1 Kings 3 & 4 - The Way of Wisdom

LINK: 1 Kings 3 & 4

BACKGROUND

Solomon's name is derived from shalom, the Hebrew word for "peace."  This is fitting since during his reign, Israel enjoyed peace on all sides. He made treaties with other rulers by marrying their daughters. This is why he had so many wives and concubines (11:3). Deuteronomy 17:14-20 specifically warns against the future king multiplying wives for himself! This will lead to Solomon's downfall in the end, but we are getting ahead of ourselves. By the way, Isn't it amazing that Solomon's first bride was from Egypt when just 475 years earlier, they were crushing Israel?

The key verse is 1 Kings 3:3:

 Now Solomon loved the LORD, 

walking in the statutes of his father David, 

except [emphasis mine] he sacrificed and burned 

incense on the high places.

This was in direct disobedience to God. Deuteronomy 12:13-14 says, "Be careful not to sacrifice your burnt offerings anywhere you please. Offer them only at the place the LORD will choose in one of your tribes . . ." Leviticus 17:3-4 stipulated that offering sacrifices at places other than the Tabernacle was prohibited in the Law. These restrictions were meant to keep purity of worship in Israel; but during the time of the Judges, Israel began to offer sacrifices on the high places like the Canaanites. The Canaanites thought that the high places brought them closer to heaven and the gods. The most popular high place was at Gibeon, five miles north of Jerusalem. 

Even though the "except" was there, in 1 Kings 3, Solomon was visited by God in a dream. This was common in ancient Israel (Genesis 28:10-15; 37:5-7). Solomon's request for an understanding (literally "hearing") heart to rule and judge the people of Israel and discern between good and evil was very pleasing to God who gave him wisdom and discernment and more! 

The end of 1 Kings 3 and the beginning of 4 are examples of how Solomon put these gifts into practice in judging wisely between the two prostitutes who disputed over the baby, delegating responsibility over his vast empire to 11 chief officials, 12 district governors, and a manager in charge of the district officers, and providing for his vast empire. Because of his wisdom, his domain enjoyed peace and prosperity. 

He was lauded for his great wisdom, writing 3,000 proverbs and 1005 songs. We will be reading his proverbs in the coming weeks after we read one of his songs believed to have been written early in his reign. 

REFLECTION

I have come to the conclusion that wisdom is more important than anything; money, power, professional status.  Recently, I was in a room sitting next to a couple of high-powered professionals. Among everyone in the room, I might have been the only person who did not even have at least a part-time paying job. I heard a subtle "put down" from one of the professionals when I mentioned one of the things I did.  She said, "You have too much time on your hands."  I barely know this woman, and she had already made a judgment about how I use my time. (Boy, if she only knew me and how seriously I take the stewardship of my time, but I digress.) My life is not as "important" as hers in the world's eyes, but I think it is important to God. I truly believe that I am right where He wants me to be, applying the gifts that He has given me for His glory and the people's good. But what I give from God's gifting in me is not valued in those women's eyes. 

Honestly, I could be in their shoes. I have the degrees to have a high-powered professional career just like theirs. In fact, I almost went into their profession having the grades and potential to do what they do. My mom even had my sister-in-law call me to try to convince me to go into this career, but God very clearly told me in my early 20s that He had chosen a different path for my life (much to my mother's chagrin). My undergraduate degree was in nutrition, but God told me when meditating on David being taken from the sheepfolds to shepherd Israel (see Psalm 78:70-72), that he would take me from nutrition education and counseling so that I could teach and encourage people in nutrition for the soul. I have never regretted the path that God laid out for me so long ago. 

So, I am not doing nutrition counseling, counseling college students through their many challenges (graduate degree and first career), delivering babies, or working with cancer patients (both considered and possible with my undergraduate core courses), but I am helping people to feed their soul (BBC), delivering spiritual babies (Bible studies for seekers), helping those babies grow through the challenges of life (discipling), teaching spiritual moms how to help their children grow (equipping), and helping people to seek God to cure the cancer in their hearts (Immanuel Approach /Transformational Prayer Ministry).  

I do not earn a ton of money. I do not have a house in one of the elite housing developments in town (like those two high-powered professionals), but I am a princess next to the throne of a King. I do not have people in awe of my presence in a group because of my professional status, but I lead seeking people toward being in awe of God. I think the rewards make all the social ridicule I get well worth it.  It is in such opposition to the world, but it is the eternal reality, and it is the way of wisdom. I have, by no means, arrived, but I am pressing on toward it. That is why I like Solomon's more important request and request it regularly. I hope you will request it too. 

2023 Update: I do most of this via my spiritual direction practice at Body and Soul Companion. 

Self-portrait of me working on this post. It is a lovely fall day in Oregon. 

APPLICATION 

Write out 1 Kings 3:9, put it in a prominent place, and pray for wisdom daily to carry out the "career" He has given to you.

