Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Journal Through the Bible: Week 47 Tuesday

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I Kings 8:1-21

God had promised David that his son would follow him on the throne and that this son would build the Temple that would house the earthly tokens that had represented the covenant between God and Israel for over 400 years, especially the Ark of the Covenant. In this passage the Ark is transferred from its place in Zion, the City of David, to the Temple built by Solomon.

God's glory in the form of the shining cloud filled the house just as He had done when the Tabernacle was completed and dedicated. The priests could not minister there temporarily because of this holy event.

Does God issue any commands?

  • God does not speak in this passage.


Does God make any promises?

  • Solomon told the congregation of Israel that this Temple was a fulfillment of the verbal promise God made to David.


Does this passage teach anything about Jesus?

  • The tablets of stone that contained the Ten Commandments were the only things still placed within the Ark of the Covenant. The commandments are the heart of the covenant! They are the standards by which free people who were formerly slaves live! Who sets slaves to sinners free? Jesus! And who shows them how to live righteously (like the commandments describe)? Jesus!



Does this passage teach anything about yet-future events?

  • Solomon stated that he had built God a permanent home where He could dwell forever. In spite of Solomon's good intentions the sinfulness of the nation would cause God to remove Himself from that place and as a result this Temple was eventually destroyed. Man's work never prevails so God must provide permanent residence. First He dwells within believers (I Corinthians 6:19 calls believers the Temple of the Holy Spirit). Later believers will dwell with Him in Heaven where the permanent Temple is.




Psalm 132

Does God make any promises?

  • God promises to dwell in Zion forever.
  • God promises to clothe her priests and saints with salvation and make them shout for joy.
  • God promised to abundantly provide for her and satisfy everyone within Zion with bread.


Does this psalm teach anything about Jesus?

  • The promise of an eternal throne is fulfilled in David's descendant, Jesus. His crown shall flourish.


Does this psalm teach anything about yet-future events?

  • David planned to build an earthly tabernacle for the LORD and worship there, but He also knew that he would worship at God's footstool, the Heavenly Temple, throughout eternity.
  • The eternal throne will one day be established. And it will be eternal!
  • God's love for Zion is eternal. He will dwell there forever.
  • God will satisfy everyone who dwells in Zion. No one will be poor in Heaven.

Journal Through the Bible: Week 47 Monday

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The pomegranate: symbol of Solomon's kingdom
I Kings chapter 7

This chapter details several of Solomon's building projects including the Temple, the house he built for Pharaoh's daughter, and his own house as well as the contracted work of Hiram, the man who crafted the Temple articles and furnishing that were made of brass.

Does God issue any commands in this chapter?
  • God does not speak in this chapter.

Does God make any promises?
  • God does not speak in this chapter.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

  • Not that I identified.


Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

  • Not that I identified.

Monday, November 25, 2013

TAKE TIME: November 25-30, 2013 Reading Schedule

Introduction: The glorious Golden Age of Solomon's reign reached its zenith with the Temple dedication ceremony! Then we see that all was not golden in Solomon's heart.

 Assignment:
  • Monday - I Kings chapter 7
  • Tuesday - I Kings 8:1-21; Psalm 132
  • Wednesday - I Kings 8:22-61
  • Thursday - I Kings 8:62-9:28
  • Friday - I Kings chapter 10
  • Saturday - I Kings chapter 11


Memory Verse

That all the people of the earth may know that the LORD is God, and that there is none else.  I Kings 8:260


Prayer Journal (ACTS)
  • Adoration - This week take time each day to praise God for being personable and personal. He is the God of Solomon and He is our God, too. He is timeless, yet He desires a relationship with each of us as an individual.
  • Confession - Ask God to reveal hidden sin in your life and then confess it.
  • Thanksgiving - Thank God for any answers to your prayers.
  • Supplication - What are your prayer requests this week? List them for future reference so that you can see how God answers.


Search the Scriptures

Look for references for each of the following:
  • Promises that God made and to whom He made them. Do they apply to you?
  • References that either refer to or infer something about future events.
  • What does this passage teach about Jesus?
  • Commandments that God made and to whom He made them. Do they apply to you?


