Sunday, April 2, 2017

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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

 

12 thoughts on “Sunday, April 2, 2017”

  1. Amen, Ron and David, amen! Saul ended the book of 1 Samuel dead in disgrace for he stopped calling on God and putting him first. David ended with integrity for his people because he prayed to God and listened to his instruction.

    The night before the blog, I go to the following day’s post from 2015; read the scripture, message and every now and then, previous comments. April 2, 2015, our blog friend David Loewen posted Hal Lindsey’s Report http://www.hallindsey.com/videos/hal-lindsey-report-3272015/418/
    Thank you, David, it was excellent!! The following came from that:

    I and My Father are one. (Greek=one essence)
    John 10:30 NKJV

    “The Word became flesh and died as my Saviour… what Mercy, what Love, and what Grace.” Beatrice Bush Bixler, I Am Not Worthy

    Take My Hand, Precious Lord, Gaither Gospel 
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaF16IlysQc

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  4. Praise the Lord! Finally got the blog this morning. Nothing since March 20th. Nothing in spam or junk mail. However, I was able to access the blog other ways and continue to keep up with daily scripture and blogs on this 3rd journey with 100words. Today is Sunday. The sun is shining brightly in British Columbia..and the sunshine of God’s love continues to shine in my heart exposing any dark corners..and giving me the joy of spreading the sunshine of God’s love, forgiveness, encouragement and strength to the many in my path you need their darkness turned into light. “This is the Day the Lord hath many, we will be rejoice and be glad in it.” Samuel.

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  5. Thanks again,David,
    We see the shortcomings of others more quickly than we see it in ourselves so perhaps we should pray for quicker awarness of our own faults especially under stress.God bless

    The Kingdom Is Ours

    Oh,Lord,though we have sinned against You
    And have done evil in your sight,
    You still love us the ages through,
    Withholding from us Your just might.

    To each of us You have been a Friend,
    Your guidance led those who would hear
    And shown Your mercy has no end;
    As we repent,you pull us near.

    Lord,restore to us a right spirit,
    For You have washed away our sin
    And we know we’re not to fear it
    When evil seeks to come within.

    Oh,my Savoir,You are always true
    And we want to walk in Your light
    But there is one who will undo
    And e’er seeks to bind us in fright.

    Oh Lord,we know Your word is our shield
    But relentless thoughts from the snake,
    Seek to steal what we must not yield,
    For the kingdom is ours to take.
    G W(Bill) Marshall/13 Sept, 2015

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  8. Once again, David’s thoughtfulness is revealed through today’s Word.

    God bless you Pastor David, for your honesty as you share your personal thoughts within this blog. Also your sincerely in prayer!!

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  9. I AM IN NEED OF PRAYER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PRAY FOR A LIFEGUARD AT THE POOL HE IS VERY NEGATIVE, PLEASE PRAY THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL ENTER THE HEART OF THIS PERSON AND CHANGE THIS TROUBLED HEART TO A LOVING HEART,. REMOVE THE NEGATIVE SPIRIT MAY THIS PERSON BE KIND, CARING, THOUGHTFUL,
    THANK YOU LORD IN JESUS NAME WE PRAY

    URGENT, NEED MORE PRAYER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    OWNERS ARE PUTTING ON PRESSURE TO INCREASE RENT BY 4 FOLD, BLESS MS AS HE IS PUTTING A CASE TOGETHER TO FIGHT THIS SITUATION PLEASE PRAY THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL ALSO ENTER THE HEARTS OF THE OWNERS AND THAT THEY MAY COMPLETELY FORGET WHAT THEY ARE DOING
    THIS SITUATION IS PUTTING A LOT OF PRESSURE ON TENANTS AS WE ARE ALL LOW INCOME LORD GOD WE NEED YOUR HELP TO DIVERT THIS INCREASE TO NEVER HAPPEN AND THAT THE OWNERS WILL COMPLETELY FORGET THE WHOLE SITUATION
    THANK YOU LORD IN JESUS NAME WE PRAY AMEN

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