Author: Melissa Lynne

Day 143 One-Year KJV Bible Reading – 2 Samuel 2:12–3:39; John 13:1-30; Psalm 119:1-16; Proverbs 15:29-30

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The Lord is Far from the Wicked
And the king said unto his servants, Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel? And I am this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah be too hard for me: the LORD shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness.– 2 Samuel 3:38-39

Saul has died and David, while not king of Israel, is king of Judah. Saul’s son Ishbosheth is king of the nation of Israel. Because there are two kings there are issues and conflict. In the passages today we read of some of the conflict. Abner (Saul’s general) killed the brother of Joab (David’s general) during one of the battles that rose up from these conflicts. Abner however did everything he could to stop the pursuit of Joab’s brother so he could avoid killing him. The brother would not heed the warning and so Abner killed him. Once there was peace, David made a covenant with Abner. When Joab heard of it he called for Abner and took revenge by killing him. All eyes turned to David after this tragedy, and David acknowledged and greived for Abner because he was a fallen national hero. And to Joab, David said, the Lord shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness.

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But He Heareth the Prayer of the Righteous
The LORD is far from the wicked: But he heareth the prayer of the righteous. The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: And a good report maketh the bones fat. – Proverbs‬ ‭15:29-30

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Jesus Loved Them Unto the End
Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. – John‬ ‭13:1‬ ‭

Ye are Clean, but Not All
And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him; Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; he riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. – John 13:2-7

Happy Are Ye If Ye Do Them
Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. – John 13:8-17

Do we heed the words of Jesus in this passage? Do we humble ourselves to wash the filth from the feet of others? Do we humble ourselves that others can wash the dirt off ours? Whether we take foot washings literally or figuratively it requires a heart that is humble and honest. More often than not, we live pretending to have no filth or we work to hide our filth from everyone. According to Jesus, however, this humble and honest posture is the path toward blessing from God. Only if we release dominance and control and take on servanthood and allow others to serve us also, will we find the blessings and happiness in life that we seek and need. Jesus said, “IF.”

He that Receiveth Whomsoever I Send Receiveth Me
I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me. Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. – John‬ ‭13:18-20‬ ‭

One of You Shall Betray Me
When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake. Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake. He then lying on Jesus’ breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it? Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly. Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him. For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor. He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night. – John‬ ‭13:21-30‬ ‭ ‬‬

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Blessed are They that seek Him with Thy Whole Heart
Blessed are the undefiled in the way, Who walk in the law of the LORD. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, And that seek him with the whole heart. They also do no iniquity: They walk in his ways. Thou hast commanded us To keep thy precepts diligently. O that my ways were directed To keep thy statutes! Then shall I not be ashamed, When I have respect unto all thy commandments. I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, When I shall have learned thy righteous judgments. I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly. – Psalm‬ ‭119:1-8‬ ‭ ‬‬

That I Might Not Sin Against Thee
Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, That I might not sin against thee. Blessed art thou, O LORD: Teach me thy statutes. With my lips have I declared All the judgments of thy mouth. I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, As much as in all riches. I will meditate in thy precepts, And have respect unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. – Psalm‬ ‭119:9-16‬ ‭ ‬‬

Please help me today, Father, to hide Your Words in my heart so that I might not sin against You!!! In Jesus Name I ask this. Amen!

Day 142 One-Year KJV Bible Reading – 2 Samuel 1:1–2:11; John 12:20-50; Psalm 118:19-29; Proverbs 15:27-28

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This is the Lord’s Doing
The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. – Psalm 118:22-24

How many times do we know it is His doing but don’t see it as marvelous? He told us His plans are good, and we know His plans are for our good. How then can we ever see them as anything but marvelous? Is it because we are focused on the refusal and the ones that refused the stone?

Help me, Lord, to focus instead of You and what You are doing. Please help me to rejoice and be glad in it.

King Over the House of Judah
And it came to pass after this, that David inquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the LORD said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron. So David went up thither, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail Nabal’s wife the Carmelite. And his men that were with him did David bring up, every man with his household: and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron. And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. – 2 Samuel 2:1-4

How many times do we fall into discouragement and disappointment because things that God spoke into our lives and anointed us to do have a timing that we get frustrated with? Sometimes people in the church world think that because there is a learning or growing period, there is not an anointing on a call. But even David had to wait. Even David had to grow into his anointing. Even David had to learn a few things about himself and his own heart, and his God. See, David did not immediately become the king of Israel; one of Saul’s heirs did. But…the Lord told David to go to Hebron, and there he did become king of the house of Judah.

