~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
2 Samuel 7:1-8:18 ~ John 14:15-31
Psalm 119:33-48 ~ Proverbs 15:33
Old Testament - 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.
New Testament - Wow. Today's John chapter 14 readings start off strong with a very short sentence of teaching from Jesus in verse 15 - "If you love me, obey my commandments." Not too complicated there, eh? :) Really... it's quite easy to understand. And believe. But to obey... hmmm... I've been thinking about that "obey" word quite a bit lately. In fact, it's a word that has been spray painted around my neighborhood lately - "obey" - I think for some political statement reasons. It's not really a popular word. But it's a pretty straightforward teaching from Jesus. Obey. Obey my commandments. "If you love me, obey my commandments." I really do believe that true freedom is found in this. When we are obedient to Jesus' teachings and God's will in our lives, we truly will be living "free" lives. I know it sounds like an oxymoron. But I believe it is true. The more we obey Jesus' teachings, the freer we truly become. Do you think this is true? Are you obeying Jesus' teachings in your life? Do you feel freer? And below is a little obedience humor for you based on verse 15 above... :)
Well, if we are wondering how on earth we can possibly obey Jesus' teachings, He graciously answers this for us in the next two verses in today's readings: "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world at large cannot receive him, because it isn't looking for him and doesn't recognize him. But you do, because he lives with you now and later will be in you." Basically, we cannot obey Jesus' teachings on our own. Using our own will power or smarts or strength, we will fail. We need the Holy Spirit, living with in us, to give us the grace and strength to obey Jesus' teachings. The Holy Spirit rounds out the Trinity and leads us and guides us. Are you looking for the Holy Spirit? Do you recognize the Holy Spirit living within you? Do you believe the Holy Spirit is leading you into all truth?
Verse 27 is a beautiful teaching from Jesus: ""I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid." Have you received the gift of peace from Jesus? Do you have peace of mind and heart?
Bible.org's commentary on today's John readings today titled "Having a Friend in High Places" is at this link.
Psalms - Today in Psalm 119 verses 47 & 48 we read – “I delight in your commands because I love them. I lift up my hands to your commands which I love, and I meditate on your decrees.” Do you believe it is possible to delight in God’s commands? Why might this be a good thing? Do you believe it is possible to actually love God’s commands? What are God’s commands? Where can we find them? (okay, I’ll give you a hint – the answer is all over Psalm 119 :) - God’s Word, the Bible is where we can find God’s commands) Do you meditate upon God’s decrees as found in the Bible? Do you love the Bible? This seems like a strange question to ask in some regards. . . but, maybe ask yourself this – do you love books in general? I think many of us would say we love books. (Maybe using the term loosely. . .) So, if we were to consider just one book that it would really make sense to invest our time in; to meditate upon; to read for all of our lives; to love – what would that book be? Why would it be that book? Are you a bookworm when it comes to the Bible?
Today in Psalm 119 verse 37 we read: “Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.” Are there currently things in your life that you are spending time on – focusing your eyes on – that are worthless? What are these things? Do you want to turn your eyes away from these things? Will you? Do you believe that your life can be preserved by the Word of God – the Bible? How will you continue to preserve your life according to God’s Word on a daily basis in 2007? Do you consider the Bible literally to be a "life preserver" for you in the midst of the raging rivers of life? Will you hold onto this life preserver each and every day?
Proverbs - Wow... how powerful is Proverbs 15 verse 33 today? - "Fear of the LORD teaches a person to be wise; humility precedes honor."
Comments from You & Questions of the Day: Do you believe this Proverb to be true? Does fear of God teach us to be wise? Why would humility precede honor? Also, 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
I really like this quote: “The more we obey Jesus' teachings, the freer we truly become.”
2 Samuel 7
(Message) // I really like these verses:
8-9
"So here is what you are to tell my servant David: The God-of-the-Angel-Armies has this word for you: I took you from the pasture, tagging along after sheep, and made you prince over my people Israel. I was with you everywhere you went and mowed your enemies down before you. Now I'm making you famous, to be ranked with the great names on earth.
11
"Furthermore, God has this message for you: God himself will build you a house!
~~~
Note: I really like what “the Message” says about the Lord of hosts: “the God-of-the-Angel-Armies”. God is a warrior for righteousness.
I thank God—while also being fearful—that God is holy. God is good. God’s is holy and God is love. His love is holy, and His holiness is loving.
So when the Father promises to “chasten” David’s descendants if they sin, this is a very precious act of love of protection from being a permanent slave to sin leading to permanent spiritual death and suffering in eternity.
~~
John 14 Note: It is very illuminating to note that the reason the Holy Spirit came is so we can obey. Thank God for many wonderful experiences in the Spirit as we wait on Him. Yet… without obedience all experiences have no true meaning and substance. Or, to put it another way, we are to live by obeying God’s Word through the help of the Spirit… not live based on our experiences alone.
If we had rich experiences by loving and obeying God and His Word through the Spirit, we can know God’s deep and abiding peace. This is what David exemplified in his daily life before he became king. One thing God shows us as the key to David being a successful king: The same intimate relationship David had with God as a shepherd is the same relationship that David needed to be king.
Intimacy and obedience are very tightly linked, as Jesus says in John 14:21. Yet, I have noticed a tendency for me to separate the two—as if doing outward acts of obedience ensures that the heart is right. Purity of heart is essential AND obedience is essential.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”, Jesus in Matthew 5:8.
Vance
Posted by: Vance | May 24, 2007 at 08:07 PM
David certainly knew who reigned supreme, and he expressed himself so beautifully, extolling God's marvelous choices, power, creativity, and acknowledged that it was God who had taken Israel from Egypt and gave them victories and made them His own, it was God who had taken a lowly shepherd boy and made him a great and powerful ruler, and raised up his family to have honor.
