The Rooftop Cinema

One Year Bible May 27, 2022

2 Samuel 12:1-31.

The Rooftop Cinema

Our family loves to go to “The Rooftop Cinema” in San Diego overlooking the ocean. Outside movie. Beach chairs. Cool Salt Breezes. Popcorn lofting in the air. What’s not to love?

I have also been at a hotel for an outside “Rooftop Massage”. Sounds lovely, doesn’t it? However, there were no cool breezes as it was summertime in Tucson, Az.

Have you ever worn one of those thick, cozy, white robes provided for you in the swankiest of hotels? Aren’t they just the dreamiest???

Well, I have one of my very own! It was actually given to me personally by a FOUR STAR HOTEL. I know!!! Talk about winning the LOTTERY! They told me to just take it home with me and don’t even bother to bring it back. How cool is that?

Well, it wasn’t cool at all. When I got up, I passed out cold. They took me away in the ambulance and said, “Lady, keep the robe!” as that is ALL I had on…

Yesterday we talked about, “What can possibly go wrong?” Well, as you can see from my example, a lot, actually!

King David’s “Rooftop Cinema” opened a door for him that changed his ENTIRE LIFE!

Our story today has a lot in common with my Rooftop story. David’s collapse began on the rooftop also.

Bathsheba was minding her own business! But… she had nothing on! Not even the nice fluffy, cozy robe! It was the morning and she was ceremonially bathing when David looked upon her “from his palace rooftop”. Her privacy became “His Cinema”.

All my life I have had this image of Bathsheba on the rooftop. Perhaps, you have heard the story and it stuck in your brain like that also. Some have even suggested that perhaps she was a seductress who had ‘her eyes on the king’. Or was it just that ‘his eyes were on her’?

In case you missed some of yesterday’s information about this issue, you might want to go back and read yesterday’s comments.

There are a few important details that we need to remember here:

1) David was on the rooftop of the palace and he saw Bathsheba,

2) Bathsheba was following the OT cleansing rituals according to the Jewish rituals by God.

3) David “Saw” her and “Sent” for her.

4) He was the king and she came as ordered.

5) People were to obey the king and she did.

6) The prophet Nathan puts the blame squarely on David and calls Bathsheba the “little ewe lamb”.

7) Bathsheba’s husband was murdered to cover this up.

The question that comes to mind during this period of David’s life is, “How did this happen”? This man had EVERYTHING… Lottery Dream House, Dynasty, S.W.A.T. He had the whole network if you follow my drift.

How? Perhaps, that is the remorseful question asked by every person caught in the disastrous aftermath of adultery. But, is adultery really the word for this encounter as David pursued her and used his power and authority to get what he wanted?

The Jewish law considers “rape” to be involving a virgin, and this wasn’t that either.

What word should be used for this situation? The prophet Nathan said that David “Despised” the Lord with his actions. Sometimes we may think that God went a little tough on David for adultery, but this really wasn’t that, was it?

Let’s look at the word picture that the prophet gives to David about his sin, “There were two men in a certain town. One was rich, and one was poor. The rich man owned a great many sheep and cattle. The poor man owned nothing but one little lamb he had bought”. (2 Samuel 12: 1FF)

We should take note that this story is being told to the shepherd David who would leave his sheep (as a boy) to go out and rescue the poor lost one. This was the same shepherd who would kill a lion or other wild animal to preserve the lives of the lambs under his care. This was that man!

Nathan goes on to tell him the rest of the story… This man had plenty but instead of using what he had he took the poor man’s lamb and prepared it for his guest.

David was touched by the story. He could certainly relate. His immediate response was, “As surely as the Lord lives any man who would do such a thing deserves to die! He must repay four lambs to the poor man for the one he stole and for having no pity.” (12:5-6)

“You are that man!” Nathan told David. (vs. 7)

The man that would protect one lost sheep with courage, bravery, and the power of God was the very same man that sent “a sheep under his care” out to the head of the military line to be killed by the enemy to cover up his sin.

David was that man!

What a GRIEVOUS ACT that will have GRIEVOUS CONSEQUENCES!

This is what the Lord says: “You did it secretly, but I will make this happen to you openly in the sight of all Israel.” (12:12)

David’s punishment will be visible for all to see. God was sending David a message and the Israelite people as well. His sin will affect his family, beginning with the baby born out of his abomination.

While the baby has a deadly illness, David is grief-stricken, fasting, and pleading with the Lord to be gracious with him and let the child live.

After the child dies, David got up from the ground, washed himself, and changed his clothes. He went to the Tabernacle and worshiped the Lord. Then he ate food again in the palace. He stopped his mourning. How strange this may seem to us…

Look at what David says, “Why should I fast when he is dead? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him one day, but he cannot return to me.” (12: 23)

David, who used to talk to God about everything seems to have been rather silent since moving into the palace. He seemed a lot more attentive when he was running for his life and hiding in caves.

The man who asked, “Lord, Will they betray me?” didn’t ask “Am I betraying you and the sheep you have put under my care?”

The sin that was done secretly involving Bathsheba and then the murder of her husband is now openly visible for all of Israel to see.

This is the Rooftop Cinema…

A Lesson on Gardening

John 15:1-27 (May 26)

One of my favorite things about my new house is the flower garden under my office window. The back row is various types of shrubs, and the front row is a mixture of blooming flowers, aloe vera, and some really cool ground cover. There are also two beautiful, young oak trees.

And while I love this garden, it does require a lot of work. Weeds grow the size of small buildings in Texas. And with the rainfall, the shrubs and trees grow really fast. So, I find that I am continuously pruning my shrubs, so that they don't get overgrown and make my house look like it is abandoned. And we have been pruning the branches on our trees to get them to grow taller.

Beautiful... but a lot of work!

Jesus speaks to the disciples in today's passage and talks a lot about pruning. He likens each of them to the branches of his grapevine. And he lets them know that if they aren't staying connecting to the vine (staying in relationship with Jesus, and doing his great works), they will be cut off. If they are staying connected, they will still be pruned, so that they will be even more productive.

"You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me." (Vs 3 & 4)

Although Jesus is using an example of a vine and its branches, it is very clear what message he is trying to get across. It is the same message that applies to us today. Stay connected to Christ. Allow him to "prune" the unnecessary things in your life, so that you can be more useful for his kingdom. Don't get bogged down with the things of this world but keep your focus on serving God.

He goes on to talk to them about love. Jesus is obedient to his Father, and because of this, he remains in his love. The same is true for us. When we keep our lives in obedience to him, we keep ourselves in his love. And the greatest act of obedience comes from his greatest commandment,

"This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command." (vs 12 & 13)

If only we could all follow this simple command. Our world seems so full of hate and rage, and I think how much sorrow that must bring to our Savior. How beautiful it would be if evil didn't surround us...only love and joy.

Oh, but that day will come for all who know him!!! (Come Lord Jesus!)

As Jesus is speaking on the importance of love, he also uses this opportunity to talk a bit about hate. He warns the disciples that the world will hate them, just as the world hated him. When we choose to follow Jesus, the world is intolerable, throwing its criticisms and ridicule at us, often times being abusive towards us.

But we are to stand firm in the midst of the hate, because we know that we belong to God, and his ways are good...so much more so than this world.

Have you experienced this hate or ridicule in your life? Have you seen evidence of the world's disdain for all things Holy? I pray that if you have, you have had the strength in Christ to stand firm and not be shaken.

Jesus closes out this conversation with the promise, once again, of the Holy Spirit that he will send to them. This will be the tool they will use to keep themselves moving forward, serving and testifying on behalf of Jesus.

This is not a gift left merely to those disciples. It is a gift left to each of us who call on the name of Jesus. When we accept this gift, we become those blooming branches on the vine, allowing ourselves to be pruned so that we can be more productive for Christ, and enjoying the life of full bloom that comes from serving him.

May you all enjoy the gardening that is done on your hearts through our Lord.

My Lottery Dream Home

One Year Bible May 26, 2022

2 Samuel 9:1-11:27

My Lottery Dream Home

“You’re a millionaire! You’re a millionaire!” You Deserve It!

What a great show this is to remind us of the principle of ENTITLEMENT.

You didn’t earn it. You just receive it. Ready or not…

Today’s passage shows two recipients of the big lottery, for ‘Better’ or for ‘Worse’! (And it will be in that order).

First, there is a boy who is crippled in both feet. He goes from not being able to “stand on his own two feet” to sitting nightly at the King’s own dining room table. He goes from “rags to riches” overnight! He is now treated as a son of the King!

Who is this young man? He is the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul. He was injured when his family fled, and dropped by his servant. His name is Mephibosheth and David shows kindness to him because of the oath he made to his friend and brother, Jonathan.

David had been like a son to Saul and a brother to Jonathan. He too sat at the king’s own table, and he feels in his heart like part of the family. He is still married to one of the king’s daughters, Michal.

So, he welcomes Mephibosheth into his family. Not only that, he gives to Jonathan’s crippled son all of Saul’s land and property.