Help us, Lord, to follow Your direction step-by-step, trusting Your Word and rejecting the faithless and fleshly thoughts and ideas that war against Your anointing! Please help me, Father!!!

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The Hour is Come that the Son of Man Should Be Glorified
And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: the same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus. And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. – John‬ ‭12:20-26‬ ‭

For This Cause
Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. – John 12:27-28

How many times do we ask the Father to save us from the hour when the hour we find ourselves is His cause?

Help us, Lord! Help me to accept Your cause and not to budge when our soul is troubled, but to realize as we stand firm, we do so for His purpose and His glory.

This Voice Came Not Because of Me, But for Your Sakes
The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him. Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should die. – John‬ ‭12:29-33‬ ‭

Walk While Ye Have the Light, Lest Darkness Come Upon You
The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man? Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them. – John‬ ‭12:34-36‬ ‭

Though He Did Miracles Before Them, They Believed Not on Him
But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him: That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? And to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; That they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, And be converted, And I should heal them. These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him. – John‬ ‭12:37-41‬ ‭

Many Chief Rulers Believed but They Did Not Confess Him
Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. – John‬ ‭12:42-43‬ ‭

He that Believeth on Me, Believeth on Him that Sent Me
Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak. – John‬ ‭12:44-50‬ ‭

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Study to Answer
The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things. – Proverbs 15:28

The heart of the righteous thinks carefully about how to answer [in a wise and appropriate and timely way], But the [babbling] mouth of the wicked pours out malevolent things. – Proverbs 15:28 AMP

How many times do we say something in haste and wish we would have waited and thought through our words a little more? How many times do we say something in haste and get irritated because people question our words or don’t accept them as quickly as we throw them out there?

Help us, Lord! Please help me!!!

Day 141 One-Year KJV Bible Reading – 1 Samuel 29:1–31:13; John 11:55–12:19; Psalm 118:1-18; Proverbs 15:24-26

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I Shall Declare the Works of the LORD
I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD. The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death. – Psalm 118:17-18

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But David Encouraged Himself in the Lord His God
And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire; and had taken the women captives, that were therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried them away, and went on their way. So David and his men came to the city, and, behold, it was burned with fire; and their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, were taken captives. Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep. And David’s two wives were taken captives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite. And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. – 1 Samuel 30:1-6

The Philistines were going to battle with the Israelites, and David and his men marched with them, but before the war began, they were sent away because the commanders were afraid that once they got into battle, David would turn against them. So, David and his men went back to Ziklag, only to find that the Amalekites had burned their town and taken everything and everyone captive. David’s wives were taken captive, and they all wept until they couldn’t weep any more. Then David asked the Lord if he should pursue them, and the Lord said, “Pursue.” David and a portion of his men went and just as God said they would, they recovered all.

Saul Took a Sword, and Fell Upon It
Then said Saul unto his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it. And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise upon his sword, and died with him. So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armourbearer, and all his men, that same day together.– 1 Samuel 31:4-6

While David was recovering all the Amalekites had taken, the Philistine’s battle began, and they crushed Israel. Saul’s sons (including Jonathan) were killed, Saul and his armourbearer had killed themselves, and the Israelite army fled.

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What Think Ye, that He Will Not Come to the Feast?
And the Jews’ passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves. Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast? Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were, he should shew it, that they might take him. – John‬ ‭11:55-57‬ ‭

Then Took Mary Spikenard and Anointed the Feet of Jesus
Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray him, Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein. Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this. For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always. – John‬ ‭12:1-8‬ ‭

Not For Jesus’ Sake Only
Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus. – John 12:9-11

The Jews came to see Jesus, but also Lazarus since he had been raised from the dead. Because of Lazarus, many believed in Jesus. Their belief in Jesus infuriated the chief priests to the point they wanted to kill not just Jesus but also Lazarus.