Putting the Word into Action

Even with all of his wisdom Solomon turned away from worshiping God with his whole heart. This is because obedience is a choice! This week do something for yourself. Ask the Lord to show you the things, people, or ideas that you have allowed to become idols that have received some of the worship that should be reserved only for God. You might recognize some of these idols by asking yourself if the thing, person, or idea is something you could live without if it suddenly was taken away from you. You might be surprised at what you actually worship! (Then, of course, your proper response should be to confess the sin and turn away from the idolatry. But like Solomon, it is your choice to make.)

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Read Through the Bible in 2013: November 25-30 Schedule


11/25/2013      II Chronicles 15-17 Psalms 148-150
11/26/2013      II Chronicles 18, 19 Proverbs 1
11/27/2013      II Chronicles 20, 21 Proverbs 2
11/28/2013      II Chronicles 22-24 Proverbs 3
11/29/2013      II Chronicles 25, 26 Proverbs 4
11/30/2013      II Chronicles 27, 28 Proverbs 5


I can't seem to locate an article that I wrote last year as an introduction to the book of Proverbs so perhaps I didn't write one! Let's give it a try now.

Proverbs could be called the "wisdom book" because it is a compilation of proverbs either written or collected primarily by King Solomon. I Kings 4:32 says that Solomon spoke over 3,000 proverbs. Many of them are probably in this volume.


Journal Through the Bible: Week 46 Saturday

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I Kings chapter 6

This is one of those "Time Stamp" chapters because it tells us that Solomon began building the Temple at Jerusalem in the month Zif in the fourth year of his reign which was also 480 years after Moses led the Children of Israel out of Egypt. It was completed in the eleventh year in the month Bul which means it took 7 years to build it.

Does God issue any commands?

  • Stated within the promises that God spoke to Solomon was the command to obey God. Only then would the promises come to pass.


Does God make any promises?

  • (6:11-12) God promised that if Solomon would walk in His statutes and execute proper judgment, and keep all His commandments to walk in them then He would perform through Solomon that He promised to David.
  • (6:13) God also promised the people that He would dwell among them and not forsake them if they would also walk in His statutes and keep His commandments.


Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

  • The Ark of the Covenant of the LORD was placed within the Most Holy Place within the Temple. The Ark of the Covenant with its Mercy Seat lid represented the mediation of Jesus for sinners. (Romans 3:25-31 and Romans 5:9-11)


Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

  • Solomon used the most precious commodities such as gold when he adorned the Temple. The book of Revelation tells of the precious commodities of gold and gems that God used to adorn His Heavenly palace including the Temple that is there and which we will see.

Friday, November 22, 2013

Journal Through the Bible: Week 46 Friday

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I Kings chapter 5

David had desired to build a house for God but God had not allowed David to do it since he was a warrior king. In this chapter we read of Solomon's desire to build God a house. Notice that Solomon does not tell Hiram, the king of Tyre, that he desired to build a house unto his father's God, but "I purpose to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God."

Faith in God is personal.


Does God issue any commands?

  • God did not speak in this chapter.


Does God make any promises?

  • Solomon tells Hiram that one reason he desired to build a house to his God was because his God had been faithful to keep the promises made to David, specifically to set one of his sons on the throne who would be given a time of peace so that he could build God a house.


Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

  • Jesus told His disciples that He was going to prepare a place for them. Whether or not Jesus was discussing actual building materials is debatable. He could have meant "place" as in "royal standing." Or He might really have meant preparations of our eternal home, which He would speak into existence much as He did our earthly home. In this instance, it doesn't matter. Solomon was building a place for the Sovereign to call His House. All of the materials used where originally spoken into existence by this same Sovereign. We are told that by Jesus all things consist. (See Colossians 1:16-17)


Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

  • Even though we can read the description of it, we can only imagine how the Temple of Solomon looked although we know that the people of that day considered it to be a wonder. Even though we can read about it (for instance the brief mention of it in Rev. 11:19), we can only imagine how the Temple of God in Heaven looks although we know that it must be considered by all who see it to be a great wonder!

Thursday, November 21, 2013

A Day in Lima

That's Lee-muh and not Lie-muh. I don't want you to think the pictures that follow are from a recent trip to northern Ohio. Nope! We crossed the Equator for the first time to make a visit to South America! We celebrated 35 years of marriage this past summer (at church camp) so we decided a special trip was in order.