Overnight, the son of Jonathan has just won his Lottery Dream Home!

There is a second person whose life was changed in a moment. She too was randomly chosen and becomes part of palace life. Her name is Bathsheba. Does this sound familiar?

Her name says it all, “BATH-SHE-BAAAAAA!” Got it?

She will forever be remembered as “the beautiful woman on the patio taking a bath that lured David”. I have heard this version of the story most of my life, but is this really the way it happened?

Let’s take a look, “One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace,. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, and David sent someone to find out about her.…” (2 Samuel 11:2)

Who was on the roof? The verse tells us that the king arose from his bed and he walked on the roof of his palace. He saw the woman “from his roof”. (Peeping Tom. I mean, David.)

Was the woman also out taking a bath “On Her Roof”?

We can learn two important things about her “Bath”. It was a ceremonial washing ritual that is still observed by Orthodox Jews today. Bathsheba was following the law of Moses, which required her to wash monthly (after her period for ceremonial cleansing). This was to return her to a spirit of purity to create life.

While Bathsheba was cleansing herself ceremonially to please God’s commands, David was looking upon her to break God’s commands.

Secondly, when David summoned Bathsheba to come to him, couldn’t she just say, “Thanks, but no thanks”, Oh King, sir. According to the laws of that day, Bathsheba could not have resisted had she desired, for women in ancient times were completely subject to the king’s will. Perhaps, she could have chosen disobedience with the risk of death instead.

Lastly, we find no place in the entire Bible where the judges or prophets of God put any blame on Bathsheba. She bowed to the authority over her though he was completely in the wrong. She wept at her husband’s murder, and she lost her child conceived with David to death.

Nathan, the prophet, likened Bathsheba to a “little ewe lamb” that was stolen from her poor master and slaughtered. She was viewed as innocent and the sin and resulting heartache were squarely placed on David’s shoulders.

This indeed is the “Worst” segment in the life of David. It is heartbreaking and it will change the fabric of his family’s life, FOREVER!

“In the spring of the year,” when kings normally go out to war, David sent Joab and the Israelite army to fight the Ammonites… However, David stayed behind in Jerusalem.”

Why do you think David stayed behind?

In this period of time, men had many wives and concubines. David had a palace filled with all the comforts a person could want and then some… (More women than anyone could possibly need!)

Why did he feel the need to take this woman, Bathsheba (who was married to a Uriah, the Hittite, an officer, one of "David’s Mighty Men”)?

Please, write your comments and questions. I would truly love to hear your thoughts. We will be looking at the outcome of his decision more tomorrow.

In closing, let me just ask you something. Have you ever thought about how your life would be different if you could just win that lottery ticket?

Would you like to hear those words, “You’re a Millionaire!” “You’re a Millionaire!”? Or the words, “You Deserve it”?

Many people are totally addicted to “getting something for nothing”. David’s “Something” left him with a huge loss in his heart, and there was NOTHING he could do to undo what he had done!

He had played the lottery and LOST! Entitlement, what a hidden trap…

‘My Lottery Dream Home’. “I want it and I deserve it”. What could possibly go wrong?

Invisible Love

John 14: 15-31 (May 25)

In today's scriptures, Jesus explains to his disciples the concept of the Holy Spirit, which he is promising they will all receive because of their belief. He is reassuring them that even though he will physically be gone from them soon, he will never leave them.

This Holy Spirit that will reside in each of them will be unseen by human eye. It will be given to those who love Jesus, thereby loving the Father. It is a way for Jesus to continue his relationship not only with these men he has grown so close to, but also to all who have believed and obeyed his teachings.

I love the concept of this unseen Holy Spirit. It is as real and tangible as anything we see with our eyes on this earth. It is like the wind... we cannot see the wind, but we feel it on our skin, and we see the effects of the wind all around us.

While we don't see the Holy Spirit, we feel it within us, that peace and assurance, even in the storms of life. And we need only to look around us to see the effects it has.

We see those who serve God in so many ways, realizing the fruits of the Holy Spirit within them... helping those in need, loving the unlovable, giving generously from whatever they have, offering forgiveness, glorifying God in so many ways with the life they have been given.

And then there are the things we only see within ourselves, that might not be evident to the outside world. We feel our heart softening toward someone who has caused us harm, we feel a pull to reach out to someone in need, even a stranger. We feel great love and joy, and we sense peace within us. All evidence of the Holy Spirit dwelling unseen in our hearts.

This is what Jesus is trying to explain to the disciples. What a beautiful promise he offers to them ... and to us!

Even as he is speaking to them, he senses that danger is drawing near. "I don't have much more time to talk to you, because the ruler of this world approaches. He has no power over me, so that the world will know that I love the Father."

He knows the time is so very near, and that Satan is coming. This doesn't deter Jesus, because Satan had no power over him. (Not for lack of trying.)

He ends his statement with a few simple words, but to me, they speak so much, "Come, let's get going."

The enemy is on the prowl today just as he was when Jesus spoke those words. He is after me. He is after you. He wants our family and our friends. He desires our workplaces and the places we gather for fellowship. HE WANTS IT ALL!

But we have power. We have that Invisible Love that comes from loving, believing, and obeying Jesus. That beautiful Holy Spirit is our protection from the evil one.

The enemy has no victory over you and me. He has no authority to stop us from serving God to our best ability. He has no power to refrain us from doing our part to build up and increase the Kingdom of God.

So, I say to you today, do not falter. Don't give up. Don't get discouraged. In the words of the Lord Jesus Christ, I say, "Come, let's get going."

A City of David

One Year Bible May 25, 2022

2 Samuel 7:2-8:18

“The City of David”

Finally home! After all of David’s wanderings, we learned in yesterday’s reading that David is finally home. The city of David is the historical name given to an archaeological site on the southeast hill of East Jerusalem.

Yes, Jerusalem! As in the place where Jesus preached, was crucified, died, and was resurrected.

Yes, Jerusalem! The place spoken of by Jesus.

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.” (Mt. 23: 37)

Yes, Jerusalem! While we are always wondering what is taking so long, God is always at work. Look at how all of this is coming together.

Perhaps, this would be a good time for us to look at how God has been weaving His covenant plan through His work in David. In today’s passage, God reminds David how he got where he is, and what his future is going to look like.

First, we see that God values the SMALL and seemingly INSIGNIFICANT.

God used young David to slay the giant with only a slingshot and a stone... and a large helping of FAITH. ( I Samuel 17)

What proceeded this GIGANTIC feat?

Do we remember that Samuel, The Judge, was grieving over Saul’s disobedience and disregard for the Lord? So the Lord spoke to Samuel, “Rise and anoint him; he is the one.” So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and “from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power.” ( I Samuel 16)

Who did God select? Samuel looked over all the sons of Jesse. Nope! Nope!! Not that One!!!

Finally, Samuel asked Jesse, if he had any other sons. Jesse hesitated and then told Samuel he had just one more who was out tending the sheep. David was the youngest of his sons. It was as if Jesse was thinking to himself, “It can’t possibly be that God would want my youngest and smallest to be the anointed king.”

The greatest of all Israel’s kings was a small, young, insignificant boy who would be of the lineage of Jesus.

Do you know that Jesus was called the “Son of David”? When the blind man, Bartimaeus, sat on the road crying out he said, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.” (Mark 10:47)

Oh by the way, where did Jesus meet Bartimaeus? He was leaving Jericho, being followed by a large crowd as he was heading to celebrate the Passover in…

Yes, Jerusalem! (Is that too cool or what?)

We also see in this passage that God EMPOWERS those that HE ANOINTS!

Here is why this anointing by the people was so anticlimatic… David was already chosen and anointed by oil of God’s choosing through Samuel, the Judge. He was probably only about 15 years of age when “The Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power.” ( I Samuel 16)

LONG JOURNEY… LONG-SUFFERING GOD!

David often asked, “How long O Lord, how long?” (Ps. 13:1)

Perhaps, you and I ask that very same question at times…

The author Andrew Murray wrote these profound words, “God is Unwearied Patience.”

As for David’s long-awaited dynasty… “His line shall continue forever, and his throne endure before me like the sun. It shall be established forever like the moon, an enduring witness in the skies.” (Ps. 89: 36-37)

King David. Finally Home. The City of David.

Yes, Jerusalem! God is always up to something!

Yes, Jerusalem! The place where Jesus fulfills the prophecy of Zechariah, making a grand entrance into the city on a donkey revealing his identity as a Messiah.

The City of David. Yes, Jerusalem!

“Jerusalem! Jerusalem! Lift up your gates and sing, Hosanna in the highest! Hosanna to your King!” -- “The Holy City”--Jerusalem By Michael Maybrick.

Why Can’t I Go?

John 13:31-14:14 (May 24)

All you could hear in the room was the sound of the heartbeat monitor, slow and ragged breath, and "Softly & Tenderly" in the background.

I stood there beside him, holding tight to the hand that had held mine so many times in my lifetime, and I listened and watched for that final breath.

