Monday, April 30, 2012
Psalm 102-104
By Paul Ice
After reading Psalm 103 and 104 you are overwhelmed with the majesty and wisdom of God.
This is one of those blogs that you can not sum up the passage better than the Psalmist himself. The verses by themselves are powerful enough, but take on so much more following these passages. So here it is:
I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;
I will sing praise to my God while I have being.
May my meditation be pleasing to him,
for I rejoice in the Lord. (Psalm 104:33, 34 ESV)
Sunday, April 29, 2012
1 Chronicles 7-10
by Adam Johnson
So Saul died for his trespass which he committed against the LORD, because of the word of the LORD which he did not keep; and also because he asked counsel of a medium, making inquiry of it, and did not inquire of the LORD. Therefore He killed him and turned the kingdom to David the son of Jesse. I Chronicles 10:13-14
God did not strike down Saul right after he sinned in I Samuel 13. God did tell Saul that his sons would not be king after him. At that time Saul did not repent of his sin, but continued in the duties of a king. He was "too busy" to reconnect with his God. This failure cost him the kingdom, but over time as Saul did not seek or obey the Word of God, it eventually cost him his life.
Our lives are not our own we are bought with a price. God does not want just our obedience due to fear; He desires that intimate relationship that can only come through faith and humble obedience. The real cost of sin is ultimately death, but it has a far higher price when we cannot enjoy all the privileges of knowing Him. Sin does not just have to be doing something "hugely" wrong like Saul; it can be as simple as letting our lives be too busy to stop and reconnect with our God.
So Saul died for his trespass which he committed against the LORD, because of the word of the LORD which he did not keep; and also because he asked counsel of a medium, making inquiry of it, and did not inquire of the LORD. Therefore He killed him and turned the kingdom to David the son of Jesse. I Chronicles 10:13-14
God did not strike down Saul right after he sinned in I Samuel 13. God did tell Saul that his sons would not be king after him. At that time Saul did not repent of his sin, but continued in the duties of a king. He was "too busy" to reconnect with his God. This failure cost him the kingdom, but over time as Saul did not seek or obey the Word of God, it eventually cost him his life.
Our lives are not our own we are bought with a price. God does not want just our obedience due to fear; He desires that intimate relationship that can only come through faith and humble obedience. The real cost of sin is ultimately death, but it has a far higher price when we cannot enjoy all the privileges of knowing Him. Sin does not just have to be doing something "hugely" wrong like Saul; it can be as simple as letting our lives be too busy to stop and reconnect with our God.
Friday, April 27, 2012
I Chronicles 6 Who Were the Levites?
by Jill Ice
These are the men whom
David put in charge of the service of song in the house of the Lord after
the ark rested there. They ministered with song before the tabernacle of
the tent of meeting until Solomon built the house of the Lord in Jerusalem 6:31 -32
From the Holman Bible Dictionary:
The Levites were consecrated
to God and given by God as a gift to Israel
The Levites assisted the
priests in their responsibilities (Numbers 3:5-9; Numbers 16:9) by:
- preparing grain offerings and the show bread,
- purifying all the holy instruments used in the Temple,
- singing praises to the Lord at the time of the morning and evening offerings,
- assisting the priests with burnt offerings on sabbaths and feast days,
- and being in charge of the Temple precinct and the chambers of the priests (1 Chronicles 6:31-48; 1 Chronicles 23:1-13,1 Chronicles 23:24-32; 1 Chronicles 25:1-6; 2 Chronicles 29:12-19).
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Psalm 73 - Whom have I in Heaven but You?
by Pastor Durrill
Beautiful Psalm. Frustration is evident at the seeming success of the arrogant and wicked. David spends time trying to comprehend this fact of life and comes to empty conclusions until he seeks the LORD for wisdom (v17).
As always the promises of God provide truth, hope, and strength for His children.
"I am continually with you" - v23
"You hold my right hand" - v23
"You guide me with your counsel" - v24
"You will receive me to glory" - v 24
I love the similar hope in Jesus' words in John 14 spoken to frightened, confused, and weary men who didn't want Him to go away.
"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you." - John 14:18-20
Beautiful Psalm. Frustration is evident at the seeming success of the arrogant and wicked. David spends time trying to comprehend this fact of life and comes to empty conclusions until he seeks the LORD for wisdom (v17).
As always the promises of God provide truth, hope, and strength for His children.
"I am continually with you" - v23
"You hold my right hand" - v23
"You guide me with your counsel" - v24
"You will receive me to glory" - v 24
I love the similar hope in Jesus' words in John 14 spoken to frightened, confused, and weary men who didn't want Him to go away.
