"Oh Lord, Our Lord. . .", Sunday, April 29, 2012

". . .how majestic is you name in all the earth!"  Psalms 36:1

Today's reading is Psalms 29, 33, 65, 66, 67, and 68.

He is My Hope and Shield, Saturday, April 28, 2012

Today's reading is Psalms 76, 82, 84, 90, 92, 112, and 115.

David affirms the goodness and purity of our God:

"The Lord is upright.  He is my Rock and there is no wickedness in Him."  

Psalms 92:15

The writer also upholds the need to revere such a Holy God:

"Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in his commands."

 Psalms 112:2

 

Set My Feet on a Rock, Friday, April 27, 2012

Today's reading is Psalms 40, 49, 50, and 73.  God is my deliverer.

". . .You hold me by my right hand.  You guide me with Your counsel. . . ."

Psalms 73:23, 24

Blessed is the Man, Thursday, April 26, 2012

Today's reading is Psalms 1, 14, 15, 36, 37, and 39. 

My verse of the day:

". . .I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth. . . ."      Psalms 39:1

He Doesn't Sleep, Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Today's readings include Psalms 120, 121, 140, 143, and 144.  David pleads for protection and preservation.  We are all blessed that God is ever watchful.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Today's reading is in Psalms 88, 91, 95, 108, and 109.  I had not noticed before how many times David uses the phrase ". . .for I am poor and needy. . . ."

Today's reading is in Psalms 70, 71, 77, 83, and 86.  My history with God teaches me that He is mighty, holy, and powerful.  "To this I will appeal. . ." means, given my history, I know that God is always there for me. 

"Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again. . . ."  Psalms 71:20

Hear My Cry, Sunday, Allpril 22, 2012

Today's reading includes Psalms 61, 62, 64, and 69.    God is our defender and our strength.

"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him."  Psalms 62:5 

God is always the champion of the weak and poor.  These Psalms call for vindication and rescue, refuge and strength.  

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations.  I will be exalted in the earth."  Psalms 46:10

 

More Help From My Rock, Friday, April 20, 2012

Today's readings include Psalms 13, 17,23, 26, 28, and 31.  I cannot bring myself to say ". . .my righteous plea. . ." nor can I boast that ". . .my mouth will not sin. . ." or  that I have lead a blameless life.  However, these Psalms are full of praise for God and I can say truthfully, ". . .my heart trusts in Him and I am helped. . .".

Psalms of the Troubled Soul, Thursday, April 19, 2012

Today's readings are from Psalms 5, 6, 7, 10, and 11.  These Psalms are for those of us who have been pursued by an enemy.  Whether physically or verbally attacked, we can all be comforted by an all powerful, every where, and all knowing God who spreads His protection over us.  There have been many times when I have sought refuge in God, my rock!  It produces such a feeling of lasting safety to know that I am created, loved and sustained by God who is righteous and loves justice!

Appointments Continued, Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Today's reading is from I Chronicles 26-29.  Appointments are made for such positions as gatekeepers, treasurers, judges, and military commanders.

National Convention, Tuesday, April 17, 212

Today's readings are from I Chronicles 23,-25 and 26:1-11.  David calls the leaders of the Israelites and the religious leaders of the Levites together to organize the government and temple business.  He is nearing the end of his life and is zealous to make sure things are done according to God's will.  He cites Solomon's youth and inexperience in making these arrangements.

The Levites will no longer be needed to carry the Ark and the Tabernacle components, but God has given David instructions for the Temple to be built. 

Major Calamities and a Temple, Monday, April 16, 2012

Today's reading is in II Samuel 21 and 24; I Chronicles 21 and 22; and Psalms 30.

A famine takes place in the land due to a sin of Saul's.  This is avenged and the famine ends.

The census ordered by David is perplexing.  The scripture says that Satan incites David to take the census.  That clearly indicates that it is evil.  Since God has ordered similar censuses in the past, perhaps the evil was simply that David ordered it and not God.  Joab is opposed to the census from the beginning, and even eliminates the tribes of Levi and Benjamin from the numbering in his disgust.  God gives David a choice of punishments.  In his choice he appeals to the mercy of God. 

Finally, preparations begin for the temple, which will be built by Solomon, not David.  David really wants to be part of the process -- a little control issue where his son is concerned -- and begins gathering abundant costly materials.

Please Explain, Sunday, April 15, 2012

Today's reading was in II Samuel 19:5-20.  You know how it is when you watch a movie, or read a novel and at the end, when discussing it with others, you are clearly not tracking with their understanding?  I am hoping someone out has an understanding of what took place here and can fill in the blanks for me!