The song played on, "All who are weary come home, come home." And just like that, in the most precious way, Jesus took him home. One last soft breath, and he was no more.

I stood there crying, wishing more than anything in that moment that I could go with him. "Take me with you, Dad" my heart cried. I couldn't imagine this earthly life without him. It would be so much better to just go with him. Then I wouldn't have to face a lifetime of tomorrows without him.

I am not much different than the disciples. Jesus told them that his time was at hand. It was time for all that he had spoken of to come to pass, so that his father could be glorified. He tells them that he will be going away and they can not go with him. He is everything to them, and they cannot imagine him leaving them. (Even though he had been telling them this moment would come,)

My dad went away that day and I could not go with him. He was so sick, and we knew the moment was coming, but when faced with it, it was so hard to endure.

Jesus tells them he has a new commandment, "Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."

My dad only wanted the family he left behind to love each other. And he wanted us to continue to love him, after he was gone. To remember him with joy and laughter, and to let him live on in our memories.

The news that they cannot go with this man they had followed all this time was not what they wanted to hear. This was their teacher, their guide, their master. He had come to earth to be a father to them, and guide them in the ways of God. They can't imagine him leaving them. But Jesus comforts them by reminding them that they will come to him later. That where he is going will have plenty of room for all of them when it is their time.

"Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father's home." He goes on to say, "When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am."

What comfort to know that one day I will be with my dad again. He is waiting for me. I will hold those hands again.

Once again, Jesus finds that he has to explain himself to the disciples. It seems that as much as they had followed him, and learned from him, and loved him, there was still some confusion about what he was trying to teach them.

"We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?"

Jesus goes on to explain to them YET AGAIN, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me."

Philip, speaking on behalf of the group wants some visual proof of the Father to satisfy their curiosity. "Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied."

And there you have it... where is their FAITH? Why did they need the physical proof, instead of just believing what Jesus said? Hadn't they seen enough miracles and wonders from this man to believe anything he said to them?

Jesus asks them to recall all they had seen him do. He tells them that when they see him, they see the Father, because they are one and the same.

He tells them, "I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father."

Jesus is letting them know that his leaving will not mean the great works will come to an end. He is giving them the encouragement that they have the opportunity to do even greater things, if they put their faith in him.

What a beautiful promise! It is a promise that Jesus makes to all who believe in him... that we are mighty and powerful in the name of Jesus, and that with his strength, we can do anything.

And while, it wasn't fun to let me dad go and be left behind without him, I could do so in the assurance that God still has amazing things for me to do. He has given me the ability to achieve much for his glory.

That same power and ability is available to all who call on his name. Any one of us has the ability to do great and mighty works for him. Each of us possess the power to make a huge impact around us.

Maybe it is within the walls of your home. Maybe it will be in your workplace. Perhaps you are in some type of ministry, or you do work in your community. Or maybe you post encouragements on social media so that others can have hope.

No opportunity, no matter how big or small it seems, goes unnoticed by our Father.

Jesus continues by giving them a sweet nugget to hold on to, "You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!"

What a promise he left them! What a promise he leaves for each of us. All we have to do is ASK!

Jesus was expecting these men to take all they knew, all he had taught them, and go out in the world to make a difference and glorify God. He is asking the same of us.

I sat there with him for quite a while, willing myself to leave, wishing I could have gone with him, but knowing he would want me to stay and be all that I was supposed to be. I was reminded of today's scripture that said I could ask anything in the name of Jesus, and he would do it. So I asked for strength, the strength to finally walk out that door, close it softly behind me, and walk away from the dad this life had blessed me with.

What do you need to ask of Jesus today? Do you believe in him with the assurance that he will hear your request? Or has life got your burdened down with troubles, and you are questioning the way the disciples did? Do you need the cold, hard proof because your faith is not where it should be?

Don't wait another minute. Call on him, and let his reassure you, just as he reassured those men so long ago. Let him fill you with the strength you need to face whatever trial you might be going through, and trust him to see you through it.

S.W.A.T.

One Year Bible May 24

2 Samuel: 4:1-6:23

S.W.A.T.

Perhaps you have watched the high-action, drama, crime show, “S.W.A.T.”

This highly skilled team relies on communication, respect, teamwork, and chain of command to survive against incredible odds as they respond to high-risk incidents involving hostages, active shooters, and extremely difficult rescues.

The secret to their success is not only their trust in each other and their willingness to follow the chain of leadership, but each member of the team also has an earpiece that is directing each step of the way. There is a control headquarters that have their back by providing them with expert advice, inside information, maps, and a way of escape when needed. Where would they be without this “voice in their ear”?

David has been the military leader of the Israelites since Saul appointed him to this position. Since this period, he has never stopped fighting against the Philistines on behalf of God’s chosen people, the Israelites. Even when he was “on the run” from King Saul, he still stood up for the people of God.

Like the S.W.A.T. commander, David always had a voice in his ear… You could say that he knew “Inside Intel” before each battle.

The “S” In S.W.A.T. is for SEEK. “And David became more and more powerful because the Lord God of Heaven’s Armies was WITH him!” (2 Samuel 5:10)

David always sought out the Lord. He seemed to ask him about every little thing. He also refused to do his own plans to promote himself to become the King of Israel.

David repeatedly respected the authority over him, even though it was unjust and wicked. He would never usurp the will of God who had placed Saul in this position as king. Nor would he allow anyone to lay a hand on Saul to harm him. Those that did would face the consequences of death.

The “W” stands for WALK. “So, David did what the Lord commanded” … (5:25)

Even when God asked David to leave this “area of safety” and head back into Saul’s trap, David went. If God said, “Do not hit them straight on,” David would “circle around” as God had instructed him to do. He followed the voice in his earpiece. He did not just sit in fear and hide. He WALKED… even into danger!

The “A” is for ASK. “So, David asked the Lord” … You will find these words over and over and over. “Should I go to fight the Philistines?” “Will my enemy betray me?”(5:19)

What is interesting is that David, as the commander, has an advantage over a normal S.W.A.T. leader. The voice in his ear even knows the hearts, motives, and intent of men! “Yes,” God told him. “They will betray you.” Wherever David walked with God, he walked in wisdom and safety.

“T” is for “Thanks”. “The Lord Did It!” (5:20)

Notice how the defeat of the enemy goes down for David. “When you hear a sound like marching feet…This will be the signal that the ‘LORD IS MOVING AHEAD OF YOU’ to strike down your enemy.” (5: 24)

Just as a highly trained S.W.A.T. team relies on each other and has each other’s backs, they also are quick to recognize that it is their team leader that ultimately has the final say in their very lives. It is their leader that must make the toughest of decisions.

The LORD ALWAYS MOVED AHEAD of David and David gave “The Lord of Heaven’s Armies” the grateful gratitude that was due HIM!

Finally, after all this long painful journey, David was placed over the entire kingdom as their king. His new home was called “The City of David.”

Let’s look back over the significance of this long ordeal…

David was 30 years old when he began to reign, and he reigned for 40 years in all. It is interesting that David was 30 years old when he began to rule as king; this is about the same age as when Jesus began his earthly ministry.

For seven years and six months, he reigned over just Judah and Hebron while Saul’s relatives were still fighting against him. Before that, he served Saul, while Saul tried to kill him. The number “seven” in scripture denotes “fullness” or “completeness”.

Saul was told that his kingdom would be taken away and given to a man of God’s own choosing who would have his heart. For seven long years, David learned to listen intently to his leader for each turn in the road. The mission was accomplished within God’s timeframe…

David reigned for 40 years. This number is seen repeatedly in scripture. Forty days and nights for the flood, forty days and nights for Jesus’ temptation, forty years in the wilderness for the children of Israel; “FORTY sure is SPORTY” with God!

The number 40 often represented ‘New Life’, and ‘New Transformation’. God always completes what He says He will do, and He always does it in HIS Perfect Timing.

As you walk into this high-risk world each day, what voice do you hear in your ear?

Remember to S.W.A.T. the enemy!

A Servant…Humble & Betrayed

John 13:1-30 (May 23)

So many times, before I moved to Texas, I would visit and dread the moment when I had to say goodbye to my little grandson. I knew when I came that a goodbye was imminent, but the thought just made me sad. So, I would make the most of every minute of my time, making sure he knew without a doubt how much his Grammy loved him. I would serve him in any way I could, hoping he would remember all that Grammy did and not forget me.

This is where Jesus finds himself in today's scripture. "Goodbye" is just around the corner. He has spent so much time loving and teaching these disciples. He has truly invested in them. And he wants to serve them well before he leaves them, hoping they will remember his service and remember all he has taught them.

There is something very significant in the process Jesus followed to was the feet of the disciples. So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. (John 13:4)

The first thing he did was take off his robe. In those days, the robe was a symbol of who you were and the respect you demanded. So the act of removing his robe was an act of humility, as if he were saying, "I am no longer your Lord. I am your servant."