As in those days, when we believe and follow Jesus, there will be those people that will come against us to the point of wanting to destroy us. Looking from a distance, these are the people you would think would be happy and supportive, but looking closer, they are threatened by what the Lord has done for you! Your passion and praise shake up their world.

Heavenly Father, help us to support those You save and then place among us genuinely. Help us to be an encouragement and a support as they grow and as You use them. Help us to build them up as others have built us up so that they too can build others up. Show us the areas we need to surrender to You. In Jesus Name. Amen!!!

These Things Understood Not His Disciples at the First
On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord. And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written, Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt. These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him. The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record. For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle. The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him. – John‬ ‭12:12-19‬ ‭

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The House of the Proud
The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow. – Proverbs 15:26

Day 140 One-Year KJV Bible Reading – 1 Samuel 26:1–28:25; John 11:1-54; Psalm 117:1-2; Proverbs 15:22-23

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A Word in Due Season
A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it! – Proverbs 15:23

Thank You, Father for this Word spoken to me today, at just the right time, Your Word in due season!!! How very good it is!!!

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Guiltless?
Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not smite him the second time. And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD’s anointed, and be guiltless? David said furthermore, As the LORD liveth, the LORD shall smite him; or his day shall come to die; or he shall descend into battle, and perish. The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD’s anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go. So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul’s bolster; and they gat them away, and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither awaked: for they were all asleep; because a deep sleep from the LORD was fallen upon them. – 1 Samuel 26:8-12

Now therefore, I pray thee, let my lord the king hear the words of his servant. If the LORD have stirred thee up against me, let him accept an offering: but if they be the children of men, cursed be they before the LORD; for they have driven me out this day from abiding in the inheritance of the LORD, saying, Go, serve other gods. Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth before the face of the LORD: for the king of Israel is come out to seek a flea, as when one doth hunt a partridge in the mountains. – 1 Samuel 26:19-20

Well, here we are again. God is reminding me again today that if I do stretch forth my hand against the Lord’s anointed, there is a price to pay. It is a sin. 

Here, King Saul can’t get over his insecurities regarding David. 

King Saul teaches us many valuable lessons regarding the destruction that jealousy and harboring insecurity bring as we go through our own lives. King Saul went to great lengths, even seeking a medium to help him and advise him in the battle he has fueled with David. 

David teaches us how to deal with someone whose jealousy sets us up as their rival and enemy. Pray! Give it to God! Don’t retaliate against the other party…as they are anointed by God (as are you). 

David did not touch the Lord’s anointed. He valued and protected Saul’s life more than Saul protected his own life.

Saul did touch the Lord’s anointed. Saul’s choices led to his death and reminds me of a passage in James:

but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. – James 1:14-15

Choose you this day who you will serve when it comes to this…and eventually, we all have this in our lives. We will be the one dealing with a jealous rival, or we will be the jealous rival. Both have their instructions straight from the Father, from His Holy Word!

Father, I come before You today as humbly as I can and confess that I see this passage being played out in my own life. Lord, I thank You for instruction, warning, and correction that help me make the right choices that my heart may be guiltless. Help me as I walk this path to keep my hands and my heart from ever coming against any of Your anointed ones. I pray God for those who see me as a rival. Show me my part in fueling this. Show me what I can do according to Your will. Soften hearts God that we would be drawn together by love and honor and covenant. Show how we are better working together than what seems against. I thank You for exposing the schemes of the enemy through Your Word and I pray that his schemes would be destroyed this day and every day and that the plans and purposes You have established will come forth mightily. I ask this in the precious Name of Jesus. Amen! Amen!

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A Certain Man was Sick Named Lazarus
Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.) Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. – John‬ ‭11:1-5‬ ‭

I Go, that I Many Awake Him Out of Sleep
When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was. Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judæa again. His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again? Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him. These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. – John‬ ‭11:6-11‬ ‭

Lazarus is Dead and I am Glad for Your Sakes that I was not There
Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him. Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him. Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already. Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off: and many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.– John‬ ‭11:12-19‬ ‭

Thy Brother Shall Rise Again
Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house. Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee. As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him. Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him. The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there. – John‬ ‭11:20-31‬ ‭

Jesus Wept
Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, and said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept. Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him! And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died? – John‬ ‭11:32-37‬ ‭