"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you." - John 14:18-20
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Bless Me Indeed! - I Chronicles 4:9-10
by Diana Durrill
Excerpt from a sermon by C.H. Spurgeon on I Chronicles 4:9-10 -
As for this Jabez, whose aim was so well pointed, his fame so far sounded, his name so lastingly embalmed—he was a man of prayer. The honor he enjoyed would not have been worth having if it had not been vigorously contested and equitably won. His devotion was the key to his promotion. Those are the best honors that come from God, the award of grace with the acknowledgment of service. When Jacob was surnamed Israel, he received his princedom after a memorable night of prayer. Surely it was far more honorable to him than if it had been bestowed upon him as a flattering destinction by some earthly emperor. The best honor is that which a man gains in communion with the Most High. Jabez, we are told, was more honorable than his brethren, and his prayer is forthwith recorded, as if to intimate that he was also more prayerful than his brethren. We are told of what petitions his prayer consisted. All through it was very significant and instructive. We have only time to take one clause of it—indeed, that one clause may be said to comprehend the rest: "Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed!" I commend it as a prayer for yourselves, dear brethren and sisters; one which will be available at all seasons; a prayer to begin Christian life with, a prayer to end it with, a prayer which would never be unseasonable in your joys or in your sorrows.
Oh that thou, the God of Israel, the covenant God, would bless me indeed! The very pith of the prayer seems to lie in that word, "indeed." There are many varieties of blessing. Some are blessings only in name: they gratify our wishes for a moment, but permanently disappoint our expectations. They charm the eye, but pall on the taste. Others are mere temporary blessings: they perish with the using. Though for awhile they regale the senses, they cannot satisfy the higher cravings of the soul. But, "Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed!" I wot whom God blesseth shall be blessed. The thing good in itself is bestowed with the good-will of the giver, and shall be productive of so much good fortune to the recipient that it may well be esteemed as a blessing "indeed," for there is nothing comparable to it. Let the grace of God prompt it, let the choice of God appoint it, let the bounty of God confer it, and then the endowment shall be something godlike indeed; something worthy of the lips that pronounce the benediction, and verily to be craved by every one who seeks honor that is substantial and enduring. "Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed!" Think it over, and you will see that there is a depth of meaning in the expression.
Excerpt from a sermon by C.H. Spurgeon on I Chronicles 4:9-10 -
As for this Jabez, whose aim was so well pointed, his fame so far sounded, his name so lastingly embalmed—he was a man of prayer. The honor he enjoyed would not have been worth having if it had not been vigorously contested and equitably won. His devotion was the key to his promotion. Those are the best honors that come from God, the award of grace with the acknowledgment of service. When Jacob was surnamed Israel, he received his princedom after a memorable night of prayer. Surely it was far more honorable to him than if it had been bestowed upon him as a flattering destinction by some earthly emperor. The best honor is that which a man gains in communion with the Most High. Jabez, we are told, was more honorable than his brethren, and his prayer is forthwith recorded, as if to intimate that he was also more prayerful than his brethren. We are told of what petitions his prayer consisted. All through it was very significant and instructive. We have only time to take one clause of it—indeed, that one clause may be said to comprehend the rest: "Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed!" I commend it as a prayer for yourselves, dear brethren and sisters; one which will be available at all seasons; a prayer to begin Christian life with, a prayer to end it with, a prayer which would never be unseasonable in your joys or in your sorrows.
Oh that thou, the God of Israel, the covenant God, would bless me indeed! The very pith of the prayer seems to lie in that word, "indeed." There are many varieties of blessing. Some are blessings only in name: they gratify our wishes for a moment, but permanently disappoint our expectations. They charm the eye, but pall on the taste. Others are mere temporary blessings: they perish with the using. Though for awhile they regale the senses, they cannot satisfy the higher cravings of the soul. But, "Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed!" I wot whom God blesseth shall be blessed. The thing good in itself is bestowed with the good-will of the giver, and shall be productive of so much good fortune to the recipient that it may well be esteemed as a blessing "indeed," for there is nothing comparable to it. Let the grace of God prompt it, let the choice of God appoint it, let the bounty of God confer it, and then the endowment shall be something godlike indeed; something worthy of the lips that pronounce the benediction, and verily to be craved by every one who seeks honor that is substantial and enduring. "Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed!" Think it over, and you will see that there is a depth of meaning in the expression.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Psalm 43-45, 49, 84-85, 89
Through these different Psalms I see a man who is facing the cold realities of life. We see his reaction in cries for help, cries for vindication, questions of why, and a search for God's presence. Often the same emotions and thoughts we have ourselves. I love to see these prayers and to be reassured that it's okay to ask God questions. Our God has established a loving relationship where He wants to hear our most difficult pleads and concerns. We have a God who will listen and will answer. When reading these Psalms look for the answer. How are these hardships resolved? There is one common theme it goes back to and it's a renewed focus on the character and nature of our great God.
Monday, April 23, 2012
I Chronicles 1,2
by Paul Ice
Genealogies:
I thought these passages would be hard to blog about. Then as I read these chapters, I noticed little
descriptive phrases that were inserted by the writer. Some of these have historical significance,
and other phrases we don’t really know why they were inserted. Maybe it was more meaningful to those who read
it at that time.
See if these phrases are as interesting to you.
“Egypt
fathered . . . Casluhim (from whom the Philistines came)”
We will
hear from his people a lot.
“To Eber were born two sons: the name of the one was Peleg
(for in his days the earth was divided).”
Hmm, what
does that mean?
“The sons of Lotan: Hori and Hemam; and Lotan's sister was
Timna”
In a list
of Father’s and sons, a random sister is listed. Any thoughts why?
