Thursday, April 2, 2015

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REACTIONS

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 30-31

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

 

Around 1100 BC, the Canaanite city of Beit She’an (modern name) was conquered by the Philistines, who used it as a base of operations for further penetrations into Israel. During a battle against King Saul at nearby Mount Gilboa, the Philistines prevailed. 1 Samuel 31:10 states that the victorious Philistines hung the body of King Saul on the walls of “Beth Shan.” Historians believe that event took place in 1004 BC. The ruins seen here are from the Greco Roman period. The hill in the background is the tel of Beth Shan. The fortified city centre was built on the highest ground, and the destruction of the city, again and again through the centuries, raised the hill as they rebuilt the cities many times on top of the ruins of the old cities.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

 

Key Verses: 1 Samuel 30:6b, 24

But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God…For who will heed you in this matter? But as his part is who goes down to the battle, so shall his part be who stays by the supplies; they shall share alike.

How do we react under pressure? Perhaps we can learn from David today. Not only did David grieve over his personal loss, he was deeply concerned over the bitterness of his men. David could’ve pleaded innocence and claimed it wasn’t his fault. He could’ve become bitter against God. Instead David “strengthened himself in the Lord his God.” Because of God’s strength, David was able to react with a generosity of spirit, not unlike the landowner in the parable Jesus told. Let’s think about it and read Matthew 20:1-16.
Saul’s reaction to defeat was to take his own life. It might have been so very different. Saul’s failure to take time to hear from God and obey Him when he did know God’s instructions brought him and his family to a most sad end. Even Jonathan, Saul’s son, who was a loyal, loving, faithful friend of David’s, suffered because of his father. The consequences of poor decisions are far-reaching.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, please guide me in my decisions. I need You so very much to show me how to react in a way that would please You and bless others. Holy Spirit, I ask for You to fill me for this new day with Your wisdom and with the manifestation of the character of Jesus, in whose Name I pray, Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I’ve read several lines written by Hilda Schnell, which expresses how I’m feeling just now. Here are the last lines: “Your unfailing, unconditional love compels the eyes of my spirit to look up, beyond my faltering steps, and gross weakness, to Your indomitable strength.” I need God’s strength, not just for big challenges but for the little things as well. I was disturbed as I exited the parking lot, following the service at a large church we attended. While I was waiting to get in line, I heard a lady yelling at the man in the car in front of her. He was very patiently waiting for other cars to pass in front of him, and her reaction may have indicated that she needed to go back into church and pray a little longer. I should’t be so judgemental, I know. I’ve been tempted to do the same from time to time. She may have been under pressures that I know nothing about. As I sat there waiting, I prayed for her for the growth of that fruit of the Spirit known as “patience,” and then, thinking about my own reactions, I prayed for myself too.

Yours for becoming more like Jesus in our reactions,

David

 

11 thoughts on “Thursday, April 2, 2015”

  1. Oh Jesus–all for Your glory and splendour. That we might walk in Your favour. Yes, the end of Saul, his three sons, and armor-bearer in today’s readings was a sad and bitter ending. How tragic to not claim Jesus as one’s personal Saviour. Oh the gift of the Bible–God’s Holy Word, that we know and claim the truth that sets us free. Amen! Thank You Jesus, for Your loving sacrifice–all for Your glory and splendour. Amen! Blessings dear saints!

    After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters–one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” Mt 17:1-7

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  2. On a day in the autumn, I saw a prairie eagle mortally wounded by a rifle shot. His eye still gleamed like a circle of light. Then he slowly turned his head, and gave one more searching and longing look at the sky. He had often swept those starry spaces with his wonderful wings. The beautiful sky was the home of his heart. It was the eagle’s domain. A thousand times he had exploited there his splendid strength. In those far away heights be had played with the lightnings, and raced with the winds, and now, so far away from home, the eagle lay dying, done to the death, because for once be forgot and flew too low. The soul is that eagle. This is not its home. It must not lose the skyward look. We must keep faith, we must keep hope, we must keep courage, we must keep Christ. We would better creep away from the battlefield at once if we are not going to be brave. There is no time for the soul to stampede. Keep the skyward look, my soul; keep the skyward look! Streams in the Desert, Cowman, April 2.

    They looked… and behold, the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud” (Exod. 16:10).

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  3. Sad to read again today about how disturbed Saul was and his inevitable self destruction and death. Also, Jonathan’s death in battle. It’s ironic how Saul was lead to be king, given his weaknesses. He became very tormented to the end. But, the scripture lessons wouldn’t have been told unless everything happened as it did. There is no pillow so soft as a clear conscience. Enjoy this new spring day!

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  4. David was such a noble man. He was truly blessed and favoured.

    This is a good quote by Sarah Young of Jesus Calling:
    “Remember that your ultimate goal is not to control or fix everything around you; it is to keep communing with Me. A successful day is one in which you have stayed in touch with Me, even if many things remain undone at the end of the day. Do not let your to-do list (written or mental) become an idol directing your life. Instead, ask my Spirit to guide you moment by moment.”

    Blessings on Holy week dear saints.

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  5. Happy Easter to all as we celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord and
    Savior Jesus Christ. I pray the world around us might realize that
    Easter is more than Chocolate eggs and bunnies, even though I admit I love the eggs and bunnies. Blessings to all

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  6. Proverbs 4: 5-8 (from the words of King David to his sons)

    Get wisdom, get understanding…
    6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;
    love her, and she will watch over you.
    7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom.
    Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
    8 Cherish her, and she will exalt you;
    embrace her, and she will honor you…

    Lord Jesus I pray for your wisdom every day and in every moment. I ask this in your name. Amen! Blessings blog friends…

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  7. A cloudy day again today, but I praise God the Son still shines in my heart!!
    May I like David strengthen myself in the Lord My God today and always. Amen!!!

    Be blessed in the Lord all you saints!!

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