Lazarus Come Forth
Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him. But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.– John‬ ‭11:38-46‬

They Took Counsel Together for to Put Him to Death
Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation. And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; and not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death. Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples. – John‬ ‭11:47-54‬ ‭

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His Merciful Kindness is Great
O Praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD. – Psalm 117:1-2

Day 139 One-Year KJV Bible Reading – 1 Samuel 24:1–25:44; John 10:22-42; Psalm 116:1-19; Proverbs 15:20-21

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I Will Not Put Forth My Hand Against the Lord’s Anointed
And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul’s robe privily. – 1 Samuel 24:4

And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men’s words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt? Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee today into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the LORD’s anointed.– 1 Samuel 24:9-10

As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee. After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea. The LORD therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand. – 1 Samuel 24:13-15

Here we have two men that the Lord has anointed. One follows the Lord and one follows his insecurities. One seeks to kill the one he sees as his rival. One honors because in his heart of heart he loves even the one who seeks his life. The Lord’s anointing does not mean everything always goes as God desires and has planned. How much more could these two men have done had they both honored the anointings of God? How much more could we do? There is enough anointing to go around. King Saul could have been used mightily of God but instead he took the anointing of God and laid it aside to take up insecurities and fear. He bought into the schemes of the enemy. David was anointed to be king and he wasn’t in such a hurry or so insecure about what God had for his life that he would destroy another to get there.

Help us, Lord, to learn the lessons of King Saul and David. Help us, Jesus, to follow You and You alone, knowing that You can use us mightily when we keep our eyes, ears, and hearts on You; when we honor those You have anointed; when we realize we are each one called by God to do a work and so my anointing is not a threat to Yours. Help us not to set ourselves up as rivals today, Father. Lord help me not to fall for the schemes of the enemy in this way. Help me to see when I have, confess it, and repent of it. Help me trust Your plan for my life, realizing that the anointing of others is part of Your plan even for my life as my anointing is a part of theirs. Help us all to LOVE each other today so that honor would come naturally. I ask this all in Jesus’ holy and precious Name. Amen! Amen!

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Ye Believe Not Because Ye are Not of My Sheep
And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch. Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me. But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one. – John‬ ‭10:22-30‬

He told them plainly. They still didn’t believe. 

Many Good Works Have I Shewed from My Father, for Which Do Ye Stone Me?
Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God? If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him. – John‬ ‭10:31-38‬ ‭

All Things John Speak of This Man Were True
Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand, and went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode. And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true. And many believed on him there. – John‬ ‭10:39-42‬ 

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I Will Pay My Vows Unto the Lord
What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people. – Psalm 116:12-14

Precious In the Sight of the Lord
Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. – Psalm 116:15

This verse is quoted at funerals and when people are at death’s door. We believe it for the moments of grief but then how often do forget that death is precious when we are face with it again? This is a verse I need to sow into my heart.

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I A Man of Understanding
Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly. – Proverbs 15:21

Day 138 One-Year KJV Bible Reading – 1 Samuel 22:1–23:29; John 10:1-21; Psalm 115:1-18; Proverbs 15:18-19

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He that Entereth in By the Door is the Shepherd of the Sheep
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them. – John‬ ‭10:1-6‬ ‭

I am the Door: By Me if Any Man Enter in, He Shall Be Saved
Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.– John‬ ‭10:7-18‬ ‭

These are Not the Words of Him that Hath a Devil
There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings. And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him? Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind? – John‬ ‭10:19-21‬

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The Cave Adullam
David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father’s house heard it, they went down thither to him. And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men. – 1 Samuel 22:1-2

So many times I have felt like I am of the Cave Adullam. We used to joke and say we were going to call our small group by that name. As groups go, I tend to gather those that walk alone. I have no interest in leaving anyone out because of circumstance or personality. Been there myself and feel that way too often even now.