And how did God respond to this? He gave David even more victories in all the surrounding countryside. God is so faithful and if our hearts are pure and we give Him the praise and honor and glory He deserves, He in turn gives us more and more.
It reminds me of what happens as I teach the little 4-5 year olds; this is a huge undertaking, keeping all 20 of them involved, excited, and happy, but they repay me ten fold with their affection and gratitude. Oh, it is such a small scale compared to what God does, but I have a glimpse through the eyes of these little darlings.
Posted by: Sue | May 24, 2007 at 08:08 PM
Obedience keeps coming up in today's reading.Jesus said"but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me"...I can identify with David when he sang"Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees;then I will keep them to the end"...sometimes even when we know what God requires of us it's hard not to keep a tense face like those doggies there who're probably thinking"wish the trainer could just turn the other way...who'd miss one cat anyway"....I need more love for God and obedience...there are times I pray that God teaches me to love Him...now I'll just add obedience to my long list of "Lord teach me's"
Why would humility precede honor?
Humilty lets God take the wheel of our lives,pride knows it all...humility give God a chance at making us what he intended...as He said,His plans for us are good and His thoughts are far higher than us...humility lets us trust God to keep His word...Humility made David feel bad cos he stayed in a palace and the ark of God in a tent..so God honored him...Jesus was called the son of David!Humility makes us,the sons and daughters of God...that's honor!
Posted by: A | May 24, 2007 at 08:09 PM
In today's reading John 14 in verses 16 and 26, we see the Holy Spirit called Counselor. In other modern Bible translations the words Comforter, Encourager, and Advocate are used here.
My Harper's Bible Dictionary defines Holy Spirit as: the mysterious power or presence of God in nature or with individuals and communities, inspiring or empowering them with qualities they would
not otherwise possess. I like that definition.
To me, the Holy Spirit is a gift that God has provided to enable us to both feel and comprehend in our hearts, minds, and souls His truths. With this power, our abilities in our prayers, in our actions, in our love, in all aspects of our lives is nothing less than extraordinary.
One of the benefits I have received in my growth as a Christian, through the power of the Holy Spirit, is a dramatic increase in my ability and willingness to share my thoughts and feelings openly with others.
What does the Holy Spirit mean to you?
Yours In the Spirit,
Jeff
Posted by: Jeff | May 24, 2007 at 08:10 PM
I love Psalm 119 because it puts into words just how wonderful the Holy Bible is. It acts as a reminder of just how important it is for us to read it and read it on a daily basis. I love that chapter!
I also love John 14:15, because it goes right along with the greatest commandment, which is to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" (Matthew 22:37). Its sad to see that we dont love Him the way 22:37 says to or else we would never sin and we would always be fully obeident. It acts as a conviction and a motivation to make me strive harder for perfecetion in the Lord Jesus.
Good night now, I am tired...God bless you all and may He watch over you during the night.
Posted by: Angelo | May 25, 2007 at 07:06 PM
Psalm 119 verse 37 stood out for me today "Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word." ~ There are defenitly things in my life today that I spend time on, which I really shouldn't. I don't want to go too personal here, it's something I work on and I'm getting better. Well, some days better than other days, I know God is doing His work and so am I.
Do you recognize the Holy Spirit living within you? Do you believe the Holy Spirit is leading you into all truth? ~ Yes, I really do recognize the Holy Spirit living within me. I have had situations this past week that I felt the Holy Spirit so intensly! My response in certain situations and my love for people have been changed because of the Holy Spirit! I feel the Holy Spirit when it comes to letting go of 'the old Mae'. I feel the Holy Spirit working on my heart, it's amazing! The Holy Spirit defenitly leads me into all the truth. I've come to experience so much when it comes to 'letting go'. When I give situations to God ... it all turns out to the good. When I do what I have to do, I give the rest to God and He does what He has to do. And the Holy Spirit gives me peace ... it's amazing! I used to be such a control-freak ... now I know that God is in Control! Always!
Posted by: Mae | May 25, 2007 at 07:06 PM
A verse that stood out regarding the Holy Spirit: "whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you." What a blessing! Without Him, people dont understand and they come up with all kinds of silly questions and arguments that have validity. They know not because they have not. I hesitate to ever argue with nonbelievers bcos its not even an intellectual thing as much as its a heart issue. They cannot see. I have a friend i've been sharing with almost a year now...he reads the bible, listens to sermons, i share all i can, he knows intellectually more about the Bible then most Christians! but his heart isnt changed. I keep praying for him, bcos i tend to try to talk him into it, but i am not the holy spirit. My part is now to pray bcos i can talk til i'm blue in the face and its not gonna penetrate blind eyes.
"Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things.." Gods been dealing with me on this one this past year. Its a toughy! it sounds so easy, once you reach a point it does get easier. Even if I turn my eyes, i must turn my thoughts and heart from these things as well. dont even entertain it!
The bible is for sure a life preserver. i was very busy last weekend...i think i went 3-4 days without reading the word. whoa...the thoughts that crept in my mind. It didnt dawn that the Word is like a shield. I let my myshield down a few days and the darts came flying! Man, i used to only occasionally read the bible, except for at church. How did i get by?? I know i was a lot less victorious and unhappy then! My flesh ruled much more too. not that there will ever come a time I/we dont struggle.
"Your servant, Who is devoted to fearing You". I like that! I want to be devoted to fearing God!
"So shall I keep Your law continually...And I will walk at liberty, for I seek Your precepts." I love that! I will walk at liberty! I do! Common misconception about genuine Christianity, that we cant do what we "want". Yes we can, we are free! the catch, what we want to do changes!
Posted by: Jenny | May 26, 2007 at 06:55 PM