Psalms #1

For our chronological Bible reading plan, we have begun diving into the Psalms. Unlike the previous entries, I am choosing to share one piece of Scripture from each passage. Something I have highlighted in my YouVersion account.

When you can, take the time to read each one. You will be blessed beyond measure!

One of the things I love about the Psalms is – they are messy. The psalmist’s life is messy and unpredictable, yet they show us how to continue to have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. They show us that God is still in full control, even when we have absolutely no idea what is going on in our lives.

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Psalms 11

I have taken refuge in the Lord.
How can you say to me,
“Escape to the mountains like a bird!
For look, the wicked string bows;
they put their arrows on bowstrings
to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart.
When the foundations are destroyed,
what can the righteous do (vv. 1-3, CSB)?”

Psalms 59

But I will sing of your strength
and will joyfully proclaim
your faithful love in the morning.
For you have been a stronghold for me,
a refuge in my day of trouble.
To you, my strength, I sing praises,
because God is my stronghold —
my faithful God (vv. 16-17).

Psalms 7

Lord my God, if I have done this,
if there is injustice on my hands,
if I have done harm to one at peace with me
or have plundered my adversary without cause,
may an enemy pursue and overtake me;
may he trample me to the ground
and leave my honor in the dust (vv. 3-5).

Psalms 27

Though an army deploys against me,
my heart will not be afraid;
though a war breaks out against me,
I will still be confident. . .
For he will conceal me in his shelter
in the day of adversity (vv. 3, 5a).

Psalms 31

But I trust in you, Lord;
I say, “You are my God.”
The course of my life is in your power;
rescue me from the power of my enemies
and from my persecutors.
Make your face shine on your servant;
save me by your faithful love (vv. 14-16).

Psalms 34

I sought the Lord, and he answered me
and rescued me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant with joy;
their faces will never be ashamed (vv. 4-5).

1 Samuel 15-24

I haven’t been able to blog as much about the chronological Bible reading plan. Not as much as I’d like to.

Today, we will be covering many chapters.

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Saul was the king God originally chose for the people of Israel. But, Saul wasn’t someone after God’s own heart. Saul and David are two completely different leaders. David, son of Jesse, became Saul’s replacement.

In chapter 15, God gave Saul specific instructions regarding defeating the Amalekites. But, Saul rejected God’s instructions. Sure he went and defeated this people group, but he leaned on his own understanding versus God’s (vv. 2-3, 9-11).  God grieved over Saul, and Samuel joined Him. In verse 22, God uses Samuel to speak profound words in our hearts as well as Saul’s.

“Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
    as much as in obeying the Lord?
To obey is better than sacrifice,
    and to heed is better than the fat of rams (NIV).”

Chapter 16 is where we find David. Samuel went to Jesse’s house, where God showed him the next king. It wasn’t the ones well in appearance, for God looks at the heart of man (see vv. 7). Jesse’s youngest son, David, became king. He began to serve Saul, by playing music when the spirit of torment (depression and fear) came upon Saul.

“Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him (16:23).”

David slayed Goliath. He slayed Goliath not by might or weaponry, but by the power of the Living God (see 17:45-49). It didn’t take long before Saul was ridiculously jealous of David. When David killed Goliath, the Philistine giant, he became “famous”. Others noted and sang about how “Saul has killed thousands and David tens of thousands (18:7).” Saul was out for blood. He kept a very jealous eye on David.

• Saul tried to kill David twice with a spear in his hand (18:10-11) Notice 18:12, where we are taught that Saul was actually afraid of David for God was with him. God had turned away from Saul.
• Saul tried to get Saul killed by requesting he kill 100 Philistines, in exchange for (Saul’s daughter) Michal as David’s wife (18:25).
• Saul attempted to have his servants and/or son (Jonathan) assassinate David (19:1).
• Saul (again) hurled a spear at David, in attempt to kill him and then had his troops stakeout David’s house to kill him the next morning (19:10-11). Troops sent to capture him in Ramah, and the troops started prophesying instead (19:20-21).
• When Saul saw that David was nowhere in sight, he tried to even kill his son Jonathan by hurling a spear at him (20:33).
• Saul ordered that the priests of the Lord be killed, for not telling him about David coming to them (22:17-20).

David spent much time on the run from Saul. But, there was one time where Saul came close enough for David to kill. While David’s troops urged him on, David chose to not to touch him (see 24:1-7).

