1 Kings 1-2

Adonijah, one of David’s sons, set up himself to be king. He wasn’t given the authority, by a very old King David. However Adonijah, was accustomed to doing as he pleased.  Nathan and Bathsheba sought to make things right, since Solomon was promised to be the next king.

While there are many important points, I have two of which to share:

(1) Notice the prophet Nathan’s heart, as he approaches King David. While Bathsheba only shared that Adonijah didn’t invite his brother, Solomon, to this large gathering, Nathan reveals his heart. Nathan wasn’t concerned solely with his own self, but for all those who are involved. This shows us the kind of man Nathan was. He was one who wasn’t self absorbed, even when he had a chance to be.

“[Adonijah] has invited all the king’s sons. He has also invited the commanders of the army and Abiathar the priest. Even now they are eating and drinking with him. They are saying, ‘May King Adonijah live a long time!’ But he didn’t invite me. He didn’t invite Zadok the priest or Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada. He didn’t invite your son Solomon either (1 King 1:25b-26, NIRV).”

(2) After David ordered for Solomon’s entrance as king, his response is most inspiring. As an old man, whose sons compete for the title of king, he bows in worship from his bed. King David chose to worship God, knowing He has proved to be faithful throughout his life.

“The royal officials came to give their blessing to our master King David. They said, ‘May your God make Solomon’s name more famous than yours! May he make Solomon’s kingdom greater than yours!’ While King David was sitting on his bed, he bowed in worship. He said, ‘I praise the Lord. He is the God of Israel. He has let me live to see my son sitting on my throne today as the next king.’ (1 King 1:47-48)”

How do we respond to the events of our lives? And when they come, what do our actions say about our heart?

Psalm 119

Today’s reading plan includes this incredible chapter. Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. You can find in around the middle section of your physical Bible. I cannot cover all of this beautiful chapter, but let’s find some treasures to note – shall we?

Happy are all who perfectly follow the laws of God. Happy are all who search for God and always do his will,  rejecting compromise with evil and walking only in his paths (vv. 1-3; TLB).

I have thought much about your words and stored them in my heart so that they would hold me back from sin (vv. 11).

 I will meditate upon [God’s Word] and give them my full respect. I will delight in them and not forget them. Bless me with life so that I can continue to obey you. Open my eyes to see wonderful things in your Word (vv. 15-18).

I am completely discouraged—I lie in the dust. Revive me by your Word (vv. 25)

Turn me away from wanting any other plan than yours. Revive my heart toward you (vv. 37).

For these laws of yours have been my source of joy and singing through all these years of my earthly pilgrimage (vv. 54).

 You made my body, Lord; now give me sense to heed your laws. All those who fear and trust in you will welcome me because I too am trusting in your Word (vv. 73-74).

 I faint for your salvation; but I expect your help, for you have promised it (vv. 81).

Your faithfulness extends to every generation, like the earth you created; it endures by your decree, for everything serves your plans (vv. 90-91).

Accept my grateful thanks and teach me your desires. My life hangs in the balance, but I will not give up obedience to your laws.  The wicked have set their traps for me along your path, but I will not turn aside.  Your laws are my joyous treasure forever. I am determined to obey you until I die (vv. 108-112).

Lord, deal with me in loving-kindness, and teach me, your servant, to obey; for I am your servant; therefore give me common sense to apply your rules to everything I do (vv. 124-125).

 As your plan unfolds, even the simple can understand it. No wonder I wait expectantly for each of your commands (vv. 130-131).

Lord, see how much I really love your demands. Now give me back my life and health because you are so kind. There is utter truth in all your laws; your decrees are eternal (vv. 159-160).

I have wandered away like a lost sheep; come and find me, for I have not turned away from your commandments (vv. 176).

There is sooo much more to be discovered! Take some time and read through this passage of Scripture. Maybe even, allow an online audio Bible become a tool to help you.

Psalms #5

Psalm 108 –

(1) Have a ready heart. While we make sure to get dressed physically before leaving for church each Sunday morning, we need to become a people who get their hearts ready to enter into the Lord’s presence! It isn’t just a Sunday morning thing, either.

O God, my heart is ready to praise you! I will sing and rejoice before you (vv. 1, TLB).

(2) God’s Character. We see the reality of who the Lord really is. He is so great that the heavens cannot contain Him. His love and faithfulness is at such a high capacity, that it cannot be measured. This is how much God loves us, and the level of His pursuit for us.

For your loving-kindness is great beyond measure, high as the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches the skies (vv. 4).

Psalm 109 – 

Each of us need God’s help. We need God to meet us in our current circumstances, that are too much to bear. Let’s go back to remembering whose child we are. For the follower of Jesus Christ, we are His sons and daughters. He is going to share His resources with us, because He is so kind, and faithful.

But as for me, O Lord, deal with me as your child, as one who bears your name! Because you are so kind, O Lord, deliver me. . . Do it publicly, so all will see that you yourself have done it (vv. 21, 27).