“These are the kings who reigned in the land
of Edom Israel :”
A little trivia
question in the making.
“Now Er, Judah 's
firstborn, was evil in the sight of the Lord, and he put him to death.”
Not the
first time we will see something like this happen, but it is significant
because it was the first born.
“His daughter-in-law Tamar also bore him Perez and Zerah.”
A reminder
that things were a little different back then, or maybe not so different.
“Jesse fathered Eliab his firstborn, Abinadab the second,
Shimea the third, Nethanel the fourth, Raddai the fifth, Ozem the sixth, David
the seventh.”
The last would
be the greatest.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
2 Samuel 1-4
by Rebekah Johnson
"And they mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and for Jonathan his son and for the people of the LORD and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword." 2 Samuel 1:12
David and Saul did not have the best relationship to say the least. How many times had Saul hunted David and tried to kill him?
David knew he was next in line for the throne; God had told him. (1 Samuel 16) He knew that when Saul was dead he could assume the crown. How many nail-biting years must he wait before God's promise came to fruition?
David chose to trust God and do things God's way. When faced with the opportunity to finally get revenge from the evil king who sought his life, David restrained (1 Sam. 24). He refused to take things into his own hands and murder the Lord's anointed.
Here in Samuel 1, Saul is dead. Finally! I don't know about you, but if I were David I would be throwing a royal party! Finally he could be king! Finally he didn't have to hide under rocks and in caves just to stay alive! Instead he mourns. Instead of rewarding Saul's killer he punishes him with the ultimate punishment.
David's mourning was sincere; Israel had been defeated in battle, and God was not pleased. The Lord's anointed had been murdered. David and his people humbled themselves and acknowledged God's hand. He is the One in charge and only He has the authority over life.
"And they mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and for Jonathan his son and for the people of the LORD and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword." 2 Samuel 1:12
David and Saul did not have the best relationship to say the least. How many times had Saul hunted David and tried to kill him?
David knew he was next in line for the throne; God had told him. (1 Samuel 16) He knew that when Saul was dead he could assume the crown. How many nail-biting years must he wait before God's promise came to fruition?
David chose to trust God and do things God's way. When faced with the opportunity to finally get revenge from the evil king who sought his life, David restrained (1 Sam. 24). He refused to take things into his own hands and murder the Lord's anointed.
Here in Samuel 1, Saul is dead. Finally! I don't know about you, but if I were David I would be throwing a royal party! Finally he could be king! Finally he didn't have to hide under rocks and in caves just to stay alive! Instead he mourns. Instead of rewarding Saul's killer he punishes him with the ultimate punishment.
David's mourning was sincere; Israel had been defeated in battle, and God was not pleased. The Lord's anointed had been murdered. David and his people humbled themselves and acknowledged God's hand. He is the One in charge and only He has the authority over life.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Psalm 121,123-125,128-130 Songs of Ascent
by Jill Ice
The Psalms for today's reading all have the ascription "A Song of Ascents". There are fifteen Psalms with this ascription in the Bible - Psalms 120-134. Most scholars believe the title was given to the psalms the Israelites sang as they ascended (went up) to Jerusalem for the three pilgrim festivals, or the psalms that the priests sang as they ascended the fifteen steps to minister in the temple.
The Psalms for today's reading are so powerfully infused with hope -
- My hope comes from the Lord (121:2)
-The Lord is your keeper (121:5)
-The Lord will keep you from all evil (121:7)
-The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in (121:8)
-Our help is in the name of the Lord (124:8)
One of my favorite hope-filled verses -
O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption. (130:7)
Steadfast love - a term used for our covenant-keeping God. Love that is never shaken, never broken, never ending.
Plentiful redemption - a phrase we could all meditate on for the rest of our lives and not fully comprehend. For from His fullness we have all received grace upon grace. (John 1:16)
The Psalms for today's reading all have the ascription "A Song of Ascents". There are fifteen Psalms with this ascription in the Bible - Psalms 120-134. Most scholars believe the title was given to the psalms the Israelites sang as they ascended (went up) to Jerusalem for the three pilgrim festivals, or the psalms that the priests sang as they ascended the fifteen steps to minister in the temple.
The Psalms for today's reading are so powerfully infused with hope -
- My hope comes from the Lord (121:2)
-The Lord is your keeper (121:5)
-The Lord will keep you from all evil (121:7)
-The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in (121:8)
-Our help is in the name of the Lord (124:8)
One of my favorite hope-filled verses -
O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption. (130:7)
Steadfast love - a term used for our covenant-keeping God. Love that is never shaken, never broken, never ending.
Plentiful redemption - a phrase we could all meditate on for the rest of our lives and not fully comprehend. For from His fullness we have all received grace upon grace. (John 1:16)
Thursday, April 19, 2012
My Rock and My Fortress - I Samuel 28-31, Psalm 18
by Diana Durrill
This is so powerful to read in chronilogical order! To read the passage of Saul's final days, his last sins, his death and then David's Psalm proclaiming God to be His Rock and His Fortress - WOW!
