While the false gods could not answer, God showed up and proved Himself over and above any doubt. Not only was the reality of God revealed, but also the fraud of the false gods and prophets. The prophets were immediately executed for their crime. Do we understand how critical it is to represent God in truth? and in love? If we don't represent in love, we will drive people away. If we don't reveal the Truth, we may be leading people towards eternal demise. Thankfully, though we are not perfect, God is more loving and more powerful than all of us, put together. Sure we make mistakes, but "Many plans are in a man's mind, But it is the LORD'S purpose for him that will stand (be carried out)." (Proverbs 19:21, AMP). We can also have hope in "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8;28, ESV) So, Let's not become discouraged in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not become weary" (Galatians 6:9, NASB) but let us continue to work for the glory of God! <3
"Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench." (1 Kings 18:38, NIV)
While the false gods could not answer, God showed up and proved Himself over and above any doubt. Not only was the reality of God revealed, but also the fraud of the false gods and prophets. The prophets were immediately executed for their crime. Do we understand how critical it is to represent God in truth? and in love? If we don't represent in love, we will drive people away. If we don't reveal the Truth, we may be leading people towards eternal demise. Thankfully, though we are not perfect, God is more loving and more powerful than all of us, put together. Sure we make mistakes, but "Many plans are in a man's mind, But it is the LORD'S purpose for him that will stand (be carried out)." (Proverbs 19:21, AMP). We can also have hope in "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8;28, ESV) So, Let's not become discouraged in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not become weary" (Galatians 6:9, NASB) but let us continue to work for the glory of God! <3
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11Her husband can trust her,
and she will greatly enrich his life.... 22She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns. 23Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders... 28Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: Proverbs 31, NLT) So many times, this passage is used to honour women, as it was meant to. Today, I had a surprise visit from my Dad, running an errand for my Mom, as she had a prior commitment and she wanted to get this done, too. We had a short, distant visit. I'm convinced there's not enough time in the world to visit my loved ones, I just love them so much and love spending time with them. This passage came across my mind and heart, after he left. Yes, my Mom is a blessing, this child does rise and call her blessed (stand and bless her, according to the NLT). :) My Mom is a hard-working, wonderful, kind woman of faith whom I love dearly. There's not enough time in the world to visit with her, because I love her so much and love spending time with her. But my focus was directed to verse 23, "well known at the city gates, ..." The men at the city gates were the political leaders, business leaders, etc respected men who made significant decisions from "the city gates". My Dad is a life-long farmer, businessman, and respected by many. He's spent many years as a greeter at church, which makes me think of a more modern "city gate". I feel very blessed, having "virtuous" parents. As for verse 28, sure, I call my parents a blessing and I seek to bless them. Aside from that, I also had the thought of how comfortable children have to be with their parents to be in that position. Not every parent/child relationship is that comfortable. There are people who outright hate their parents or children. How sad. That is not how life was meant to be. I know that as a parent, I have made many terrible mistakes. I love my children dearly and wish I could go back and fix all my mistakes from over the years. Of course, it's not fully possible. We must do all we can! "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." (Romans 12:18, ESV) Especially for our family! <3 Seek God's help in this, it's important! <3 "The king was shaken. He went up to the room over the gateway and wept. As he went, he said: "O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you—O Absalom, my son, my son!" (2 Samuel 18:33, NIV)
No matter what most of us as parents go through, we still love our children and want to see the best for them. Though they were mortal enemies, David continued to love his son and obviously wished a very different outcome for him and their relationship. I've heard it said, "you can choose your friends, but you can't choose your family". I also know that I have shared this verse before, "Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody." (Romans 12:18, GNT) How much more does this need to be true for our family? Some things are beyond our control, and they should be, but we can still love, pray, forgive, and hope. Make the best of every moment because life really is too short and can end without warning. "But the king said, "What does this have to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the Lord said to him, 'Curse David,' who can ask, 'Why do you do this?'" (2 Samuel 16:10, NIV)
Abishai was loyal to David but David knew that his sins had made him undeserving of anyone's loyalty and of God's mercy. He was willing to accept the consequences for his misgivings. How much easier would it really be to live for God in all we do so that we have no guilt and shame? Yes, we have forgiveness through Christ, and yes, "it is finished", but sometimes we're not so quick to forgive ourselves or each other. I love that God has already given us over two thousand years to work on this. I can't help but think we should be doing better with it, by this point in time. I guess that helps to reveal how much influence Satan still has in our world. We need to keep Romans 12:2 in mind: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." (BSB) "How much more—when wicked men have killed an innocent man in his own house and on his own bed—should I not now demand his blood from your hand and rid the earth of you!" (2 Samuel 4:11, NIV)
