Chronological Bible Blog

April 30th Chronological Bible Readings

2 Samuel 19:31-20:26; Psalm 7; 2 Samuel 21:1-22; 1 Chronicles 20:4-8
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~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESVBible.org ~

In Second Samuel chapter 20 today we read about the revolt of Sheba from the tribe of Benjamin.  Zondervan's commentary today points out that an important thing to keep in mind here is that tribal jealousy still was brewing over the transfer of the kingship from Benjamin (Saul's tribe) to Judah (David's tribe).  Sheba appeals to the Israelite suspicion that David favored his own tribe over the other tribes.  As this chapter progresses Joab again shows his true colors by murdering Amasa.  I'm beginning to wonder about Joab...  he's ruthless.  I suppose as being the commander of the army for so long, this was his "job" to be ruthless?  Let me know your thoughts on Joab in the Comments section below.  Ramona, thanks for the comment in yesterday's readings saying "Joab operated out of Justice with no Love."  Great point!  In Amasa's case, Amasa was part of the rebellion against David led by Absalom, so again here Joab is acting out "Justice"... (and certainly no Love...) I wonder if we ever fall into this trap in our lives today as well?  Operate in an unbalanced way showing nothing but Justice, and yet no Love?  Or, on the other hand do we sometimes operate with just Love, and no Justice?  Should we be operating with a balance of Love and Justice?  Or should one (Love or Justice) outweigh the other in our life?  Below is a stained glass window showing Joab killing Amasa while pretending to greet him:

Well... Sheba's grand rebellion against David doesn't last very long!  And Sheba's own clan doesn't treat him well at all...  Below are 2 images from today's readings.  First image is from a 13th Century Maciejowski Bible showing Joab and his men besieging the city of Abel.  Next image is of Sheba's head being thrown over the wall to Joab.  Rebellion over.

Second Samuel chapter 21 begins 4 chapters that are thought to essentially be an "appendix" to First and Second Samuel.  These 4 chapters contain additional information about David's reign, without regard to chronology of events.  The first event we read about in today's readings about David handing over 7 of Saul's relatives to the Gibeonites is believed to have taken place after David extended his kindness initially to Mephibosheth in chapter 9 and before Absalom's rebellion.  The triumphs over 4 Philistine giants is at unknown times / chronology, although verse 15 seems to indicate to me that these took place perhaps later in David's life when he was older: "And when David and his men were in the thick of battle, David became weak and exhausted."  Somehow I can't imagine a young David becoming weak and exhausted in battle...  These 4 episodes are thought to have been included to show the heroics of David's men.  Below is an image of David and his "Mighty Men" at a victory over their enemies:

Bible.org's commentary on today's Second Samuel readings titled "Promise Breakers and Promise Keepers" is at this link.

Psalms - Today in Psalm 7 verse 10 we read: "God is my shield, saving those whose hearts are true and right." What stood out to me here is that it does not say that God saves those who "do" what is true and right.  It says that God saves those whose "hearts are" true and right.  This is getting toward our interior motives and thoughts and hearts - the important thing is not what we do on the "exterior", but who we are on the "interior".  And then certainly if our hearts are true and right, a natural outflow of this is doing good things on the exterior.  But, it's the interior - our hearts - that matter most.  How is your heart these days?  Is it true and right?  And do you believe that God is indeed your shield?

Worship God: Our readings today in 2nd Samuel reminded me of MercyMe's song "Move:"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EuV5goIkb0

Are you moving with God? Click here and move!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart." Psalm 7:10 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are upright in heart. Pray in thanksgiving if God is your shield, through a saving faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.p.s. Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

April 29th Chronological Bible Readings

2 Samuel 17:15-29; Psalm 3; Psalm 63; 2 Samuel 18-19:30
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~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESVBible.org ~