PRAYER

Lord, thank You that You are all wisdom. Please work Your wisdom through us so that You might be glorified and people would be blessed. Amen. 

1 Kings 2 - Dealing with Potential Problems

LINK: 1 Kings 2

BACKGROUND

David was about to die. So, he gave a final charge to his son, Solomon, much like the one Moses gave to Joshua in Deuteronomy 31:23 regarding being strong and keeping the Word of God. He also reminded Solomon of the special covenant that God had made with David regarding the future of the throne (2 Samuel 7:1-17) that would eventually lead to JESUS! Solomon was to walk before God in truth with all of his heart. Stay tuned for that!

David also commissioned Solomon to deal with both Joab and Shimei (pronounced Shi-mee). Joab had been a loyal commander for David (he was also his nephew), but he sided with Adonijah in his aspirations to become king. He also shed the blood of two innocent men: Abner (2 Samuel 2) and Amasa (2 Samuel 20). On top of all this, he murdered Absalom (2 Samuel 18) when David had asked that he not be killed. Even though Joab held on to the horns in the Tabernacle, he was still not saved from execution.

Shimei cursed and threatened David’s life (2 Samuel 16), and David had let him go unpunished at the time. Now, Solomon was given that charge to deal with him. Solomon gave him strict orders to stay in Jerusalem, but he disobeyed and was executed.

Adonijah had taken hold of the altar’s horns in 1 Kings 1. According to the Bible Knowledge Commentary, “The symbolism of taking hold of the altar’s horns seems to have meant that as God had been gracious to man, as seen in accepting man’s offerings to atone for his sins, so one man should be gracious to another man who had offended him.” Solomon did show him mercy, but Adonijah still believed that all of Israel wanted him to be king. He tried to get to Solomon through Bathsheba, but it ended in his execution.

REFLECTION

David did not always deal with problems by “nipping them in the bud.” He did not deal with Absalom when he first murdered his half-brother out of revenge, and this eventually led to disastrous consequences. David warned Solomon to deal with problems that might eventually threaten the kingdom.

APPLICATION

Are you dealing with potential problems by “nipping them in the bud” before they become too big to handle?  

PRAYER

Lord, give us the courage to deal with problems without avoiding them or sweeping them under the rug. Bring out those things in our own life that could threaten our walk with You and help us to handle problems in relationships before they blow up. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 25 - Prayer for Guidance

LINK: Psalm 25 

BACKGROUND 

If you are reading along with us chronologically, this is our last Psalm of David. David calls for help in his old age asking that the Lord not remember the sin of his youth. This gives us an indication that it might have been written right before his death. 

Psalm 25 is an acrostic prayer psalm. The first letter of each line is the next in the Hebrew alphabet (Aleph, Bet, Gimel, Dalet, He, Waw, etc.).  Obviously, it doesn't translate over to our language, but the New Jerusalem Bible has done it with the English alphabet, and you can read it here: Psalm 25 in New Jerusalem Bible. (It is really cool too.) 

This is a great summary psalm of David's confidence in the Lord for guidance, instruction, and mercy. Note that two closely related keywords in this psalm are "way" (25:4, 8, 9, 12) and "paths" (25:10).

REFLECTION

I am so thankful to David for giving us so many Psalms to model prayer and praise! I am sad to be done with them, but there are quite a few more psalms written by other people yet to be read and prayed through. YAY! 

APPLICATION/PRAYER

Praying through this psalm is a perfect opportunity to meditate on the character of God. As you see Him in all His glory, it will probably lead you into confession. Enjoy!

1 Kings 1 - Solomon Anointed as King

LINK: 1 Kings 1

BACKGROUND

1 & 2 Kings are a record of the kings of both Israel and Judah.

I Kings has a simple structure:

1. Solomon's Reign (1 Kings 1-11) - 971 B.C. 

2. Kings of the Divided Monarchy (1 Kings 12-22) - 931 B.C.

It should be noted that 2 Chronicles is a parallel history of the same period, but we will study it next year as a refresher of history before we study the prophetic books.

1 Kings 1

Adonijah was David's oldest living son by his fifth wife, Haggith. He made steps to become king with Joab and Abiathar's support. We know this from reading 1 Chronicles 22:9-13 (a parallel passage). It tells us that the Lord told David that Solomon would build the house of God and was to be the successor to David's throne and not Adonijah. In this chapter, the prophet Nathan and Bathsheba joined forces to ensure that Solomon replaced David as king. Through their intercession, Adonijah's plans were thwarted, and Solomon was anointed king of Israel.

REFLECTION/APPLICATION/PRAYER

Keep reading. It is a catch up day!

