always exceeds our losses!)

After the great victory, the 400 fighting men returned to the other 200 weary men who stayed by the stuff. The worthless men looked at the spoil and said, “We fought for this spoil and it is ours.”

David looked at the spoil and said, “Look at what the Lord has given us.” When we look at it that way, how could we not share? When the Lord had given David such a great victory, he really saw it as the Lord’s victory more than his own.

In response to this spat, David declares an important principle:
the supply lines are just as vital as the soldiers are and God will compensate both “soldiers” and “supporters” properly.

The closing verses are David doing his Steps 8 & 9...he's making amends to his family and friends who were affected by his defection to the Philistines. He knows he must do whatever he can to put things right again, so he sent some of the spoil to the elders of Judah.

While 1 Samuel 27:1 shows us how David could fall so far short, this chapter outlines for us his journey back to the arms of God and into His will:

• David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.
• David inquired of the Lord.
• David believed God’s promise.
• David did what God told him to do.
• David showed unexpected care and kindness to others.
• David saw it as the Lord’s victory.
• David shared the reward with others.
• David did what he could to mend relationships.

Merciful Restorer, teach me to encourage myself in You, to strengthen myself in You, even when my scaffolding all around me collapses. Keep the thoughts and intents of my heart solely captivated by You and Your beauties.

Another quote from Charles Spurgeon (just be thankful I don't include nearly as much as I would otherwise from him!)

“May you see your self-righteousness burned like Ziklag, and all your carnal hopes carried away captive, and may you then encourage yourselves in Christ, for He will recover all for you, and give you spoil besides, and there shall be joy and rejoicing.” (Spurgeon)

God Saving Us from Ourselves

In 1 Samuel 29, David finds himself in a place he thought he would never be: among the enemies, ready to fight against God's people over whom he was suppose to be king!

Remember, it all started two chapters ago when David said in his heart "I shall perish...there is nothing better for me."

Guardian of my heart, set a centurion over my heart and all that it contemplates.

I imagine as David sought refuge among the enemy from Saul's murderous chases, that he would have thought 1-1/2 years later he would be willing to fight against his very own people. It all started with a quest for security and stability.

Lord Jesus, I want to only thirst after You and to know You, which is eternal life.

We see David having an identity crisis. He forgot who he was - a Hebrew, a part of God's people. David would have never come to this point in his faith journey if he would have remembered who he was - a child of God destined to be the king of the Israelites (even though it did not immediately appear so!)

The Philistine leaders knew who he really was though! Even though David had forgotten for a season. The Lord is so merciful to somehow continue to use us as a testimony even while we are in the midst of making poor choices.

Father and King, help me to walk in the truth and power of who I am in Christ!

It's kind of funny to read Achish's defense of David as from a coworkers point of view in today's society. "Oh no, Deborah isn't a Christian at all, I've seen how she has lived over the last 16 months and she really is just as ordinarily selfish as the rest of us!"

Captain of my soul, protect my witness and lifestyle so that I shall never feel at home in the army of the enemy.

What a blessing! What a mericul Saviour and coordinator of events, that He would use people rejecting David (who likes to be rejected anyway?) in David's life as a means of saving him from the shame of fighting against the people he was to rule over! God does make all things work together for good!

"He shall not go up with us to the battle...as soon as you are up early in the morning and have light, depart..."

David wanted to fight with the Philistines against Israel, but God wouldn't let him. David's heart is not in a healthy place, but God hasn't abandoned him! I praise God for the times when He kept me from sinning as bad as I wanted to sin!

Oh Blessed Deliverer! Thank You for Your mercy and protection. Thank You for the times You have orchestrated my circumstances to protect me from myself. And thank You for the times where You just strengthened me to want and choose the better way!

God Meets Us Where We Are!

And we thought David was in a bad place placing his trust in his own heart... but in 1 Samuel 28 Saul seems to be trying to one-ups-him by running to a witch for direction!

Samuel's death seems to be mentioned here to emphasize the spiritual vacuum that his absence created. It appears that this void was created by Saul ignoring the words of God that he did know.

Saul knew that God did not want him hunting David and trying to kill him. Saul confessed as much in passages such as 1 Samuel 24:16-20 and 26:21.

Yet, Saul disregarded what he knew to be God's will in this matter. I suppose if I want God to guide me, I'll need to follow what guidance I do have from Him.