David gives all credit to the Lord for His protection and defense. He praises God for taking delivering him once and for all from the hands of his enemies (namely Saul) and he credits God with the victory.
Jeremiah 9:23-24 says,
"Thus says the Lord, let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord."
May we find ourselves rejoicing in God when He delivers us from the hands of our enemies. May we find ourselves giving Him all the credit and when we boast, boasting only of Him.
(Don't miss the next chapter in II Samuel...you won't want to miss what happens next. A word of warning...it's convicting!)
This is so powerful to read in chronilogical order! To read the passage of Saul's final days, his last sins, his death and then David's Psalm proclaiming God to be His Rock and His Fortress - WOW!
David gives all credit to the Lord for His protection and defense. He praises God for taking delivering him once and for all from the hands of his enemies (namely Saul) and he credits God with the victory.
Jeremiah 9:23-24 says,
"Thus says the Lord, let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord."
May we find ourselves rejoicing in God when He delivers us from the hands of our enemies. May we find ourselves giving Him all the credit and when we boast, boasting only of Him.
(Don't miss the next chapter in II Samuel...you won't want to miss what happens next. A word of warning...it's convicting!)
These Things I Remember - Psalm 17, 35, 54, 63
by Diana Durrill
I tried to get this posted earlier (as it was yesterday's reading assignment), but my heart struggled with the transparency of this issue. Some may know and remember a deep, personal struggle we faced a few year back and the last thing I want to do is drudge those memories up again. And yet....
God comforts me with those memories. He reminds me of how He truly is big enough to take care of me and my family. So here it is...in all my human, transparent ugliness:
For many years, Psalm 25 - 42 have been a great source of comfort to me in times of deep distresss.
I know what you're thinking...when I have I ever experienced deep distress? I have 5 beautiful children, a loving and thoughtful husband, a nice home, a steady income, friends who are faithful and loyal, etc. When have I truly experienced "deep distress"?
Well, in a sense you are right....I have known great blessing in my life that has led to tremendous joy. However, I do face times of deep distress and those times are typically when I have been faced with a problem that is too big for me to fix. One common denominator in those situations is the fact that I cannot control what people think of me. That really, really disturbs me at times. Especially when they believe something about me or my family that simply isn't true.
One specific time few years back, God sent a trial my way that was WAY out of my control. Someone was challenging the integrity of our family in a very, very serious manner and it broke my heart to have no possible way to defend ourselves. To be honest...it made me angry. It ticked me off. But still... there was nothing, and I do mean nothing we could do to defend ourselves or our name. We tried. We failed. No matter how much we defended, denied, and explained (all while trying to understand where these people were coming from), we didn't get anywhere. They are convinced that you are what they think you are and nothing you say or do will persuade them otherwise.
We looked around for our counsel and mentors to defend us. They tried but got nowhere. We prayed, we cried. But this was one of those times where I had absolutly no control of what people were saying about me and my family. And in anger and despair, I went to the Lord and cried out for help.
I was quick to find passages like yesterday's Psalm 35 where we find David crying out over and over again for a defense; for vindication; for protection from those who are hurling false accusations his way. I found great comfort in the fact that David experienced a similar situation and he turned to God with his anger and hurt and fear. He didn't pretend that he was okay. He didn't pretend that he felt assured of God's presence. Rather, he begged God to be present; to get even with his enemies who were after him with no cause. But God didn't let me park there. He took me to verses like these where I indeed found comfort in the freedom David had to share his sincere and deep pain and distress with His omnipotent God. And I don't believe that God viewed it as rebellious cries against His sovreignty. But God didn't let me stop there. He made sure that my heart caught the words of David that say things like,
That is the place God had to bring me to (just like David) as I learned to wait on Him to uphold our integrity. Nothing I could say or do would convince these people otherwise, but God knew that the accusations were false and that, by His grace, we had walked uprightly. I could safely rest my problems into Jesus' hands and know that he could manage them better than I. The question became not could I...but would I.
I am happy to say that by His grace, He led me through that valley and taught me to rest in Him. He taught me that His opinion of our integrity was significantly more important than anyone else's. He taught me that His arms are strong, and when He wipes my tears he also heals my heart.
It has gotten easier to bring these kinds of deep distress to the Lord and rest in His loving care. I am not always successful but I do find myself turning to Him sooner, reading and rereading the Psalms as they comfort my heart by reminding me of God's care.
As we read through so many Psalms we find great comfort in the God in whom we can take refuge. We also find great courage to face our troubles. And we find a God who listens, even when we bring our problems to Him in a fearful, panicked, and sometimes angry way. He appreciates our honesty...He already knows the struggle within. Share it with him and while simultaneously leaving it at His feet and taking refuge under his wings.
Listen to this beautiful and meaningful song by Chris Tomlin that speaks more to my heart than just about any song out there during times of deep distress:
I tried to get this posted earlier (as it was yesterday's reading assignment), but my heart struggled with the transparency of this issue. Some may know and remember a deep, personal struggle we faced a few year back and the last thing I want to do is drudge those memories up again. And yet....