Interesting readings in Second Samuel today!  The dynamics between Ahithophel's advice and Hushai's advice is fascinating. Hushai plays smartly to Absalom's ego and insecurity with the advice he gives. Ahithophel seems to realize that he's lost his status in Absalom's kingdom - and I wonder if maybe perhaps Ahithophel realized this kingdom of Absalom's would soon fall?  And thus decided to kill himself?  It was probably more of an ego / pride / status thing though that played into Ahithophel's tragic decision.  Ahithophel, a betrayer of David, ended up taking his life in the same manner Judas, the betrayer of Jesus, does.  (Not to be morbid here, but just fyi that there are 7 suicides documented in the Bible - you can view this list of 7 on bible.org at this link.)  It does make me very sad to read about suicide, even in the case of Ahithophel or Judas.  I know obviously suicide happens still in our world today at alarming rates, which makes me incredibly sad.  I just feel like all of us can have some serious down times in our life and maybe sometimes feel like just giving it up completely.  I pray that if ever we really do get that down in our life, that we always remember there is redemption.  There is hope.  There is love.  There is forgiveness.  There is Jesus.  No matter what we've done or what we've failed to do, let us not every give up on the everlasting hope that is Jesus in our lives.  Jesus saves.  Jesus even saves us from ourselves.

For some reason the readings today about Hushai trying to get a message to David reminded me of the 1st Lord of the Rings movie when Frodo & crew are leaving the Shire and traveling on foot trying to avoid the wraiths.  Maybe it was Ahimaaz and Jonathan hiding in the well that triggered this for me.  Seems like hiding in the well is something Frodo & crew would have done!  :)

Wow.  Intense readings today.  As could be expected from Absalom's pursuit of his ego and pride the past few chapters, his sin catches up with him.  One commentary had the interesting point that Absalom's "pretty head & long hair" (as you'll recall from 2 Samuel 14:25-26) ironically ended up being his undoing as his long hair got caught up in a tree.  This seems very symbolic of how pride and ego can be it's own undoing.  This image I think it sums up well where unchecked pride and ego can ultimately lead...

Well, Absalom did incorporate some long term ingenuity in his pride & ego - like the Egyptian Pharaoh's of old, Absalom decided to make sure he built a monument to himself! as we read about in verse 18 today: "During his lifetime, Absalom had built a monument to himself in the King's Valley, for he had said, "I have no son to carry on my name." He named the monument after himself, and it is known as Absalom's Monument to this day."  Below is an image of Absalom's Monument (Pillar) -

While on one hand I do appreciate David's grace and love for his son Absalom, I have to say that I really do appreciate Joab's boldness & wisdom in rebuking David in verses 5 through 8: "We saved your life today and the lives of your sons, your daughters, and your wives and concubines. Yet you act like this, making us feel ashamed, as though we had done something wrong. You seem to love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that we mean nothing to you. If Absalom had lived and all of us had died, you would be pleased. Now go out there and congratulate the troops, for I swear by the LORD that if you don't, not a single one of them will remain here tonight. Then you will be worse off than you have ever been."  That is quite a speech by Joab to David!  And I believe he was right.  David's love for his son was admirable in one sense - but it also could be seen as selfish in another sense.  David seemed to care more for his son than for the nation of Israel, and Joab called him out on this.  It is interesting how sometimes our love for one person can cloud everything else going on in our lives.  Love for one person is a beautiful thing.  But it seems that we should also be cognizant of others around us too - and love them.  And sometimes, like David, we may need to realize that there is a greater good - a greater love - than the singular love we have been focusing on.  This is not easy to discern of course...   hopefully this makes some sort of sense or doesn't sound too harsh?  Below is a portrait by artist Guy Rowe of David mourning for his son Absalom with Joab in the background giving his speech in the verses above:

Second Samuel 19 is great!  David returns to Jerusalem!  I love the entire flow of today's readings as David crosses the Jordan River toward Jerusalem and shows incredible kindness to Shimei, Mephibosheth, and Barzillai along the way.  However, don't forget the name Shimei just yet - the "rock thrower & curser" when David fled Jerusalem a few chapters back...  On David's deathbed, later in our readings in First Kings 2:9, David will pass along to his son Solomon these instructions: "Bring his (Shimei's) gray head down to the grave in blood..."  But, this day was not a day of bloodshed, but a day of amnesty, as David exclaimed in 2 Samuel 19:22 today: "This is not a day for execution but for celebration! I am once again the king of Israel!" An image of Mephibosheth, Saul's grandson, meeting David on his return to Jerusalem is below:

Bible.org's commentary on today's Second Samuel readings titled "The Darkest Days of David's Life" is at this link and "David's Return to Jerusalem" is at this link.