First, David pleads with his commanders for gentleness, before going into battle with Absalom.  Not only does Joab not give Absalom gentle treatment, he runs him through with javelins while Absalom hangs by his hair from a tree.  Then David puts Amasa in charge of his troops in place of Joab.  So, Joab kills Amasa.  Finally, in II Samuel 20, Joab is in charge of all Israel's army.  I don't get it.  David killed messengers who brought bad news, but this he rewards.  Anyone?

Death of Absalom, Saturday, April 14, 2012

Today's reading is in II Samuel 16-18 and 19:1-4.  The adventures of David and his son Absalom are crisscrossed with spies, intrigue, shame and sadness.  Even when being pursued by Absalom's troops, David pleads with his commanders to "be gentle with Absalom".  Of course, this did not happen and David is once again mourning for a son.

Meanwhile Back in Jerusalem, Friday, April 13, 2012

Today's readings are in II Samuel 14-16 and Psalms 3.

Absalom is the ultimate politician, good looking, sneaky and smart.  It is said he "stole the hearts" of Israel.  David hears of his plans and leaves to put himself in exile.  As he leaves, he states his willingness again to put himself into God's hands for judgement.

Mephibosheth's servant, Ziba, takes gifts to David in an attempt to ingratiate himself with the king. 

It really is a dramatic time.

Absalom, Thursday, April 12, 2012

Today's readings are in II Samuel 5, 12 and 13, as well as I Chronicles 3 and 14.

I always find this story conflicting and confusing.  First, Amnon rapes his sister, who before the act, begs for him to marry her instead.  Absalom waits patiently, but eventually avenges her by killing Amnon and then fleeing to Geshur.  I assume Geshur is a city of refuge.  David is not willing to go there to see him and no reason is given for this, so speculation has to suffice.  David finally allows Absalom to return, but refuses to see him. 

More Battles, Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Today's readings come from II Samuel 8, 12, 23 and I Chronicles 11, 18, and 20.  Many more battles are noted with this statement:  "The Lord gave David victory wherever he went."

David's Battles, Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Today's readings include II Samuel 21, 8, 11, 12; I Chronicles 18 and 19; and Psalms 60 and 51.

After David's kingship is established, he continues to wage war with the Philistines, Ammonites and Arameans.  He is successful in all of these battles.

Then he wages war with lust and suffers miserable defeat.  Apparently, he doesn't even hesitate to reach out and ruthlessly take what he see and wants.  Even murder isn't too vile a sin for him.  Uriah's honor when he returns home reminds me of David's honor when refusing to harm Saul.  Where is David's honor now?
So much is left unsaid in these accounts.  I wonder what Bath-Sheba's thoughts were.  Did she intend to set the wheels in motion with her bath on the roof, or was she innocent?  Her own desirability probably did not escape her.  Was it her plan all along?

Michal, Mephibosheth and Nathan, Monday, April 9, 2012

I Chronicles 16 and II Samuel 6-9. 
When David returns from establishing the Ark and seeing to the appropriate worship practices, he is confronted by Michal, his wife and daughter of Saul.  You can almost see her, hand on hip and finger pointing, as she sarcastically takes him to task for his exuberant worshiping of the Lord.  His response to her seems equally as sarcastic.  The Lord has the last word.  Michal goes to her grave childless.

David's extreme treatment of Mephibosheth is a tribute to his extreme love of his friend Jonathan.

Finally, Nathan seeks God's approval on David's behalf.  We now learn that Solomon, not David, will be responsible for building a temple for the Lord.  God gives David an amazing blessing.

The Ark is Moved Correctly, Sunday, April 8, 2012

Today's readings include parts of II Samuel and I Chronicles.  Psalms 105 and 96 coincide with these events.  In contrast to moving the Ark and causing a death, this time David requires the Levites to go through purification and to prepare for the Ark's relocation in strict observance of the directions given by Moses.  It is moved with great celebration into a tent which David has prepared for it.  The arrival of the Ark is a time of great celebration and praise.

David Captures Jerusalem, Saturday, April 7, 2012

Today's readings include 11 Samuel 5, I Chronicles 11 and Psalms 18.  The sad incident of death by those incorrectly handling the Ark is the primary event covered.

Psalms 18 is my all-time favorite Psalm.  Any time I need a description of how I see my God:  "My God is My Rock" comes to mind.  He is unchanging and unchangeable.  Praise be to His Glorious Name. 

David Becomes King, Friday, April 6, 2012

Today's readings are taken from I Kings and I Chronocles.  David's kingship begins in Judah and lasts 7 1/2 years in Hebron.  During this time,, Ish-Bosheth, another son of Saul is king of Israel.  After bloody battles and much intrigue, Ish-Bosheth is assassinated by two  men and David is anointed king of all Israel at the age of 30.  A lot has happened to David during his short life.  He continues to reigh Israel for 40 years.
http://www.bible-history.com/geography/ancient-israel/ot/hebron.html  Scroll down to the bottom after opening this. There is a good map of the area.