In these several chapters, we see God doing so much on behalf of His people. We see God protecting David, even protecting Saul. God’s protection is mighty, and He will protect those who are more concerned with following after His heart – rather than following our own hearts.

1 Samuel 13-14

Saul was 30 years old, when he became king (1 Sam. 13:1). Have you ever noticed that when leaders step up – they are generally around the big 3-0? Saul was 30 years old when he became king, and his career as king lasted for many many days.

Saul chose many men for himself, just as Samuel told the people Israel in 1 Samuel 8. The battle with the Philistines continued on, and they were found to be repulsive by the Philistines (13:4). Much like the world today, people who follow God – will be found to be repulsive. Jesus reminds us of this in John 15:18-25.

This is how the battle of chapter 13 went down –

• The men of Israel saw they were in big trouble (13:6), became very afraid (13:7), began to scatter away from the battle (13:8).
• Saul’s faith is put to the test (13:8), and his decision cost his family line the opportunity to reign permanently (13:13-14).

New King –

God has chosen a new king. One whose legacy would live on – way past the anniversary of his death. David, a lone shepherd boy, became king over Israel. And Jesus Christ would become King of the world, saving people from all their sins and rescuing them on a daily – even hourly basis.

The Lord has found a man after his own heart, and the Lord has appointed him as ruler over his people, because you have not done what the Lord commanded (1 Sam. 13:14b, CSB).

The On-Going Battle

While Israel fought the Philistines, they had something the others didn’t. They had the Lord God Almighty on their side. Just as God stood on their side, God stands on ours. The key in winning the battle and fighting well is in seeking Jesus Christ and remaining obedient to God – even when the temptation to go against God is great.

[Jonathan said,] “Perhaps the Lord will help us. Nothing can keep the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.” His armor-bearer responded, “Do what is in your heart. You choose. I’m right here with you whatever you decide (1 Sam. 14:6b-7).”

God shook the Philistines with terror. God brought together all the people of Israel, and He saved them from the hands of the Philistines – as the enemy fought each other out of shear confusion (1 Sam. 14:15-16, 20-23).

The Awaiting Curse

King Saul put a curse on the Israelite troops, which was far more than they could bear. This oath actually caused Israel to lean toward sin. They were given an oath stating they would not eat (14:24, 31-33), and ended up sinning against God – for they were not allowed to eat until the battle was won against the Philistines.

The priest reminded Saul and the troops to seek God’s direction (14:36-37). This is what a godly leader will do – call us to inquire of the Lord. “Should we fight them tonight, Lord?” Not only did they seek direction for the fight, Saul and Jonathan sought after God to see who was in the wrong – King Saul, his son Jonathan, or Israel. Now, God answered them. And while Jonathan was at fault, Israel remained an advocate for Jonathan – freeing him from death’s grip in that moment (14:45).

Saul fought bravely, as Israel’s leader. In verse 48, we are reminded that “[Saul] fought bravely, defeated the Amalekites, and rescued Israel from those who plundered them.”

The conflict with the Philistines was fierce all of Saul’s days, so whenever Saul noticed any strong or valiant man, he enlisted him (1 Sam. 14:52).

1 Samuel 4-8 (Part 3)

“The Lord is a holy God. Who can stand in front of Him? Where can the ark go up to from here (6:20)?”

God set apart Eleazer to guard the Ark. This was his primary purpose aside from knowing God, because God had a specific task for this man.

God is declaring to the world that He is holy. God is not simply one of their buddies, but He is absolutely holy and cannot even look upon sin.

Before we are in the battle, we need to learn that God is absolutely holy. God is far smarter than we are. And, God is all-powerful. When we step into battle, we are not the first one to see what we will experience. God goes before us.

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged (Deut. 31:8).

When Life is Good. . .

For twenty years, the Ark remained at Kiriath Jearim and life was good. The people of Israel turned back to the Lord – which is the most important indicator of “life is good”.

Samuel’s honest wisdom applies to us too.

If we really want to return to God, we need to do so with all of our hearts and seek Him alone (see 7:3-4).

The people of Israel gathered together, fasted from food, and repented before the Lord that they had sinned against Him (see 7:6). This is something profound, but we often don’t see this anywhere in our culture – today.

How often do we see our loved ones coming together, fasting together, and being prayed over as we truly repent?

Worship in the Battle

Israel’s hearts were changed from that day. You can sense it, as you read their heartfelt plea to Samuel – one of God’s prophets. “Don’t stop crying out to the Lord our God to help us. Keep praying that he’ll save us from the power of the Philistines (7:8).”