Put 2 Samuel on the Old Testament History Shelf

2 Samuel Chapter Titles

Here is a recap of the chapters in 2 Samuel:

1: David Mourns the Death of Saul and Jonathan

2: David Fights Abner

3: Joab versus Abner

4: Saul's Son Slain

5: David Reigns

6: Moving the Ark to Jerusalem

7: The Davidic Covenant (The most important chapter in this book)

8: Rest from Enemies

9: Kindness to Jonathan's Son

10: David is Suspected of Wrong Motives

11: David's Sin with Bathsheba

12: "You are the Man!"

13: Consequences for David

14: Absalom's Separation from David

15: Absalom's Rebellion

16: Insults for David

17: Advice for Absalom

18: Absalom is Slain

19: David's Return as King

20: Sheba's Schism

21: Famine as Chastening from God

22: Praise God for His Deliverance!

23: Following the Leader

24: Census Trusting

2 Samuel 24 - Census Trusting

LINK: 2 Samuel 24

BACKGROUND

Why was the Lord angry that David had taken the census? Sometimes, cross-references help us understand, and a parallel passage found in 1 Chronicles 21:1 says that "Satan stood up against Israel and moved David to number Israel."

What was wrong with taking a census? The Life Application Bible has some thoughts:

A census was commanded in Numbers to prepare an army for conquering the promised land (Numbers 1:2; 26:2). A census amounted to a draft or conscription for the army. The land was now at peace, so there was no need to enlist troops. Israel had extended its borders and became a recognized power. David's sin was pride and ambition in counting the people so that he could glory in the size of his nation and army, its power and defenses. By doing this, he put his faith in the size of his army rather than in God's ability to protect them regardless of their number. Even Joab knew a census was wrong, but David did not heed his advice. We sin in a similar way when we place our security in money, possessions, or the might of our nation. (p. 538)

Thankfully, David realized his sin of pride and self-sufficiency and confessed his foolishness to God, but there was still a consequence for his sin.

The book of 2 Samuel closes with David's purchase of a very rich piece of real estate. He purchased the threshing floor on Mt. Moriah. Where have you heard of this before in the Bible Book Club? This is the place where Abraham offered up Isaac in Genesis 22! It will also become the future home of Solomon's temple. Stay tuned!

REFLECTION/APPLICATION (written in 2008)

Right now, we heard of four more families in our church who have been laid off from the second biggest employer in town. This makes eight families, one of which includes our family! Our money and possessions are all from the Lord, and we rely on Him.

The uncertainty of the US economy is another cause for concern. We can trust Him for that too.

What are you putting your security in right now, other than the Lord? Are you trying to be self-sufficient or is your sufficiency from the Lord?

2011 Update: George has been put in a job that puts him right in the center of the university where we have our ministry! God knew what He was doing once again!

2014 Update: The money for the university job dried up. Once again, God provided a wonderful job to replace that one. I think this makes the fourteenth job change in 24 years of marriage. :) Stay tuned!

2023 Update: We had two job changes since then, but the nice thing is that the last two brought him back to our town. Now, he can invest here again. He has a dream job now. It will probably be his last before retirement, but it gives him many international contacts that will be great for the future. 

PRAYER

Lord, thank You that You are the source of everything we need for life and godliness. Help us all to put our trust in You and not count the size of our "army" and put our security in it. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

2 Samuel 23 - Following the Leader

LINK: 2 Samuel 23

BACKGROUND

In his last words, David calls himself the anointed and sweet psalmist of Israel. What a progression he has made from the lowly shepherd boy to acknowledging himself as the anointed king and leader of Israel!

What is most significant about this last song is his reiteration of the Davidic Covenant of 2 Samuel 7:8-16 in 23:5:

Truly is not my house so with God?
For He has made an everlasting covenant with me,
Ordered in all things, and secured;
For all my salvation and all my desire,
Will He not indeed make it grow?

The Scarlet Thread of Redemption

This covenant would result in someone from David's line being the everlasting King, and His name is JESUS! Jesus is all our salvation and all our desire. Praise be to HIM!

The chapter concludes with a list of David's 37 "mighty men." These were men who showed courage in battle as well as wisdom in leadership. By the way, the "thirty" mentioned contains 37 names because it mentions some warriors known to be dead (Uriah, Bathsheba's husband, whom David had slain is among them). They were all very different but had one thing in common: loyalty to their leader, David. Also, notice that there is one notable omission in this list: Joab!

REFLECTION (written in 2008)

The mighty men of David were really just ordinary men who were motivated to greatness by their leader, David. David was an effective leader when he was connected to his Leader, God!

In high school, most people liked me (except the jealous ones) even though I did not necessarily like myself all that much. By the end of my senior year, my room was filled with flowers from all the awards that I had racked up in the academic, social, and athletic realms. During the "award season" of senior year, the mom of my friend, Julie, said to her, "If there is anyone you should look up to and model your life after, it should be Carol." I was flattered, and this was a temporary fix (like a drug) to the deep craving that I had for love and acceptance.

