I Kings 1:1–53

August 5, 2010

David was old and close to death. His son Adonijah was a very proud man and he decided that he would be king. So, he gathered men and chariots and horses for himself. He spoke to Joab (the commander of the army), and Abithar the priest, and they agreed to help him. So, he gathered all the important men and David's other sons and announced he was king. He began the process of killing sheep and cattle for sacrifices. He notably did not include those who he knew would be loyal to David in his plans. He didn't include Nathan, Zadok, Solomon, etc.

Adonijah saw what happened when his older brother Absalom tried to remove their father as king. But that didn't stop Adonijah. I'm sure he just thought he was smarter and that his plan was better. After all, David was almost dead anyways. This was not a spur of the moment decision. It took time to come up with and implement his plan. Psalm 140 - "they devise evil plans in their heart..."

For awhile it appeared as if Adonijah was going to be successful in fulfilling his plan.

Bathsheba and Nathan go to David and tell him what Adonijah is doing. They tell him, "All Israel is waiting for you to decide who will be king after you." Nathan asks David, "Did you do this?" Did you make Adonijah king? David then tells them what to do to make Solomon king. They put Solomon on the king's mules, took him down to the spring, anointed him with oil and blew the trumpet. And with that, Solomon was made king. 

Adonijah hears the noise and shouting and wonders what the commotion is about. He sees the son of the priest that joined him in his plans come running. He knows he is an important man so Adonijah thinks he is bringing good news. Instead, he tells them that Solomon was made king. Those who had joined Adonijah became afraid and left. Adonijah was afraid as well and he runs to the altar, holding on to its corners for safety. He asks Solomon not to kill him.

The picture of this just astounds me even though I know people do the exact same thing today. Here is Adonijah, a man who is in charge of his life, doing what he wants when he wants it. He does not consult God about what he wants done, he decides for himself. He plots... he schemes... he puts his plan in motion. But when he gets caught, where does he run? To the altar. Seeking forgiveness? No. Just seeking to save his own skin. Using God. What an oxymoron. Use God to suit your own purposes. Not only was he using God, he also was preventing anyone else from using the altar until he got what he wanted. 

Solomon's response was this: as long as Adonijah showed he was a man of honor he would live and not even a single hair on his head would be harmed. But, if he does anything wrong he will die. In other words, if you are a changed man nothing will happen to you. But if you continue to be who you have shown yourself to be you will die.


Next Entry: I Kings 2:1–46

II Samuel 23:8 – 24:25

August 04, 2010

I see three distinct themes in this section.

1. God's amazing protection and salvation. These verses list the names of the great warriors of David's army, and the amazing battles they won. One man fought for so long that his hand froze in its position on his spear. Another one stood in the middle of the field and fought for it and defeated the Philistines. Another time one went into battle with a club while his enemy had a spear. He took the spear from the enemy and the enemy was killed with his own spear. All these men were brave, but it was the LORD who gave the victory!!

2. Sin and its consequences. David decided (on his own) to count the people. This was a direct sin against God. David was given a choice of three consequences. He choose one, and 70,000 people died.

3. Repentance and forgiveness.  David repented. He accepted personal accountability, paid the cost for his sin, and forgiveness was granted. 

You cannot avoid the consequences of the choices you make. When you repent and accept the cost there is full forgiveness. However, sometimes other people pay the price for the choices we make, or we pay the price for the choices other people make.70,000 Israelites died because of David's choices.Then God said, "That is enough," and David accepted personal responsibility for his actions.

We are looking forward to the day when "the storm" is over and there has either been a change of heart or God says, "That is enough." I hope there is an acceptance of personal responsibility and there is an understanding of, "I am the one who sinned and did wrong... they did nothing wrong." IF—there is repentance, THEN—there is forgiveness, peace, and contentment. When David accepted the consequences for his choices, "Then the LORD answered his prayer."

It's the only way. You cannot avoid the consequences of your choices. With repentance you also get forgiveness, peace, joy, restoration, contentment, acceptance, true freedom, and life. "If my people who are called by my name humble themselves and pray, seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, THEN I will hear their prayers and heal their land."


Next Entry: I Kings 1:1–53

II Samuel 21:1 – 23:7 (Continued)

August 03, 2010

The end of II Samuel 21 recounts several other battles between David and the Israelites and the Philistines. In man's eyes the odds were stacked against David every time, but it wasn't "man" that David depended on; it was God. That is who we depend on. No matter the size of the enemy, no matter who the enemy, God is more powerful!  Psalm 62:1-2  - "I find rest in God; only He can save me. He is my rock and my salvation. He is my defender; I will not be defeated." Psalm 62:5-6 - "I find rest in God; only He gives me hope. He is my rock and my salvation. He is my defender; I will not be defeated. (Verses my husband and I quote while walking and praying about "the storm.")

II Samuel 22 is David's song he sang to the LORD when he was saved from Saul and his other enemies. I have the entire chapter highlighted. For years now we have prayed Psalm 150, Psalm 140, Psalm 1, Psalm 62:1–2; 5–6. Phrases and words from the Psalms we have prayed are found through out David's song of praise to the LORD for the victory He gave. Psalm 8 - "Who is man?" Psalm 121 - "Where does my help come from?" My help comes from the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth. I will keep my eyes on who is in control and not the circumstances we are in. I will choose to believe the promises He/Jane (Her Name Was Jane) gave us. We will continue to trust Him for His sustaining grace and for His continued protection. Blessed be the name of the LORD!