He that Seeketh My Life Seeketh Thy Life but with Me Thou Shalt Be in Safeguard
And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David. And Abiathar shewed David that Saul had slain the LORD’s priests. And David said unto Abiathar, I knew it that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul: I have occasioned the death of all the persons of thy father’s house. Abide thou with me, fear not: for he that seeketh my life seeketh thy life: but with me thou shalt be in safeguard. – 1 Samuel‬ ‭22:20-23‬ ‭

When Abiathar Fled He Came Down with an Ephod in His Hand
And it came to pass, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah, that he came down with an ephod in his hand. – 1 Samuel 23:6

Bring Hither the Ephod
And David knew that Saul secretly practised mischief against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, Bring hither the ephod. Then said David, O LORD God of Israel, thy servant hath certainly heard that Saul seeketh to come to Keilah, to destroy the city for my sake. Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? will Saul come down, as thy servant hath heard? O LORD God of Israel, I beseech thee, tell thy servant. And the LORD said, He will come down. Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the LORD said, They will deliver thee up. Then David and his men, which were about six hundred, arose and departed out of Keilah, and went whithersoever they could go. And it was told Saul that David was escaped from Keilah; and he forbare to go forth. And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand. – 1 Samuel 23:9-14

Jonathan Went to David and Strengthened His Hand in God
And Jonathan Saul’s son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God. And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth. And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house. – 1 Samuel‬ ‭23:16-18

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Their Help and Their Shield
O Israel, trust thou in the LORD: he is their help and their shield. O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield. Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield. – Psalm 115:9-11

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The Way of the Righteous is Made Plain
The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain. – Proverbs 15:19

Day 137 One-Year KJV Bible Reading – 1 Samuel 20:1–21:15; John 9:1-41; Psalm 113:1–114:8; Proverbs 15:15-17

Where Love Is
All the days of the afflicted are evil: But he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast. Better is little with the fear of the LORD Than great treasure and trouble therewith. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, Than a stalled ox and hatred therewith. – Proverbs‬ ‭15:15-17

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So Jonathan Made a Covenant with the House of David
And Jonathan said unto David, Come, and let us go out into the field. And they went out both of them into the field. And Jonathan said unto David, O LORD God of Israel, when I have sounded my father about to morrow any time, or the third day, and, behold, if there be good toward David, and I then send not unto thee, and shew it thee; the LORD do so and much more to Jonathan: but if it please my father to do thee evil, then I will shew it thee, and send thee away, that thou mayest go in peace: and the LORD be with thee, as he hath been with my father. And thou shalt not only while yet I live shew me the kindness of the LORD, that I die not: but also thou shalt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever: no, not when the LORD hath cut off the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth. So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, Let the LORD even require it at the hand of David’s enemies. – 1 Samuel 20:11-16

The LORD Be Between Me and Thee, and Between My Seed and Thy Seed Forever
And as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of a place toward the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times: and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David exceeded. And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, The LORD be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever. And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city. – 1 Samuel‬ ‭20:41-42‬ ‭

The Shewbread
And the priest answered David, and said, There is no common bread under mine hand, but there is hallowed bread; if the young men have kept themselves at least from women. And David answered the priest, and said unto him, Of a truth women have been kept from us about these three days, since I came out, and the vessels of the young men are holy, and the bread is in a manner common, yea, though it were sanctified this day in the vessel. So the priest gave him hallowed bread: for there was no bread there but the shewbread, that was taken from before the LORD, to put hot bread in the day when it was taken away. – 1 Samuel 21:4-6

Shewbread, also called Bread Of The Presence, was any of the twelve loaves of bread that stood for the twelve tribes of Israel. Shewbread was presented to God and shown in the Temple of Jerusalem in the Presence of God. The bread was replaced every Sabbath, and then the priests ate what had been displayed. The table of shewbread was a constant reminder of God’s everlasting covenant with his people and his provision for the twelve tribes of Israel.

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A Man Which was Blind from His Birth
And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, and said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing. – John‬ ‭9:1-7‬ ‭

A Man Called Jesus Made Clay and Anointed Mine Eyes
The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged? Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he. Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened? He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight. Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not. – John‬ ‭9:8-12‬ ‭

What Sayest Thou of Him that Hath Opened Thine Eyes?
They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind. And it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes. Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see. Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them. They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet. – John‬ ‭9:13-17‬ ‭

The Jews Did Not Believe that He Had Been Blind Until They Called the Parents
But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight. And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who ye say was born blind? how then doth he now see? His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind: but by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself. These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue. Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him. – John‬ ‭9:18-23‬