In the early afternoon of October 15th Pastor Dad and I flew out of CVG and after a moderate layover in DFW caught a flight to Lima, Peru. We arrived there after midnight their time on the morning of the 16th which was after 1 a.m. at home where Daylight Savings Time was still in effect. It was well after 1 a.m. in Peru when we cleared customs and collected our baggage.

Our missionary friend, Sheridan Stanton, had arrived earlier in the day from his home in Huanaco. He had been able to rent a car, check into the hotel, and get a little rest before driving back to the airport to meet us. It was wonderful to see a familiar face waiting beyond the security barriers!

After a few hours of sleep we prepared to tour the city of Lima by daylight. (The post-midnight drive from the airport to the hotel didn't reveal much.) Daylight also revealed that we were staying near the Pacific Ocean.

The Pacific Ocean as seen from our hotel balcony

We drove to downtown Lima so that we could view the changing of the guard at the Presidential Palace at noon.


Just let me interject here that the drivers in Peru must be the worst anywhere. ANYWHERE! I mostly rode in silence because I was afraid that if I opened my mouth Bro. Stanton would be distracted. Believe me, we didn't want him distracted! 
Lanes? Ha! Want to turn left but you're 5 vehicles across (there are only 3 lanes) in the right-hand lane? Don't let that stop you! What's that you say? You're on a motorcycle and you'd need to cross in front of three cars and a double-decker bus? Oh, don't worry about it! They'll see you coming. You can bet your life on it!
(Nope! Not an exaggeration! Worst. Drivers. ANYWHERE! But Bro. Sheridan is an excellent driver. He even managed to return the rental car later that week without a scratch. And that's a miracle pure and simple! A miracle!)

We were told that the changing of the Peruvian Presidential guard isn't as grand as the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace but since we've never witnessed the latter ceremony we really have no way to make a comparison. We were impressed enough with this daily noontime ritual though. There were high kicks, ceremonial music, and plenty of pomp and circumstance. We spent several minutes enjoying the view of the rest of the Plaza de Armas, too.

Changing of the Guard


The Presidential Palace with the Changing of the Guards

Another side of the Plaza

The Archbishop's Palace next to the Cathedral of Lima, located to one side of the plaza

We two tourists on our 1st day in Peru, standing by the historic fountain in the center of the Plaza de Armas with the Presidential Palace behind us

The Cathedral of Lima


The Pastor and the Missionary/"Tour Guide," Brother Stanton


Nearby was the Inquisition Museum. Given that Catholicism is the religion of the country it was a bit surprising to find a museum dedicated to remembering her days of persecution of non-conformists. Also somewhat surprising was the way the history has been revised to make it seem as though just a mere handful were actually tortured and killed. (Here is a link telling about the museum. When you visit that site you will understand why I did not take more pictures.)

This museum is a reminder to us of what it cost some of our forebears for holding to their faith. Let us not forget that there are still many Christians around the world who are enduring persecution. As Jesus warned His disciples, His followers might be put to death by those who think they are actually doing God a big favor. (My paraphrase.)

A model of an infidel

A portrait of the Lima Plaza de Armas showing those convicted of crimes against the Church being led to their deaths

The steps down to the dungeons. Even now there are places were a person could lose their head, or knock herself out, if she is not careful! (The ceilings are extremely low in places and made of jagged rock. )

A couple of dungeon cells. People died inside here, which may have been better than the alternatives!

One part of the Inquisition Museum that is actually very beautiful: the courtyard.


After leaving the downtown Lima area we drove down the coast to an oceanside shopping mall at Miraflores. Enough time had passed since we had left the Inquisition Museum that we had regained our appetites. (And by now I was so tired that I closed my eyes part of the way and totally avoided seeing how close we were to the other vehicles we were trying NOT to hit a la "Bumper Cars" carnival ride.) We had the Executive Lunch at Tony Roma's! Since our Cincinnati restaurant closed a few years ago we now must go a long way to get a taste of these ribs.

Good food. Good prices (in sols; at the time $1 USA = s/.2.75)

The view from the shopping center at Miraflores

A skydiver near the restaurant. Feel up to it after lunch? Yeah, right!