Worship guarded their hearts. As they worshipped God in the midst of their battles, God answered them (see 7:9). He did not abandon them, but He answered their prayer. Worship was their weapon against the enemy. As they worship, God acted with a mighty hand – displaying His power before the enemy.

The Illustration of Pursuing Worship

Now as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel (1 Sam. 7:10a).

This is a powerful verse, that we need to remember in our daily lives. Many of us face great battles. What are we doing in those moments, when we could be worshiping the Lord our God?

The Lord has helped us every step of the way (7:12b).

Godly Leader

Samuel was a leader we should seek to learn from. He was an incredibly leader who stood for God with unwavering faith and a heart for worship (see 7:15-17).

1 Samuel 4-8 (Part 2)

Let me catch you up:

Israel has gone into battle with the Philistines, took the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant with them – without His permission. Now as a result, the Ark has been stolen by Israel’s enemy.

“. . . God’s power was against the city (5:11b).”

We need to truly know in our hearts that God is ruler over all. He is the One we must give account to. He is our good Father, who disciplines us – out of love for us (see Heb. 12). Even though the enemy they fought were not God’s people, God displayed His power in hopes that they would see His holiness and their need for Him (see Joshua 2:8-11) .

God is holy, and we all need to acknowledge His holiness. This is why we are able to see God’s power reign, as He shows the people He is not someone to take lightly.

When God’s power came against these pagan people, they moved the Ark to a different place and the same thing happened to its town’s people. People continually were afflicted and cried out, because the Living God had come against them! And in the town of Ekron, they actually cried out to heaven for help (5:12).

While they did not follow God in any way, they found themselves in a crucial place – where all they could do is begin crying out to God. 

Experiencing God’s glory is indeed a privilege. However, God’s glory had been taken away from Israel – when the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant was moved and yes stolen.

Now for the testimony of God’s love and power:

God brought His glory back to the people He loved and cherished. Even though they acted wrongly, He chose to allow them to experience His Presence through the Ark. That’s grace, friends!

There came a time for celebration and absolute joy, when God’s glory returned to Israel (see 6:13-15). The people worshipped God.

Israel, God’s people, worshipped the Lord. They spent time in His Presence and enjoyed Him, for the Lord and His glory had returned to Israel.

1 Samuel 4-8 (Part 1)

“Why did the Lord…? (1 Sam. 4:3)”

Unfortunately, we get like this also. We go out to fight without praying and our spiritual armor, then we bring forth our questions like this.

We want to make and carry out our own plans, but expect God to bless them.

When we do this, we are forgetting one little thing –

The Lord is the One who rules over all (1 Sam. 4:4)

Israel lost the war on the Philistines, because they went their own way versus stopping to pray and see what God wanted. They even, acted in a way – that causes the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant {which is a BIG deal} to be stolen. For seven long hard moments, God’s glory departed from Israel.

Friends, we need to pray in the battles we face. We need to pray in the midst of the battle, but also need to pray before the battle even begins. We desperately need to use prayer as our weapon. If we forfeit the weapon of prayer, we come under attack and lose the advantage.

But when we put on the full armor of God (see Eph. 6), we are aware of the devil’s schemes and can overcome his tactics. To quote 1 John 4:4, ““Greater is He who is in you, than he who is in the world.”

As Israel faced losing the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant, they faced God’s glory departing. There was much sorrow in this. Their sin greatly cost them. They disobeyed God, by not seeking Him. They wanted to turn to their own way, versus turn to the Lord and His way. As sons and daughters of the Most High God, we need to rethink the way we make decisions and live the lives we have been given.

Even when hard things happen, we can make the decision to seek Christ above all else.

As we observe our lives and see the battles we are facing, we need to choose to allow Jesus Christ, our Savior and King, to become our Battle-Winner. His strength and presence is far more than our enemies can handle!

Deuteronomy 12-16

Learning to Worship (ch. 12)

These are the decrees and laws you must be careful to follow in the land that the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has given you to possess—as long as you live in the land (12:1).

God is giving Israel specific commands for how they will worship Him. It would not have been acceptable to worship God the way that the former inhabitants did (vv. 4). God helps them to live in safety, as they followed Him (vv. 10). When we follow the Lord our God in His commands, He will take care of us. When we do what is good and right in the eyes of the Lord, we will be blessed (vv. 28).