The revenge of humanity might never end if we do not learn about Grace and Mercy from the Lord, Who has a lot to say about it: "Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the LORD." (Romans 12:19, NLT) "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD." (Leviticus 19:18, BSB) "For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” (Hebrews 10:30, ESV) "‘Vengeance is Mine, and retribution; In due time their foot will slip. For the day of their disaster is near, And the impending things are hurrying to them.’" (Deuteronomy 32:25, NASB) God seems to know that this doesn't seem to be easy for us. "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." (Ephesians 4:32, KJV) "38You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’h 39But I tell you not to resist the evil person. Instead, whoever shall strike you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40And to the one willing to sue you and to take your tunic, yield to him the cloak as well. 41And whoever shall compel you to go one mile, go with him two. 42Give to the one asking of you, and you shall not turn away from the one desiring to borrow from you. 43You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’i 44But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those persecuting you,j 45so that you may be sons of your Father in the heavens. For He makes His sun rise on evil and good, and He sends rain on righteous and unrighteous. 46For if you love those loving you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47And if you greet only your brothers, what extraordinary are you doing? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48You shall be perfect, therefore, as your Heavenly Father is perfect." (Matthew 5, BLB) "If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." (Romans 12:18, (AMP) There are times when turning the other cheek won't lead to peace. We have also been given Scriptural instructions to bring wrongful behaviour to an end, especially if it's becoming harmful to us or to others: "15 If one of my followers+ sins against you, go and point out what was wrong. But do it in private, just between the two of you. If that person listens, you have won back a follower. 16 But if that one refuses to listen, take along one or two others. The Scriptures teach that every complaint must be proven true by two or more witnesses. 17If the follower refuses to listen to them, report the matter to the church. Anyone who refuses to listen to the church must be treated like an unbeliever or a tax collector.+" (Matthew 18, CEV) Part of ministry training is to set boundaries. We need them to protect ourselves, our families, and each other. Sometimes, people will expect us, as Christians, to "turn the other cheek" and mistreat us out of their own pain or misdirected hatred. This is when we must consider Jesus' words in Matthew 18. The best outcome is always to win someone to the Love of Christ, but we must be wise about how we do that. Not every seed planted is ours to cultivate or harvest. Also, it is highly recommended to have a accountability partner who can help determine the right course of action for each circumstance. I am so very thankful for a little army of people who I can reach out to in such times. "Now do it! For the Lord promised David, 'By my servant David I will rescue my people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and from the hand of all their enemies.'" (2 Samuel 3:18, NIV)
Preceded by this: "The war between the house of Saul and the house of David lasted a long time. David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker." If the people knew who was going to win, was there any point in fighting? How does this apply to today? We know who wins in the end: "19 Then I saw the beast and the kings of the world and their armies gathered together to fight against the one sitting on the horse and his army. 20 And the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who did mighty miracles on behalf of the beast--miracles that deceived all who had accepted the mark of the beast and who worshiped his statue. Both the beast and his false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. 21 Their entire army was killed by the sharp sword that came from the mouth of the one riding the white horse. And the vultures all gorged themselves on the dead bodies." (Rev. 19, NLT) Have we chosen what side we want to be on? What about the church? "I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought." (1 Cor 1:10, NIV) and "And having known their thoughts, He said to them, "Every kingdom having been divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house having been divided against itself will not stand." (Matt 12:25, BLB) Do you have a quarrel with someone at church? at work? within your household? with another believer? with another church? with the government? ouch. That one seems really relevant right now. Also, knowing from experience, that we can't seem to resolve every conflict ourselves. It really does take two to tango. But we are called "17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."" (Rom 12, NIV) We must do our best and trust God with the rest, but yes, we must seek peace as much as possible. "11 They found an Egyptian in a field and brought him to David. They gave him water to drink and food to eat— 12 part of a cake of pressed figs and two cakes of raisins. He ate and was revived, for he had not eaten any food or drunk any water for three days and three nights.