But I will give repeated thanks to the Lord, praising him to everyone. For he stands beside the poor and hungry to save them from their enemies (vv. 30-31).

Psalm 110 –

The Lord said to my Lord, Sit by me at my right side until I put your enemies under your control.” The Lord will enlarge your kingdom beyond Jerusalem, and you will rule over your enemies (vv. 1-2, NCV).

This Scripture points to Jesus. This was a prophesy , that Jesus would reign as King forever – and He will! Not only will He reign as King, He is going to defeat our enemies. Having enemies is soo difficult, but God is going to give us the victory! He will be our help!

May our response to Jesus be to worship Him, and continually seek His help.

Job 21-23

Chapter 21 – Job speaks

“Listen to what I say. Let this be your way of comforting me. Be patient while I speak. Then after I have finished speaking, you may make fun of me (vv. 2-3, ERV).”

All Job wants is – comfort. He is hurting on an intense level, and his friends aren’t showing much comfort or compassion toward him. He desperately needs to hear from God.

Even when we have been given good comforting friends, we still need comfort and to hear from God more than anyone else.

Jesus, as our Comforter, reminds us that we can draw near and allow our relationship with Him to be the most important thing in our lives.

Jesus Christ is the Comforter we stand in need of. No matter what kind of friends we have, our need for Jesus never changes!

We need Him to overwhelm our souls with His goodness, hope, and eternal salvation.

We have Jesus Christ as our great Savior. He came to give us a new beginning, where we dwell in the presence of our God. God loves us, and pursues us – daily!

Chapter 22 – Eliphaz Responds

Haven’t you done many evil things? Don’t you sin again and again? . . . That’s why traps have been set all around you. That’s why sudden danger terrifies you (vv. 5, 10, NIRV).

This is why Job’s friends have a bad reputation. They are convinced that sin has caused all of Job’s trouble. These men didn’t know about Job 1-2. This is where we learn that our relationship with God, causes the Devil to become angry and seek to devour us.

The closer Job got to God, the more the Devil wanted to try and destroy him. As we see from the last few chapters, Job gets even more prosperous as he sought God.

Let’s stay steadfast in our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. God is far greater than the Devil or anyone else, just like verse 12 teaches us.

You agree, don’t you, that God is in charge? He runs the universe—just look at the stars! (MSG)

Lastly, we have verses 21-30. This is a Scripture worthy of our attention, which teaches us three key points –

• Obey God and be at peace with Him.
• Let’s put away our sin and return to the Lord!
• Make Jesus Christ your delight.

Chapter 23 – Job Speaks

But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold. For I have stayed on God’s paths; I have followed his ways and not turned aside. I have not departed from his commands, but have treasured his words more than daily food (vv. 10-12, NLT).

Amen! When the time of testing is over, we will come out as gold. Our time of testing shows where our faith has stood in our darkest hour.

How will we come out of our testing time, and will we cling to the hope found in Jesus Christ no matter what?

I want to live my life in such a way, so that after the testing I can feel unashamed about how I responded.

 

Leviticus 1-2

Then the Lord called to Moses and said to him from the meeting tent, Speak to the Israelites and say to them: When any of you present a livestock offering to the Lord, you can present it from either the herd or the flock (1:1-2, CSB).

The Lord is deliberate in teaching the Israelites how they can pursue reconciliation with God. The person was to put their hand on the head of the sacrificed animal, so they could be given reconciliation. This was before Christ came, and was not an “one time” sin offering. Unlike the sacrifice through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the people had to continue make sacrifices – to be given reconciliation – restoration with their heavenly Father.

It is important to note how these worship tools of the old, were described: “The priest will then completely burn all of it on the altar as an entirely burned offering, a food gift of soothing smell to the Lord (1:9b).”

They were a sweet smelling aroma. This was acceptable to God.

The burnt sacrifice was designed to propitiate the anger of God incurred by original sin, or by particular transgressions; and its entire combustion indicated the self-dedication of the offerer—his whole nature—his body and soul—as necessary to form a sacrifice acceptable to God (Ro 12:1; Php 1:20). – Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary

In chapter 1, entirely burned and flawless male are two phrases that immediately stand out to me – as I read through the chapter. Jesus Christ is our spotless Lamb. He who knew no sin, became for us our sin offering. There is no need for additional sacrifices to atone for our sins, because Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. He is enough. He is the source of our salvation.

For you know that you were redeemed from your empty way of life inherited from your fathers, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of an unblemished and spotless lamb (1 Peter 1:18-19).

Chapter 2 –

The offering we give to God – has to be deliberate. God reminds us that it was about choice flour. It wasn’t throwing together something at the last minute, to give unto God. But, it was an act of worship that took time and a lot of heart.

It is called first choice offering, requiring thought and action.

Thus offered, the grain is described as a memorial, an aroma pleasing to the Lord (see 2:2). Implicit in the term is the idea that the offerer remembers God’s constant grace in providing one’s daily food (Asbury Commentary).