PSALM 121

I look up to the hills,

     but where does my help come from?

My help comes from the LORD,

     who made heaven and earth.

He will not let you be defeated.

     He who guards you never sleeps.

He who guards Israel

     never rests or sleeps.

The LORD guards you.

     The LORD is the shade that protects you from the sun.

The sun cannot hurt you during the day,

     and the moon cannot hurt you at night.

The LORD will protect you for all dangers;

     he will guard you life.

The LORD will guard you as you come and go

     both now and forever more.

PSALM 8 - "Oh Lord, our LORD, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set you glory above the heavens. From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and avenger. When I consider you heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings, and crowned him will glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works of you hands; you put everything under his feet: all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the sea. O Lord, our LORD, how majestic is your name in all the earth."

II Samuel 23:1-7 - David's last words.

The Lord's Spirit spoke through me

     and his word was on my tongue. 

The God of Israel spoke,

     and the Rock of Israel said to me:

Whoever rules fairly over people  

     who rules with respect for God,

Is like the morning light at dawn,

     like a morning with out clouds.

He is like sunshine after a rain

     that makes the grass sprout from the ground.

This is how God has cared for my family.

     God made a lasting agreement with me,

     right and sure in every way.

He will accomplish my salvation

     and satisfy all my desires.

But all evil people will be thrown away like thorns

     that cannot be held in a hand.

No one can touch them

     except with a tool of iron or wood.

They will be thrown in the fire and burn where they lie. 

Next Entry: II Samuel 23:8 – 24:25

II Samuel 21:1 – 23:7

August 02, 2010

For three years. During the time David reigned as king there was a famine that lasted for three years. David went to the Gibeonites and asked them what was going on. Why the famine? They answered it was because of what Saul had done years earlier.

For three years. David and the Israelites were stuck in a famine situation. They weren't stuck in a famine because of anything they had done. They were stuck in a famine because of what Saul had done years before.

For three years. Saul's son paid the price for the father's sin. The choices we make matter!! And they matter for generations. Once the sins of Saul were accounted for and the people had done everything they were commanded to do, the famine passed. Then II Samuel 21:14 - "Then God answered the prayers for the land."

Jeremiah 33 - God's promise to restore the land while Jeremiah was still held captive. God's last promise to us through His servant Jane. (Her Name Was Jane).     

Addendum: 11/4/14 ~ We absolutely still firmly believe the promises God gave us through Jane. It may take years, but God has a plan, and we will wait patiently for His plan to be revealed.


Next Entry: II Samuel 21:1 – 23:7 (Continued)

II Samuel 20:1–26

July 30, 2010

Absalom is dead.

Sheba was a troublemaker. Even though Absalom was dead Sheba still tried to stir up trouble with the Israelites. He blew the trumpet, saying they (the Israelites) didn't have any share in David, let's go home. And they did. All except the family of Judah. The family of Judah stayed and supported David as king. David recognized that someone like Sheba was even more dangerous than someone like Absalom. 

David calls for Amasa (who commanded Absalom's troops) to gather the men of Judah and to meet him in three days. II Samuel 19:13 - David says he plans on making Amasa commander of the army instead of Joab. But Amasa doesn't do as the king said. He delays and takes his time. As Joab goes out to find Sheba he meets Amasa. Amasa doesn't suspect any harm. Joab acts as if he was going to kiss him and stabs him instead, killing Amasa. Joab's actions were wrong. This is the second time that he killed a leader (not including Absalom) totally unprovoked. He acted on his own each of those times. He was not following David's orders. Obviously Amasa could not be trusted either or he would have obeyed David's direct orders and would not have decided to do things his own way.

Joab and his men continued on chasing Sheba. They come to the city where he was hiding. They proceed to start to destroy the city in order to get to him. A wise woman asked, why are you destroying what is God's—the city. Joab answered that he didn't want to, but they had to reach Sheba. The woman replied that they would throw the head of Sheba over the wall the next day.

And that is what happened. Sheba's head was thrown over and the army left the city.


Next Entry: II Samuel 21:1 – 23:7

II Samuel 17:24 – 19:43

July 29, 2010

David arrives at Mahanaim. While there, three men arrive with provisions for the people. Barzillai was one of them. Absalom was still in pursuit. David got busy preparing his army for battle in order to defend himself. David was willing to go into battle but was asked by his officers to wait behind. David did what they asked.

As David sends them out to battle he asks for them to be gentle with Absalom for "my sake." David felt no anger or revenge. Absalom was still in pursuit when he "happens" to meet David's troops. The mule he is riding goes under the thick branches of an oak tree and Absalom's hair becomes stuck in the tree. The next phrase is horrifying. "His mule ran out from under him, and Absalom was left hanging above the ground."

First of all, Absalom was the aggressor. He thought he was in total control and yet he "happened" to run into David's troops. You have to think that he directed his mule to go under the thick branches of the oak tree as a means of hiding from David's troops. The very thing he thought would hide him is what trapped him. "The mule went out from under him." He was caught by his hair, the very thing he was the most proud of. The very thing!! Absalom was in control one moment, and out of control with NO control the next. The panic. The fear. The desperation. The helplessness. The hopelessness. The sheer agony Absalom must have felt as his mule left him and he was suspended above the ground; he was caught by what he was so proud of. Utterly defenseless in a hopeless situation. God used the very thing Absalom was most proud of to destroy him. 