Following God and No Others (ch. 13)

We need to be careful who we follow. Again, we are reminded of being tested to find out if we love Him (13:3-4).

It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him. (vv. 4) 

It is God we must follow. Others will try to sway us and turn us away from the Lord. We need to be serious in how we deal with such people. While we wouldn’t kill them, we would need to set strict boundaries to protect our walk/relationship with God through Jesus Christ!

We need to investigate (vv. 14) when we hear that others who once clung to the faith, are enticing Jesus followers to follow other gods. We need to investigate, but again set firm boundaries in our relationships with such people. Others trying to sway us from knowing and serving our Lord Jesus is a serious matter. It is not something to laugh off, and go on our merry little way. We can love the person, while still finding it necessary to step back.

Children of God (ch. 14)

We are children of the Lord our God. We need to remember this truth, and allow it to alter the way we act before a watching world. Our aim ought to be glorifying God. For the Israelites, they had specific food guidelines that pleases God when followed. This reminds us that God’s children are truly to be set apart. We aren’t meant to even eat like unbelievers.

. . . But you are a people holy to the Lord your God. . . (see vv. 21)

When the Israelites tithed in the Lord’s designated place, they were to eat there in the presence of the Lord your God and rejoice (vv. 26b). There is such joy and soul satisfaction accompanied by their tithing, as they sat in the Lord’s presence, ate, and rejoiced (vv. 28-29). 

Year of Jubilee (ch. 15)

However, there need be no poor people among you, for in the land the Lord your God is giving you to possess as your inheritance, he will richly bless you, if only you fully obey the Lord your God and are careful to follow all these commands I am giving you today (15:4-5).

Just as the Israel is, we are taught to give generously. God is providing leaps and bounds, so we can extend these gifts to those who stand in need. We need to be open handed to those in need (vv. 7-11).

The Israelites were called to lovingly give, during the year of Jubilee (happens every seven years). They were reminded to not allow it to be a hardship to set a slave free after six years’ service (vv. 12-18). The slave was given the option of staying on, as a member of the family – if they felt so led.

The Passover and Holidays of Celebration (ch. 16)

Instructions for the Passover are given. This is a specific time of reflecting and celebrating how God delivered them from Egypt and their many years of slavery while there. There are times of celebrating, through Festivals. This is a time of giving a gift to God, and remembering how God has blessed His people – Israel.

In everything, they are reminded to listen and follow the commands of our great God. They are His people. We, too, have been set apart, so let’s learn how to follow Him and live out His Word.

Deuteronomy 5-11

This is a large chunk of Scripture to ingest, but let’s see if we can make it through these seven chapters.

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Chapter 5: The Big Move –

God brought Israel out of Egypt and is jealous (and protective) of them (5:6, 9). In chapters 5-8, I want to say that Israel is reacquainted with the Lord their God – their first love. Israel is moved from their old life and introduced to a life with God. Let’s remember how Jesus Christ has rescued us, and continues to teach us how to live with Him by our side.

Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you. . . (5:33)

Chapter 6: The Great Heart Issue –

In 6:13-19, we are taught to fear God and keep Him where He belongs in our lives. Our response to God ought to be love and excitement to enjoy Him and speak of His name boldly to others (6:2-3, 5-9). We need to make it a common practice to talk about the Lord and make King Jesus our focus.

Because of who we are in Christ, we can fearlessly share His truth.

Chapter 7: Our God –

Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments (7:9). . . If you pay attention to these laws and are careful to follow them, then the Lord your God will keep his covenant of love with you, as he swore to your ancestors. He will love you and bless you (vv. 12-13a).

God is holy. The Israelites likely understood this truth more than we do today. God is faithful, but He is holy too. God is the One who deserves all of our affection. We need to allow our actions to be made for God alone.

Our Relationship –

Now as we move into chapters 8-11, we are encouraged to think abut our own relationship with our Risen Lord Jesus Christ. These words in Deuteronomy are for us too.

Chapter 8: The Discipline –

Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. . .Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you (8:2, 5).

We are reminded why we face testing. I have this passage highlighted in my Bible, because I need it to stand out whenever I open it to chapter 8. As we face testing in our lives, we need bold reminders that God is with us and He is doing a work in us.

. . . This is where we are reminded of our need to cling tighter to our Lord Jesus Christ!