When he finished washing their feet, he put his robe back on. He has returned back to the role of Lord. It is from this standpoint that he speaks to them about what has just happened.

The idea he is trying to get across to them is that if he is humble enough to do that for them, they should be humble enough to do it for each other. Service to others is a true sign of loving God. None of us should live with the idea that we are better than anyone else. In the eyes of the Father, we are all equal.

How hard it must have been for him to sit there with them all, knowing that one was about to betray him in the most devastating way. I wonder what Judas thought when Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me!"

We don't read that Judas jumped up and owned his betrayal. We don't see him try to reason it away. Nope...he just simply sits there quietly, perhaps not fully realizing the power of Jesus and the fact that Jesus already knows it is him.

One year, several years ago, a friend made me a huge tray of brownies for my birthday. Oh, I loved her brownies! There were so many that I ended up putting a bunch in the freezer in my garage. Days later, I got a hankering for a brownie, and went out to get one. To my horror and dismay (if you can imagine), there were no brownies!

So, of course I called all the kiddos in to form a line of confession. I held out the empty tray and demanded to know who had eaten my precious brownies. My 9-year-old son looked me right in the eye and said he did not partake. His 8-year-old sister didn't even blink as she denied any wrongdoing. The 10-year-old niece promised she hadn't touched them.

For some reason, 9-year-old son just seemed guilty. It wasn't a prophetic word from God, but I had the feeling he had enjoyed some delicious brownies at my expense. And those two little girls looked so completely innocent. So off he was sent, to his room, to think about 1)stealing mama's brownies and 2)lying about it. He proclaimed his innocence to no avail.

It was literally almost a year later that sweet little 8-year-old and 10-year-old confessed to having quite the brownie feast. All that time, they let an innocent little boy take the blame for the theft. (And you can believe I reminded him of it often!) They had no problem at all letting him pay the price for their crime. You see, they knew I didn't know who had done it, so they could get away with it.

This is not the case for Judas. JESUS KNOWS! And the disciples wanted to know too. "Lord, who is it?"

Jesus responded, "It is the one to whom I give the bread I dip in the bowl." He dipped the bread and handed it to Judas Iscariot. As soon as Judas ate that bread, Satan entered into him.

"Hurry and do what you are going to do." Jesus said to him. And out into the night he went.

So many times in life we are betrayed by those we trust. Many times, like my brownie situation (that was a REAL betrayal), we don't know who the culprit is, or we blame the wrong person and then have to backpedal with an apology.

Other times, we know exactly who it is. We know the pain and bitter sting of that betrayal, just as I am sure Jesus did on that fateful night. He looked betrayal right in the face and said "Hurry and do it."

It is only by the strength of God we can approach the betrayals in our life with that attitude. It is knowing that, no matter what someone says or does to harm you, God is still with you. He won't walk away. He won't add to the harm you are suffering. He will bring you through the fires and show you a way out.

Jesus KNEW and he was okay with it. Because he knew what had to happen. He knew his Father was with him. He trusted in the promises of God.

How has betrayal played a part in your life? Have you forged through on the shoulders of Christ, and come out the other end? Are you in the midst of betrayal right now? Are you facing it head on with the knowledge that God goes before you?

Remember... betrayal didn't win in the end.

Thy Kingdom Come…Dynasty Sequel

One Year Bible (May 23)

2 Samuel 2:12-3:39

Dynasty Part 2: "Thy Kingdom Come"

Welcome to the new Reboot of the Dynasty nighttime soap opera series with all new actors, and actresses... Complete with Glitz, Glamour, and Gain… Power, Prestige, and Prominence.

It seems that people just can’t get enough of watching wealthy, powerful people living out their dysfunction in front of the whole world. Thus, the world is anxiously watching the new Dynasty sequel…” Second verse. Could get worse!” I have no doubt that it will, indeed, do just that!

Today we begin the “Reboot Sequel” for Saul’s Dynasty. It will come through his son, Ishbosheth, who is much like his father. He is forty years old when his people make him king over Mahanaim for two years. His plan is to “give David a run for his money” and to avenge his father, Saul’s death.

Have you ever seen the Allstate "Mayhem" commercial? It's a classic; this guy just brings "Mayhem" on everyone and they wreck their cars and get into all kinds of insurance problems. Anyway, I have a word picture for you. When I read this passage I think of Ishbosheth as "The King of Mayhem" because that is what he brings...

“That was the beginning of a long war between those who were loyal to Saul and those loyal to David. As time passed, David became STRONGER and STRONGER., while SAUL’S DYNASTY became WEAKER and WEAKER!” ( 2 Samuel 3:1)

There were battles and they were so fierce that they called them “The Field of Swords”. Abner, who had been Ishbosheth’s confident as he supported Saul turned against Ishbosheth. This silenced Ishbosheth because he had sinned and was afraid of what Abner might do. (3:11)

Abner becomes a “Turn-Coat” and makes a pact with David, but is killed in the process by Joab and his brother, Abishai. David mourns Abner’s death and says, “Don’t you realize that a great commander has fallen today in Israel?” (3:38)

Everything that David did pleased the people very much. His heart of kindness, forgiveness, and dedication to God was observed by all of Israel.

This mess of violence ends with David saying, “So, may the Lord repay these evil men for their evil deeds.” (3:39)

This entire story today reminds me of the world we are presently living in today.

The enemy, Satan, has been defeated on the cross.

Jesus is the Lord of Lords and King of Kings.

He is the rightful heir to the throne appointed and anointed by God.

Can we see how much fighting is still going on in the evil realm today to try and stop what the Lord has appointed to happen?

There are still casualties of war that are happening right now before our very eyes.

Like David, we cry out, “Why Jonathan, my beloved brother?” Why not Ishboheth (the 40-year-old reboot of his father Saul)?

The war for him was painful and the losses were great.

He continued to walk by faith when he could not see the promise being accomplished in a timely manner. How could any of this make sense?

With each twist in the road, and in spite of seeming defeats and setbacks, David pressed ahead.

He praised God for His unfailing love and he turned over to the hand of God those who harmed him and those he loved.

How do we live when life seems to be “out of control” and we can’t see God’s perfect plan coming true? What do we pray for?

I am amazed by David’s running conversations with God. They generally follow a path worthy of our consideration. “What do you want me to see? What do you want me to do? What outcome do you desire?

What I find missing in David’s conversations with God in these passages is a focus on himself.

In Jesus’ modeled prayer in Matthew 6:10, he instructs us to pray like this,

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

David was a man who was promised an earthly kingdom that seemed like it would never come. David knew a powerful truth, God’s Kingdom trumps all earthly kingdoms!

So, each day he sought out the will of his Father in Heaven and prayed…“Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done.”

How would our prayer lives change if we asked God each day what He wants in, through, and for our lives?

Light in the Darkness

John 12:20-50 (May 22)

Today we see some Greeks arriving in Jerusalem for the Passover. They have heard about Jesus and want to meet him. (Who wouldn't?)

They asked Philip, who tells Andrew about their request. The two of them go to ask Jesus.

Jesus tells them that his time has come to enter into glory. He assures them that his death will be worth it, that many will come to know him.

He tells them that those who want to serve him must follow him. If they follow this world, they will lose their life. But by following him, they will have eternal life.

Jesus talks about being troubled. He is not looking forward to what is coming. But he knows it is the very reason WHY he is there, and that he must follow through.

I can think of times that I had to do something I didn't want to do. I dreaded it so much, but I knew it had to be done. Even though the dread and fear were present, I had the strength to continue. That is where I see Jesus in this part of the story. Dreading... fearing... but KNOWING what he must accomplish.

Jesus tells the crowd that the time for judging has come. "And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself." This reminds me of a song we used to sing in church, that goes a little something like this:

Well, we're gonna' lift up the name of Jesus, shout it everywhere we go. Lift up the name of Jesus, and let the whole world know. He said if I be lifted up, I will draw all men to thee, so LIFT HIM UP! LIFT HIM UP!

Once again, Jesus' words have confused the crowd. "We understand from Scripture that the Messiah would live forever. How can you say the Son of Man will die?" (In other words, what the heck????)

So, Jesus tries to explain. He tells them to "walk in the light" so that darkness will not overtake them. If they put their trust in the light while there is still time, they will become children of the light.

I remember a camping trip with my three youngest right after we adopted them. We pitched out tent in the woods, up the hill a ways from the delightful public restroom. Of course, there were several trips down the hill in the darkness of night to attend to their little bladders.

I took a flashlight with me on those excursions up and down the hill. I couldn't see two steps in front of me without that light. There were dark shadows to the right and the lift, and a whole lotta" funky sounding things in the night.

But that light showed me the way. It cleared a path for me. It gave me safe passage and helped me reach my destination without getting lost.

That is what Jesus does. He lights our way. He pulls us from the pit of darkness and sets us in his brilliant light. He gives us safe passage and a direct path to follow... the Word.

Now, if I can understand that, and if YOU can understand that, why couldn't THEY understand that?