One Thing I Know, that, Whereas I was Blind, Now I See
Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner. He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see. Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes? He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples? Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses’ disciples. We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is. – John 9:24-29

Thou Was Altogether Born in Sins, and Dost Thou Teach us?
The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes. Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. If this man were not of God, he could do nothing. They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out. – John 9:30-34

Lord, I Believe
Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God? He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee. And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him. – John‬ ‭9:35-38‬ ‭

That They Which See Not Might See, and They Which See Might Be Made Blind
And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind. And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also? Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth. – John‬ ‭9:39-41‬ ‭

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Who is Like Unto the LORD Our God
Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high, Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth! He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, And lifteth the needy out of the dunghill; That he may set him with princes, Even with the princes of his people. He maketh the barren woman to keep house, And to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD. – Psalm‬ ‭113:5-9

Day 136 One-Year KJV Bible Reading – 1 Samuel 18:5–19:24; John 8:31-59; Psalm 112:1-10; Proverbs 15:12-14

Saul’s Jealousy …. and Our Own
And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands. And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom? And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.

And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul.– 1 Samuel 18:7-9;12

The jealousy that came over King Saul regarding David reminds me of this scripture:

For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. – James 3:16

Jealousy allowed to grow in our hearts will lead to confusion and every evil work in our lives. It will eventually lead to death. It is like a weed that is not taken up by the root and destroyed. It looks to be gone, but in a very short time will come back up, and it will do so again and again. We must not feed it but confess it to the Father and ask Him to pull it out of our hearts as well as every evil that has accompanied and grown along with it.

Help us, Lord! Help me and root out the jealousy in my heart and destroy it that it will not destroy me. In Jesus Name! Amen!!!

If God Were Your Father
Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. – John 8:42-47

Regarding jealousy, I am reminded here that if we harbor jealousy, we have bought into the lies of the enemy and one of his schemes. He is the father of lies, and he will do anything to destroy your life. When he plants a seed of jealousy, it looks like an innocent thought, but soon it will fill your heart, and you will be unable to hear God’s Words over the lusts that jealousy breeds. Those lusts breed every evil. 

Jealousy is a lie!!! Jealousy is a lie!!! Jealousy is a lie!!! Don’t play around with it or entertain it. It is as deadly as drinking poison.

The Man that Feareth the Lord
Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed. Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever. Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. – Psalm 112:1-4

Today as it regards jealousy, I want to be one that feareth the Lord and that hears and obeys His every commandment – not just the commandments that are obvious to others but all the commandments and today looking at the sins of the heart brought on by jealousy.

Heart that Seeketh Understanding
The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness – Proverbs 15:14

Thank You, Lord, that when we seek, You give understanding and knowledge and help us to avoid feeding on foolishness. I confess that there are times I am jealous of others, and I ask You Holy Ghost to remind me always and quickly that jealousy is foolishness and a lie and it is not a little thing to Your heart or in Your eyes. I thank You for Your goodness and Your conviction that leads to repentance and leads to LIFE! Help me today, Lord, to follow You in every way every minute. I love You, and I ask these things in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

Day 135 One-Year KJV Bible Reading – 1 Samuel 17:1–18:4; John 8:21-30; Psalm 111:1-10; Proverbs 15:11

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Choose You a Man
And he stood and cried unto the armies of Israel, and said unto them, Why are ye come out to set your battle in array? am not I a Philistine, and ye servants to Saul? choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me. If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us. And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together. When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid. – 1 Samuel‬ ‭17:8-11‬ ‭

Is There Not a Cause?
And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God? And the people answered him after this manner, saying, So shall it be done to the man that killeth him. And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle. And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause? And he turned from him toward another, and spake after the same manner: and the people answered him again after the former manner. – 1 Samuel‬ ‭17:26-30‬ ‭

I Cannot Go with These For I Have Not Proved Them
And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him. And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine. – 1 Samuel‬ ‭17:39-40‬

I Come to Thee in the Name of the LORD
Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls 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 all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give you into our hands. – 1 Samuel‬ ‭17:45-47‬ ‭

The Soul of Jonathan was Knit with the Soul of David
And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father’s house. Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle. – 1 Samuel‬ ‭18:1-4‬ ‭

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I Go My Way and Ye Shall Seek Me and Die in Your Sins
Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come. Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come. – John‬ ‭8:21-22‬ ‭