One of the men in David's army reports to Joab what he has seen. Joab asks him why he didn't kill Absalom because he would have received money and an award. His response was, "I wouldn't touch the King's son even if you gave me twenty-five pounds of silver." So, Joab took three spears and stabbed Absalom in the heart. Ten other young men also gathered around him, striking him and killing him. Joab blew the trumpets and the troops stopped chasing. While everyone is glad the threat is over, they also realize that the king's son is dead.

They run to tell David the news. "Blessed be the name of the LORD. The LORD has defeated those against you!  The second runner arrives and says, "Good news! Today the LORD has punished those against you." And while David was thankful, his main concern was Absalom. "Is young Absalom all right?" And then again, "Is young Absalom all right?"

David was very upset and cried loudly. Absalom was the one who was trying to kill him, but David found no joy in the death of Absalom; only sadness. David finally understood that he needed to focus on the victory God gave; not the sadness he felt for Absalom.

David returns to his land. Shimei, who had jumped on the band wagon to attack David when he thought David was being defeated, now realizes his mistake and wants forgiveness. David doesn't seek revenge. Mephibosheth went to meet David as well. David asks why he didn't join him and Mephibosheth says that Ziba tricked him. Ziba had helped David by bringing supplies on one hand but evidently tricked Mephibosheth on the other. David was too focused on what God had done to get bogged down by what was done in the past, so he split the land evenly between Ziba and Mehpibosheth.

David was grateful for the help Barzillai gave him. He wanted Barzillai to go with him. Barzillai was a very rich man. He told David he was too old to go, but he escorted David across the river. David blessed and kissed him, then Barzillai returned home.

I can so relate to this account of David, Absalom, Shimei, and Barzillai. Jane was our Barzillai. The help Jane gave us was immeasurable. We are so grateful. Jane was rich in what matters in life. I wish she could have traveled the whole way with us as we navigated "the storm," but that wasn't God's plan. Jane went to her eternal home in May of 2008. Thank you, Jane. The memory of our special time together will forever live in our hearts. You're home Jane, you're home. Blessed be the name of the LORD.)  See: Her Name Was Jane.


Next Entry: II Samuel 20:1–26

II Samuel 16:15 – 17:23

July 28, 2010

Absalom asks Ahithophel what he should do. Ahithophel says to take David's servant women as his own and then people will realize that David is the enemy and the people will give Absalom more support.

Ahithophel was a respected man. All the people (including David and Absalom) respected Ahithophel and thought his advice was as good as God's own word. They thought his advice was completely trustworthy and reliable.

Ahithophel advised Absalom to let him take twelve thousand men to chase and kill David yet that night while David was tired. This plan did not have Absalom taking part in the battle. It was good advice and a great plan if you were part of Absalom's side. It would have been disastrous for David. It at first seemed good to Absalom. Absalom used to have full faith in Ahithophel's advice, but now (because God created the uncertainty) he is unsure so Absalom asks Hushai what he thinks. Hushai (a supporter of David) says it is not good advice. He says David is a strong and skilled warrior and probably hiding; they should wait until morning. He explained his advice by appealing to Absalom's need to be in control, telling him that if the first attack fails, everyone will think you are losing and become frightened.

Hushai's advice (God's plan) worked. Hushai tells him to gather everyone, as many as the grains of sand by the sea, and that Absalom himself should go into battle. Absalom and all the people decided Hushai's advice was better than Ahithophel's. II Samuel 17:14 - "The LORD had planned to destroy the good advice of Ahithophel so the LORD could bring disaster on Absalom."  Hushai told Absalom that he needed to be part of the battle himself.

Hushai quickly sends messengers to warn David of what was going to happen. God protected the messengers and David and his people crossed the Jordan.

From an outsider's perspective, it would have appeared as if David and his followers lives were going backwards. Here they are crossing the Jordan River again; going back into the desert and back into the wilderness. The same desert and wilderness that God had brought them through and delivered them from years before when they crossed the Jordan River to the Promised Land. What looked like a reversal was God's plan for protection. 

Ahithophel saw that the Israelites did not accept his advice and he knew that he had lost all credibility. He could not stand the thought of that. He went back to his hometown, he put his affairs in order, and then he hung himself.


Next Entry: II Samuel 17:24 – 19:43

II Samuel 15:1 – 16:14

July 27, 2010

Absalom plans to take David's Kingdom. Plans!! He went in to see his father. He bowed face down before his father, and then he leaves and puts his covert plan into motion. Cold-hearted. Arrogant.

Absalom was full of pride. The only thing that mattered to him was what he wanted and it didn't matter to him how he got it. He was going to get it no matter what! So, the scheming began. He got for himself chariots, horses, and 50 men to run before him. He was going to make himself look important. As people would come to the city to see the king, Absalom made sure he would be the first person they saw. He would listen to them, empathize with them, and appear to care about them. II Samuel 15:6 says, "In this way, Absalom stole the hearts of all Israel."

Absalom requests that the king allow him to go to Hebron. Absalom "uses" God and spiritual things to get what he wants. He tells David he promised the LORD he would return to Hebron to worship him, but it was all a ruse and part of his covert plan. Absalom was cunning and conniving. He "invites" two hundred men to go with him and they go. They had no idea what he was planning.