God comforts me with those memories. He reminds me of how He truly is big enough to take care of me and my family. So here it is...in all my human, transparent ugliness:
For many years, Psalm 25 - 42 have been a great source of comfort to me in times of deep distresss.
I know what you're thinking...when I have I ever experienced deep distress? I have 5 beautiful children, a loving and thoughtful husband, a nice home, a steady income, friends who are faithful and loyal, etc. When have I truly experienced "deep distress"?
Well, in a sense you are right....I have known great blessing in my life that has led to tremendous joy. However, I do face times of deep distress and those times are typically when I have been faced with a problem that is too big for me to fix. One common denominator in those situations is the fact that I cannot control what people think of me. That really, really disturbs me at times. Especially when they believe something about me or my family that simply isn't true.
One specific time few years back, God sent a trial my way that was WAY out of my control. Someone was challenging the integrity of our family in a very, very serious manner and it broke my heart to have no possible way to defend ourselves. To be honest...it made me angry. It ticked me off. But still... there was nothing, and I do mean nothing we could do to defend ourselves or our name. We tried. We failed. No matter how much we defended, denied, and explained (all while trying to understand where these people were coming from), we didn't get anywhere. They are convinced that you are what they think you are and nothing you say or do will persuade them otherwise.
We looked around for our counsel and mentors to defend us. They tried but got nowhere. We prayed, we cried. But this was one of those times where I had absolutly no control of what people were saying about me and my family. And in anger and despair, I went to the Lord and cried out for help.
I was quick to find passages like yesterday's Psalm 35 where we find David crying out over and over again for a defense; for vindication; for protection from those who are hurling false accusations his way. I found great comfort in the fact that David experienced a similar situation and he turned to God with his anger and hurt and fear. He didn't pretend that he was okay. He didn't pretend that he felt assured of God's presence. Rather, he begged God to be present; to get even with his enemies who were after him with no cause. But God didn't let me park there. He took me to verses like these where I indeed found comfort in the freedom David had to share his sincere and deep pain and distress with His omnipotent God. And I don't believe that God viewed it as rebellious cries against His sovreignty. But God didn't let me stop there. He made sure that my heart caught the words of David that say things like,
"May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for a I wait for you." - Psalm 25:21
"For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness." - Psalm 26:3
"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" - Psalm 27:1
"Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord." - Psalm 27:14
"How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings." - Psalm 36:7
That is the place God had to bring me to (just like David) as I learned to wait on Him to uphold our integrity. Nothing I could say or do would convince these people otherwise, but God knew that the accusations were false and that, by His grace, we had walked uprightly. I could safely rest my problems into Jesus' hands and know that he could manage them better than I. The question became not could I...but would I.
I am happy to say that by His grace, He led me through that valley and taught me to rest in Him. He taught me that His opinion of our integrity was significantly more important than anyone else's. He taught me that His arms are strong, and when He wipes my tears he also heals my heart.
It has gotten easier to bring these kinds of deep distress to the Lord and rest in His loving care. I am not always successful but I do find myself turning to Him sooner, reading and rereading the Psalms as they comfort my heart by reminding me of God's care.
As we read through so many Psalms we find great comfort in the God in whom we can take refuge. We also find great courage to face our troubles. And we find a God who listens, even when we bring our problems to Him in a fearful, panicked, and sometimes angry way. He appreciates our honesty...He already knows the struggle within. Share it with him and while simultaneously leaving it at His feet and taking refuge under his wings.
Listen to this beautiful and meaningful song by Chris Tomlin that speaks more to my heart than just about any song out there during times of deep distress:
Monday, April 16, 2012
Psalm 56, 120, 140-142
by Paul Ice
in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.
What can man do to me?
(Psalm 56:11 ESV )
As I read this Psalm I was reminded of the blogs I have been
reading of the persecuted church. A
Pastor friend, Steve Hafler has done a wonderful job on his facebook collecting
stories of the men and women proclaiming the gospel in unreached places of the
world. I image their prayers have echoed
David’s psalms.
When you read the collections of these Psalms today you
catch the special relationship that David had with God. David passion was for the cause. “Grant not,
O Lord, the desires of the wicked; do not further their evil plot, or they will
be exalted!” Other parts of the Psalm show David’s personal struggles
also. He doesn’t claim to be above fear,
but when he fears he puts his trust in God.
He does not claim to understand all that God is doing, but this he knows,
“God is for me.”
I wonder how many people across the world can identify with
these cries that David records. Read
them and think of places like, North Korea ,
Iran , Afghanistan ,
Somalia , etc.
With my voice I cry out to the Lord;
with my voice I plead for mercy to the Lord.
no refuge remains to me;
Bring me out of prison,
that I may give thanks to your name!
But my eyes are toward you, O God, my Lord;
in you I seek refuge; leave me not defenseless!
Be gracious to me, O God, for man tramples on me;
All day long they injure my cause;
all their thoughts are against me for evil.
Lastly. . .