Because despite all the miraculous wonders Jesus had done, there were still so many who didn't believe. They couldn't grasp the concept of this Messiah who talked in riddles.

And there were others wo DID believe but were just too afraid to say they did. They didn't want to face the wrath of the Pharisees so they kept quiet in their belief.

How often do we do that? Keep quiet about something we firmly believe, just because we don't want to rock the boat or create any opposition. We just want to fit in and be a part of the gang.

Jesus doesn't want us to live a "fit in" kind of life. He wants us to STAND OUT! He wants us to STAND UP!! Stand up for the Word of God. Stand up for the broken and the lost. Stand up for the hungry and the poor.

And STAND UP against the enemy of the darkness, who would love nothing more than to keep us trapped in that darkness. Jesus wants us to step out into the LIGHT!

Turn on that flashlight. Step out in faith. Let Jesus be your Light in the Darkness.

Dynasty

One Year Bible (May 22)

2 Samuel 1:1-2:11

“DYNASTY”

There is a nighttime TV soap opera series called “Dynasty” that was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best TV Drama Series every year from 1981 to 1986. It has now come out again with a reboot for this show. It has an all-new cast and crew and the same “Steamy” content.

How did the original series end? Well, I read that it ended with the Dynasty father (an oil tycoon) being shot by a corrupt policeman, his beloved wife being in an off-screen coma, and his conniving ex-wife plunging from a balcony. (Wow! Not sorry I missed all of that!)

Today, we will look at the plot leading up to the big finale for Saul. It will be even more tragic than any TV series can allude to…

Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the command of the LORD your God, which he commanded you. For then the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not continue.” (I Sam. 13:13-14)

We have known this time was coming for quite some time and now the time has come, but REALITY overshadows any RELIEF for David, the hunted man in the kingdom.

After the death of Saul… ((2 Samuel 1:1) These words will gradually bring in a new era, and it will be a painful one.

Here is a short summary of this painful transition. The war for who will be king may be over, but the battles will continue for quite some time. Look at the description of how this plays out in the transition to David’s Dynasty.

David has once again consulted the Lord God, his advisor. “Should I move back to one of the towns of Judah? Which town should I go to?” (2:1-3) God instructs him to go to Hebron. So, David takes his family, his men, and livestock and moves there.

The storyline here is so ANTICLIMACTIC!!

“Then the men of Judah came to David and anointed him king over the people of Judah.” (2:4)

After all of the suffering at the hand of Saul, look at what the newly anointed king is doing.

There is no mention of a big ol’ Dynasty-style party with glitz and glam! None. Nada. Zilch.

Instead, David, the newly anointed king, is still watching out for his arch-enemy Saul.

The atmosphere is like a president being sworn in after the assassination of his predecessor. The life and joy have been sucked away.

David hears about the men who recovered Saul’s body from his enemies for burial and he sends them a message, “May the Lord bless you for being so loyal to your master Saul and giving him a decent burial. May the Lord be loyal to you in return and reward you with his UNFAILING LOVE! And I, too, will reward you for what you have done.” ( 2 Sam. 2: 5-6).

David is speaking a blessing over those who rescued Saul’s dead body from humiliation and buried his body with respect.

David is also blessing God and speaking of “HIS UNFAILING LOVE”.

This long journey of transition from the “Dynasty of Saul” to the promised “City of David” has certainly been a long, painful journey.

Friends, I hate to say this, but the soap operas of our day are not just lived out on TV. They are played out daily in our homes, workplaces, and churches. Probably much more than ever before. Why is this?

Have you noticed the key elements in soap operas?

Everyone wants what someone else has and they feel that if they get it they will become magically happy! The plots are filled with suspense, conflict, and often demise.

They did it “Their Way” (in the words of an old song). Unfortunately, that song is still playing over, and over, and over… The consequences remain the same.

Saul’s Dynasty was built upon these very words, “I did it my way!”

David instead talks daily with God. He leaves the things of God to God and only does the things that God instructs him to do.

The Psalms of David reflect his struggles but always end with God’s Sovereignty.

What kind of DYNASTY do you desire to be part of and which path will you choose this day?

A Worthy King

John 11:55-12:19 (May 21)

It is almost time for the Jewish Passover celebration. People are coming from all around for the purification ceremony. Everyone but Jesus. The leading priests and Pharisees are on the lookout for him and have ordered anyone who sees him to report it so he can be arrested.

Jesus returns to Bethany about six days before Passover begins. He is back in the place where he just performed the most amazing miracle of bringing his dead friend Lazarus back to life. (Everyone is still all abuzz about that one!)

Martha, being Martha, has made a nice dinner in honor of Jesus. I imagine they are all still in celebration of her brother's life. I'm sure Martha fussed over this meal, wanting it to be perfect.

During dinner, Mary poured an expensive bottle of perfume over the feet of Jesus and wiped it with her hair. What a beautiful demonstration of worship. What an amazing symbol of how much Mary valued him, and the honor she felt he deserved.

But Judas Iscariot didn't think so. In his mind, that perfume should have been sold and "given to the poor." More likely, he would've sold that perfume to line his own pockets, as he frequently did. Judas was not nice...not nice at all. (We will soon see just how "not nice" he really was.)

Of course, word got out that Jesus was there. (This man could go incognito nowhere!) Everyone wanted to see him. They also wanted a glimpse of Lazarus who had been raised from the dead. After all, how can we possibly believe unless we see with our very own eyes??

I imagine it to be like a circus side show. Everyone wants a glimpse of the abnormal...the bearded lady, the giant, the mermaid, and the part man/part amphibian. (Sounds like a scene from The Greatest Showman)

The next day, Jesus went on his way to Jerusalem. I imagine by this time, he is tired of all the notoriety, tired of being preyed upon by the Pharisees, and tired of the naysayers. But the prophecy had to be fulfilled, so off he went to do what God had asked of him.

A large crowd of people who had gathered for the Passover went down the road to meet him. They took palm branches and laid them on the ground, shouting, "Praise God! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hail to the King of Israel!"

Now, the disciples were a little confused. It would be later, after Jesus left them, that they would remember back to this moment and realize that it was a fulfillment of prophecy. That is when they would have their "AHA" moment.

How many times has that happened to you? You are in a situation that maybe you don't quite understand. It isn't until later that the realization comes to you, and you think, "Now I get it!"

While all this was happening, those who had seen Lazarus rise from the dead were telling others. Understandably, this was a very hot topic of conversation, as I'm sure it would've been even today. Because of all this talk, more and more people were believing in him. The Pharisees were getting discouraged by the following that was gathering around him. His value is growing amongst the people. He is becoming more and more worthy to them as they hear about what he has done.

That final miracle, raising Lazarus from the dead, seemed to be the thing that brought so many more to follow Jesus. It took all that he had done before that day, along with the miracle of that incident, to get these people to believe what he was saying, and to stand in honor of him as the King of Kings.

There was a shift in thinking among many, that maybe... just maybe... this man was who he said he was.

What does it take for you to believe? Do you need miracles and signs? Or are you happy and content with following the Word of God and believing it for truth, without seeing these things for yourself?

That is where the word "FAITH" comes in. It is believing that which you cannot see. It is trusting all your unknowns to a known God.

Faith is giving all glory and honor to the One who deserves it. It is standing on the side of the road and waving your palm leaves for the King of Kings...a very worthy King indeed!

The Ruins

One Year Bible (May 21)

I Samuel 29:1-31:13

“The Ruins”

“When David and his men saw ‘The Ruins’ and realized what had happened to their families, they wept until they could weep no more.” (I Samuel 29:1-31:13.

David’s two wives were among those captured. David was now in great danger because all his men were very bitter about losing their sons and daughters, and they began to talk about stoning him.

“But David found strength in the Lord His God.” (I Sam. 29: 6)

This day begins in “The Ruins” and will end in “RUINS”.

The Word of the Lord will come true on this day, “But IF you continue to sin, you and your king will be swept away." (I Samuel 13:9)

However, there will be NO rejoicing for the new King of Israel! His grief will be profound!

David, once again, seeks counsel from the Lord, “Should I chase after this band of raiders? Will I catch them?” (30:7)

First of all, I never realized how much of a running conversation David had with God. He is always asking Him questions and obeying his direction. This is one of my favorite teachable moments in reading through the Old Testament. No wonder God calls David a “Man after my own heart”. David sought out the Lord.

Secondly, God has an ongoing conversation with David. He tells him, “Yes, go after them. You will surely recover everything that was taken from you!” (30:8)

David takes his 600 men, (This number has grown a bit.) and he recovers his wives. The Bible tells us that “Nothing was missing, small or great.” (30:19) He recovered ALL… just as God had told him.

However, this was the “Tomorrow” that “Seanced Samuel” warned Saul about when he disobeyed God by using a Medium to find out his future. His future was sealed that day, and his kingdom would be required of him.