The morning after this lovely compliment, I got a distressed call from Julie telling me that her mom had fallen asleep at the wheel of her Volkswagen Bug, crashed into a pole, and died instantly. Her flower-filled memorial service was set in stark contrast to the flowers in my bedroom, many of which had begun to turn brown with pedals making a mess all over my floor.

Julie's mother's death caused me to ask myself many questions: "So, I win all these awards, but the glory of those awards fade away, just like these flowers. What is life all about anyway if we all eventually die? Why am I here on earth; and if I am someone Julie should look up to and model her life after, who am I looking up to and modeling my life after?"

These verses in James express my position:

But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position; and the rich man is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away. (James 1:9-11)

I was like that "rich man" in pursuit of my own glory because I had achieved everything I had set out to do in high school; but even with all of this, I was really bankrupt in my soul!

Julie's mom's death hit me hard, and my life began to unravel. Sure, I was achieving both academically and athletically in college, but I was very depressed. Yes, I had been a believer in Jesus since I was ten years old, but I did not really know how to follow Him. I needed someone to lead the way.

Then came Cheryl Potter.

Cheryl was a mild-tempered, humble coworker who was not very "rich" in the world's eyes but had EVERYTHING I wanted. We worked alone in the business office of the Fallbrook Hospital on the 3 - 10 p.m. shift. Things would get crazy and stressful when emergencies would come in, and Cheryl always worked diligently and calmly and with love for everyone. Cheryl followed Jesus, and I wanted to follow Cheryl so I could follow Jesus too. The rest is history.

The last time I talked to Cheryl was in the winter of 2005. She was fighting breast cancer, and all my emails had bounced. I was afraid to pick up the phone because of what I might not hear on the other end. I thought that if she had died, she lived her life for something that really mattered: the glory of God. I do not doubt that she left a legacy of "mighty women" behind her, all because she led by following Jesus. Cheryl was really someone to look up to and model her life after.

So, this post has taken all day because I got brave and located an old number for Cheryl and made the dreaded call wondering if she would be on the other end of the line.

And she was! Still Cheryl and cancer-free for three years! Alive and vacuuming! She had just said goodbye to a woman (and her two dogs) who had lived with her for three weeks while the woman was between homes. She was a brand new believer in Jesus. Cheryl was still leading other "mighty women" toward what is really important in life by pointing them toward Jesus.

May I someday live to fill her shoes.

APPLICATION

The leaders we follow will affect our lives. Who are you following? Are they following the Lord?

Also, who is following you, and where are you taking them? I pray you are following the ultimate Leader of us all: JESUS!

PRAYER

Lord, we will follow where You lead us. Lord, we pray for Godly leaders in our lives who follow You. Help us to be Godly leaders to others also. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

2 Samuel 22 & Psalm 18 - Praise God for His Deliverance!

LINK: 2 Samuel 22 & Psalm 18

2 Samuel 22 is almost identical to Psalm 18.  So, you can read through 2 Samuel 22 and then pray through Psalm 18 today and savor it. 

BACKGROUND

David was an old man who could speak from experience because the Lord had delivered him from all his enemies. He had fought his last battle, and this is a song of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord as he looked back at God's faithfulness. "Deliver" is a key word. God had delivered him from five attempts by Saul to kill him (1 Samuel 18:10-11; 19:8-10, 18-24) and numerous enemies. 

I hope you can savor the perfect goodness of God's character in every word of 2 Samuel 22 and Psalm 18!

APPLICATION

Think about God as your rock, fortress, deliverer, refuge, etc. Recall your own history of protection and deliverance. Illustrate it. Pray through it. Write a poem or a song. Enjoy!

PRAYER 

Pray responsively through Psalm 18.

Psalm 140 - Protection in Persecution

LINK: Psalm 140 

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, Psalm 140 is connected with the rebellion of Sheba in 2 Samuel 20. Some commentators connect it with David's years in King Saul's court as Saul's envy and paranoia grew (1 Samuel 17-19). 

It is a prayer for protection from evil men. In the midst of his trial, David focused on God and the future He had for him. It is sometimes included in the "imprecatory psalms" because David calls for God to bring down misfortune on his enemies. 

REFLECTION 

God is a God of protection, but Jesus commanded us to "love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us" (Matthew 5:43-48). So, there is no need for "imprecatory" prayers.  I always say to myself about others, "Do not cross me or you will be prayed for!!" That is the Jesus way. 

APPLICATION

Bless in prayer those who have persecuted or hurt you.

As I write this update, ISIS is closing in on Christians in Iraq. The atrocities are many. Could you pray for them instead of cursing them? 

30-Day Prayer Guide for ISIS

(2023 Update: When I wrote this, ISIS was at the peak of its power. They are still active and still need prayer.)