For you have delivered my soul from death,
yes, my feet from falling,
that I may walk before God
in the light of life.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Psalm 7, 27, 31, 34, 52
by Adam Johnson
Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident. --Psalm 27:3
Fear is one of the most common forces we face everyday. David covers two of the most common things that bring fear into our lives - man and circumstances. However, with God as our Rock and Refuge nothing can or should shake us. Confidence in the One who will never leave us or forsake us should be our constant companion to fight against fear.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
1 Samuel 21-24
by Rebekah Johnson
"David answered Ahimelech the priest, 'The king charged me with a certain matter..." - 1 Samuel 21:2
"So the priest gave him the consecrated bread..." - 1 Samuel 21:6
David, in distress, fled to the tabernacle of God. It is great comfort in a day of trouble, that we have a God to go to, to whom we may open our cases, and from whom we may ask and expect direction. David told Ahimelech a gross untruth. What shall we say to this? The Scripture does not conceal it, and we dare not justify it; it was ill done, and proved of bad consequence; for it occasioned the death of the priests of the Lord. David thought upon it afterward with regret.
David had great faith and courage, yet both failed him; he fell thus foully through fear and cowardice, and owing to the weakness of his faith. Had he trusted God aright, he would not have used such a sorry, sinful shift for his own preservation. It is written, not for us to do the like, no, not in the greatest straits, but for our warning. David asked of Ahimelech bread and a sword. Ahimelech supposed they might eat the shew-bread.
The Son of David taught from it, that mercy is to be preferred to sacrifice; that ritual observances must give way to moral duties. Doeg set his foot as far within the tabernacle as David did. We little know with what hearts people come to the house of God, nor what use they will make of pretended devotion. If many come in simplicity of heart to serve their God, others come to observe their teachers and to prove accusers. Only God and the event can distinguish between a David and a Doeg, when both are in the tabernacle.
"David answered Ahimelech the priest, 'The king charged me with a certain matter..." - 1 Samuel 21:2
"So the priest gave him the consecrated bread..." - 1 Samuel 21:6
David, in distress, fled to the tabernacle of God. It is great comfort in a day of trouble, that we have a God to go to, to whom we may open our cases, and from whom we may ask and expect direction. David told Ahimelech a gross untruth. What shall we say to this? The Scripture does not conceal it, and we dare not justify it; it was ill done, and proved of bad consequence; for it occasioned the death of the priests of the Lord. David thought upon it afterward with regret.
David had great faith and courage, yet both failed him; he fell thus foully through fear and cowardice, and owing to the weakness of his faith. Had he trusted God aright, he would not have used such a sorry, sinful shift for his own preservation. It is written, not for us to do the like, no, not in the greatest straits, but for our warning. David asked of Ahimelech bread and a sword. Ahimelech supposed they might eat the shew-bread.
The Son of David taught from it, that mercy is to be preferred to sacrifice; that ritual observances must give way to moral duties. Doeg set his foot as far within the tabernacle as David did. We little know with what hearts people come to the house of God, nor what use they will make of pretended devotion. If many come in simplicity of heart to serve their God, others come to observe their teachers and to prove accusers. Only God and the event can distinguish between a David and a Doeg, when both are in the tabernacle.
- taken from Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary
Friday, April 13, 2012
I Samuel 18-20 A Friendship Like No Other
by Jill Ice
Jonathan and David's friendship is probably the truest friendship recorded in the Bible. It was a friendship that exhibited all the characteristics of love as listed in I Corinthians 13:
Patient, kind, not jealous, not bragging, not arrogant.
Not acting unbecomingly, not seeking its own, not provoked, not taking into account a wrong suffered.
Not rejoicing in unrighteousness, but rejoicing in the truth.
Bearing all things, believing all things, hoping all things, enduring all things.
Never failing.
Their covenant-friendship gave protection to them both and to their families for generations to come. Jonathan protected David when his own father, Saul wanted to kill him. When David became king, he protected Jonathan's son Mephibosheth and bestowed upon him all the privileges of living in the palace of the king.
Through the story of Jonathan and David we see God's gracious gift of friendship and how it can enrich our lives. Let us keep the principles of I Corinthians 13 foremost in our interaction with others, following the example of Christ, and watch how our lives are transformed through love.
Jonathan and David's friendship is probably the truest friendship recorded in the Bible. It was a friendship that exhibited all the characteristics of love as listed in I Corinthians 13:
Patient, kind, not jealous, not bragging, not arrogant.
Not acting unbecomingly, not seeking its own, not provoked, not taking into account a wrong suffered.
Not rejoicing in unrighteousness, but rejoicing in the truth.
Bearing all things, believing all things, hoping all things, enduring all things.
Never failing.
Their covenant-friendship gave protection to them both and to their families for generations to come. Jonathan protected David when his own father, Saul wanted to kill him. When David became king, he protected Jonathan's son Mephibosheth and bestowed upon him all the privileges of living in the palace of the king.
Through the story of Jonathan and David we see God's gracious gift of friendship and how it can enrich our lives. Let us keep the principles of I Corinthians 13 foremost in our interaction with others, following the example of Christ, and watch how our lives are transformed through love.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
The Faith I Want - I Samuel 15-17
One of my favorite parts of the story of David and Goliath is the demonstration of David's great faith in his God. The little guy arrives on the battle scene to bring some bread and cheese for his older brothers who were actually serving in the king's army. Everyone is afraid of the Philistine giant, Goliath, who by human terms was invincible. No one was willing to face him even though great reward had been offered to the man who defeats him. David courageously volunteers to take the giant on. King Saul, upon meeting this brave young man who has offered to step up to the plate, says to David what everybody was thinking,
"You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight him, for you are but a youth, and he has been a man of war from his youth."