If Ye Believe Not that I am He, Ye Shall Die in Your Sins
And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world. I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning. – John‬ ‭8:23-25‬ ‭

He that Sent Me is True
I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him. They understood not that he spake to them of the Father. – John‬ ‭8:26-27‬

When Ye Have Lifted Up the Son of Man, Then Shall Ye Know that I am He
Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. As he spake these words, many believed on him. – John‬ ‭8:28-30‬ ‭

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I will Praise the LORD with My Whole Heart
Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, In the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation. The works of the LORD are great, Sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. His work is honourable and glorious: And his righteousness endureth for ever. He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: The LORD is gracious and full of compassion. He hath given meat unto them that fear him: He will ever be mindful of his covenant. He hath shewed his people the power of his works, That he may give them the heritage of the heathen. The works of his hands are verity and judgment; All his commandments are sure. They stand fast for ever and ever, And are done in truth and uprightness. He sent redemption unto his people: He hath commanded his covenant for ever: Holy and reverend is his name. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: A good understanding have all they that do his commandments: His praise endureth for ever. – Psalm‬ ‭111:1-10‬ ‭

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The Hearts of the Children of Men Lie Open Before the LORD
Hell and destruction are before the LORD: How much more then the hearts of the children of men? – Proverbs‬ ‭15:11‬ ‭

Sheol (the nether world, the place of the dead) and Abaddon (the abyss, the place of eternal punishment) lie open before the Lord— How much more the hearts and inner motives of the children of men. – Proverbs‬ ‭15:11‬ ‭AMP

Day 134 One-Year KJV Bible Reading – 1 Samuel 15:1–16:23; John 8:1-20; Psalm 110:1-7; Proverbs 15:8-10

To Obey is Better than Sacrifice
And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king. – 1 Samuel 15:22-23

So many things to ponder in today’s scripture passage. This story of Saul making excuses to Samuel of why he didn’t follow every instruction of the Lord is a great lesson for us. So many times, we don’t follow through doing everything the Lord has commanded. If the Lord gives the word for someone and we change even one word of His Word to make it an easier Word, we have done just like Saul. To these kinds of sins, the Lord reminds us today that

• Obedience is better than sacrifice
• To hearken is better than the fat of rams
• Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft
• Stubbornness is sin
• Idolatry is sin
• If I reject the Word of the Lord, He will reject me!!!

Saul did much of what the Lord instructed him to do, and he said he kept the best sheep alive to offer them as a sacrifice unto the Lord. That sounds like a good thing, BUT it was not what God had told him to do with the sheep.

Obey – to follow commans or guidance of; to conform to or comply with
Hearken – listen; to give respectful attention; to bring to mind something; to give heed to
Rebellion – opposition to one in authority or dominance; open defiance of or resistance
Stubborn – unreasonably unyielding; unmoving; obstinate; persistant manner; difficult to handle or manage; fixed or set in purpose or opinion
Idolatry – excessive or blind adoration, reverence, or devotion

Help me, Lord, to follow every instruction that You give to me today! Convict me when I don’t. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen!!!

God Sees the Heart
But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. – 1 Samuel 16:7

How many times do we judge someone by their outward appearance and take no notice of their heart?

Never Alone
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true. Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go. Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man. And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me. It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me. Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also. – John 8:12-19

This scripture reminds me that if we have the Holy Ghost living in us, we indeed are never alone. It looked to the Pharisees like Jesus was speaking of Himself with no one there to be as a witness…since the scriptures say that by the testimony of two is truth. By outward appearance, Jesus had no witness. No one with Him, and He stood alone. BUT Jesus had the Father with Him. He spoke what the Father told Him to say and did as the Father instructed Him step by step. He was not alone, and He did have another witness. Had they known Jesus, they would have known this Witness!!!

Thank You Father. Thank You Jesus. Thank You Holy Ghost. I am never alone!!!

Thou Art a Priest
The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. – Psalm 110:4

My Prayer is His Delight
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight. – Proverbs 15:8

If I am living for the Lord, the time I spend talking with Him and listening to Him is a delight to Him. If that is His delight, shouldn’t it be my priority?

Delight – a high degree of pleasure or enjoyment; joy; satisfaction