While we are still in the Old Testament, we are reminded of the importance of salt. Salt signifies something great. Salt gives flavor, and leaves an impact. Things are never the same again with salt.

You must season all your grain offerings with salt. Do not omit the salt of your God’s covenant from your grain offering. You must offer salt with all your offerings (vv. 13).

Let’s resolve to keep remembering the covenant God has made with us – through His Son Jesus Christ. We have been given new life, where we can completely start over. Our worship is given, in light of our covenant with God and His enduring grace. Our worship offerings are for Jesus and to expand the kind of relationship we have with Jesus the Christ – our Savior and King.

How can we draw nearer to God and allow Him to leave His influence on our lives – enabling us to be “the salt of the earth”?

Genesis 8-11; Psalms 6-7

Assigned Reading for January 3: Genesis 8-11; Psalms 6-7

Genesis

In chapters 8-11, we find a lot of things going on. This is 4 chapters of life being lived and learning how to follow God or struggling with sin but not enjoying it as much as it promises. While Satan promises comfort and satisfaction, sin cannot provide these things.

Psalms

Psalm 6 – Even though, there is much grief experienced when we realize the number and effect of our enemies, David helps us realize that there is hope and victory found in God. We have the One greater than all of us, fighting on our behalf with all of His power at work. In our grief, we can still boldly declare to our enemies that God is greater!

Psalm 7 – This psalm is beautiful. Here we are given the reminder, that God is our Protector and acts for us! God rescues us from our enemies before we become devoured. In this psalm, David states something profound. In his prayer, he is honest with himself and God that these attacks are not the result of wrongdoing on his part. Often times, we play the blame game where we blame ourselves for the attacks. While he exposes the lie we often face, he is solely focused on God’s justice and protection. He doesn’t lose focus, even in his grief.

Protected: Chronological Blogging Notes –

This content is password protected. To view it please enter your password below:

Password:

Psalms #4

While it is true that Psalm 18 is a long Psalm, it is filled with an abundance of truth we need to hear. For our chronological study, we are met with Psalm 18 along with 1 Samuel 28-31. But, let’s take Psalm 18 by itself – and see the treasures we can uncover.

I love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock where I seek refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I was saved from my enemies (vv. 1-3, CSB).

He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he pulled me out of deep water. He rescued me from my powerful enemy and from those who hated me,
for they were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the Lord was my support. He brought me out to a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me (vv. 16-19).

For you rescue an oppressed people, but you humble those with haughty eyes. Lord, you light my lamp; my God illuminates my darkness. With you I can attack a barricade, and with my God I can leap over a wall (vv, 27-29).

God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is pure. He is a shield to all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the Lord? And who is a rock? Only our God.
God—he clothes me with strength and makes my way perfect (vv. 30-32).

He frees me from my enemies. You exalt me above my adversaries; you rescue me from violent men. Therefore I will give thanks to you among the nations, Lord (vv. 48-49).

Psalms #3

Psalms 17

Lord, hear a just cause; pay attention to my cry; listen to my prayer— from lips free of deceit. Let my vindication come from you, for you see what is right. You have tested my heart; you have examined me at night. You have tried me and found nothing evil; I have determined that my mouth will not sin (vv. 1-3, CSB).

Psalms 35

Oppose my opponents, Lord; fight those who fight me. Take your shields—large and small— and come to my aid. Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers, and assure me: “I am your deliverance (vv. 1-3).”

Psalms 54

God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my life. He will repay my adversaries or their evil. Because of your faithfulness, annihilate them (vv. 4-5).

Psalms 63

When I think of you as I lie on my bed, I meditate on you during the night watches because you are my helper; I will rejoice in the shadow of your wings. I follow close to you; your right hand holds on to me (vv. 6-8).

 

Psalms #2

Just as it was with the earlier Psalms, we will be just grabbing pieces of these Psalms. There is so much we can receive from them, so I encourage you to take the time to read through them – as your schedule allows.

A minute here to read one short Psalm, a few minutes there to listen to a longer Psalm. It all adds up, and is being stored up in our hearts – my friends.

---

Psalms 56

Be gracious to me, God, for a man is trampling me;
he fights and oppresses me all day long.
My adversaries trample me all day,
for many arrogantly fight against me.
When I am afraid,
I will trust in you (vv, 1-3, CSB).

Psalms 120

I have dwelt too long
with those who hate peace.
I am for peace; but when I speak,
they are for war (vv. 6-7).

Psalms 140

I say to the Lord, “You are my God.”
Listen, Lord, to my cry for help.
Lord, my Lord, my strong Savior,
you shield my head on the day of battle (vv. 6-7).

Psalms 141

Let the righteous one strike me—
it is an act of faithful love;
let him rebuke me—
it is oil for my head;
let me not refuse it.
Even now my prayer is against
the evil acts of the wicked (vv.5).

Psalms 142

I pour out my complaint before him;
I reveal my trouble to him.
Although my spirit is weak within me,
you know my way.
Along this path I travel
they have hidden a trap for me (vv. 2-3).