Worship God: Our readings today in 2nd Samuel reminded me of Casting Crowns' song "What if His people prayed:"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKDy9y-4YIc

Are you praying without ceasing? Click here and pray!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. " Psalm 63:1 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you earnestly seek God each and every day and night. Pray that your whole being longs for the LORD.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.p.s. Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

April 28th Chronological Bible Readings

2 Samuel 15:1-17:14
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~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESVBible.org ~

We have more sad readings today in Second Samuel!  However, it is impressive to see David's countenance in the midst of all of the chaos going on around him.  I love David's words in verses 10 through 12 when Shimei is cursing David: "If the LORD has told him to curse me, who am I to stop him? My own son is trying to kill me. Shouldn't this relative of Saul have even more reason to do so? Leave him alone and let him curse, for the LORD has told him to do it. And perhaps the LORD will see that I am being wronged and will bless me because of these curses."  That is incredible faith and humility!  David says first that perhaps God has told Shimei to curse him, so why try to stop it.  Then at the end David basically says if God has not told Shimei to curse him, then perhaps David will be blessed by God because of these wrongful curses.  Great stuff!  How do you act in your life today if someone is cursing you or wronging you?  Do you act like David does here?  With patience and wisdom?  Or, do you "react" with anger and spite?  Which is the better way to go?  Below is a powerful image for 2 Samuel 15:23 today: "There was deep sadness throughout the land as the king and his followers passed by. They crossed the Kidron Valley and then went out toward the wilderness."

At the end of today's readings we read about Ahithophel advising Absalom to sleep with David's concubines.  To sleep with a king's wives or concubines was to make a claim to the throne.  It is sad to read about this advice to commit a horrible act that is "beyond hope of reconciliation", as verse 21 says in today's readings.  I read a commentary that said Ahithophel advises Absalom to do this horrible act so that all of Israel will hear about it.  Well, Absalom is in such a deep state of sin and wickedness at this point that he wanted Israel to also see that he was commiting this sin by setting the tent up on the palace roof.  It is striking to me to see David's humility toward Shimei's curses in today's readings versus Absalom's complete pride and rebellion.  See what unchecked sin can do in a life?  Do you think Absalom knew he was going the Wrong Way?  Or was he blinded by sin?  In a couple of days we'll read about where the Wrong Way leads Absalom...

Bible.org's commentary on today's Second Samuel readings titled "A Friend in Need or the Trail of Tears" is at this link.

Worship God: Our readings today in 2nd Samuel reminded me of Delirious' song "What a friend I've found:"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rg4gl6WpahU

Who is your best friend? Click here and meet Him!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "It may be that the LORD will look upon my misery and restore to me his covenant blessing instead of his curse today." 2 Samuel 16:12 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will not take vengeance into your own hands, but will trust the LORD for all blessings and curses.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.p.s. Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

April 27th Chronological Bible Readings

2 Samuel 12:26-31; 1 Chronicles 20:2-3; 2 Samuel 13:1-14:33
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESVBible.org ~

Old Testament - Second Samuel chapter 13 is a sad chapter to read in so many ways!  Amnon is David's first born son, so he is heir to the throne at this point.  Absalom is David's third born son - but at this point he may have been second in line to the throne because David's 2nd born son, Kileab, was only mentioned once and may have died young.  You'll note that there are unfortunately are some parallels in David's sin with Bathsheba and Uriah with his 2 sons' behavior in this chapter.  David sinned sexually with Bathsheba - Amnon sinned sexually against Tamar in a horrible way.  David sinned by ordering the murder of Uriah.  Absalom sinned by ordering the murder of Amnon.  Unfortunately we see a pattern of "like father, like sons..." in this chapter.  I don't think this always has to be the case in our human condition - I do believe we can be redeemed and transformed and not act in sinful ways like our parents may have acted.  But, I also do believe we need Jesus to save us from ourselves - in this regard of breaking the cycle/pattern of sin and in all regards.  Below is an illustration by Gerard Hoet from the year 1728 titled "Absalom's Servants kill his brother Amnon at a Feast":