On this day, the Philistines attacked Israel. Saul was wounded severely and his three sons--Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malkishua were all killed fighting beside him. Saul asks his armor-bearer to end his misery and prevent the Philistines from getting ahold of him to torture and kill. He refuses to kill a king, so Saul falls on his own sword and his armor-bearer follows right behind him.

They cut off Saul’s head! Just as Goliath had been presented to Saul, now Saul would be presented in the pagan temple. Pagan behavior results in tragic pagan consequences.

What is David’s response to his mortal enemy being mortally killed and disgraced publicly?

Let’s jump ahead a little bit and see…

“David and his men tore their clothes in sorrow when they heard the news. They mourned and wept and fasted all day for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the Lord’s army and the nation of Israel because they had died by the sword that day.” (2 Samuel 1:11-12)

Look what David has to say about Saul and Jonathan in their death,

“Oh, how the mighty heroes have fallen in battle!” (2 Samuel 1:25)

David mourns the death of his friend and brother, Jonathan. He also mourns the loss of Saul who was father, family, and foe to David! The sting of loss in a dysfunctional family can be tremendous and overwhelming. There are so many “What If’s”... So much unfinished business.

Do you realize that Jonathan, the godly son, is killed in battle along with his father? However, Saul’s son, Ishbosheth, who is forty years old at this time, is left untouched and unscathed!

How very wrong this must feel to David!!

Jonathan laid down his life for David and gave up his rightful place as heir to the throne so that David could be the next anointed king.

Saul’s son who is much like Saul now becomes the king, in Saul’s place. Ishbosheth ruled over Mahanaim for two years. David only rules over part of the kingdom (Judah) after Saul’s death and this goes on for seven years.

The saga of Saul’s fallen Dynasty is far from over. The battle will continue…

The “Mighty Warrior” has fallen… physically, spiritually, and emotionally.

Can you say, “Messed Up”? David’s grief must have been profound!

There is no rejoicing on this day...

The pain of this has left David “In Ruins”.

You’ve Got a Friend in Me

John 11:1-54 (May 20)

"You've got a friend in me. You've got a friend in me. You got troubles; I've got 'em too. There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you. We stick together and see it through, 'cause you've got a friend in me.

This is a story of friendship, of expectations, disappointment, and gratitude. Today's scriptures discuss something very dear to us all...relationships. This scripture also gives us a detailed account of Jesus' last recorded miracle before he went into hiding with his disciples.

We all have that friend (or at least I pray you all do). You know the one...always there when you need them. All you have to do is call and they come running to your aid. They make you feel special and important, and that friendship really means something.

This is where we find Martha, Mary and Lazarus. They are dear friends of Jesus, and he has stopped by to visit with them many times. They consider him pretty special, and whenever he comes, Martha goes a little "wonkers" trying to make everything perfect. (How many "Marthas" are reading this today?) Always worried about perfection. Always walking around with a perpetual "to do" list that must be completely checked off before we feel worthy of breathing air. Martha (and those like her) don't really understand the concept of rest.

My husband is what I call a "napper". He can take a nap ANYTIME, ANYWHERE. Me... not so much. In fact, if I accidentally fall asleep in the daytime, it messes up my whole day. The "Martha" in me can't grasp the concept of taking that daily rest. The "Mary" in my husband appreciates the stillness.

Mary, on the other hand, could care less if the meal is ready or the house is in good order. She just wants to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to him speak.

Lazarus is his pal. You get the sense that there is a brotherhood there. Like there is nothing they wouldn't do for each other. (Now, that's my kind of friend!)

But on this particular day in our story, there is no rest, only sorrow. Lazarus is sick, very sick, and his sisters are calling for help from Jesus.

"Lord, behold, he whom you love is sick." (John 11:3) This scripture identifies the close bond between Jesus and Lazarus.

Here is a question for you... where they calling for help from Jesus because he was their dear friend who loved them? Or was it because they were confident in his healing power?

These three knew of all that Jesus had done. After all, they were some of his closest friends. They had this relationship of value and felt confident that Jesus would come and take care of the problem.

Jesus threw a little hitch in their expectations when he didn't come immediately. "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of Gob may be glorified through it."

Martha couldn't understand why Jesus didn't come if he loved Lazarus like he said he did. Did their friendship mean nothing to him? Was their brother not even worthy enough for Jesus to help?

They just didn't get it. What they couldn't grasp was that Jesus loved Lazarus... so much so that he found him worthy to be used for a miracle.

Don't we all want to be that worthy? Guess what, my friends... WE ARE!!!

Jesus waits two days before he returns to Judea. His disciples are worried because the last time he was there, the people tried to stone him to death.

By the time Jesus got there, Lazarus had been dead in the tomb for four days. There was a large group of Jews with Mary and Martha, offering their comfort to their broken hearts.

Martha ran out to meet Jesus, saying, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you." She is sad that Jesus was not there to save her brother, but there is still that hope within her because she KNOWS who her friend is and what he can do.

Sometimes, HOPE, especially in our times of sadness and sorrow, are all we have to cling to. Our hope in Christ is the anchor in our seas of bitterness and sorrow. On that day, Martha had hope.

She runs back home to let Mary know that Jesus is close by, and Mary runs off to meet him. People see her and follow her. When she sees her friend Jesus, she says basically the same thing to him that Martha did. Jesus asks to be taken to the tomb, so she takes him.

Scripture says when Jesus saw her and the others weeping, he "groaned in spirit and was troubled." I have sat with friends who were sad and weeping. I have felt their pain and been troubled for them. I am sure you have experienced the same thing. Often, I have felt their pain and cried with them.

That is just what Jesus did at the tomb that day. Jesus wept. When everyone saw him weeping, they said, "See how much he loved him!"

Lazarus was worthy of Jesus' tears. SO ARE YOU! We are so valuable that Jesus gave his life (story to come) for each of us. Don't waste that precious gift by not realizing your worth.

Jesus instructed them to take away the stone. Martha was a little hesitant, because he had been dead for four days and she was pretty sure he would be a little stinky. Do you have people in your life that will help you, even in your "stinky" times?

But Jesus reminded her he had told her if she believed she would see the glory of God. So, he cried out, "Lazarus, come forth!" Out stepped Lazarus, covered in graveclothes, and Jesus ordered that he be freed from the cloths and let go.

Can you imagine the celebration? Can you just hear the shouts of joy and wonder? What relief and deep gratitude Mary and Martha must have felt! Having a brother, I know how I would feel if I were in that position. "Thank you" would NEVER be enough!

Who are your people? Who are the ones in your life who see your worth, even when you don't? Who would cry with you, then rise you up out of your tomb of darkness and set you back on your path again?

Look around and take note of those people. Thank God for them. And if you are having trouble recognizing who those friends might be... remember that Jesus is always there, and he says, "You've got a friend in me."

Swept Away

One Year Bible (May 20)

I Samuel 26:1-28:25

“SWEPT AWAY”

Can you begin to imagine the headlines in “The Gibeah Gazette”? What about in the “Hebrew Herald” or the “Israelite National Enquirer”!

Perhaps there were headlines such as… “The Anointed & The Medium”, “Wanted: Dead or Alive”, “Secret Agent Seeks Spirit!”, or “Downtown Abyss” ... You get the point!

If you thought that Saul had reached a new all-time low with the “Dirty Dowry” just wait till you see “HOW LOW CAN HE GO?” in today’s lesson. He is about to seek advice from “BEYOND THE GRAVE”! (So many headlines to pick from, Hmmmmm.)

Let’s check the front-page news to get the scoop…

Saul disguises himself by wearing ordinary clothing instead of his royal robes. (Ah Oh! This is not going to be good! If you need to disguise yourself in order to go there… Think twice!)

He went to a woman’s house AT NIGHT… (Yikes! This guy is headed in the wrong direction!)

“I have to talk to a man who has died,” he said. “Will you call up his spirit for me? (Saul knows the power of dabbling with the dark side! Do we get that?)

“Are you trying to get me killed?”, the woman demanded. “You know that Saul has outlawed all the mediums and all who consult the spirits of the dead. Why are you setting a trap for me?

(Ah, Oh! She is talking to the very one who outlawed this practice!! You see, Saul takes an oath in the NAME of the Lord, but no longer follows the WORD of the Lord.)

So, now let’s take a little peek at the “back story” shall we?

What prompted Saul to do such a thing?

When Saul saw the Philistine army, he became “frantic with fear”. He asked the Lord what he should do, but the Lord REFUSED TO ANSWER HIM, either by dreams, by sacred lots, or by the prophets.” (II Sam. 28: 6-20)

So, Saul requests a woman who is a medium. Does Saul not know God’s teaching about Mediums? Perhaps we should just take a peek at the Levitical laws at that time:

“Do not turn to mediums or necromancers (a wizard or magician); do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them: I am the Lord your God.” (Leviticus 19:31)

“If a person turns to mediums and necromancers, whoring after them, I will set my face against that person and will cut him off from among his people.” (Leviticus 20:6)

Saul persists and they actually see a man coming up out of the earth who the medium describes as “a god”. This is “no god”... “Here Comes the Judge”…Samuel is BAAAAACK!