Lord, help me to walk fully in all that You have shown me so that I may know more of You!

I'm impressed with Jesus praying the night before choosing His 12 disciples. As I look at Saul's servants and friends who helped him find the medium instead of attempting to dissuade him from this very wicked practice, I pray

Oh Lord, surround me with wise and confrontative friends. And help me to be such a friend!

Saul took lightly the word of God with its prohibitions (Leviticus 19:31, 20:6, 27; Deuteronomy 18:9-14) and promised curse (Leviticus 20:6). So simply by not taking the Word at His word, he brought upon himself a curse of God's face being set against that person.

Oh, Blessed Living Word, increase my faith to take Your word more seriously and live wholly by it.

Interesting that the last time we read Saul using the name of the Lord is to swear to a medium that she will not be punished!

Father, whose name is hallowed, keep me from taking Your name in vain and using it to my own ends.

What a merciful Father we serve! Even as Saul turns to a witch for counsel, the Lord in His great mercy and faithfulness, meets him exactly where he is.

He sends Samuel himself to warn the king of his death, so that he might have an opportunity to make his peace with his Maker. And so when we close our ears to God, He will find unusual - and perhaps uncomfortable - ways to speak to us!

Merciful Saviour, thank You for Your great patience in meeting me exactly where I am.

Strangely, though Saul knew that God would not speak to him in any other way, or through any of the other prophets, he thought that somehow or some way the godly prophet Samuel, conjured by a medium, would speak wisdom to him! Even more strangely, Samuel did! And the message hadn't changed with time - God's edict remained the same.

O King of Righteousness, work in me a thankfulness for Your ways and the power to walk steadfastly in them. I desire to talk to You as face to face, and not through any convoluted means.

Power of Discouragement in the Heart

A great big "thank you" to all who have inquired about my missing blogs. I hate to report that it is because I just didn't take the time to do it.

I'd love to whine about all the computer issues I have been having (as well as many of my friends), but I'll spare you all that and just acknowledge the graciousness with which people touched base with me to ask about it!

Hopefully in the next few days, I'll catch up to the readings where St. Philip's is at, but until then I'll just keep plugging along in 1 Samuel one chapter at a time!

Today's chapter of 1 Samuel 27 shows signs of a discouraged child of God! The pressure of constantly running from place to place one step ahead of death finally took its toll on David. In spite of the Lord's miraculous care for him, David's faith wavered and he began to entertain doubts.

Would God deliver him from the hand of Goliath, only to deliver him into the hand of Saul? No, but circumstances have a way of distorting one's outlook. Present dangers and cares often obscures the promises of God.

So David said in his heart "Now I shall perish...There is nothing better for me."

Oh the power of words, especially those which we say in our heart. What we say in our heart has great power for good or evil.

• If someone says in their heart, “God doesn’t care about me,” it will make a difference in their life.
• if someone says in their heart, “I deserve better than this,” it will make a difference in their life.
• if someone says in their heart, “I come before others,” it will make a difference in their life.

By the same principle,

• if someone says in their heart, “God loves me and I don’t have to earn His love,” it will make a difference.
• If they say in their heart, “I am grateful for every blessing I have,” it will make a difference.
• If someone says, “Others come first,” it will make difference in their life.

David did accomplish his immediate goal of escaping Saul's constant pursual of him. But now David is in a place of compromise. And though he looks quite content and secure, even finally having his own stable place (beats a camping in a cave) with his two wives to keep him company, this is a very dark period in David's life.

Interestingly, according to my chronological Bible (which orders all the verses in the Bible in the order in which they happened), there are no Psalms that were written by David during this time.

During David's 16-month stay with the Philistines, David made raids against
The Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites
David hasn’t totally turned against God and His people. For now, he only attacks the enemies of Israel. This probably gave David some comfort, but it is a small consolation to know that you aren’t as bad as you possibly could be.

In his raids, David killed all the men and the women, so his lie to Achish would not be exposed. Much later in his life, we will see a far more notorious season of sin with Bathsheba, and how he ended up killing Bathsheba’s husband Uriah to cover his sin.

Though that event is more famous, the root of sin that nourished it began right here in 1 Samuel 27. Here, many years before David killed Uriah to cover his sin, he kills these men and women in his raids to cover his sin. The roots of sin must be dealt with, or they come back with greater strength.