Absalom worked behind the scenes for years to set his plan in place. David was totally unaware and didn't know what Absalom was planning. The people of Israel didn't know Absalom was using them.  And, the 200 men had no idea what Absalom was planning either.

What is written in II Samuel 15:12 jumped out off the page when I read it this time. It says something I never noticed before. II Samuel 15:12 - "While Absalom was offering sacrifices." What? Absalom knew he was setting traps. He knew he was plotting David's destruction. He knew he was lying. He knew he was cheating. And what does he do? He has the audacity to offer sacrifices to the very God that he was attempting to "use" to get what he wants. How could he? How could Absalom possibly have the nerve to offer sacrifices to THE God who he was mocking with his actions. He had to view God as a god and not THE God, or he couldn't have done that. He did not truly know God. You can't submit to what you don't know.

Absalom sends for Ahithopel, one of David's counsel. "Absalom's plans were working very well." David finds out what is happening. David's response was not to turn and fight Absalom. His response was to leave, to quickly leave, before Absalom could catch them and destroy him.

David and his followers leave even though "I don't even know where I'm going." His men were willing to go, whether it meant life or death. They headed to the desert and the wilderness. They had been living in comfort in the valley. But now they were leaving all that behind and were headed into the unknown. David said, "Maybe the LORD will bring me back... I am ready. He can do what he wants with me."

David sent Zadok the priest back to Jerusalem and tells him that he will wait until he hears from him. David went up to the mount of Olives crying as he went. David finds out that Ahithophel was one of the men who had secretly plotted against him. David prayed that Ahithophel's advice would be foolish.

Ziba (Mephibosheth's servant) shows up with donkeys, food, and supplies for David. Ziba tells David that "Mephibosheth didn't come because Mephibosheth is hoping to get his fathers kingdom back." Either Ziba or Mephibosheth had hidden motives. Later Mephibosheth says that Ziba was lying. I don't know who had the wrong motive and it doesn't matter. God used it for David's good. 

David left his home and fled to the wilderness. Now, as if having to leave wasn't bad enough, David is taunted and cursed by Shimei as he left. Shimei throws rocks at David and curses and falsely accuses him. David's men ask if they should kill Shimei. David replies that it is his own son who is trying to kill him. Betrayal by family hurts a lot worse than insults hurled by someone else. David goes on to say to leave Shimei alone because God is using him.

Then David says, "Maybe the LORD will see my misery and repay me with something good for Shimei's curses today." (Psalm 140:6-8 - "O Lord, I say to you, 'You are my God.'  Hear, O LORD, my cry for mercy.  O Sovereign LORD, my strong deliverer, who shields my head in the day of battle, do not grant the wicked their desires O LORD; do not let their plans succeed, or they will become proud.") But Shimei kept following David, cursing him and throwing stones and dirt at him. When David and his men arrived at the Jordan, "They were very tired."

The Life Lesson today sent me to read Numbers 16 and I Kings 1 and I Kings 2. Both stark reminders that there are indeed consequences for rebellion and sin. God IS God. He cannot be belittled or mocked. He is either God of everything or He is not God. We cannot pick and choose what it is we will submit to. Several different times (in the chapters I was sent to and in this journal)I have made the following statement: The heart of the matter is the HEART of the matter. Rebellion is sin; sin is rebellion. There is NO getting around it. Our outward actions WILL reflect our hearts. There will either be blessings for obeying or curses for disobeying. We are in control over what we choose—our actions—but we do not get to pick and choose our consequences. God will not be mocked. Psalm 1 - "...this is because God takes care of his people, but the wicked will be destroyed" is true.

I read the story of Absalom and David and I am astounded at how much the sins and actions of the characters in the Bible are the same as the sins and actions of people today. I recognize what David is going through. I recognize it because I've experienced it. The deceit. The trickery. The covert plans. "The storm."


Next Entry: II Samuel 16:15 – 17:23

II Samuel 13:1 – 14:33 (Continued)

July 23, 2010

Absalom – where do you start? His sister was raped! Yet, he tells her to keep quiet about it and not to let it upset her so much because Amnon was a half brother. Exactly the reason why it should have upset her so much. And then for two years he held a grudge. Instead of dealing with Amnon's betrayal of his sister, or going to their father, his anger simmered for two years! He sets a trap. He knows exactly what he is going to do. He devised evil plans in his heart and he waited two years to put it into action. He tells his servants what to do and how to kill Amnon. He even uses spiritual terms in setting it up and as a means to further his own agenda. II Samuel 13:28 - "Be strong and brave... don't be afraid because I have commanded you." Sounds exactly like the words God would use to encourage Moses and Joshua, and Absalom was using God's words for his own selfish purposes and to do evil.

David mourns the death of Amnon and Absalom goes into hiding.

Three years pass and David allows Absalom to return to his homeland but not David's home. Absalom was a prideful man. He was praised for his looks. His hair was his pride and joy. When he wanted something he would devise a plan to get it. Absalom became upset because he felt Joab was ignoring him, so he set Joab's fields on fire. Absalom was finally allowed to go see his father, David the King. He bows down before David. But the heart of the matter is the heart of the matter and he left the king plotting how to get what he wanted— the kingdom for himself. His pride and arrogance were in control. There was no stopping him. 