Samuel’s response to being called back to earth is, “Ummmm, why have you disturbed me by calling me back?” (28:15) (This is no “Happy Meal” for Samuel, but it is “The Last Supper” for Saul!)

Samuel replied, “Why ask me since the Lord has left you and has become your enemy? The Lord has done just as he said he would. He has torn the kingdom from you and given it to your rival, David.” (28: 16)

Let the final words of “The Judge” sink in…TOMORROW the Lord will hand you over to your enemy and you and your sons will be HERE WITH ME! (“Dust to Dust”)

Talk about a Last Supper Speech! Saul is now speechless and he is unable to eat!

Here is the part that is hidden on the back page of the paper “The King’s Chronicles”;

Actually, I am just messin’ with you! You can read it for yourself in I Chronicles because it is not a secret anymore…(What Saul did in secret is now exposed for all to see… interesting how sin works that way!)

“So, Saul died for his breach of faith. He broke faith with the Lord in that he did not keep the command of the Lord, and also consulted a medium, seeking guidance. He did not seek guidance from the Lord. Therefore the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse.” (I Chron. 10:13-14)

This is the sad story of The Medium, The Message, and The Misery.

Every person would hear these sad headlines… “Insecurity. Incognito. Insubordinate”.

To tell you the scoop, I don’t really know the gossip that was going around at that time. However, I can tell you the absolute truth from “The Daily Bread” because the Word of the Lord came true that very day,

“...If you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will be swept away.” (I Samuel 12:25)

Saul’s willful flesh sealed his fate that day… This evil king was SWEPT AWAY!

The Search for the Truth

John 10:22-42 (May 19)

Well...here we are...another day and the same situation is confronting Jesus.

Jesus is in Jerusalem. It is winter and he is walking through the Temple during the Festival of Dedication. Once again, he is being surrounded by people who are questioning him, "How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly."

WHAT??? Isn't that EXACTLY what he has been trying to do this whole time?

Right now, I am in the throes of caring for my 3-year-old grandson a few days a week. He is such a sweetie, but he has his moments. I am doing my best to teach him discipline, patience, obedience, and all that "Grammy" stuff. As I work at teaching him, I find myself having to repeat the same thing to him, over and over again.

It isn't that he has a learning problem. He just doesn't really want to hear or accept what I am saying. He doesn't want to change some behaviors. So, I find myself on repeat, and getting frustrated that I have to keep reminding him of the same thing time and time again.

I imagine that is how Jesus is feeling. How many times, and in how many ways does he have to explain to these people that he is the Son of God, and that the only way to eternal life is by following him?

He could've written a book on the subject by now. (Wait...he had some others do that for him a little later

But with patience that goes beyond anything I can imagine, Jesus replied, "I have already told you, and you don't believe me. The proof is the work I do in my Father's name. But you don't believe me because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father's hand. The Father and I are one."

Did this lengthy statement give them clarity? NO WAY! Instead of realizing what he was trying to tell them, they used this as another opportunity to grab some stones and kill him.

When he asks them which of the good works he was getting stoned for, they replied, "We are stoning you not for any good work, but for blasphemy! You, a mere man, claim to be God."

You see, they still couldn't grasp the concept that Jesus was who he said he was. It was too unbelievable. It was too out of the ordinary. Maybe even a little frightening. Even when they had seen and heard all that he had done, they were looking for a more logical exclamation, because they couldn't imagine that they were standing in front of the Son of God.

I wonder about when we get to heaven. When we stand before Jesus, what will it be like? Will it seem unbelievable, unreal, and way out of the ordinary? I think...maybe.

Will we doubt where we are? I think not. I imagine that they joy will be flowing from us and we will instinctively know that we are "home".

But for Jesus, in the time and place he was in today'

scriptures, he finds the people in a constant state of disbelief. And he is continuously trying to make them understand not only who he is, but why it is imperative that they follow him.

On this day, the crowd didn't want to hear his explanation. They wanted something that made more sense to them. So, they tried to arrest him again, but he got away. He went out beyond the Jordan River to the place where John was first baptizing, and he stayed there for a while.

But in typical fashion, there was no rest for him, because another crowd followed him. As they gathered around him, they recalled that John had done no miracles himself, but had told them a lot about the Messiah, and everything he had said was coming true.

Many who were there began to believe in Jesus.

SO, let's get this straight... they won't believe Jesus when HE tells them who he is, but they believe because what JOHN said has come true.

Have you ever been in that situation, when you tried to tell someone something, but they just couldn't believe what you said, then along comes someone else who says basically the same thing, and they believe that person? I have, and let me tell you...it is frustrating!!

My teenagers do that to me sometimes. If Mom says it, she must be crazy; but if big brother or big sister says it...it is truth in its most absolute form!

The key word in all of this is...TRUTH! How grateful my heart feels as I read this that I have no doubts about Jesus. How grateful I feel that I know his word to be truth, and I don't feel the need to question or doubt. How blessed it is to live life each day in that knowledge and assurance.

And how filled with gratitude I am that he never gave up, no matter how many stones were thrown out him, or how many people came against his words.

The King of the World

One Year Bible (May 19)

I Samuel 24:1-25:44

“King of the World”

“When did I forget that You’ve always been the King of the world? I try to take life back right out of the hands of the King of the world.”(Natalie Grant)

What would you like to see happen to your worst enemy?

How do you feel when someone blames you and “bad mouths” you to others?

What words come out of your mouth about someone who has betrayed or harmed you?

When do you know that “enough is enough” when someone says “one thing but does another”?

This, my friends, is the journey of brokenness and bitterness that can lead to blessing!

After all the many times that Saul has tried to ambush and kill David, they finally meet in person…

Have you ever imagined what it would feel like when you see a difficult person in your life, right in front of your eyes? What would you do or say?

Well, I would dare say that David’s encounter is not what he would have dreamed of in a million years… Far From It!!

David is hiding IN A CAVE… far away from King Saul.

Guess who decides to stop in his cave for a little “PIT STOP” ... (IE potty break, of sorts!)

David’s men are coaching David, “Now’s your opportunity! Today the Lord is telling you, ‘I will certainly put your enemy into your power, to do with as you wish.” (24:4)

Perhaps we should beware of listening to ‘armchair quarterbacks’! David does not take their advice or let his men harm King Saul in any way. (This would be punishable by death!)

David is so close to the King that he can hear “The King’s Business”! He then cuts off a piece of the hem of his garment. (Whew! That’s a close call!) But, David’s conscience hurts him!

David steps outside the cave and shouts to King Saul, “My lord the king!” and bows to him.

“Why do you listen to the people who say I am trying to harm you? This very day you can see with your own eyes it isn’t true. For the Lord placed you at my mercy back there in the cave. Some of my men told me to kill you, but I spared you. For I said, ‘I will never harm the king; he is the Lord’s anointed one’.” (I Samuel 24: 8-10)

David refuses to take revenge into his own hands and he speaks respectfully to King Saul. He then asks the Lord to “judge between them”. “Perhaps the Lord will punish you for what you are trying to do to me, but I will never harm you. As the old proverb says, ‘From evil people come evil deeds’.” (Vs. 13)

David then HUMBLES himself before the one who sought to HUMILIATE him.

Saul asks, “Is that really you, my son David?” (The word “son” has to cut like a knife!) (vs. 16)

Saul begins to weep! He then tells David, “You are a better man than I am, for you have repaid me good for evil. You have been amazingly kind.” (vs. 17)

Listen to these words from Saul, “May the Lord REWARD you well for the kindness you have shown me today. And now I realize that you are surely going to be king and that the kingdom of Israel will flourish under your rule. Now, swear to me by the Lord that when that happens you will not kill my family and destroy my line of descendants!” (vs. 19-21)

David promised with an OATH, and Saul proceeded with OPPOSITION!

What amazing lessons David has modeled for us today in the face of betrayal, false words, and hypocrisy. David had to wonder if he was losing his mind like Saul had (David, my son????)! Saul’s words and actions are NOT in alignment.

David releases Saul to God and asks God to repay evil and judge the truth. Then David promises with an oath to Saul and God. Right then and there… David leaves ‘Righteousness, Release, Repayment, and Reward’ in God’s hands!

Oh how painful close relationships, friendships, and even family relationships in the church can be at times!! What is our “take-away” from David’s example today?

Who are we to judge, speak evil, spread gossip, and retaliate?

Do we desire to live life in brokenness, bitterness, or blessing?

David left all of this ‘bad business’ to “The King of the World”.

“How could I make You so small When You’re the one who holds it all? When did I forget that You’ve always been the King of the World?” (King of the World, Natalie Grant)

The Good Shepherd

John 10:1-21 (May 18)

The Imperial Valley has many unique sights that others may find surprising. One such sight is the occasional herd of sheep that you can find trotting down the highway as they are being moved from one field to another. (Or maybe to the slaughterhouse??)