Well..  this is a tough couple of chapters to read today!  On one hand we see David showing much grace to Absalom and meanwhile Absalom is plotting to rebel against his father and then does so!  At first glance it makes me wonder what on earth was David thinking?  Why did he bring Absalom back to Jerusalem?  But, I believe David was doing the right thing.  Absalom was his son.  David was trying to restore that relationship.  I think about this with people in my life who have maybe "stung" me in some way.  On the one hand I want to write them off - believing that they will sting me again.  And maybe they will...  but, I don't think writing people off is healthy ultimately for me and I don't think it is the right thing to do.  I think showing grace, forgiveness and compassion is the right thing to do.  I think David did this - and then he wisely got out of town when he realized Absalom was up to no good!  So, he didn't completely let Absalom walk all over him.  He still used wisdom.  I don't know...  this is a tough couple of chapters.  What do you think?  Did David do the right thing by bringing Absalom back to Jerusalem?  Do you see any parallels in your life where someone has stung you - and then perhaps stung you again?  Was it still maybe the right thing to do to show them grace and forgiveness?  And maybe even to do so again?  Below is twentieth century Russian painter Marc Chagall's "David and Absalom" from today's readings in 2 Samuel 14:33 - "So Joab came to the king, and told him; and when he called for Absalom, he came to the king, and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king: and the king kissed Absalom."

Bible.org's commentary on our Second Samuel readings today titled "Tragedy in the Royal Family" is at this link and "Absalom" is at this link.

Worship God: Our readings today reminded me of FFH's song "Undone:"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCLLNcWO6fo

Have you come Undone? Click here and be re-made!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Amnon became so obsessed with his sister Tamar that he made himself ill." 2 Samuel 13:2 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will never become obsessed with another human. Pray that you will only be obsessed in pursuing God's love and righteousness in your life through a saving faith in Jesus Christ.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.p.s. Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

April 26th Chronological Bible Readings

1 Chronicles 20:1; 2 Samuel 11-12:14; Psalm 51; 2 Samuel 12:15-25; 2 Samuel 5:14-16; 1 Chronicles 14:3-7; 1 Chronicles 3:5-9
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESVBible.org ~

Interesting set of readings yesterday and today in Second Samuel.  We started off yesterday with David showing kindness to Saul's crippled grandson Mephibosheth and we end with David committing adultery, ordering the murder of one of his warriors, and making God very unhappy.  What happened to change the course of events like this??  I think this is something that each one of us should take heed of - even when things are going very well in our walk with God, things can suddenly go the wrong direction if we are not vigilant in fleeing from sin and temptation.  David was obviously tempted when he saw Bathsheba from his rooftop.  He should have left that temptation there, and fled from it immediately - but instead he gave into it.  He asked about Bathsheba (entertaining temptation...) and invited her over and then committed adultery.  Then... things got worse.  That's how sin goes.  Once we let it start to run our life it can quickly start to ruin our life.  David thought he could trick Uriah into thinking Uriah got his wife pregnant - but Uriah in chapter 11 was behaving much more honorably than the king!  He would not sleep with his own wife when he knew other warriors were sleeping on the battlefields.  Uriah acted honorably.  David did not.  David allowed sin to run the show.  Below is a powerful painting by James Tissot showing the moment on the rooftop where David allowed temptation to take over...

Again - back to our lives - have you ever seen a pattern of sin running the show in your life?  I know I have in the past.  It's a dangerous pattern to see taking place in our lives.  It can lead to all kinds of pain and suffering for ourselves and those around us.  If you are perhaps even in the midst of sin running the show in your life now, there is hope.  There is confession and repentance.  David does give us this example in Psalm 51.  Psalm 51 David wrote after the events in chapter 11 took place with Bathsheba & Uriah.   Psalm 51 is a powerful Psalm of confession and repentance.  You may be at the point where you need to pray this Psalm to God now.  I think each of us does well when we pray this Psalm to God regularly.  We certainly may not be at the point where David was in chapter 11 - but, we likely have sin to confess to God - even right now.

We read a great parable from the prophet Nathan today to start 2 Samuel chapter 12!  Wow.  Convicting stuff for David...  You'll note that David said in response to this parable in verse 6: "He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity." Well, sure enough, David paid for the death of Uriah 4 times over through the future deaths of 4 of David's sons:  the unnamed son who dies in this chapter, Amon dies in chapter 13, Absalom in chapter 18, and Adonijah in First Kings 2:25.  I read a commentary that said God forgave David of his sin, but God did not negate all the consequences of David's sin.  Below is a portrait by Guy Rowe of David being confronted by Nathan.  You can imagine Nathan saying verse 9 in this image: "Why did you despise the word of the LORD by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites."