13 David asked him, "Who do you belong to? Where do you come from?" He said, "I am an Egyptian, the slave of an Amalekite. My master abandoned me when I became ill three days ago. 14 We raided the Negev of the Kerethites, some territory belonging to Judah and the Negev of Caleb. And we burned Ziklag." 15 David asked him, "Can you lead me down to this raiding party?" He answered, "Swear to me before God that you will not kill me or hand me over to my master, and I will take you down to them." (1 Samuel 30, NIV) David met a stranger in need and took care of him. The stranger had been abandoned but wasn't quite ready to trust David alone. He is recorded as knowing that an oath by God is a powerful agreement. Both men got what they needed from their "fear of God" and David's compassion. 33‘When a stranger resides with you in your land, you shall not [k]do him wrong. 34The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt; I am the LORD your God." (Leviticus 19:33-34, NASB) Most of us have been told as children not to talk to strangers. It's true, that we must be careful of who we trust. It was as a hockey coach that I first learned the concept of practicing "Two Deep", which is pretty much the same as the buddy system. I guess I learned that in swimming lessons as a child! I do like in the Chosen, episode 2, which is actually someone else's quote: "There are no strangers here; Only friends you haven't yet met." William Butler Yeats No matter who we meet, where they're from, what they've done, or what they have. we may share a past with them - perhaps our heritage or previous circumstances - but we should only embrace that as part of bettering ourselves and each other. Otherwise, each day, our past is behind us, each of us, and we should all seek a better future, together. It is what God has called us to do, both in the Old and the New Testament. "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men." (Romans 12:18, KJV) I try to include the KJV often, as some people rely on it exclusively. This is unfortunate as this particular verse, for example, some will reject it because it says to live peaceably with all men, as an exclusion to women. Even more unfortunate is that the KJV isn't even accurate with this translation. Checking the original "lexicon" or original language, Koine Greek, it translates as "everyone", not "men". I am so thankful that we have the lexicon with definitions, AND multiple translations easily available to us today, that we not be led astray. everyone. πάντων (pantōn) Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural Strong's Greek 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. "The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine." Saul said to David, "Go, and the Lord be with you." (1 Samuel 17:37, NIV)
A very timely message for days of darkness and fear! Yesterday, we had seen that the Lord may have withdrawn His protection from Saul. We don't know for sure, but it seems by the time this passage was recorded, Saul was restored. Let us never turn our backs on God. Even better than all that Saul had, we have Jesus as our advocate and the Holy Spirit within us to lead us and to comfort us. God, the Holy Trinity, is our protection: Deuteronomy 20:4 “For the LORD your God is He who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.” 2 Samuel 22:3-4 “The God of my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge; my Savior, You save me from violence. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies.” Psalm 17:7-8 “Show Your marvelous lovingkindness by Your right hand, O You who save those who trust in You from those who rise up against them. Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me under the shadow of Your wings.” Psalm 34:6 “This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.” Psalm 34:17-18 “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.” Zephaniah 3:17 “The LORD your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Romans 8:37 “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Hebrews 13:6 “So we may boldly say: ‘The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’” |
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