When my kids were younger, it never failed that we would encounter a herd of these noisy furballs when we were running late for school. Traffic would come to a complete halt while these sheep made their way to their next destination.

They were loud. They were smelly. But it was also very interesting to watch the way they huddled together, bleeping and baaing their way down the highway. No matter the pace they were going, they stuck together.

Except for the renegades (and they weren't even black sheep!) There was always a lively critter or two that would escape the confines of the herd and try to sneak off, presumably to have a burrito and a large, iced tea at the Holtville Taco Shop.

The herders would chase those renegade burrito-eating buggers down and corral them back into the pack. Dowen the road they would go, and off to school we would go.

Jesus uses sheep in his conversation with the Pharisees. He explains to them that he is the shepherd. He walks right through the gate as the gatekeeper opens it and the sheep recognize his voice. He calls these sheep by name, gathers them together, then walks ahead of them and they follow because they know his voice. They won't follow a stranger. They will run from an unfamiliar voice.

Once again, everyone is confused by his words. (There sure has been a lot of confusion lately). So, he has to break it down for them in simpler terms.

"I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures." (Those same green pastures we hear of in the Lord's Prayer.)

He goes on, "The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life."

Do you think they understand yet? Are they getting the picture of what he is trying to tell them?

For more clarification, he says, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep." (Can you say crucifixion?) "I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep."

They are watching him and taking in what he is saying. As usual, opinions were divided over his words...some believed, others continued to talk about him being demon possessed.

Several years ago, I was the director of a preschool. I loved to take the kids to the park to play under the shade of the trees. It was a few blocks from the center, so I would walk them over. I had this long, heavy rope with handles all along it. Each child would grab hold of a handle and we would walk together in our little "herd" to the park.

I was the shepherd, and I guarantee you that if a single one of those kiddos had walked away from my herd... I would have gone right after them. No lost sheep on my watch.

We are those sheep. Jesus is our shepherd. He watches over his flock with a dutiful and loving eye. It is by following our shepherd, and listening to his voice, that we pass through those beautiful gates to our eternal home in Heaven.

Moral of the story: follow Jesus.

The Rock of Escape

One Year Bible (May 18)

I Samuel 22:1-23:29

The Rock of Escape

Is there anything worse than being betrayed by someone close to you? Someone that you loved, served, and were connected to by heart?

For David, it will get even worse. Everywhere he turns he will face betrayal. He is a man with a bounty on his head.

What does David do during this period of life where he is literally on the run, hiding in the wilderness and caves?

The first thing that stuck out to me is that David was alone, but that is no longer the case. He is now the captain of a “Motley Crew” of 400 men. (The Discontents). It has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?

Secondly, he has “Inside Information”. The prophet, Gad tells David, “Leave the stronghold, and return to the land of Judah.”

Thirdly, at every step of the way David asks the Lord, “Should I go attack them?” “Will they betray me?”

Even at the lowest point of David’s journey, the provision of God can be seen in his life.

Perhaps, herein lies our greatest lesson. God does not fit in OUR BOX or operate according to OUR PLAN or TIMING. We can learn that lesson right here and now from David.

David had a long hard season of refining, running, and being rescued. He learned to depend on God as his STRONGHOLD so that when he was king, he would know God as his SAVIOR.

While David is being pursued by an evil king, he is also being pursued by the King of the Universe. Who else do you know that had a “running conversation” with THE KING OF KINGS on a daily basis?

“Lord, should I go here or there?” “Will they betray me”. “Will you deliver me in this battle?” “What shall I have for dinner tonight?” We chuckle at this one, but I bet he actually needed to ask that at times while trying to survive in a cave. God met ALL of David’s needs!

Yet, David struggled for survival running from an evil king. He had heard the words of the prophet that he would become the King of Israel, and yet it sure was a long time coming…

Listen to one of David’s prayers in Psalm 52: 1-7:

“Why do you boast of evil, you mighty hero? Why do you boast all day long, you who are a disgrace in the eyes of God? You who practice deceit, your tongue plots destruction; it is like a sharpened razor. You love evil rather than good, falsehood rather than speaking the truth. You love every harmful word, you deceitful tongue! Surely God will bring you down to everlasting ruin: He will snatch you up and pluck you from your tent; he will uproot you from the land of the living. The righteous will see and fear; they will laugh at you, saying, ‘Here now is the man who did not make God his stronghold but trusted in his great wealth and grew strong by destroying others'!”

David did not know, YET what God was going to do with his life, but he DID know that GOD ALONE was his refuge and strength.

The place where David camped was called, “The Rock of Escape”.

I don’t know about you, but I need this reminder that “God’s ways are not my ways”.

“His thoughts are not my thoughts.” (Isaiah 55: 8-9)

He is much higher, greater, and sovereign than we can possibly understand.

Perhaps, like me, you struggle with the Old Testament at times.

The killing of mamas and babies, along with entire nations.

Why doesn’t God rescue every single person from evil?

David often said, “Who am I” to become the son-in-law of the king. He said this about a no-good-evil-earthly-king. How much more do we find ourselves saying, “Who am I” to understand the ways of an “All-knowing, Just, Perfect God”?

Each day as I write, I pray this prayer, “Who am I?” The Word of God is so overwhelming and beyond our complete understanding.

I know that I could skip difficult passages, but if I struggle with them, I feel that I should share that struggle as I know others (perhaps even you) struggle as well.

I am not a Hebrew or Greek scholar. (I had one year of Greek. I can say verbally, in Greek, one verse for you, “The crowd hears a voice.” Why this has stuck after 40 years I have no clue!!

What I do know is that every single day God awakens me to ponder, pray, write, and I am filled with awe of His greatness and our smallness.

Like David, I will ask, “Where should I go”? “Should I say this?” “What about dinner?”

Our God waits for the humble, the broken, and the seeking…

Through His Holy Spirit, He prompts our hearts to seek refuge in, “The Rock of Escape”

Was Blind, But Now I See

John 9:1-41 (May 17)

My second son was two months old when I found out he was blind. I still remember the shock, the fear, the question..."WHY?" What did I do wrong?

Many people talked with me, trying to make me understand that I hadn't done anything wrong, but that this was done for a purpose and only God knew what that purpose was.

So much like today's scriptures where Jesus encountered the blind beggar. The disciples wondered about the reasoning. "Rabbi," they asked him, "why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents' sins?"

"It was not because of his sins or his parents' sins," Jesus answered. "This happened so the power of God could be seen in him."

This blind man was not much of anything important to anyone except his parents. But he was also important to God and would play a major role in one of Jesus' most profound miracles.

So that the power of God could be seen in him...

I can't tell you how deeply I felt the power of God moving through the hundreds that prayed for my baby boy during his surgeries. I saw God show up in ways I never hoped or dreamed he could. And even more importantly, OTHERS saw the way He showed up too. The miraculous healing of my little guy was a testimony to the power of faith and prayer. God used our situation for his good.

Back to the beggar...

Jesus spit on the ground, made mud with the saliva (GROSS!), and spread the mud over the blind man's eyes (GROSSER!). He told him, "Go wash yourself in the pool of Siloam." He did this and was able to see!

His neighbors were dumbfounded! Could it really be him? The same man who for so long had no sight? He gladly shared with everyone who asked about who had done this miracle for him.

There was one guy (isn't there always?), who took him to the Pharisees. Another "tattle tale" who wanted to let them know that Jesus was "working" on the Sabbath. (Here we go again!)

So once again, there is the huge debate of who Jesus could really be. What kind of sinner was he that would work on the Sabbath and be able to do all the things he had done?

Twice, they called in the beggar to question him. They wanted him to give God the glory for his healing, not some strange man who was walking about doing crazy things.

But this beggar would only say, "I don't know whether he is a sinner. But I know this: I was blind, and now I see!" This beggar may have been an unnoticed man for most of his life who no one had any high regard for, but he was wise within himself, telling the Pharisees, "He healed my eyes, and yet you don't know where he comes from? We know that God doesn't listen to sinners, but he is ready to hear those who worship him and do his will. if this man were not from God, he couldn't have done it."

Translation... how DUMB can you guys get???!!!

Jesus, after hearing all this, approached this newly sighted beggar and asked, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?"

"Who is he, sir? I want to believe in him."

"You have seen him," Jesus said, "and he is speaking to you!"

"Yes, Lord, I believe!" the man said. And he worshipped Jesus.

Once again, the healing, the miracles, the "good stuff" all comes down to one thing...believing! When you have faith the size of a mustard seed....well, you know what they say!

I am so grateful for my faith that carried me through the journey from blindness to sight for my son. I am forever grateful to the many other believers who prayed alongside me with a faith that DID move a mountain.

That same faith has carried me from darkness to light in many other ways throughout my life. It is the same faith that will carry you through your trials.

Jesus is there. He has spit in the dirt and he is ready to wipe your eyes with the mud. He is ready to take you from the darkness to the brightness of hope and joy, if you will trust in Who he is and what he can do.

Will you?