Bible.org's commentary on our Second Samuel readings today titled "David and Bathsheba" is at this link and "David and Uriah" is at this link and "David and God (Nathan)" is at this link and "Real Repentance" is at this link and "The Death of David's Son" is at this link.

Today we read one of my favorite Psalms!  Psalm 51. Psalm 51 is David’s humble prayer for forgiveness and cleansing after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba and had her husband Uriah killed in battle. I believe that this Psalm can continue to be a humble prayer for forgiveness and cleansing for each of us today. This Psalm is read by many liturgical churches during the season of Lent as a penitential Psalm. A brief quote about Psalm 51 from this Bible.org is this – “The application of the psalm to believers today should be obvious. We, like David, can and must have complete cleansing before we can fully and freely serve God in any capacity. Our eternal destiny may not be in doubt when we sin as believers, and neither was David’s because he appealed to that covenant relationship, but our fellowship and service will be. God will not tolerate unconfessed sin, and so will hold us accountable if we do not confess.” I’ve been trying to figure out my favorite portion or two of this Psalm to share with you. . . but I can’t just pick one portion. It is all so powerful! Tell you what – I’m going to copy the full Psalm below in the NIV translation (my favorite for this Psalm). Please take a few moments to meditate upon this Psalm. My questions for reflection are these – Do you confess your sins to God? Do you confess your sins to others? And ask them to hold you accountable? When was the last time you confessed your sins to God? Do you have sins to confess to God today? Will you do so now? I pray this Psalm opens up your heart to the amazing burden that is lifted when we confess our sins to God. . .

Psalm 51
Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.

For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you are proved right when you speak
and justified when you judge.
Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
Surely you desire truth in the inner parts;
you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
Hide your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity.

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will turn back to you.
Save me from bloodguilt, O God,
the God who saves me,
and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.

O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart,
O God, you will not despise.

In your good pleasure make Zion prosper;
build up the walls of Jerusalem.
Then there will be righteous sacrifices,
whole burnt offerings to delight you;
then bulls will be offered on your altar.

Worship God: Psalm 51 reminded me of the fantastic song "Create in me a Clean Heart" performed here by Donnie McClurkin and a choir:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILRjmPGvVB8

Do you want a clean heart? Click here to be made clean!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Psalm 51:10 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray for a pure heart. Pray that God will purify your heart. Pray for renewal of a steadfast spirit within.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.p.s. Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

April 25th Chronological Bible Readings

2 Samuel 8:15-18; 1 Chronicles 18:14-17; 1 Chronicles 6:16-30; 1 Chronicles 6:50-53; 1 Chronicles 6:31-48; 2 Samuel 9-10:19; 1 Chronicles 19:1-19
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESVBible.org ~

Old Testament - Interesting set of readings today and tomorrow in Second Samuel.  In chapter 9 we read about David showing kindness to Saul's crippled grandson Mephibosheth and we end with David committing adultery in tomorrow's readings, ordering the murder of one of his warriors, and making God very unhappy.  What happened to change the course of events like this??  I think this is something that each one of us should take heed of - even when things are going very well in our walk with God, things can suddenly go the wrong direction if we are not vigilant in fleeing from sin and temptation.  David was obviously tempted when he saw Bathsheba from his rooftop.  He should have left that temptation there, and fled from it immediately - but instead he gave into it.  He asked about Bathsheba (entertaining temptation...) and invited her over and then committed adultery.  Then... things got worse.  That's how sin goes.  Once we let it start to run our life it can quickly start to ruin our life.  David thought he could trick Uriah into thinking Uriah got his wife pregnant - but Uriah in chapter 11 was behaving much more honorably than the king!  He would not sleep with his own wife when he knew other warriors were sleeping on the battlefields.  Uriah acted honorably.  David did not.  David allowed sin to run the show.  Below is a powerful painting by James Tissot showing the moment on the rooftop where David allowed temptation to take over...