Exploits of David, Wednesday, April 5, 2012

This reading is from I Samuel 25-27 and includes a few passages from the 29th and 30th chapters.  In addition, there are some scriptures from I Chronicles 12.  David acquires two wives, Abigail and Ahinoam, who live with him and his 600 men at Ziklag. http://bibleatlas.org/full/ziklag.htm  This map shows the surrounding towns where they raided. 

David maintains his integrity repeatedly with regard to Saul.  Although he is a a position twice to take Saul's life, he refuses to do so, or to let anyone else harm Saul.  He cannot, however, resist letting Saul know that he has been "that close"!

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Today's reading is in I Samuel 22-24.  It begins with Saul's evil attack on Ahimelech and the priests and people of Nob.  Doeg the Edomite carries out their execution on the orders of Saul.  His fear of David is apparent again in this episode.  Abiathar, Ahimelech's son escapes and warns David.  In Psalms 52,  David first accuses evil doers, but ends with praise for God's unfailing love.

Before a campaign to help to people of Keilah, David again ". . .inquires of the Lord . . . ." and is given direction.  Although David and his men, now around 600, have to move daily to avoid capture, David praises God again in Psalms 63.

This reading ends with the passion-filled conversation between David and Saul following the cave incident.  Saul acknowledges that David is more righteous of the two and also that David will be the king.

Finally, in Psalms 57, David praises God for safety.

Man on the Run, Monday, April 2, 2012

In I Samuel 21 and 22 and I Chronicles 12 David travels far and wide seeking refuge.  Perhaps during this time, Psalms 56 was written, seeking God for confidence.  He approaches Ahimelech, a priest, asking for food and weapons.  He is given consecrated bread to eat and the sword of Goliath.  From there he goes to Achish, the king of Gath.  I wonder why he did that.  He is recognized and in order to escape he feigns insanity.  Psalms 34 was written as a thanks for God's encouragement.  David then travels to the cave of Adullam, where he is joined by his father's household and 400 men.  These men are said to be there because they are in distress, in debt, or discontent.  Not the best resume.

The amazing thing in this journey is that David is constantly relying on God for strength and comfort.  That alone will account for his eventual success.

Jonathan and David, Sunday, April 1, 2012

The friendship between Jonathan and David begins in I Samuel 18-21, today's reading.  The first sign of trouble between Saul and David is Saul's jealousy in comparing the peoples' praise for their respective military conquests.  The statement that Saul feared David caught me off guard.  I had never noticed that before.  The jealousy was apparent, but I had not payed attention to the fear.  In yesterday's reading, Saul was influenced to disobey God because he feared the disfavor of the people.  And here it is again.

The chronological schedule integrates the Psalms of David with these readings from Samuel.  Today read Psalms 59, a prayer for God's strength.

David Kills Goliath, Saturday, March 31, 2012

In I Samuel 16 and 17 Samuel anoints David as king before his brothers.  The well-known story of David's killing of Goliath is described.  The description of Goliath as over 9 feet tall and wearing armor weighing over 125 pounds is hard to picture. David, still a boy, does not fill out the armor given to him by Saul.  But David is relying on God's power not his own.  He is incensed that Goliath dares to defy the armies of the living God.  His bravery is an inspiration.

The Amalekites and Agag, Friday, March 30, 2012

Although Saul and his armies triumphed over the Amalekites in I Samuel 14 and 15, they failed to finish the work God ordered.  Saul saved the king and some desirable items as plunder.  Samuel mourned for Saul because of his disobedience and the Word says ". . . the Lord grieved that he had made Saul king. . . ."

Reign of Saul, Thursday, March 29, 2012

Saul is shown to be a courageous leader in I Samuel 13 and 14.  But before long, he disobeys God by making a sacrifice before battle instead of waiting for Samuel.  Perhaps because his conquests were stunning, he then made foolhardy decisions.  For instance, he made a vow to avenge himself on his enemies and forbade his troops food until this was accomplished.  Jonathan, who had not heard the order, disobeyed his father and was nearly killed by Saul for it.  The soldiers intervened in what would have been a devastating murder.

Saul Annointed King, Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Today's reading in I Samuel 8-12 begins by telling of the corruption of Samuel's sons through their positions of power.  Their acceptance of bribes and perverted justice were used by the Israelites as an excuse for demanding a king.  In fact, by their own admission, they wanted to be like the countries around them.  Another case of "be careful what you ask for". 

God told Samuel that the people were not rejecting Samuel, but rather they were rejecting God as their king.  Samuel was instructed to give the people what they said they wanted, but to warn them what the king would require of them.

The annointing of Saul takes place in secret, with only Samuel and Saul present.  The announcement was made later at a gathering of the Israelites at Mizpah.