I have posted this before, but please listen to these two messages about the response we as followers of Jesus should have toward people like ISIS:

"Serve to Win"

"The Other Side of Fear" (exciting news about current events)

PRAYER

Lord, I ask You to bless all those who persecute us. Lord, please visit them with Your presence and transform them with the power of Jesus. Amen.  

2 Samuel 20 & 21 - Sheba, Famine, and Philistines

LINK: 2 Samuel 20 & 21

BACKGROUND

2 Samuel 20

With Absalom's death, there should have been a clear path for David back to the throne, but Sheba led the men of Israel (northern tribes) into revolt. Sheba was eventually killed by the people of Abel Beth Maacah, but this division along tribal lines is a foreshadowing of what will happen after Solomon's death when the kingdom divides. 

2 Samuel 21

The next four chapters are an appendix to the book of 2 Samuel. The events are not presented in any chronological order. Probably toward the end of David's reign, 2 Samuel 21 describes a famine that was punishment for Kings Saul's sin against the Gibeonites, an act of vengeance that the Bible does not record. Israel had vowed to protect the Gibeonites (Joshua 9:15-21, and Joshua 10), but Saul apparently started to perform "ethnic cleansing" on them.

Instead of silver or gold, the Gibeonites asked for seven male descendants so they could practice the tradition of "an eye for eye, tooth for tooth, life for life" (Exodus 21:23-25). Mephibosheth was spared according to David's promise to Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20:15-16, but others were given over for execution (the Mephibosheth mentioned here is Rizpah's son, 2 Samuel 3:7). 

The chapter concludes with Israel battling the Philistines. David was advised, in his old age, to no longer go into battle. The descendants of Rapha were giants (see 2 Samuel 17:4-7).

No REFLECTION or APPLICATION today - keep reading! 

PRAYER

Lord, thank You for Your word that speaks to us that You are a mighty warrior in battle for us. Amen. 

2 Samuel 19 - David's Return as King

LINK: 2 Samuel 19

BACKGROUND

David continued to mourn the death of Absalom until Joab set him straight. David had shamed the people that saved his life by "loving those who hate him (Absalom) and hating those who love him" (his commanders and people). Joab warned that if David did not speak kindly to his servants, they would certainly mutiny. Thankfully, David followed Joab's advice, but the next thing David did was very significant and curious. David replaced Joab as his commander with Amasa. Here is what the commentators say about that:

David's appointment of Amasa was a shrewd political move. First, Amasa had been commander of Absalom's army, by making Amasa his commander, David would secure the allegiance of the rebel army. Second, by replacing Joab as commander in chief, David punished him for his previous crimes (3:26-29). Third, Amasa had a great deal of influence over the leaders of Judah (19:14). All of these moves would help to unite the kingdom. (The Life Application Bible, p.528)

As a result, David won over all the men of Judah as though they were one man, and Judah led the way in inviting David to come back to Jerusalem. This put Shimei, who had cursed the king (16:5-13) in a very awkward position and he begged for forgiveness. The king temporarily granted it (because his last command to Solomon in 1 Kings 2:8-9 was to kill Shimei). David also restored half of Mephibosheth's property (see 16:4). Lastly, David rewarded Barzillai who had provided David with supplies (17:27-29).

The end of this chapter contains foreshadowing of things to come. Israel and Judah squabbled over David's return indicating a schism that was developing between them that will eventually lead to two separate kingdoms. Stay tuned.

REFLECTION

In David's life, we see two men who were not afraid to confront the king: Nathan and Joab. Nathan confronted David when he was in sin, and Joab confronted David when he was on the verge of losing his authority as king.

Once, I had to confront someone who was in authority over me. It was very intimidating because she was someone very well known, but she always told me how grateful she was that I confronted her.

Wounds from a friend can be trusted, 
but an enemy multiplies kisses. 
(Proverbs 17:6)

2014 Update: That leader passed away in 2010. Every time I saw her between that confrontation in 1983 and then, she thanked me for my "care-fronting" her. I miss this mentor in my life too!

APPLICATION

When those you love need to hear the truth about themselves, can you speak the truth in love?

Here is a quote to ponder:

"There is a vast difference between putting your nose in other people's business and putting your heart in other people's problems."

The book Caring Enough to Confront is a very helpful book for this subject.

PRAYER

Lord, give us the courage and strength to "care-front" in love. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Psalm 141 & 143 - Prayers for Deliverance and Pardon

LINK: Psalm 141 & Psalm 143

BACKGROUND 

These are both Psalms of David that were written at an unspecified time. 

Psalm 141 is an evening prayer for deliverance from sins that affliction tempted him into and from enemies who caused it. 

Psalm 143 is the last of the seven "penitential psalms" (Psalm 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143). It is a prayer for pardon and relief from enemies. His afflictions led him into confession and repentance and asking God to lead him in His way.