It was three years ago that God so graciously and miraculously gave us His words of promise through the lips of a most unlikely source—Miss Jane E. Wolfe. (Her Name Was Jane) Jane should not have still been alive. Months earlier she had a bladder infection while under the care of Hospice. Her POA knew "that for some reason" she could not allow the bladder infection to go untreated, so she instructed the staff to remove Jane from Hospice and to treat Jane for the infection, even though her POA knew that by making that decision she was prolonging her responsibilities and making her own life and time commitments more burdensome. But she did just that. Jane E. Wolfe—who the staff couldn't figure out how or why her physical body was still alive; who was in the advanced stages of dementia; who had Parkinson's and could not speak without great difficulty; who had not spoken more than a word or two in months; opened her mouth and succinctly and clearly said: "Read Psalm 150."

PSALM 150

Praise the Lord.
Praise God in his sanctuary
     praise him in his mighty heavens.
Praise him for his acts of power,
     praise him for his surpassing greatness.
Praise him with the sounding of the trumpets
     praise him with the harp and lyre.
Praise him with the tambourines and dancing
     praise him with the strings and flutes
Praise him with the clash of cymbals
     praise him with resounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the LORD,
     PRAISE THE LORD!

Oh, how that chapter, the last chapter in the Psalms, has changed our lives. I somehow never fully understood or appreciated the difference between "thanking" God and "praising" God. But oh, what a difference. "Thanking" God is typically referring to something God has done for you. "Praising" God is pure and simple. It is praising God for who HE is and has nothing to do with who we are or what we want. It is about God and God alone; the way it should be. It puts everything in the right perspective. 

God

↓

Man

Listen next time you are in a group and people are asked to spend some time sharing praises. I bet you won't hear a lot of praise being offered for who God is. I bet instead you will hear praises for what God has done. And while it is important to thank Him for what He as done, in order to keep perspective, in order to keep the faith, in order to hang on when the going gets tough—it is vital that we live our lives in praise of God and to God, FIRST! before anything else. When praise is in place, the storms in life can rage around you and it won't matter, because God is God and it is well with my soul.

Then Jane spoke a second time and said to read Psalm 140. When I wasn't sure if she said 40, I asked her, and in a very clear voice she said, "No...140."

PSALM 140

     Rescue me, O Lord, from evil men;

protect me from men of violence,

who devise evil plans in their hearts

 and stir up war every day.

They make their tongues as sharp as serpents;

the poison of vipers is on their lips.     Selah

     Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked;

protect me from men of violence

who plan to trip my feet.

 Proud men have hidden a snare for me;

they have spread out their net

 and have set traps for me along my path.     Selah

     O Lord, I say to you, "You are my God."

Hear, O LORD, my cry for mercy.

O Sovereign LORD, my strong deliverer,

 who shields my head in the day of battle --

do not grant the wicked their desires, O LORD;

do not let their plans succeed,

or they will become proud.     Selah

     Let the heads of those who surround me

be covered with the trouble their lips have caused.

Let burning coals fall upon them;

may they be thrown into the fire,

into miry pits, never to rise.

Let the slanderers not be established in the land;

may disaster hunt down men of violence.  



     I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor

and upholds the cause of the needy.

Surely the righteous will praise your name

and the upright will live before you.

It wasn't until much later that we realized the significance of Jane telling us to read Psalm 150 first. As much as the promises of Psalm 140 has blessed our lives, understanding the importance of praising God first and foremost is by far the most important thing we have learned. It has totally changed our lives. It has given us a peace even in the midst of "the storm."

Three years after Jane spoke the words that forever changed our lives, and I am still amazed that God in His Sovereignty chose—chose!—to tell us what He was going to do. He knew what was coming.  We had no idea, but He knew! There will never be enough words to express to the LORD our gratitude. I've said it before, but even Holy, Holy, Holy, is not enough. The act of praising God first and claiming the promises of Psalm 140 is what has absolutely carried us through. We have memorized both chapters, and have quoted them well over a thousand times, and God is still showing us new meanings with new understanding.

Psalm 140 is just a perfect example of how to pray. LORD, here's the problem. Evil men are causing trouble. They have schemed. They have used trickery. They are trying to destroy us. BUT!  You are our God! Hear our cry for mercy. Save us Father. Don't let the wicked succeed. You hold them accountable. Make it so they can't get out of this mess on their own. Vengeance is yours God, not ours. The battle isn't ours, it's Yours. You secure justice. You defend. We will praise You! And, we will live! Not barely survive or eke out an existence, we will live! before you. We will thrive!

Secures justice! My NCV version say, "(He) will get justice for the poor and defend the needy in court." That shows active participation. He is the One that goes out and secures justice. He may use men to accomplish His will, but it is just that—His Will! "The storm" will be over when God decides it is time. There will come a day when he says, "It is finished." Until God releases us we will continue to praise His name and believe His promises.
 

After I finished reading Psalm 140, Jane began to pray. She prayed for every relevant thing in our lives even though she could not have told anyone my name and I had never shared with her our story. She prayed for the meetings coming up—there were lots of lawyer meetings coming up. She prayed for the opportunity to lead someone to Christ—my husband and I strongly felt God put our new lawyer into our lives so we could be a witness to him. She prayed for our Pastor by name—even though Jane had no idea where we went to church or what our Pastor's name was. She prayed for the privilege of teaching young people—I teach young people. Then she closed her prayer by praying for encouragement for "this dear one." Tears were streaming down my face.

