2 Samuel 10, 2 Samuel 11, 2 Samuel 12, John 3:1-15

“The thing that David had done displeased the Lord.” 2 Samuel 11:27

Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3

Please Read at: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2Sam10,11,12;%20John%203:1-15&version=NKJV 

2 Samuel 10    Be of good courage, and let us be strong for our people and for the cities of our God. And may the Lord do what is good in His sight.” v.12

                  “David said, ‘I will show kindness’”, but he was distrusted so Israel was challenged with war. The Lord did what was “good in His sight.” Thus the people of Ammon were defeated and the Syrians made peace with Israel and served them.

“Righteousness exalts a nation,…” Proverbs 14:34

2 Samuel 11             David remained…arose from his bed and walked…saw a woman bathing…very beautiful to behold…sent and inquired…took her…lay with her…and the woman conceived.

             But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. James 1:14-16

               Righteous Uriah (Matthew 1:6) rejected David’s enticements: “As you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do this thing.” So King David ordered murder: “Set Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retreat from him, that he may be struck down and die.” 

“…But sin is a reproach to any people.” Proverbs 14:34

2 Samuel 12             The Lord sent Nathan to David…“You are the man!…Why have you despised the commandment of the Lord, to do evil in His sight?…Now therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised Me…For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel, before the sun.”…So David said…“I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die. However, because by this deed you have…    David therefore pleaded with God, fasted…the child died. …So David arose from the ground, washed and anointed himself, and changed his clothes; and he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped.…Now the Lord loved him, and He sent word by the hand of Nathan the prophet.

            God Convicts me of sin. I agree with God and Confess my sin. I hate my sin and turn away from it in Repentance. With Joy of God’s cleansing, I Worship the Lord God Almighty whole heartedly. Out of the fullness of my heart, my mouth testifies to what the Lord God has done. I “bear fruits worthy of repentance.” Matthew 3:8   –  A repeated cycle of sanctification for holiness by delighting in the LORD.

John 3:1-15              Jesus answered…unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God…unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. …‘You must be born again.’…born of the Spirit.…the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. 

            King David was a man after God’s own heart. Like me, David was not perfect. David lived at a greater disadvantage by not having all the spiritual tools I have available today. King David did not have: the full completed Bible, the knowledge of God in flesh, the Lord Jesus Christ, the satisfaction of the fulfilled Atonement, nor the Wisdom and Power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. All of this is available for us today.

             By testifying of His sacrificial offer, Jesus’ Words invite you and me to come to Him so that we “should not perish but have eternal life.”

What is your choice? Eternal perishing or eternal Life? Literally hell or heaven? Despising “the commandment of the Lord, to do evil in His sight?” Or confessing, repenting and worshipping? “I have sinned against the Lord…and he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped.” 

What is my choice? Lord God Almighty, I am sorry for my sins against You. Once again, I resubmit my will to You, living God. I reject my sins of today, yesterday, and my wrong thoughts for tomorrow. Please forgive me by the Blood of Jesus Christ. Please fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I would live under and for You today and allways, by Your Power and Word of God Wisdom. Teach me, Show me, Guide me and Grow me that I would know You more intimately and live more submitted to You for Your Purpose and Glory all the days of my life. Lord Jesus Christ, I praise You that You are God and are Holy. Please enable and empower me to help others to know You so that they will worship You as You desire, in Spirit and in Truth. “To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.” Jude 1:25

Helpful Notes –         God writes His Law on the hearts of those who are New Creatures in Christ Jesus because of Jesus’ atoning death and resurrection.    John 1:1-3; John 1:12-14; John 1:29; John 14:6; Hebrews 1:3; Matthew 11:28-30; 2 Corinthians 5:17; John 4:23-24; Psalm 37:4; Romans 3:21-26; Hebrews 2:17; 1 John 2:2; 1 John 4:10; 1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22; Hebrews 10:16; Jeremiah 17:9; Jeremiah 31:33-34; Ezekiel 36:25-29; James 1:21-22; John 16:13; John 14:15-17; Hebrews 11:6

Crystal (PsalmThirty4)

Advertisement

Judges 1, Judges 2, Judges 3, Luke 12:32-59

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges%201,2,3;%20Luke%2012:32-59&version=NKJV

 God’s People in Pain ~ God’s people Rule ~ God’s Kingdom Comes 

Judges 1             “Judah shall go up … fight against the Canaanites …  and the Lord delivered” But the tribes “did not drive out the” surrounding peoples.  

Judges 2              The Lord came…said: you shall make no covenant with the inhabitants of this land…tear down their altars. But you have not obeyed My voice. -Therefore… they shall be thorns in your side, and their gods shall be a snare to you.’ So…all the children of Israel…lifted up their voices and wept…Then the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and served the Baals…Yet they would not listen to their judges…Then the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel;  

Judges 3            they gave their daughters…they served their gods…again did evil in the sight of the Lord.  