Chapter 9-11: Stiff – Necked People

Israel was given the Promised Land because of a specific promise God made. It is fully dependent upon God, rather than the people of Israel. They turned from God, which cost them many blessings. Rejecting God and His Word brought curses on themselves, because that’s what they ran toward.

. . . You had turned aside quickly from the way that the Lord had commanded you. (9:16b) Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer. (10:16)

Friends, we have our own stubbornness keeping us from God. We need to turn our hearts away from sin. . . and run to King Jesus!

Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. (11:18).

Deuteronomy 3-4

The Lord said to me, “Do not be afraid of him, for I have delivered him into your hands. . . I commanded you at that time: “The Lord your God has given you this land. [Go] and after [winning the battle], each of you may go back to the possession I have given you. . . [Just] as the Lord your God has done to these two kings. The Lord will do the same to all the kingdoms over there where you are going. Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you (see 3:2, 18-22).”

God is going to give His people the victory He promised. While He will give them what He promised, they have to be willing to follow Him. God is sovereign and does not owe humanity anything, yet He has willfully come and saved us through our Savior Jesus Christ who was crucified for our sins and raised from the dead to give us new life!

We cannot allow fear to stop us from seeking out the promises of God and abundant life. We need to seek the Lord and give Him our best by becoming “doers of the Word” like James teaches.

We need to not just hear God’s Word, but internalize, learn from, and apply it to our daily lives.

Take to Heart –

Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them (4:9)

We are taught the importance of watching ourselves closely. Today, we need a passion for God and His Word. We need to passionately tell of God’s goodness, mercy, justice, and eternal Good News.

Seek –

But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul. When you are in distress and all these things have happened to you, then in later days you will return to the Lord your God and obey him. For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your ancestors, which he confirmed to them by oath (4:29-31).

Even when we fall away and turn our backs on God, there is still an opportunity to return to Him – as long as there is breath in our lungs, we have that choice. Don’t delay, let’s resolve to choose and turn to Jesus Christ – today! Let’s seek after Him right now at this very moment, as we pray and turn to Him with the Holy Spirit’s marvelous help.

God doesn’t want us to half-heartedly seek Him, but to wholly seek after Him. And He gives us the ability to seek Him, so we can pray for His help. As we seek Him, He will continue to show Himself to us. Remember and take to heart: God will never abandon you, so keep following our Lord Jesus Christ.

Deuteronomy 1-2

See, I have given you this land. Go in and take possession of the land the Lord swore he would give to your [ancestors] (1:8).

Israel was told to go and take possession of the land. While God gave the Israelites special land, God has given us sacred spiritual land. We need to go and take possession of it. We do this by seeking our Lord Jesus Christ and being sensitive to the direction of the Holy Spirit. Also by keeping the Bible close to our hearts, and using it as our road map for life (see Joshua 1:6-9).

Fear –

Then I said to you, “Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them. The Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, and in the wilderness. There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place (1:29-31).”

We have been urged by God to not be afraid. God loves us and promises to fight for us, His people. This is the truth we need, as we set our feet on this journey of seeking after our Risen Lord – Jesus! We don’t need to be afraid, because God has shown us that He will fight for us!

They will be afraid of you, but be very careful. Do not provoke them to war, for I will not give you any of their land, not even enough to put your foot on (2:4-5a).

God prepared the Israelites, as they went into pieces of land. I can understand why God would need to direct them to be careful and not harass (see vv. 9). It is easy to want to “poke the bear,” so to speak by taking pride in the fact that others are afraid of us. When others are afraid of us, we have to be very careful.

Our Spiritual Possessions –

God urges His people to begin to take possession of it and engage [them] in battle (2:24b). The time had come, where they would begin to experience the place God was calling them toward.

There is a parallel between God giving them their land, and the spiritual possession He is desiring to give us. In our own lives, how are we listening to and answering the voice of God? If we cannot hear Him, it is possible that our sins and distractions are louder than His voice. Our sins are always louder and more distracting than the voice of God, which greatly hinders our spiritual walk and the possessions God wants to give us.

I am not talking about financial blessings that rain down from Heaven, like televanglists assure you. While God make you filthy rich, I doubt that is His plan for our lives. It might very well cause us to quit seeking God.

However, God does want to bless us!

God wants to give us enormous blessings that this world cannot begin to give. As we seek after the things of God, we will face road blocks, trials, and great difficulties. This is because of the enormous level of the spiritual possessions God wants to give to us – the people He calls His own children through Jesus’ death and resurrection!