Busy 24 hours + full stomachs = 2 tired tourists

Looking for the Starbucks. Or was it the Italian ice cream? Well, we found the Starbucks but not the ice cream. Since it was nippy outside the warm brew tasted and felt good.

Back to the hotel. The statue of Mary in the Magdalena del Mar neighborhood taken from our hotel window. If she still rotated as she used to do she would look directly into the hotel rooms! Hmm.

Journal Through the Bible: Week 46 Thursday

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I Kings chapter 4

This chapter is a pleasant one to read! Among other things it gives a record of those who served in Solomon's court. One name, that of Zabud, is listed as Solomon's principle officer and the king's friend. Wouldn't it be nice to have your name recorded in Holy Writ as the king's friend?  Oh, wait! You can! :)

Notice also that a few of Solomon's sons-in-law were in his employ. We know then that Solomon had at least two daughters. (See verses 11 and 15.)

Does God issue any commands?

  • God does not speak in this chapter.


Does God make any promises?

  • Again, scripture recounts the blessings of God upon the nation of Israel that proved that God fulfilled His promises to the patriarchs. The people were so numerous that they could not be numbered. The territory over which Solomon ruled was large. The people were well-fed and lived in nice houses. "They lacked nothing." (See verse 27.)
  • God fulfilled His promise to Solomon to give him exceeding wisdom and understanding.


Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

  • Solomon kept records of his beloved servants and friends. We are told in scripture that Jesus keeps our names written in His book, too, that is known as The Lamb's Book of Life. All of His friends are named there.


Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

  • This is a beautiful chapter to read! It tells of all the magnificence of Solomon's kingdom: it's majesty, peace, abundance, and tranquility. Yet it is only a mere shadow of what awaits us in the future kingdom of Jesus!

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Journal Through the Bible: Week 46 Wednesday

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(Solomon was probably a young man when this event happened.)
I Kings chapter 3

This has to be one of my favorite passages in the whole Bible! In the early years of his reign Solomon loved the LORD and followed the commands of God and his father. It was as though Solomon realized what a privilege it was to be the beloved son of David and the beloved son of God and he was in awe of this. It was no surprise then that when the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream and offered him whatever his heart desired Solomon rehearsed with thanksgiving the many blessings God had granted a lowly shepherd boy by making him king and then humbly requested wisdom for himself to properly govern God's people. Here was a man who was aware of just how far his family had come from its humble beginnings. Wow!


Does God issue any commands?

  • God asked Solomon what it was he would like God to give him. This might not seem like a command exactly, but when the Sovereign of the Universe asks what it is you want it you can be sure He is awaiting an answer! Solomon's answer pleased God greatly!


Does God make any promises?

  • In his prayer Solomon recounts from a thankful heart some of the promises that God had fulfilled. Specifically, he mentioned the promise to David of a dynasty.
  • Solomon also mentioned the fulfillment of God's promise to make Israel such a large nation that they could not be numbered.
  • God promised Solomon that he would be wiser than any man that had come before or after him.
  • God also promised Solomon things that he did not request such as riches, honor, and also a long life if he followed God's statutes and commandments.


Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

  • God is wisdom and Jesus is God personified. Many of the proverbs written by Solomon are about wisdom personified. As the wisest mortal who ever lived Solomon was a picture of Jesus, the one who will rule and reign in complete wisdom but without sin.
  • The verdict that Solomon rendered when he used Godly wisdom to sort out the mothers of the living and dead children made his subjects reverence him and fear his judgment. Because of the wisdom that Jesus exhibited many who encountered Him in his earthly ministry reverenced Him and feared His judgment, too. We are also to reverence and fear Jesus because we will all stand in front of Him in judgment one day.


Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

  • One day a wiser One than Solomon will rule and reign throughout eternity and each of us has yet to stand before Him and be judged.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Journal Through the Bible: Week 46 Tuesday

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I Kings chapter 2 

As David prepared to die he gave parting instructions to his son, Solomon, whom he had made king in his place. Even though Solomon was still young David recognized wisdom in his son. Perhaps the fact that his father mentioned this trait made Solomon make his well-known request of God at a later date.