                       The Almighty, Holy, Faithful God continuously protected His people and set them free from their enemies. God gave them a kingdom on earth and made them accountable to Him. But time and time again God’s people ignored God’s Word, Character, Commands and Love for them. They turned away from Him to worship and obey what they could see, feel, and hear. They mingled their hearts and lives with demons and idols. God’s people did evil in His sight so God’s anger was against them. Even though they “lifted up their voices and wept”, “Yet they would not listen”. 2 Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 11:6; 2 Chronicles 11:15; Revelation 9:20

Points to ponder –    The Lord God is worthy of my complete, full hearted obedience. Partial obedience is DISobedience. God requires 100% loyalty, trust and faith in Action.

                 People refused God’s protective law by NOT driving out what influenced them to sin. Inaction was rejection of God.

                     God’s people, though loved by God, alienated themselves from Him. By their allegiance to personal pride and lust, their lives were filled with many types of deep pain. God’s people proved to be unfaithful and double-minded/ hearted.

                     It wasn’t about the people, it was all about God! What would have Glorified the Lord God and brought His people unshakable Joy? Living with God in the freedom of the Promised Land AND thus showing and introducing the idolaters to God, for them love, worship and be freed by the Living God too! They all would have had eternal life! And God’s peace would have reigned through them all!

                 Lord, reveal to me how I live by my physical, temporal, self-willed senses and NOT by faith and Holy Spirit “sight” in trusting Your Reality of Truth in order to please You. Show me how my mind changes due to fear and “discomfort” so I do not Love by faith in Jesus Who sacrificed His life for me to NOW live a vibrant eternal life by His Word and Power.  

Luke 12:32-59          “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell what you have and give…provide…a treasure in the heavens that does not fail…there your heart will be also.”

                  Lord Jesus’ Words ringing clear and true, for the Israelites, nowadays and Jesus’ time! I hear the same tune, “Turn from you see, feel, and hear. Do not mingle your heart with demons and idols, but trust God and thereby receive the good Kingdom your Father pleasures to give you!”  

                 Jesus, please awaken many to disown their earthly treasures, loyalties and idolatries that cause their hearts to pain and fear, so not to perish. Please have Your Word Drive Out the thoughts, words, habits, values and lusts so we do not turn our backs against Your Father. Jesus, you had me born-again for God’s Kingdom living and rule under You. Please, Lord, increase Your territory of Love throughout myself and my sphere of influence.  

“Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching…Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.…Blessed is that servant whom…his master will find so doing when he comes…that he will make him ruler over all that he has…BUT IF that servant…begins to beat the…servants, and…be drunk, the master…will come …when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers…For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.

My Kingdom of God agenda:            What have I traded permanent for temporary? How am I using the time and tools God has allotted me?

             What territory have I left laid to waste? What “Christian” thinking of “grace” has allowed the weeds and thorns to infest and rot my “territory” because my passionate desire for God’s gleaming righteousness and glory has dimmed by excuses, rationalizations and compromise? Am I Driving Out unholy thinking with the Word of God and acting upon it?

            Am I being truthful to myself and with those in my charge? Or am I watering down the Gospel and Jesus’ Blood? Am I selling out cheap grace using a “get out of hell” card without James 1-4 enacted? What kind of servant am I? Much is REQUIRED of me by God.

Jesus said, “I came to send fire on the earth …to give…division…one house will be divided…but how is it you do not discern this time?”

                  What time is it now? “In the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents,” and “rumors of wars”.  

“I tell you, you shall not depart from there till you have paid the very last mite.”

 This Good News requires my responsibility and accountability to my Master, Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

                 Am I using God’s eternal Tool, the Word of God? Am I praying without ceasing for God’s Holy Spirit counsel and Doing what He says? Jesus gives life to those who seek, ask and receive in God’s terms. Lord Jesus, have me follow hard after You and Drive Out whatever thwarts for Your cleansed temple within me! Have Your Kingdom come on earth as it is in Heaven.

