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2 Samuel 9:1–11:27; John 15:1-27; Psalm 119:49-64; Proverbs 16:1-3

The Thing That David had Done Displeased the Lord
And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem. And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king’s house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon. And David sent and inquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bath-sheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite? And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house. And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and said, I am with child.– 2 Samuel 11:1-5

And when the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she mourned for her husband. And when the mourning was past, David sent and fetched her to his house, and she became his wife, and bare him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD. – 2 Samuel 11:26-27

It was time for the kings to go forth to battle. David sent him men and his servants but didn’t go himself. Had he been in battle, he would not have been on his rooftop as Bathsheba was bathing. But David was, and he was tempted. Right there, he had the opportunity to resist, but instead, he gave in to the temptation and asked about her. His messenger told David she was Uriah’s wife. Right there again, he had the opportunity to resist the temptation, but again he gave in to it and sent for her and laid with her. Bathsheba became pregnant. Sin exposed, but then David tried to cover it up and in the end had Uriah killed, took her as his wife, and she gave David a son. Maybe it seemed to David the plans had worked out, but God knew, and the passage says the thing that David did displeased Him. How often are we just like David?

Clean Through the Word
I [Jesus] am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.- John 15:1-8

The Word of God cleans us up. It brings conviction, which leads to confession, which leads to repentance, which leads to life.

The Word Which Hast Caused Me to Hope
Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope. This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me. The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law. I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself. Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law. Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage. I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law. This I had, because I kept thy precepts. – Psalm 119:49-56

I Have Said I Would Keep They Words
Thou art my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words. I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word. I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies. I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments. The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law. At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments. I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts. The earth, O LORD, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes. – Psalm 119:57-64

Commit Thy Works Unto the Lord
Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. – Proverbs 16:3

Had David committed his works to the Lord and done the works the Lord had for him in that hour, he would have been able to cast the temptations of the enemy aside when it was a thought instead of trying to clean up on his own after he fell into the enemy’s trap. We have so much to learn from David.

Help me to heed Your warnings, Father. I ask this in Jesus’ Name. Amen

 

 

 

2 Samuel 7:1–8:18; John 14:15-31; Psalm 119:33-48; Proverbs 15:33

Shalt Thou Build an House for Me to Dwell In?
And it came to pass, when the king sat in his house, and the LORD had given him rest round about from all his enemies; that the king said unto Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains. And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in thine heart; for the LORD is with thee. And it came to pass that night, that the word of the LORD came unto Nathan, saying, Go and tell my servant David, Thus saith the LORD, Shalt thou build me an house for me to dwell in? Whereas I have not dwelt in any house since the time that I brought up the children of Israel out of Egypt, even to this day, but have walked in a tent and in a tabernacle. In all the places wherein I have walked with all the children of Israel spake I a word with any of the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to feed my people Israel, saying, Why build ye not me an house of cedar? Now therefore so shalt thou say unto my servant David, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, from following the sheep, to be ruler over my people, over Israel: and I was with thee whithersoever thou wentest, and have cut off all thine enemies out of thy sight, and have made thee a great name, like unto the name of the great men that are in the earth. Moreover I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more, as beforetime, and as since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the LORD telleth thee that he will make thee an house. – 2 Samuel 7:1-11

David was now king of all of Israel; there is peace throughout the land and neighboring lands; he has built a palace to live in and then turns his focus on building a temple for God. God didn’t want David to build it but told him that his heir would build His temple. David prays a beautiful prayer of gratitude that begins in verse eighteen.

Then went king David in, and sat before the LORD, and he said, Who am I, O Lord GOD? And what is my house, that thou hast brought me hitherto? – 2 Samuel 7:18

Hitherto – up to this place or to this time

How Wilt Thou Manifest Thyself Unto Us?
Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. – John 14:22-26

Oh Holy Ghost, my Comforter, whom the Father has sent to me in Jesus’ Name, please teach me all things today. Please bring to remembrance all that has been said in the Word and by the Word. I love You, Father! I love You, Jesus! I love You, Holy Ghost! I love Your Word! Help me to keep Your Words, every last one. Thank You for loving me and giving me so much. It fills my heart with gratitude, and my heart cries as even David did, Who am I, O Lord GOD, that Thou hast brought me hitherto?

Quicken Thou Me in Thy Way
Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; And I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight. Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way. Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear. Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good. Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness. – Psalm 119:33-40

My Hands Also Will I Lift Up Unto Thy Commandments
Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word. So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word. And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments. So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever. And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts. I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed. And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved. My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes. – Psalm 119:41-48

Before Honour is Humility
The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility. – Proverbs 15:33

2 Samuel 4:1–6:23; John 13:31–14:14; Psalm 119:17-32; Proverbs 15:31-32

Abide Among the Wise
The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise. He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. – Proverbs 15:31-32

Reproof – criticism for a fault

She Despised Him in Her Heart
And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal Saul’s daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart.

Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, How glorious was the king of Israel today, who uncovered himself today in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself! And David said unto Michal, It was before the LORD, which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel: therefore will I play before the LORD. And I will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in mine own sight: and of the maidservants which thou hast spoken of, of them shall I be had in honour. Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death. – 2 Samuel 6:16, 20-23

We have been told over and over through the books of Samuel not to touch the Lord’s anointed. Here Michal touched (or despised) David in her heart and then rebuked him for dancing before the Lord. The Bible equates a punishment to the things she did in her heart. She had no children!

He that Believeth
Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.– John 14:8-14

My Delight and Counsellors
Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word. Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me. My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times. Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments. Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies. Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes. Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors. – Psalm 119:17-24

So Shall I Talk of Thy Wondrous Works
My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word. I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes. Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works. My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word. Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously. I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me. I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame. I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart. – Psalm 119:25-32

2 Samuel 2:12–3:39; John 13:1-30; Psalm 119:1-16; Proverbs 15:29-30

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.

He Heareth the Prayer of the Righteous
The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous. – Proverbs 15:29

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.”

That I Might Not Sin Against Thee
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. 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 119:1-16

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

2 Samuel 1:1–2:11; John 12:20-50; Psalm 118:19-29; Proverbs 15:27-28

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

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 he did become king of the house of Judah.

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. Please help me!!!

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

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

1 Samuel 29:1–31:13; John 11:55–12:19; Psalm 118:1-18; Proverbs 15:24-26

He Hath Not Given Me Over Unto Death
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

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.

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!!!

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

1 Samuel 26:1–28:25; John 11:1-54; Psalm 117:1-2; Proverbs 15:22-23

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!

If Thou Wouldest Believe
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. – John 11:38-44

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

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!!!

 

 

 

 

1 Samuel 24:1–25:44; John 10:22-42; Psalm 116:1-19; Proverbs 15:20-21

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!

If Thou Be the Christ, Tell Us Plainly
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 10:24-30

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

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.

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

1 Samuel 22:1–23:29; John 10:1-21; Psalm 115:1-18; Proverbs 15:18-19

That They Might Have Life
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. – John 10:7-17

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.

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

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