Don't you just love David's response? (This is the part that makes me smile. Every. Single. Time.)
"Your servant used to keep sheep for his father. And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him. Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God. The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine."
And so Saul lets him go fight Goliath (after fitting him with armor that was cumbersome and awkward, which David quickly discarded).
And Goliath mocks David and the army of Israel for sending a child.
And yet, David gives one last word of warning,
"You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the LORD saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the LORD'S and he will give you into our hand." (emphasis mine)
Hooray for David! Just the speech alone makes you want to stand up and shout while offering thunderous applause! Can you imagine the men who were watching and listening? Those who were afraid to fight? Their jaws were probably on the ground and then, suddenly, David does what he set out to do! He strikes Goliath with a stone flung from a slingshot so that he falls flat on his face and David swiftly takes off his head. Like a scene from a movie, I envision the army of Israel suddenly waking from their stupor and lifting their swords while running forth into battle against the remaining Philistine army.
It is as grand a Bible story ever told and we tell it over and over again to our children, but I think we often miss the opportunity to park on the faith that David demonstrated. He believed that God's word and promises were true. He believed that the nation of Israel would be protected. He truly believed that it didn't take strength or numbers or fancy weaponry. He truly believed that God was in control and it was simply his job to obey.
I wish I had faith like David's. I often think I do. But then I say or do something that demonstrates my dependency on armor, or protection, or my personality, or talent, or efforts. I do this because I really don't believe that God doesn't need my help. I do this because I have a lot of faith in my ability to get something done (or on the flip side, I don't do something because I don't believe my skill set is suitable for the job God has laid out for me). I wish it weren't that way. With God's help it doesn't have to be.
I desire to demonstrate faith that moves mountains simply by believing in the GOD of Israel and then obeying His word.
"You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight him, for you are but a youth, and he has been a man of war from his youth."
Don't you just love David's response? (This is the part that makes me smile. Every. Single. Time.)
"Your servant used to keep sheep for his father. And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him. Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God. The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine."
And so Saul lets him go fight Goliath (after fitting him with armor that was cumbersome and awkward, which David quickly discarded).
And Goliath mocks David and the army of Israel for sending a child.
And yet, David gives one last word of warning,
"You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the LORD saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the LORD'S and he will give you into our hand." (emphasis mine)
Hooray for David! Just the speech alone makes you want to stand up and shout while offering thunderous applause! Can you imagine the men who were watching and listening? Those who were afraid to fight? Their jaws were probably on the ground and then, suddenly, David does what he set out to do! He strikes Goliath with a stone flung from a slingshot so that he falls flat on his face and David swiftly takes off his head. Like a scene from a movie, I envision the army of Israel suddenly waking from their stupor and lifting their swords while running forth into battle against the remaining Philistine army.
It is as grand a Bible story ever told and we tell it over and over again to our children, but I think we often miss the opportunity to park on the faith that David demonstrated. He believed that God's word and promises were true. He believed that the nation of Israel would be protected. He truly believed that it didn't take strength or numbers or fancy weaponry. He truly believed that God was in control and it was simply his job to obey.
I wish I had faith like David's. I often think I do. But then I say or do something that demonstrates my dependency on armor, or protection, or my personality, or talent, or efforts. I do this because I really don't believe that God doesn't need my help. I do this because I have a lot of faith in my ability to get something done (or on the flip side, I don't do something because I don't believe my skill set is suitable for the job God has laid out for me). I wish it weren't that way. With God's help it doesn't have to be.
I desire to demonstrate faith that moves mountains simply by believing in the GOD of Israel and then obeying His word.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
I Samuel 13-14 Me First Decisions
By Mike Durrill
This first King of Israel had potential with a capital "P" from a human perspective. Physically head and shoulders above any other man in Israel and from a upper class family, he seemed to have the qualifications the people wanted in a king. Unfortunately, their list didn't measure up to God's when it comes to character in leadership.
In these two chapters we read about rash decisions this flustered leader continues to make.
Leadership is not a free pass in decision making. Godly leadership is an accountable, responsible position entrusted to an individual by God, for the good of the people following.
This first King of Israel had potential with a capital "P" from a human perspective. Physically head and shoulders above any other man in Israel and from a upper class family, he seemed to have the qualifications the people wanted in a king. Unfortunately, their list didn't measure up to God's when it comes to character in leadership.
In these two chapters we read about rash decisions this flustered leader continues to make.
- He impatiently decides to disobey God in a big way by taking authority for himself that didn't belong to him.
- The Israeli soldiers are extremely ill-prepared for battle due to the incompetence of their Commander in Chief.
- His son, Jonathan fighting for God, his country, and his dad's reputation siliently and courageously defeats an entire garrision of Philistines. As a result Israel defeats the Philistines in battle! Instead of rejoicing in victory, Saul selfishly commands his soldiers to abstain from nourishment. No food! No drink! Jonathan, not having heard the command, eats and is nourished. When his father finds out he immediately decides Jonathan will die!