During the sixteen months I went to visit Jane, she prayed twice. The first time was when I went to the nursing home when "the storm" first began to brew. During that first meeting Jane prayed the most incredible prayer of blessing on my life that I have ever received. Now it is seven months later and Jane prays for every relevant thing in our lives. Jane praying was not a normal or frequent occurrence. There were a few other times that she tried to pray, but only a few words would come out. I remember her trying to pray just a few days before her death. She had just told me to read Jeremiah 33. It was obvious that she wasn't going to live much longer. When I prayed for her I prayed that she would feel the surrounding love of her Savior and that like Elisha of old she would be able to see that angels were surrounding her. Then Jane tried to pray. She struggled. Puh... Puh... Puh. And then she got out three words. Praise. The. Lord! Those three words said it all and brought everything full circle.

Of the many, many things Jane has underlined in her Bibles she had nothing underlined in Psalm 140 in her NIV version. In her KJV she had two words underlined—I KNOW. That's it. I KNOW. KJV Psalm140:12 - "I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor." NIV Psalm 140:12 - "I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy." NCV Psalm 140:12 - "I know the LORD will get justice for the poor and will defend the needy in court."

I KNOW:

• I am safe in God's arms.
• I can trust Him.
• Jane was a gift from God.
• God used Jane to speak to us.
• God will deliver us.
• God has used "the storm" to bring honor to His name.
• We have seen the hand of God working in our lives.
• "The storm" is the BEST thing that has ever happened to us.
• We have peace that only God can give.
• God truly does make "all things work together for good for those who trust him."
• God has surpassing greatness.
• HE is in control.
• You do reap what you sow.

Addendum: 3/5/14 ~ Joab sends a wise woman to see David. She says to him, "We will all die some day. We're like water spilled on the ground; no one can gather it back. But God doesn't take away life. Instead, he plans ways that those who have been sent away will not have to stay away from him!" He plans way to bring back to himself those who have turned their backs on him.

There is always hope. There is still time for changed hearts and lives. Thank you for providing a way Father. LORD, thank you for the cross.


Next Entry: II Samuel 15:1 – 16:14

II Samuel 13:1 – 14:33

July 22, 2010

Obsession → Blame → Revenge. What a list of characters: Amnon, Jonadab, Absalom, Tamar.

Amnon – becomes obsessed with his half-sister Tamar to the point it controlled his life and all his thinking. He eventually follows the advice of a friend and devises a scheme; pretend you are ill. When your father comes to see you, ask him to have Tamar come to give you something to eat. Tamar comes. Amnon watches Tamar prepare the food knowing what he is going to do to her, and all he can think about is his own lust. He sends everyone else away and rapes Tamar. After Amnon was successful in getting what he wanted, his "love" turned to hatred and he sent Tamar away. For two years he was not held accountable for his actions. Then two years later (when he least expected it), he was betrayed and killed by Absalom. 

Tamar – beautiful and innocent. Tamar was totally unaware she was in danger. She went to help Amnon and does what he asked (prepares his food) only to be assaulted and raped. She tried to reason with Amnon, but he overpowered her and his obsession turned to hatred and then to blame and he forced her to leave in shame. Tamar was honest about what happened, but no one came to her defense. Instead, she was told to keep quiet about it. Her father did not defend her honor and she lived in Absalom's home desolate, sad, and lonely. Just like David described in Psalms 140:5 – traps were set along her path. 

Jonadab – a nephew of David. A shrewd man, an instigator. He's friends with Amnon and can see that he is upset and moping around. So he comes up with a plan. Pretend you are sick. Lure Tamar to your room, then do whatever you want. Then Jonadab sits back and lets it happen. Later, he knows Absalom is boiling with rage and will avenge what Amnon has done, and again he sits back and let's it happen. When it finally happens he shows no remorse and instead is proud to "comfort" David by saying, "Don't worry...it's not all your sons that are dead, it's just Amnon."

Of all the horribly wrong things the characters in this story have done, what Jonadab did infuriates me!!!! He knew! He knew what this would do to Tamar, Amnon, Absalom, and the entire family; but he didn't care. He started a fire then stood back and let it burn, and had the audacity to watch it happen. In my opinion he is just as guilty of rape and murder as Amnon and Absalom.

Addendum: 3/4/14 ~  Sometimes the details of traversing through a stormy time in your life can just be nauseating.  Early this morning, while it was still dark, I  realized an old hymn was running through my mind. "What have I to dread, what have I to fear, Leaning on the everlasting arms." Here are the words to the hymn:

LEANING ON THE EVERLASTING ARMS

What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Refrain

Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.

O how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,

Leaning on the everlasting arms;

O how bright the path grows from day to day,

Leaning on the everlasting arms.

What have I to dread, what have I to fear,

Leaning on the everlasting arms;

I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,

Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Listen to it here.  Thank you Lord for the reminder.


Next Entry: II Samuel 13:1 – 14:33 (Continued)

II Samuel 11:1 – 12:31

July 21, 2010

David trusted the LORD for so many things in his life. Protection from wild animals, fighting Goliath, protection from Saul, and the many battles that he faced with other kings to name a few. But then he became comfortable in his own abilities... and the trouble began. His men go off to war as normal but he stays back. He sees a beautiful woman and decides that he wants her. He know she is the wife of Uriah, but he wants her (not for his wife, just for sex) and he is going to have her. So, he sends for someone to get her, and she later becomes pregnant.