This chapter deals with several loose ends from the reign of David that Solomon had to deal with early in his own reign. One of them was the treachery of his brother, Adonijah, the one who had declared himself king. Adonijah requested the hand of the maiden, Abishag the Shunammite through Solomon's mother, Bathsheba. Solomon's mother readily agreed. Perhaps Bathsheba saw no reason why the young woman who had been kept in the harem to provide bodily heat to the dying David should not be given to Adonijah. From the number of children born to Bathsheba it would appear that she was David's favorite wife so perhaps this girl stirred feelings of jealousy in Bathsheba. Or perhaps, as believed by some, Abishag the Shunammite was loved by Solomon and was therefore the woman who inspired the writing of the Song of Solomon (called the Shulamite in S. of S. 6:13) which would also add a complicated layer to Bathsheba's emotions, this time as prospective mother-in-law. All this is speculation, however, for some reason she did not find the request of Adonijah to be unreasonable although Solomon declared it treason and had his brother put to death as a result of it.

Does God issue any commands?

  • Through King David God commanded King Solomon to keep the charge of the LORD, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes and commands as written in the law of Moses that he might prosper in everything he did. (This is exactly what God told Moses to write as a commandment for the kings of Israel.)


Does God make any promises?

  • Through King David God reminded King Solomon of God's promise to make David's dynasty an everlasting one but that this would come through Solomon's line and any future king's line directly only if Solomon and his descendants obeyed God with all their hearts. (We know that both Mary and Joseph were descended from King David.)
  • Another promise of God that was fulfilled at this time was the prior pronouncement that the descendants of Eli would be removed from the priesthood. This was accomplished when Solomon removed Abiathar from office.


Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

  • The promise stated from God by King David to King Solomon was specifically about Jesus, the One who fulfills that promise that there shall not fail to be a man upon the throne of Israel descended from David. As the descendant of David, the Messiah, Jesus, will be the eternal heir to David's throne.


Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

  • In Solomon's early reign he avenged the wrongs done to his father's kingdom in an attempt to bring justice and righteousness to his own kingdom. When Jesus ascends His throne He will likewise avenge all unrighteous works done to His Father's kingdom and the world will be set right once more.

Monday, November 18, 2013

Journal Through the Bible: Week 46 Monday

I took the advice of a wise woman, my daughter, to begin blogging again daily with the current schedule because this is where TAKE TIME  followers are reading. I will continue to add the missed journal posts (II Samuel 4-24; October 23-November 16) as time permits.


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I Kings chapter 1

Does God issue any commands in this chapter?

  • God does not speak in this chapter.


Does God make any promises?

  • Through Benaiah the son of Jehoiada God confirmed Solomon as David's successor to the throne. Giving David a dynasty was the fulfillment of a promise God made to David. (Remember that Saul was not granted a successor from his own family.)


Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

  • Solomon was the first successor to the throne of David as fulfillment of the promise of an everlasting throne. Jesus is the eternal fulfillment of that promise. Following His coronation He will rule upon the throne of His father, David, forever.
  • Like King Solomon's decree concerning Adonijah, Jesus has decreed a death sentence upon Satan because wickedness was found in him. (Ezekiel 28:12-15; Isaiah 14:12-17)


Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

  • Like the goodly Adonijah, the beautiful Lucifer exalted himself and boasted that he would be king. Both even managed to gather a following of loyal supporters for their cause made up of his admirers or those who were deceived. But like Adonijah, Lucifer will find himself dethroned when the Father puts His beloved son upon the throne!
  • Just as King David honored the vow he made to Bathsheba that her son, Solomon, would reign upon the throne of his father so will God honor the vow He made to Eve in Genesis 3:15 that one day her Seed would reign upon the throne of His Father. 
  • As father, King David exalted his son, Solomon, and placed him upon his father's royal throne one day God the Father will exalt His son, Jesus, and place Him upon His Father's throne where He will rule the nations.

TAKE TIME: November 18-23 Reading Schedule

Introduction: This week we will read of the transition between the reign of David to his son, Solomon. Like most things in David's life, including his own ascension to the throne, this transition was not without its controversy. But once Solomon was on the throne of Israel the time that would be known as Israel's glorious kingdom years would commence!