Leadership is not a free pass in decision making. Godly leadership is an accountable, responsible position entrusted to an individual by God, for the good of the people following.
Monday, April 9, 2012
I Samuel 4-8
by Paul Ice
Chapter 8 tells of a sad day in Israel . When we think of the Kings of Israel, we do
not often reflect on their beginnings.
When Samuel approached God about the request of the people for a king,
this was God’s response to Samuel, “. . .for they have not rejected you, but
they have rejected me from being king over them.”
What a sad phrase.
After this he says . . .”warn them and show them the ways of
the king who shall reign over them.”
In addition to personal sacrifices of wealth, family, and servants,
Samuel gives them this warning. “And in
that day you will cry out because of your king, whom you have chosen for
yourselves, but the Lord will not answer you in that day.”
Their response:
“No! But there shall be a king over us, that we also may be
like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and go out before us and
fight our battles.”
How ironic. How many
times they had cried to the Lord to deliver them, and how many times in the
future they would cry to the Lord to deliver them.
We have the same recordings of God’s faithfulness that the
Israelites did. It’s so easy to be hard
on their lack of judgment, yet we struggle with the same things. How often we are pulled by the desire so be
like all those around us.
I am thankful for God’s patience, mercy, forgiveness, and restoration
when I confess these foolish desires of my heart.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Ruth 1-4
by Rebekah Johnson
"...Boaz fathered Obed, Obed fathered Jesse, and Jesse fathered David." Ruth 4:21-22
The story of Ruth is filled with unwavering faithfulness and loyalty:
"...Boaz fathered Obed, Obed fathered Jesse, and Jesse fathered David." Ruth 4:21-22
The story of Ruth is filled with unwavering faithfulness and loyalty:
- Ruth never left Naomi, she stayed with her mother-in-law and refused to return to the familiar comfort zones of her people - she chose to trust Naomi's God rather than men.
- She trusted God and followed His step by step guidance toward Boaz, her kinsman redeemer.
- Boaz realized his responsibility to his family and before God - he was faithful.
Definitely one of the more "feel good" stories in the Bible, the story of Ruth isn't just "feel good." These events paved the way for the Messiah, the Christ. Because of Boaz and Ruth's trust and obedience, they became ancestors to our Lord Jesus Christ.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Judges 19-21
by
Jill Ice
In those days there was no king in Israel 21:25
The last verse of the book of Judges is a concise
summary of the portion of Israel 19:22 -30) which separated the
tribe of Benjamin from the rest of Israel
Disobedience to God -> sin -> war ->
death -> sin -> sadness
When we do “what is right in our own eyes”, we
follow our own hearts, which are sick and deceitful above all things (Jeremiah
17:9). Our own hearts betray us. Instead of peace and prosperity, the desire
of our deceitful hearts leads to sin…death…
We need a rescuer. We need the One Who created us
to come make our hearts clean, new and whole. We need to give our lives to the
One Whose plans for us are plans for our welfare, and not for evil; plans to
give us a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Rescued hearts -> a future -> a hope
-> the fruit of the Spirit
love
joy
peace
patience
kindness
goodness
faithfulness
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Judges 6-7
by Adam Johnson
And he said to him, "Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house." Judges 6:15
We as God 's people are predictable at times. God tells us how He views us ("O mighty man of valor") in Gideon's case, and immediately there are excuses why it cannot be true (I am the least). God's Word is not just full of half-truths to prop us up to be strong, but it actually is how He perceives us.
This verse just struck me because Gideon does not know yet this is "the angel of the LORD" a pre-incarnate Christ (because he accepted worship and His appropriate title--O Lord GOD). After this encounter Gideon continued to test God with requests to allay his fears, but God never rebuked Gideon.
When God speaks to us through His Word do we just simply refuse to believe that God knows us? He tells us over 300 times to not fear or not be afraid, yet what is one of the most common sin of our lives--fear. He sets clear boundaries for us, but when we fail some think that this time He is done with us. When God speaks we must listen and believe what He says is truth.
And he said to him, "Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house." Judges 6:15
We as God 's people are predictable at times. God tells us how He views us ("O mighty man of valor") in Gideon's case, and immediately there are excuses why it cannot be true (I am the least). God's Word is not just full of half-truths to prop us up to be strong, but it actually is how He perceives us.
This verse just struck me because Gideon does not know yet this is "the angel of the LORD" a pre-incarnate Christ (because he accepted worship and His appropriate title--O Lord GOD). After this encounter Gideon continued to test God with requests to allay his fears, but God never rebuked Gideon.
When God speaks to us through His Word do we just simply refuse to believe that God knows us? He tells us over 300 times to not fear or not be afraid, yet what is one of the most common sin of our lives--fear. He sets clear boundaries for us, but when we fail some think that this time He is done with us. When God speaks we must listen and believe what He says is truth.
Thus says the LORD: "Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the
mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD." Jeremiah 9:23-24
mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD." Jeremiah 9:23-24
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