Now David has a huge problem. Her husband is off at war so the truth of his actions could be exposed. So, he sends for her husband to come back for a few days from the war thinking Uriah will sleep with his wife then Uriah (and anyone else) will never know what happened. The problem was that Uriah came home but he didn't go to his wife's house. He was loyal to the army and the Ark of God and felt it was wrong for him to have comfort and live normally while they were still in battle. His actions don't fit with David's plan and schemes. So, David invites Uriah over and gets him drunk thinking that will cause Uriah to lose his integrity and go home to his wife. But David's plan doesn't work and Uriah still doesn't go home. So, David takes his scheme to a new low and he sends a message with Uriah to give to Joab. The message told Joab to put Uriah on the front lines so he would be killed in battle. David was later told that his plan worked. He felt no remorse. His answer was basically c'est la vie, what will be will be. 

David didn't just slip up and "fall" into these sins. He actively pursued them. He sent for Bathsheba. He sent for Uriah to come home. He sent for Uriah to come and eat and drink with him. He sent Uriah back to the war carrying his own death sentence. He sent Joab a message saying to get rid of Uriah. And, to back up to the beginning of this, he sent his men off to war without inquiring of the LORD whether he should do so. David had become comfortable in his own abilities and no longer depended on God.

Uriah dies. Time passes. David marries Bathsheba and moves her into the palace, and she gives birth to their son.

II Samuel 11:27 - "...but the LORD did not like what David had done."

David doesn't get it. He still doesn't see the wrongness in his action. God sends Nathan the prophet to David. Nathan tells him the story of a rich man who took from a poor man his prized and loved lamb. David was very angry at the rich man's behavior. He told Nathan, "That man should die!" David was appalled because the rich man "had no mercy." Nathan told him, "You are that man." Like our Pastor said last Sunday: NEVER underestimate your capacity for low self-awareness. 

The LORD told David through Nathan, "I appointed you... I saved you... I gave you... I made you... if that wasn't enough I would have given you more. Why did you ignore me? Why did you do what was wrong? I am bringing trouble to you from your own family." David finally "gets-it" and he recognizes his sin. Nathan tells him that the LORD has forgiven him but what he did caused other people to lose their respect for God and that his son would die. The child becomes ill. David lays on the ground and won't eat or sleep, and seven days later his son dies.

"You can be a "good" man, you can be a "great" man, you can even be a "godly" man, BUT no one gets a pass on accountability. We will ALL stand before the LORD and give an accounting for our actions."  

Pride led to David's downfall. David sinned in private, but he was held publicly accountable. What he thought was hidden brought him public humiliation. "While you watch, I will take your wives from you and give them to someone who is very close to you... and everyone will know it... you sinned in secret, but I will do this so all the people in Israel can see it." (II Samuel 11:11-12)

David and Bathsheba later have Solomon. The LORD loved Solomon. David sought forgiveness and he was forgiven and blessed again. But his consequences for his choices continued throughout his lifetime.

We all need to be aware of our "fatal flaws." Total surrender and our commitment to God cannot just be during the stormy times or we will be in danger of  becoming self-sufficient, and like David, we will suffer the consequences of our choices. 


Next Entry: II Samuel 13:1 – 14:33

II Samuel 8:1 – 10:19

July 20, 2010

The LORD gave David victory everywhere he went (II Samuel 8:6,14), and David "did what was fair and right for all his people." He also did what was fair and right for Saul's family, even after all he endured because of Saul's delusional life. He found Saul's grandson and took care of him. The land that belonged to Saul was given to the grandson as well.

Even though David was doing what was fair and right, he was still misunderstood by his enemies. He sends condolences to Hanun (the King of the Ammonites) when his father died. Instead of receiving David's messengers as ones who were bringing messages of comfort, Hanun accused them of being spies and his men humiliated them. When the Ammonites realized their response and actions were bringing them trouble they went out and hired other people to help them. David's men were faced with the enemy in front of them and behind them. They were surrounded. His men chose to believe (II Samuel 10:12). "Be strong. We must fight bravely.... The LORD will do what He thinks right." The LORD once again gave the victory and the enemies ran away.

The Lord will do what He thinks right. We believe that. We trust Him. No matter what. Our trust and faith is in God and God alone. 


Next Entry: II Samuel 11:1 – 12:31 

II Samuel 7:1–29

July 19, 2010

David gets settled in Jerusalem. His palace is made of cedar wood but the Ark was residing in a tent. David realized this wasn't right and speaks to Nathan about it. The LORD spoke to Nathan and told him to tell David, thanks, but it hasn't bothered me to live in a tent. In addition, Nathan tells David that God has said his throne will last forever and that David's son would be the one to build a house for God. I love what David did next.

David went into the tent "and sat in front of the LORD." He asks God, "Who am I? What is my family? Why did you bring me to this point?" (Psalm 8 - Who is man that you are mindful of him?) David is just amazed and overwhelmed that God choose him and his family to bless in this way. "You have done this great thing because you said you would and because you wanted to, and you have let me know about it." (Psalm 140 - God's promise He "let us know" about through the most unlikely of sources.) David's response wasn't, "Wow, look at me." It was, "This is why you are great, LORD God! There is no one like you.There is no God except you!  You made... you did... you went... you freed... you made... you are God... do what you have said."

David goes on, "Lord, you have told me these things... so now I am brave enough to pray. You are God... your words are true... you have promised... now, PLEASE BLESS MY FAMILY... let it continue before you always... you have said so... with your blessing let my family always be blessed."