REFLECTION 

In the past,  I would often pray that God would "set a guard over my mouth" and "keep watch over the door of my lips" (Psalm 141:3) only to find myself caught in saying something I should not say or entering into some kind of talk that was not right to fit in, especially when I was younger and the "older Titus 2 women"  (Titus 2:3-5) I was associated with were pretty loose with their lips and would backbite about each other (and we know that "loose lips sink ships")! I would often allow my heart to be "drawn to evil" and "take part in the evil deeds" (Psalm 141:4) of speech that did not honor God. I remember constantly having this as an application from Scripture, especially when in the book of Proverbs because it says a lot about the tongue (stay tuned, we head into Proverbs soon). I would constantly fail though!

When I went overseas, I was involved with people who were very careful with their tongues. In fact, we all agreed not to say anything to others when in conflict and go directly to the people involved. This made for a culture of peace. I knew that this kind of environment was possible. So, when we returned from overseas, we prayed for a church with a culture of peace. It took seven years for us to find one, only to find that the "ringleader" in peace at our new church was a high school and college friend of my husband's! 

I am happy to say that we have been part of this "Culture of Peace" Church since 2006, and it has made a world of difference in keeping me from sinning in this area (because we often become like the people we associate with). 

(2023 Update: Still a Culture of Peace there and still have not heard any backbiting or gossip.) 

Don't get me wrong, we have just as much conflict as any other group of sinners, but it is in a culture of reconciliation. In all the time we have been there, I have not once heard backbiting or gossip. Conflict is resolved directly with others or assisted by trained peacemaking coaches and mediators with the goal of love. I love it! Now that I am an "older" woman in this church, I want to be a model of that to younger women. 

APPLICATION 

The Life Application Bible says this:

James wrote that "the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts" (James 3:5). On average, the person opens his or her mouth approximately 700 times a day to speak. David wisely asked God to help keep him from speaking evil -- sometimes even as he underwent persecution. Jesus himself was silent before his accusers (Matthew 26:63). Knowing the power of the tongue, we would do well to ask God to guard what we say so that our words will bring honor to his name.

May this be our prayer today!

PRAYER

Lord, guard our tongues today from every form of evil. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen. 

Psalm 70 & 84 - God Our Help and Home

LINK: Psalm 70 & Psalm 84 

BACKGROUND  

Psalm 70

This is a "petitionary psalm" of David. Petition literally means to "bring to remembrance" to God. It is a short prayer for quick rescue and anticipates rejoicing for the rescue. It was written during a traumatic moment in his life. Some commentators believe it may have been during the civil war with Absalom and others believe it was either during his time of exile while Saul was king or shortly after his coronation. The Psalm corresponds to Psalm 40:13-17 with a few variations.

Psalm 84

This psalm was written during an unspecified time in David's life by the descendants of Korah. This psalm is often read with Psalms 42 and 43. They all express that heartfelt desire for a place of worship. It is a "pilgrim psalm," but it is not in the collection of pilgrim psalms of ascent (Psalm 120-134). It proclaims the blessedness of the pilgrim who goes in faith to the temple because it was at the temple where people met with the Lord through the priests. On this pilgrimage, they were strengthened even through the Valley of Baca ("balsam tree"). This was apparently a waterless place that became a place of springs.

The Scarlet Thread of Redemption

We do not need the temple. We have constant access to the presence of God because of the shed blood of Jesus Christ and His intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25; 10:19-25)!

REFLECTION (written in 2008)

In the midst of a very busy and hectic day in the middle of a very busy and hectic week, I realized I had some time to "steal away" in my bedroom before eight teenagers, their moms, and younger siblings descended upon my house for an afternoon homeschool literature class. I had just spent the better part of the morning teaching another class at our co-op. I was zonked. My heart yearned for a place of quiet rest in the presence of the Lord away from the bustle of activity that surrounded me. 

This Psalm met me as I entered that place. The words were a comfort to my tired soul as I "nested" with the Lord like a "sparrow" who has found a home" (84:3). Sometimes, we think we have to have a huge span of time and the perfect place to meet with God, but God meets us anywhere at any time if we only "set our heart on pilgrimage" straight into His presence.

I only had twenty minutes before the kids filled my house, but God was more than capable to meet me in that time and fill me. He can fill you up too. Just set your heart on pilgrimage.

APPLICATION

Set your heart on pilgrimage to be in the presence of God no matter how busy or hectic your day is today. God WILL meet you!

Here is a story that I have had in pamphlet form since I was young: My Heart Christ's Home.

PRAYER

Lord, thank You that You no longer dwell in a building but in my heart. Thank You that You are there 24/7/365 to meet with me. Lord, forgive me when my heart wanders away from Your presence. Fix my heart and focus on You and toward "pilgrimage." I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Psalm 63 & 64 - Presence, Provision, and Protection Prayers

LINK: Psalm 63 & 64

BACKGROUND

Psalm 63

This may have been written during the time of Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 15). While in the dry, hot Desert of Judah, far from the Ark and Tabernacle of God, David thirsted for the Lord. What a word picture! He was probably lonely and desired nothing but God's presence, provision, and protection.