Worship God: Today's readings in Second Samuel remind me of the Delirioius song "Investigate:"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZiahchgemY

Has you life been investigated by God? Click here for an investigation!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "David reigned over all Israel, doing what was just and right for all his people." 2 Samuel 8:15 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you will do what is just and right for all areas of your life - your family, church, job, health, etc.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.p.s. Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

April 24th Chronological Bible Readings

2 Samuel 7:1-17; 1 Chronicles 17:1-15; 2 Samuel 7:18-29; 1 Chronicles 17:16-27; 2 Samuel 8:1-14; 1 Chronicles 18:1-13; Psalm 60
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESVBible.org ~

Second Samuel 7 today is a big chapter!  God essentially establishes a covenant with David - it isn't expressly called a covenant, so I suppose it is more of a promise.  Verse 16 is a nice sum-up of God's promise to David: "Your dynasty and your kingdom will continue for all time before me, and your throne will be secure forever.'"  The throne is secure forever because from the lineage of David comes Jesus.  Jesus is forever.  Genealogies in Matthew 1 and Luke 3:21-38 will give you more details on this lineage.

It is interesting that God does not want David to build him a temple, but lets David know one of his descendents will in verses 12 & 13: "For when you die, I will raise up one of your descendants, and I will make his kingdom strong. He is the one who will build a house--a temple--for my name."  We will later learn the reasons for this in 1 Chronicles 28 verse 3 when David says - "But God said to me, 'You are not to build a house for my Name, because you are a warrior and have shed blood.'"  David was a warrior - as is very evident in Second Samuel 8 today.  David's purpose was to unite and establish Israel.  David's son Solomon will build the temple for God.

I love David's prayer of thanksgiving to God in 2 Samuel 7 verses 18-29 today!  How often do you pray prayers of thanksgiving like this?  After the prayer of thanksgiving, an image is below for Second Samuel chapter 8 verses 9 through 11 today: "When King Toi of Hamath heard that David had destroyed the army of Hadadezer, e sent his son Joram to congratulate David on his success. Hadadezer and Toi had long been enemies, and there had been many wars between them. Joram presented David with many gifts of silver, gold, and bronze. King David dedicated all these gifts to the LORD, along with the silver and gold he had set apart from the other nations he had subdued."

Bible.org's commentary on today's Second Samuel readings today titled "Building God's House" is at this link.

I like the imagery of Psalm 60 verse 4 a lot - "But you have raised a banner for those who honor you -- a rallying point in the face of attack."  I do believe that if we honor God, he will in some profound way "raise up a banner" for us.  A banner that will rally and encourage us in the face of attack - in the face of doubt or despair or sickness or just plain old fashioned attack from the Enemy - I believe God will give us a banner of hope.  This banner could end up being one of a million different things I think, depending on the circumstances.  For me, certainly a banner that rallies me each and every day is God's very Word, the Bible.  I believe the Bible is indeed a banner that rallies us in the face of attack...   What are some banners in your life that God is providing to rally you in the face of attack?  Uh-oh, this whole banner imagery has reminded me of an old childhood song...  :)  Remember that children's song that goes something like this (over and over and over again...) - "Peter built the church on the rock of our faith.  HIS banner over me is love."?  What a great simple song!  God's love very well should be a banner in our lives!

Worship God: Today seems like a great day to share with you the entire 2 hour "JESUS" film based on the Gospel of Luke. Called by some "one of the best-kept secrets in Christian missions," a number of mission experts have acclaimed the film as one of the greatest evangelistic tools of all time. Since 1979 the "JESUS" film has been viewed by several billion people all across the globe, and has resulted in more than 225 million men, women and children indicating decisions to follow Jesus. Learn more about this film and ministry at http://www.jesusfilm.org/.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKGflMFfKmI

Do you know Jesus? Click here and meet Him!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "How great you are, Sovereign LORD! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears." 2 Samuel 7:22 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray in thanksgiving to the LORD that there is no one like Him! Pray in thanksgiving that you are reading the Bible and "hearing" the good news with your own "ears" and eyes!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.p.s. Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

April 23rd Chronological Bible Readings

2 Samuel 6:12; 1 Chronicles 15:1-28; 2 Samuel 6:12-16; 1 Chronicles 15:29; 2 Samuel 6:17-19; 1 Chronicles 16:1-43; 2 Samuel 6:19-23
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESVBible.org ~

In Second Samuel chapter 6 when the Ark is brought back to Jerusalem verse 14 is phenomenal to imagine: "And David danced before the LORD with all his might, wearing a priestly tunic."  And David's words in verse 21 are something for you and I to consider in our lives today - "So I am willing to act like a fool in order to show my joy in the LORD."  Are you willing to act like a fool to show your joy in God?  Have you ever danced before God with all your might?  Think you ever could?

Bible.org's commentary on our Second Samuel readings today titled "When God Rained on David's Parade" is at this link.

