Tuesday, April 2, 2019

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

10 thoughts on “Tuesday, April 2, 2019

  1. So much to learn and understand from today’s Bible reading. I am greatly inspired this morning, by the two godly Davids. The first David chose to strengthen himself in the Lord despite the intense pressure he was in. The second David saw the shortcomings of the impatient woman driver, then humbly prayed for her as well as himself. How we all need His grace and mercy daily! Blessings on each fellow blogger reader today.

  2. Thank you Lynda D. and Sah for your reply to me yesterday. As you see I don’t get back to you the same day. When we look at the thief on the cross and what the Lord said to him, I don’t believe that we need to be baptized in water to be saved as it is the blood of Jesus that saves us, but if we have time I believe we should obey the Lord and do so. Jealousy led to Saul’s downfall. Lord help us to realize we all have a purpose in this life and not envy others. Amen! Blessings fellow bloggers!

  3. Agreeing with you Ger; we are saved by Grace through faith in Jesus Christ Our Lord! Washed by the blood of the Lamb!!!

    The comments of David is so right on; what a lesson to learn from today’s scriptures!!!!

    • AMEN AMEN AMEN AND AMEN IRENE!
      I could not imagine how I could save myself let alone save others!
      It is so wonderful to be a Child of the Most High God; not to have too carry around a gizillion tons of excess baggage!
      If you read this and do not believe in Jesus Christ as Your Lord and Savioiur; call 100 Huntley Street and talk with someone;
      I guarantee you that you do not have to be rich, smart; or anything other than who you are; before you were even born God knew who you were. Yes it is true all we have to do is believe that we are saved by grace through faith so that no one can boast how they came to the Lord; WHAT A BLESSING;

  4. Hi Ron

    I really enjoy your dad’s blog but I have a hard time reading it when the printing is light and small. Could it be possible that it is a bit bigger font? I am not sure if others have trouble trying to read the blogs. They are good! Praise the Lord for your dad that started this up.

    Thank you and God bless you and keep you in His tender care.

    • I’m unable to change the font, but perhaps you could simply adjust your default font size on your browser. You can search online for instructions for how to do that. For a mac computer, it’s “command +”

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