Remember the roots of David’s condition: this was a genuine crisis of faith, when he started trusting more in what he said in his heart (1 Samuel 27:1) than in what the Lord God said to him. David believed the lie that he was safer with the world than he was with God.

Thankfully, God did not bless David where he was at. But neither did God take away David’s calling or destiny to be the next king of Israel. God gave to David some of the mercy David showed to Saul.

Lord Jesus, gird up the my heart to be strengthened by Your words, and not the voice of circumstances and discouragement. Help me to be content to be a refuge rather than be satisfied to settle down in the enemy's territory...and show me the difference!

Saul & David's Last Encounter

Just 3 chapters ago, the Ziphites attempted to betray David into the hands of Saul...it was a failure then and it is a failure again in this chapter (1 Samuel 26).

Saul's behaviour begs the question "what does repentance look like?" I always think of Luke 17:1-5 when I am tempted to define repentance in a strict sense.

But in this case, let's just say, the Saul seems to have gone back on his previous repentance shown in chapter 24. At that time, David had opportunity to kill Saul, but did not take it.

Abishai reminds David that God has granted this opportunity yet again. This circumstance was not an accident, God designed it - and the design was for David to take righteous vengeance upon Saul.

Abishai even makes it easy for David: Please let me strike at once with the spear.

David wouldn't have to lift a finger nor in any way be a participant in the slaying of Saul. Abishai would do it, and David could say to himself and everyone else, "I did not kill Saul."

Many were the people who tried to convince David that he had more righteous reason than ever to kill Saul. Now, Saul had gone back on a previous promise to leave David alone.

When I am in David's position, I say, "I showed love and let him off once before. I'm full of love, but I'm not stupid. Saul had his chance and he blew it; this time, this opportunity is from God!"

But love, at least in the eyes of the world, will sometimes act in what the world considers to be a stupid way. Jesus said that we should forgive, and forgive, and forgive again (Matthew 18:21-22).

I would say that since Saul deserved it, it was the "right thing" to kill Saul. But if it was the "right thing," this was the "wrong way." Often when we have a right thing in front of us, we will be tempted to pursue it in a wrong way.

Jesus showed us how to refuse to pursue the right thing the wrong way. Jesus rejected Satan's shortcut to the cross. Jesus never did miracles just to promote Himself. Jesus went the way of the cross instead. Jesus shows us that God's way may be more difficult - but it is always better.

O God of Second Chances, (and 7 chances, and 70 chances), thank You for Your great patience. I pray for a David-like spirit again today. One that takes the high road despite counsel of those around me. I pray that I may be a child who represents that trait about You to others...a God of forgiveness and second chances!

Abigail's Restrains David. Holy Spirit be my Abigail!

In chapter 24 I marveled at David's restraint and strength to resist the temptation to wreak vengance against a man seeking to kill him.

In today's chapter, 1 Samuel 25, I am reminded that beyond a shadow of a doubt, that I cannot stand against the enemy of my soul unless the Lord upholds me moment by moment.

Because in today's lesson, David doesn't show Nabal the same kindness and longsuffering that he showed Saul. In just the previous chapter, we saw how David spared Saul's life, when Saul not only insulted David, but actually attacked him and tried to kill him. David was able to be victoriously kind and longsuffering to Saul, and yet, his guard cannot come down against the sin of vengance.

So this story of Nabal tells me that however long I may have been walking in recovery, or however often I may have onvercome one temptation or another, sin can strike in a single moment and crush me, unless the Lord intervene and protects.

Lord Jesus, Great Guardian of my soul, grant me David's spirit from yesterday's chapter, able to chose wisely despite the loss of a dream. Keep me from impassioned sin, and put an "Abigail" in my way whenever I strike out on a trail that will surely lead to disappointment.

"Blessed be the LORD, who has ... kept His servant from evil!”

David knew the blessing here of being kept from sin. It surely is a blessing to be forgiven our sins; but it is an even greater blessing to be kept from sin.

Reminds me of how Spurgeon once advised about the need to seek forgiveness of our sins less often if we would seek the Lord more diligently to be kept from sin to begin with.

“There is no way of keeping out the fire of sin except by having the fire of grace blazing within the spirit. We must fight fire with fire.”

Oh Consuming Fire, purify and cleanse within. Let the fire of grace blaze within my spirit and raise my thoughts and actions up to You.