When "the storm" hit and unexpectedly shook our world, God in His Mercy and Grace, for some reason chose to tell us through Jane's lips that He was going to protect us and "defend the needy." (Her Name Was Jane) I don't know how to adequately express how we felt then (and now) in human words. To have the God of Heaven reach down to touch your life in such a personal way, brings tears to your eyes and joy to your heart. We were/are astounded. We were/are grateful. We were/are amazed that for some reason, God chose to tell us what His plan was for our future. David went into the tent and sat before God saying, "Who am I? What is my family? Why?" Our response is the same. When you encounter the living and HOLY GOD, you can't help but to respond in the same way. "Who am I? What is man? Why us?"

I wish you could see what I see in my mind. It's Monday morning, and I've went to visit Jane. Jane's health was unstable from the time we first met, but now it was quickly deteriorating. She was lying in bed with her back towards me and her face turned away from me. Her eyes were closed, and her mouth was gaping open. And in that moment—God chose! God chose to tell us what He was going to do! How can it be that God chose to tell us? Who are we? What did we do to ever deserve His loving kindness? Why would He have "let us know about it." (II Samuel 7:21)

Thank-you, LORD, for letting us know. And LORD, now that you have let us know, we are brave enough to pray to you and say: You are God and Your words are true. You have promised. PLEASE BLESS MY FAMILY! LORD, You have said so. With Your blessing let our family be blessed. Thank You for YOUR blessing and YOUR loving-kindness.


Next Entry: II Samuel 8:1 – 10:19

II Samuel 5:1 – 6:23

July 17, 2010

David is made king of ALL of Israel. He went to Jerusalem to claim the city. The Jebusites were arrogant people saying to David, "You can't get inside our city. Even the blind and crippled can stop you." They were sure David couldn't get in. David told his men they would need to go through the water tunnel to reach the "lame and blind" enemy. So, that is what his men did, and the city was conquered. 

Sometimes you have to go through the water. You have to be vulnerable and in dangerous territory. Through the water. Not around, and not over—through. God continued to bless David and he grew stronger and stronger. The Philistines came out to attack. David inquired of the LORD, "Should I go?" and God said, "Yes." Another time David inquired of God and this time God said, "Don't go in from the front. Go around the back, when you hear the sound of marching in the tree tops, then go." So, David did what the LORD commanded and he was successful.

David ran into problems when he was doing what "seemed" good instead of inquiring of the LORD. "He" decided to bring the Ark to the city, and Uzzah died because of it. Inquire of the LORD! Literally ask Him what He wants you to do. 

Lord, we continue to ask You what You want us to do and how You want us to do it. Make our path clear before us, even if it is only the next step to take. Guide and direct us we pray.


Next Entry: II Samuel 7:1–29

II Samuel 3:6 – 4:12

July 16, 2010

The heart of the matter is the heart of the matter.

All throughout scripture there is a prevailing theme. It was clearly shown again in these two chapters. There are consequences for our actions!! It is inescapable. You reap what you sow.

The heart of the matter is the heart of the matter, and that is the matter of the heart. Who are you? Really. When everything else is stripped away and the heart is exposed, who are you?  What are you?

Each one of us needs to take self-inventory and face the reality of the truth. Who am I? What am I? Is who I say I am, really who I am? Are my actions, (my walk) matching my talk? We may fool others, and we may even self-deceive ourselves. But, we never fool God.

HE knows!! HE knows our hearts. HE knows our motives. He knows what we try to hide. HE knows our lame excuses. HE knows the truth. He knows!! Face the truth. Free yourself from the bondage of trying to fool others. Confess your sins. Repent of your ways. Change your heart and life.


Next Entry: II Samuel 5:1 – 6:23

II Samuel 2:1 – 3:5

July 15, 2010

David inquires of the LORD. What should I do? Where should I go?

David is made king over the tribe of Judah. Abner makes one of Saul's sons king over Israel. There was war between Judah and Israel.

Asahel chases Abner. Abner asks what are you doing? Why are you doing this? He offers him a way out so he could stop and still save face (turn to the right or left and take the armor of one of the men), but he wouldn't stop. Abner warned him again and told him to stop doing this or I'll have to kill you. Asahel still refused to stop. So Abner thrusts his spear backwards while running and Asahel is so close behind him that the spear stabbed him coming out his back and it killed him right on the spot.

David's men stopped and then continued the chase. Abner shouts, "Must the sword kill forever? Surely you must know this will only end in sadness! Tell the people to stop chasing their own brothers!"

David's men realized what they were doing was wrong and they stopped. They went their separate ways. II Samuel 3:1 - "The supporters of David's family became stronger and stronger, but the supporter of Saul's family became weaker and weaker."

"The storm" my sister and brother-in-law initiated began three years ago. We are being chased. Relentlessly. And yet, in a letter my sister sent through her lawyer after Mediation failed, she asked the most outstanding question. In effect she said, "When are you (meaning me) going to stop this?" What? How does that make any sense? We are not pursuing them, they are pursuing us. How on earth can we stop this? What would that look like? It would be the equivalent of Asahel who was chasing Abner, telling Abner to stop so he could catch him. It made/makes no sense whatsoever. The person doing the chasing is the one who needs to stop.

Family strife. Is there anything more sad or difficult?


Next Entry:  II Samuel 3:6 – 4:12