Bible References –         James 2:10-26; 1 John 4:10; 1 John 5:3; Jude 1:16-25 +  James 1:2-8, James 4:7-10       +    John 1:12-14; John 3:3-21; Psalm 51; 1 John 3:1; Psalm 145:13; Matthew 24:14; Luke 1:31-33; 1   +  Corinthians 15:23-28; Matthew 25:31; Matthew 28:18-20; Matthew 6:9-13; 1 Chronicles 4:9-10   +  2 Timothy 3:1-9; Matthew 24; Mark 13     +  James 1-4,1 John 1-5, Jude 1  +  1 Thessalonians 5:17; Matthew 7:7-8; Matthew 11:28; Romans 10:9-10; 1 John 1:9; John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Corinthians 6:19 

Crystal (PsalmThirty4)

2 Samuel 13, 2 Corinthians 6, Ezekiel 20, Psalm 66, Psalm 67

Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2

             Nevertheless I withdrew My hand and acted for My name’s sake, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the Gentiles”  Ezekiel 20:22

 Read at – www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Sam.%2013;%202%20Cor.%206;%20Ezek.20;%20Ps.66,67&version=NKJV

2 Samuel 13             Horrific tale: Lust, bad advice, rape, shame, desolation, hate, revenge, murder, broken relationships, death. Where is the justice? Where is the reconciliation, peace and healing in this chapter? There is none because it’s not an episode from TV Land. The Bible is Real Life. Imperfect people: imperfect dad, sons and brothers and a Perfect God. People severely flawed by their sin nature in need of God the Savior. 

“Was it not I, the LORD? And there is no God apart from Me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none but Me.” Isaiah 45:21

            “Each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.“ James 1:14-15              ~~       Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. Romans 8:8

The remedy? >>  What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!  Romans 7:24-25

                    The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:26-27, Romans 7:14- Romans 8

2 Corinthians 6                   Lord Jesus, Your commands are clear – I am to turn away from my own natural affections for the pursuit of Yours! 

                      How often do I yoke in agreement with people who do not know, love or obey You? People who unknowingly live according to idols of “harmless pleasure” of spiritual death. I restrict myself from Your limitless Joy, Peace, Wisdom and Hope whenever I do!! You contend with me: “What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God.” Thank You for that reminder!

                    “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.” “ I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 

            The day was clear and bright. The people were in the bar of smoke and noise. You spoke softly and clearly to me to go out. I came out into the bright sunshine and smiled! No more gossip in my ears or infidelity in my eyes. Just freedom to receive Your overt love and healing! What relief and joy filled my being! Thank You Jesus!

Ezekiel 20                 “Nevertheless I withdrew My hand and acted for My name’s sake, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the Gentiles …  Then you shall know that I am the LORD, when I have dealt with you for My name’s sake, not according to your wicked ways nor according to your corrupt doings, O house of Israel,” says the Lord GOD.   Ezekiel 20:22,44

                     Oh the incessant rebellion of God’s people! A repeated cycle: “the children rebelled against Me; they did not walk in My statutes, and were not careful to observe My judgments, ‘which, if a man does, he shall live by them’; but they profaned My Sabbaths.” Ezekiel 20:21

              Your faithfulness abounds limitlessly!! You are God “Who does great things, and unsearchable, Marvelous things without number.” Job 5:9

                       You planned and did change history, proclaiming it ahead of time! “I will accept you as a sweet aroma when I bring you out from the peoples and gather you out of the countries where you have been scattered; and I will be hallowed in you before the Gentiles. Then you shall know that I am the LORD, when I bring you into the land of Israel, into the country for which I raised My hand in an oath to give to your fathers.” Ezekiel 20:41-42 You have already accomplished this Holy One! Israel is a nation, drawn from countries all over the world! (Isaiah 66:8, 1948, 1967)

            Thank You for Your Word, Lord God. It increases my trust in You by seeing You through the ages of history onto the annals of the future. Your steadfast and good character makes me KNOW I can depend on You for my every good desire and need. You compel me to adhere to Your Word and submit to Your Holy Spirit for the Joy of my life and the soundness of my heart and mind. Thank You Father for adopting me to be Your child by the Blood of YourSson Jesus. I am grateful and feel indebted to love You with all of me.     (John 1:12-14; John 3:3-6; John 3:15-18; Ephesians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:18-21; 1 Peter 1:23; 1 John 3:1)

Psalm 66 and Psalm 67               

Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth!   How awesome are Your works!  Your enemies shall submit themselves to You.
         
Come and see the works of God; He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men.
Oh, bless our God, you peoples! And make the voice of His praise to be heard, For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined.

                     The theme is consistent throughout these readings! Lord God, You are Sovereign and Good. Your Word stands true timelessly. I rejoice with You, Lord God, for Your victory over all. Continue to display Your character and glory so that all people throughout the earth will repent, turning to worship You. Only then are they saved from permanent, torturous destruction in hell. I was not worthy of Your changing me, and I am grateful that You continue to reach out to all, inviting them to be changed by You! Matthew 11:28-30; 2 Corinthians 5:17; John 14:6 

I will go into Your house with burnt offerings; I will pay You my vows,
Come and hear, all you who fear God, And I will declare what He has done for my soul.
I cried to Him with my mouth, And He was extolled with my tongue. If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear. Psalm 66

For You shall judge the people righteously, And govern the nations on earth. 
God shall bless us, And all the ends of the earth shall fear Him. Psalm 67

 Crystal (PsalmThirty4)