 Assignment:
  • Monday - I Kings chapter 1
  • Tuesday - I Kings chapter 2
  • Wednesday - I Kings chapter 3
  • Thursday - I Kings chapter 4
  • Friday - I Kings chapter 5
  • Saturday - I Kings chapter 6


Memory Verse

And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself. I Kings 2:3


Prayer Journal (ACTS)
  • Adoration - This week take time each day to praise God for being the Supreme Ruler! With all that is happening in the world today we might think everything is out of control when actually the Bible predicted all these things.
  • Confession - Ask God to reveal hidden sin in your life and then confess it.
  • Thanksgiving - Thank God for any answers to your prayers.
  • Supplication - What are your prayer requests this week? List them for future reference so that you can see how God answers.


Search the Scriptures

Look for references for each of the following:
  • Promises that God made and to whom He made them. Do they apply to you?
  • References that either refer to or infer something about future events.
  • What does this passage teach about Jesus?
  • Commandments that God made and to whom He made them. Do they apply to you?


Putting the Word into Action

Solomon prayed for wisdom. Are you facing situations that seem too hard for you or for which you have no answers? Ask God for wisdom. He promised in James 1:5 that He will give it to us just as He gave it to Solomon when he requested it.

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Read Through the Bible in 2013: November 18-23 Schedule



11/18/2013      II Chronicles 1-3 Psalms 125-129
11/19/2013      II Chronicles 4, 5 Psalms 130-135
11/20/2013      II Chronicles 6, 7 Psalms 136-138
11/21/2013      II Chronicles 8, 9 Psalms 139-141
11/22/2013      II Chronicles 10, 11 Psalms 142-144
11/23/2013      II Chronicles 12-14 Psalms 145-147


For more information about the Old Testament book of II Chronicles click this link.

Journal Through the Bible: Week 42 Tuesday

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II Samuel chapter 3 (Read October 22, 2013)

Most of us are familiar with the story of David's family including events that are yet in the future in our reading, so reading the names of the six sons born to him during the Hebron years evokes certain emotions as we consider what is to come.

Abner, the servant of the House of Saul, acknowledged that God had promised the kingdom to David and in a moment of anger with Saul's successor, Ishbosheth, he swore to deliver the kingdom to David. Abner's admission makes me wonder why he was fighting against David and the will of God in the first place! Perhaps like many, he felt he could control politics for his own advantage.

David accepted Abner's overture and made a treaty with him. David's wife - and Saul's daughter - was to be the token that sealed the bargain.

Does God issue any commands?

  • God did not speak in this chapter.


Does God make any promises?

  • God did not speak in this chapter, but His promise to David is mentioned by Abner and it is being fulfilled in this chapter.


Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

  • As a mediator between the ruler and his wayward kingdom, Abner was a picture of Jesus, the mediator between God and the wayward world.
  • Abner preached to the elders of Israel that God had appointed David to save His people from the Philistines. In this instance, Abner's prophecy likens David to Jesus, the One appointed by God to save His people from all of their enemies.
  • Abner died the death of the innocent just as Jesus did. He was killed by someone who hated him (Joab). The world hated Jesus and they killed Him.


Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

  • In his grief, King David declares that the LORD will reward evil doers according to their wickedness. It was true then, it is true now, and it will ultimately be the final judgment against the wicked who will stand before the Great White Throne judgment.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Journal Through the Bible: Week 42 Monday

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II Samuel chapter 2   (Read October 21, 2013)

The nation of Israel found itself temporarily divided when they were led by the tribes of Benjamin and Judah to align themselves behind either the House of Saul or the House of David. There were occasional skirmishes and battles between the opposing sides including one where David's nephew, Asahel, was killed by the followers of Saul's son. (Zeruiah was David's sister.)

Does God issue any commands in this chapter?
  • When David asked direction from God he was told by God to go to Hebron to establish his throne.


Does God make any promises?

  • The implication is that David was to wait in Hebron for God to deliver upon His promise to make David the king over all of Israel.


Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?
  • Just as David had to patiently wait to be made king over all the territory promised to him by God and reigned only a small percentage of the whole kingdom at the beginning of his reign while someone who was not of God's choosing reigned over the rest of the nation so has Jesus waited patiently to receive His whole kingdom. Right now only those that are in Heaven are out of the reach of Satan, the one who has taken control of the world's systems. Someday Jesus will rule and reign all that have been given to Him. 


Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?
  • One day the true King chosen by God will receive all the kingdoms promised to Him. His subjects are awaiting this day by faith but one day faith will be made sight and the world will be ruled by her legitimate King.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Journal Through the Bible: Week 41 Saturday

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II Samuel chapter 1  (Read October 19, 2013)

And yet another Amalekite crosses David's path and suffers the consequences! Besides being part of the nation that God had told Saul to destroy he most likely was part of the marauders that had recently taken David's own wives and the families of his men captive. The man arrived in David's camp expecting to be handsomely rewarded for claiming to have killed King Saul - as a mercy killing - and for bringing the royal crown to David. Instead David had the man executed for treating the anointed king of Israel with such disrespect. Did the Amalekite kill Saul? Probably not, but his own testimony condemned him.

In his anguished grief David wrote an exquisite psalm of remembrance about Saul and Jonathan.
How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished! (verse 27)

Does God issue any commands in this chapter?

  • God does not speak in this chapter.


Does God make any promises?

  • God does not speak.


Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

  • Just as the Amalekite failed in his attempt to entice David with the symbols of royalty so did Satan fail in his attempt to entice Jesus to sin by offering an illegitimate claim to the thrones of the earth. Both David and Jesus rejected the temptation knowing each would eventually claim the throne of Israel legitimately.
  • The psalm contained in this chapter describes David's grief when his master, leader, and loved ones fell at the hand of wicked forces. This must have been how the disciples felt when their Master, Leader, and beloved One was crucified at the hand of wicked men!


Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

  • Jesus has yet to have His day of coronation when the whole world will acknowledge Him as the heir to the throne of David and to the whole world.
  • Someday all will perish who have slain the LORD's Anointed. Their own words will condemn them. (This would actually be all of us except that God has offered mercy to all who will repent and be saved by grace through faith in the LORD's Anointed!

Back to Blogging Including a Link to a Teaser

The view this morning. No more summer grilling!
We left Peru two weeks ago today!  Luckily for us, we returned from south of the equator where it is springtime in time to experience the first autumn snow of the season at our house. I'm joking. About being "lucky" anyway. 

It has taken me so much longer to get this blog caught up than I anticipated. I was more exhausted from our travels than I thought I would be!


I'm sure it had something to do with being awake about 30 hours when we traveled home on that Tuesday-Wednesday. And then hitting the ground running with several church and family activities (aka "Harvest Party" that Wednesday evening followed on Thursday with Trick or Treat at our house: I'm not complaining since I actually asked to be involved in those activities; just showing examples of how much I overestimated my abilities). And then experiencing grief within a week of our arrival home. 

In other words, blogging has not been high on my list of priorities. I expect it will take a long time and several posts on some days to get the Bible Journal updated. Sorry for those who object to being overloaded. Hang in there! It will not be the norm.

At some point I will also share about our trip to Peru. In the meantime, our dear missionary friends have published their monthly report which you can read here.  (Yes, they mention us.)   :)

Talk to you soon!

Monday, November 11, 2013

Journal Through the Bible: Week 41 Friday

source

I Samuel 30:9-31:13  (Read October 18, 2013)

Does God issue any commands?
  • No.

Does God make any promises?
  • No.

Does this passage teach anything about Jesus?
  • David, the savior of his people, is a type of Christ.
  • David is also the type of Christ as the successful warrior and leader of the righteous army.
  • David rewarded the cities in Israel that had aligned themselves with him. Jesus abundantly rewards His relatives (the redeemed Children of God) with great gifts also.
  • This was a time of great battles with victories and defeats for the people of the LORD. Often the spoils of war and territory went back and forth. David watched it all! As the events of our history play out before us we can be assured that our Captain and King is watching as we suffer our victories and defeats in this hostile world.