Psalm 64

This psalm also could have been written during Absalom's rebellion, but it could have also been while David served in Saul's court (1 Samuel 18-20). He knew that Saul was his enemy and wanted to kill him. Eventually, he had to flee and hide in the wilderness. This Psalm helps us to turn to God in the real battles that we face against Satan and his hosts (Ephesians 6:10ff).

REFLECTION (written in 2008)

When I was going over goals for the year with one of the women I am discipling, she said that she wanted to "hunger and thirst for God" much like David is talking about in Psalm 63. What a great goal! But as a discipler, I came away with the question: How can I help create hunger and thirst in her?

Over the last three years, I have helped her to meditate, pray through, and study the Scriptures. We have spent many hours together praying and seeking God. I have seen tremendous growth too. She is spending regular time with God and prays conversationally throughout the day. She is giving her life to other women in discipleship and investing deeply in her adorable daughter as she teaches her to pray conversationally (so cute!). She is also establishing family traditions in her young family that will foster growth, and she is passing that on to other young moms by teaching a class on it. TODAY, she is hosting an event where twenty moms are making a Jesse Tree and ornaments to use with their families during Christmas! How fun! If you want to know more about that see my post HERE. 

All that said, she wants to hunger and thirst more for God. I know there is nothing I can do but pray for her and for opportunities that create a thirst in her.

I just had a flashback to the mid-seventies when my family was riding dune buggies out in the middle of the California desert, and I got this "great" idea to walk all the way back to our campsite (about five miles). I bid my dad goodbye and set out on my adventure only to realize that I had forgotten to pack water for my trip! I was hot and thirsty (not to mention stupid - what was I thinking?). Then, I got scared, seeing animals and snakes at every turn. I did a lot of crying out in that California desert. It turned out to be a horrible experience. 

By the time I reached the campsite, I was pretty desperate for the protection and presence of my family and the provision of water for my dehydrated body! (Somehow I remember my mom being pretty upset with my dad for letting me do it. What was HE thinking!?) I certainly put myself in a situation where I learned hunger and thirst!

Maybe we just do not put ourselves in enough desperate situations to really "need" God anymore. We rely on our money and jobs and things and friends and family instead of God who is the only One who truly satisfies us (63:5). In light of current events, maybe this economic downturn is the best thing that could happen to us?

All I know is that I want to hunger and thirst for Him too. How about you?

APPLICATION

Here are some application questions my Pastor Steve asked after he taught on this psalm:

Do I long for the same intensity of the relationship that David had? Do I desire the same level of experience that he had with God?

Do you earnestly seek God as though you were dying of thirst?

Have you seen His power and glory in worship?

Do you sincerely believe His love is better than life?

Are you free enough in worship to lift your hands to Him?

Does God satisfy your soul?

Do you sing to God? Not just follow the order of worship, but really sing to Him.

When you wake in the night are your thoughts of Him?

Do you cling to Him as though life would not be worth living without Him?

PRAYER

Lord, I hesitate to pray that You would create hunger and thirst in me and others because it may be the result of real pain and hardship. I do not like pain, but it would be worth it to have more of You. Lord, create in us a hunger and thirst for You. Help us to desire You more than our favorite dessert! We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

2 Samuel 18 - Absalom is Slain

LINK: 2 Samuel 18

BACKGROUND

David's army went out to defeat Absalom's army, and David had one request: "Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom." Absalom's army was routed, and on his retreat on a mule, his phenomenal head of hair (noted in 14:25-26) caught on a tree. David's soldiers had heard David's request to be gentle to Absalom, but Joab did not honor it and slayed him mercilessly. Absalom was buried in a pit with memorial stones heaped on top even though Absalom had already erected a monument for himself (See Joshua 4:5-9 and Joshua 7:20-26 for two other examples when stones were heaped). What a contrast!

Ahimaaz (David's courier) and the Cushite raced to tell David. Commentators believe Joab wanted the Cushite to go first because the Cushite was more "expendable" than Ahimaaz, and Joab might have been afraid David would kill the messenger like he did in 2 Samuel 1:13-15. When David heard the news, he mourned the loss of his son-turned-enemy, Absalom.

REFLECTION/APPLICATION

A reflection from the Daily Walk about parenting:

"This is going to hurt me more than it hurts you" is probably one of the most unbelievable things a parent can say to a child--at least from the child's perspective! Though the parent's words are sincere, the child finds them hard to believe since it isn't Mom or Dad who feels the sting of punishment. 