Worship God: Today's readings in Second Samuel remind me of the David Crowder song "Undignified:"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQeNVXY6ZIc

Will you become Undignified in dancing before God? Click here and dance!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the LORD with all his might." 2 Samuel 6:14 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you would not be ashamed to dance before the LORD with all of your might. Pray that you will dance before the LORD now and forevermore.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.p.s. Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

April 22nd Chronological Bible Readings

2 Samuel 5:1-3; 1 Chronicles 11:1-3; 1 Chronicles 12:23-40; 2 Samuel 5:17-25; 1 Chronicles 14:8-17; 2 Samuel 5:6-10; 1 Chronicles 11:4-9; 1 Chronicles 3:4; 2 Samuel 5:13; 2 Samuel 5:4-5; 2 Samuel 5:11-12; 1 Chronicles 14:1-2; 1 Chronicles 13:1-5; 2 Samuel 6:1-11; 1 Chronicles 13:6-14
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESVBible.org ~

In Second Samuel chapter 5 David is anointed King of Israel!  Israel and Judah are now united - but they will be divided again only a short 75 years later.  Verse 7 is the first time the term Zion is used in the Bible: "But David captured the fortress of Zion, now called the City of David."  Below is a visual of Jerusalem at about this time that David conquered it from the Jebusites - and to the right the map shows the growth of Jerusalem just 50 years later in Solomon's time.  (1000 B.C. to 950 B.C.) We'll come back to this visual when we get to Solomon in our readings.

Bible.org's commentary on our Second Samuel readings today titled "A Place of One's Own" is at this link.

Worship God: Today's readings in 2 Samuel reminded me of Mike's Chair's song "Let the Waters Rise:"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szg-rsdVO4E

Are the waters rising on you? Click here for rescue!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "David and all Israel were celebrating with all their might before the LORD, with castanets, harps, lyres, timbrels, sistrums and cymbals." 2 Samuel 6:5 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you often celebrate with all of your might before the LORD in thanksgiving for all that He has done and is doing.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.p.s. Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

April 21st Chronological Bible Readings

2 Samuel 3:6-4:3; 2 Samuel 4:5-12
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESVBible.org ~

In our 2 Samuel chapter 3 readings today, it is interesting to see how David got so mad at Joab for killing Abner.  Understandable for many reasons - murder being the main one - but also Abner was working to bring David's kingship to all of Israel.  Joab's murder of Abner threatened the civil war between Judah and the rest of Israel to start up again.  To the right below is a wonderful image from an illuminated Bible from the year 1250 of David dining with Abner before the murder.  In the smaller left hand frames you can see David sending Abner back to Israel, and then in the lowest left hand frame you can see Abner stabbing Joab.

And below is an image of David mourning at Abner's graveside as we read in 2 Samuel 3 verse 32 today: "They buried Abner in Hebron, and the king and all the people wept at his graveside."

Bible.org's commentary on our Second Samuel readings today titled "Two Bald Men, Fighting over a Comb" is at this link.

Second Samuel chapter 4 verse 11 stood out as David said this to the 2 murderers of Ishbosheth: "Now what reward should I give the wicked men who have killed an innocent man in his own house and on his own bed? Should I not also demand your very lives?"  Similar to the Amalekite who claimed to have killed Saul and reported this news to David, David was not happy with the news.  This all reminds me of the old adage that you cannot fight evil with evil - you'll get corrupted in the process.  These 2 guys murdered an innocent man, thinking they were doing a greater good for David.  David disagreed.  Are there times in our lives where we do something wrong / bad / lie / evil for what we think might be a greater good?  Aren't we then corrupted in the process?  Do we go from left to right in this photo below? :)  (sorry, couldn't resist this silly image!  On the website where I found this image, they labeled this photo, "The Dog I bought versus the Dog I got"... :)

Worship God: Today's readings in 2 Samuel reminded me of Francesca Battistelli's song "I'm Letting Go:"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5BMCEW7s2I

Have you let go? Click here and let it go!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "And today, though I am the anointed king, I am weak, and these sons of Zeruiah are too strong for me. May the LORD repay the evildoer according to his evil deeds!" 2 Samuel 3:39 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that when you are weak, Jesus is strong. Pray that you will allow the LORD to repay evildoers, and not take this repayment into your own hands.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.p.s. Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.