Does this passage teach anything about yet-future events?
  • When the evil are being successful they mock and celebrate their victories over God's people while remaining totally oblivious to the fact that swift and certain destruction is soon going to descend upon them. Just like David and his mighty army struck the Amalekites during their time of celebration in order to set things back in order the way they were meant to be - including the rescue of those who were much beloved - so shall Jesus lead His army against the forces of evil who now mock God's people and celebrate their temporary successes over them. Someday the world will be remade into what it was intended to be and Jesus' much-beloved saints will be rescued from their enemies.
  • Just as David rewarded the soldiers who could not fight because they were too ill to cross the brook and challenge the Amalekite warriors but stayed with the stuff and guarded it so will Jesus share in the spoils of His conquest. Jesus said that all who work in His field will receive their penny. He also said that the last would be first and the first last. He told His disciples that those who receive a prophet in the name of a prophet would also receive a prophet's reward. God's ways are holy and totally unselfish. He has enough to share with everyone who will dwell with Him throughout eternity!

Sunday, November 10, 2013

TAKE TIME: November 11-16 Reading Schedule

Introduction: This week we will read an account of the life of David as an aging king.

 Assignment:
  • Monday - II Samuel chapter 19
  • Tuesday - II Samuel chapter 20
  • Wednesday - II Samuel chapter 21
  • Thursday - II Samuel chapter 22
  • Friday - II Samuel chapter 23
  • Saturday - II Samuel 24


Memory Verse

II Samuel 22 contains a psalm of David. Commit verses of your choice to memory.


Prayer Journal (ACTS)
  • Adoration - This week take time each day to praise God for being the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. He never ages!
  • Confession - Ask God to reveal hidden sin in your life and then confess it.
  • Thanksgiving - Thank God for any answers to your prayers.
  • Supplication - What are your prayer requests this week? List them for future reference so that you can see how God answers.


Search the Scriptures

Look for references for each of the following:
  • Promises that God made and to whom He made them. Do they apply to you?
  • References that either refer to or infer something about future events.
  • What does this passage teach about Jesus?
  • Commandments that God made and to whom He made them. Do they apply to you?


Putting the Word into Action

We are quickly approaching the Thanksgiving season in America. Begin a list of things (or people) for which you are thankful so that the holiday will be one of showing true gratitude to the Lord. David wrote a psalm of thanksgiving. You can write one using your list for inspiration if you so desire.

Read Through the Bible: November 11-16, 2013

*This post was edited to correct the part of Psalm 119 that was accidentally omitted in the original schedule.


11/11/2013      I Chronicles 16-18 Psalm 119:1-32
11/12/2013      I Chronicles 19, 20 Psalm 119:33-64
11/13/2013      I Chronicles 21, 22 Psalm 119:65-96
11/14/2013      I Chronicles 23-25 Psalm 119:97-136*
11/15/2013      I Chronicles 26, 27 Psalm 119:137-176*
11/16/2013      I Chronicles 28, 29 Psalms 120-124

Monday, November 4, 2013

TAKE TIME: November 4-9 Reading Schedule

Introduction: After David's graphic sins God announced that the sword would not leave David's house. This is just as scripture describes death being the wages received for sin. This week we will read of the wages that David collected.

 Assignment:
  • Monday - II Samuel chapter 13
  • Tuesday - II Samuel chapter 14
  • Wednesday - II Samuel chapter 15
  • Thursday - II Samuel chapter 16
  • Friday - II Samuel chapter 17
  • Saturday - II Samuel 18


Memory Verse

And the king said unto Zadok, Carry back the ark of God into the city; if I shall find favour in the eyes of the LORD, he will bring me again, and shew me both it, and his habitation: But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee; behold, here am I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him. II Samuel 15:25-26


Prayer Journal (ACTS)
  • Adoration - This week take time each day to praise God for providing redemption for transgressors.
  • Confession - Ask God to reveal hidden sin in your life and then confess it.
  • Thanksgiving - Thank God for any answers to your prayers.
  • Supplication - What are your prayer requests this week? List them for future reference so that you can see how God answers.


Search the Scriptures

Look for references for each of the following:
  • Promises that God made and to whom He made them. Do they apply to you?
  • References that either refer to or infer something about future events.
  • What does this passage teach about Jesus?
  • Commandments that God made and to whom He made them. Do they apply to you?


Putting the Word into Action

Many of David's friends stood by him even when he was exiled. Perhaps you have a friend in need. Ask the Lord for specific guidance so that you will know how to help your friend. Then follow the Lord's leading.