Discipline, regardless of the form it takes, is never pleasant at the moment (Hebrews 12:11). But it is necessary to ensure that both parent and child aren't hurt even more in the future when they begin to reap the consequences of a lack of discipline. 

King David, preoccupied with his royal duties, allowed his wayward son to continue in disobedience. Had David attempted to curb Absalom's rebellion, it would have been painful--but not nearly as painful as the grief David experienced when his son planned a revolt against him and then died a rebel. 

Do you see discipline as a pain to be avoided, or a means of avoiding pain? Write down three reasons why children need to be disciplined in love. As a parent or for yourself, learn from David's sad example.  (Daily Walk, March 2008)

No matter what "plan" you follow regarding the discipline of your kids. The key is to have some kind of loving plan, be on the same page as your spouse with that plan and be consistent with the plan!

All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, 

but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, 

afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.  

(Hebrews 12:11)

PRAYER

God, I pray that You will give each person reading this post a plan for raising their children in a way that honors and glorifies You. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Psalm 61 & 62 - God as Rock and Rest

LINK: Psalm 61 & 62

BACKGROUND

Many commentators believe these two Psalms were written by David during the time of Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 15). Psalm 61 was David's prayer for strength and security when he was faint. In Psalm 62, David placed all his hope in God and rested in His ultimate control in a trial.

REFLECTION 

Psalm 62:1 reads "My soul finds rest in God alone" in the NIV, and most other translations say, "My soul waits in silence." I like a combination of the two of these! 

The Hebrew word here is dumiyyāh which means "silence, a quiet wait, in silence, rest." Specifically, this Psalm, indicates, "a time of reverential silence and patience as one waits for God." It comes from the root word, dāmāh, which means "to cease, to cause to cease, to be silent" (Baker, W., & Carpenter, E. E. 2003. The complete word study dictionary: Old Testament. AMG Publishers: Chattanooga, TN., p. 230, 240).

How many of us, amid the whirlwind of oppression or conflict or stress, cease from it and quietly wait and rest in His presence?

Two twins were born prematurely and died two days ago.  My friend, who was in her first birth as a doula (birth attendant), is reeling emotionally from the experience, and she wants to talk, but I want her to cease and be silent and ask God what He has for her in this moment of sadness and her doubts as to God really is the "rock" David claims Him to be. 

I know it may be hard to believe that you can find rest during oppressive circumstances as David did, but it is possible. And it is imperative that we find Him to be unshakable (62:2) in a shaken-up world if we hope to have any impact on that world! We cannot give what we do not have. 

He gives us a glimpse of who He really is in the Psalms because He wants us to know it deep down in our souls and wants to fill our souls with Himself so that we might overflow onto a lost world. 

So that is why I implore you to dig deep into the Psalms. Remember that they were Jesus' prayer book. I camped in them deeply throughout my 20s, and they have formed the bedrock of what I believe about the character of God. He is truly the rock, the fortress, the salvation, the stronghold, the refuge that David says He is, and the hope for every soul.  Because He is all these things, we can trust in Him at all times and pour out our hearts before Him in all of life's circumstances.  

I want you to come out of your reading of these Psalms like David:

Once God has spoken;

Twice I have heard this:

That power belongs to God;

And lovingkindness is Yours, O Lord.

(Psalm 62:11-12)

The phrase "once . . . twice" in Hebrew means "many times, repeatedly."  The Message paraphrase says, "Strength comes straight from God."  Do you believe this? No life circumstance is too difficult for God. Can you rest in Him today?

The Scarlet Thread of Redemption

The Sabbath rest day is neither Saturday nor Sunday, it is the eternal rest we have in Jesus.  You might want to read all of Hebrews 4 to understand this, but the gist of this chapter is summed up here: 

So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His. Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience. (Hebrews 4:9-11)

God's character of strength and love are revealed in Jesus who invites you to come and rest:

   Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. 

Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. 

I’ll show you how to take a real rest. 

Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it.

Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. 

I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. 

Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.

(Matthew 11:28–30, The Message)  

When we put our faith in Jesus Christ, we enter into an eternal rest. I pray you can live into and claim that rest today!

APPLICATION

This is a perfect week for me to be writing this. I have had a very busy week. I purposed to rest today!  Do you have a rest day?  It takes some effort to carve out the time, but I have so benefited from having at least one day a week to do this. I worked through the whole weekend and into Monday night. While a person was wanting to talk ASAP (in a rather demanding way, I might add), I knew God was calling me to a day of rest. I could not pour into her out of my exhausted state. I needed to realign and find His strength once again. Perfect that this Psalm came my way at just the right time. 

God wants us to rest amid life too! Are you at rest today? Let go of control and give that control over to God. You will find blessed rest during circumstances you cannot change.

APPLICATION

I find this prayer helpful when needing to let go of control and give control over to God:

PRAYER

Lord, we give You complete control of everything. We surrender all. We come to You and rest. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.