1 Samuel 25-27

Insight Into Scripture

I hope that you enjoyed last week, walking with Christ to the Cross. I pray that you had a blessed Resurrection Sunday. Let's bring all of us up to speed on our readings.Israel wanted a king like all the other nations, which displeased YAHWEH, but HE gave them what they were asking for; Saul. Saul displeased YAHWEH when he was disobedient (13:13) eventually YAHWEH had enough of Saul and rejected him as king (Chapter 15)

David is anointed king (Chapter 16) but, Saul is still acting king. As YAHWEH's spirit enters into David and leaves Saul, Saul is filled with hatred toward David and has tried to kill him several times. Here is where we will pick up the story.

Blessings

This is a picture of the Judean Wilderness. Through most of history it has been uninhabited due to the lack of water and good traveling routes. This made it an ideal place for David to hide from Saul. This is the wilderness where David spared Saul's life while he was sleeping (Chapter 26)Click on the picture of the wilderness for more pictures. These photos are taken from Bibleplaces.com.

Scripture Reading

32 And David said to Abigail, "Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me! 33 Blessed be your discretion, and blessed be you, who have kept me this day from bloodguilt and from avenging myself with my own hand! 34 For as surely as the LORD the God of Israel lives, who has restrained me from hurting you, unless you had hurried and come to meet me, truly by morning there had not been left to Nabal so much as one male." - 1 Samuel 25:32-34

9 But David said to Abishai, "Do not destroy him, for who can put out his hand against the LORD's anointed and be guiltless?" 10 And David said, "As the LORD lives, the LORD will strike him, or his day will come to die, or he will go down into battle and perish. 11 The LORD forbid that I should put out my hand against the LORD's anointed. But take now the spear that is at his head and the jar of water, and let us go." 12 So David took the spear and the jar of water from Saul's head, and they went away. No man saw it or knew it, nor did any awake, for they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen upon them. - 1 Samuel 26:9-12

Thought for the Day

David is known as "A man after GOD's own heart" As you will read, David had this intense, loving relationship with YAHWEH. What was important to YAHWEH, was important to David. Here we see one of David's traits displayed.In the first reading, David is angered, and is on his way to kill Nabal and all his men. David had been protecting Nabal and when David asked Nabal for food, Nabal refused. But, on his revengful way to kill Nabal, Abigail; a discerning and intelligent women wisely steps in and saves the day. David, after listening to Abigail releases his anger and gives his revengeful feelings to YAHWEH. As you will read, YAHWEH did take care of Nabal.

The second reading, David sneaks into Saul's camp. He and Abishai stand over Saul while everyone is sleeping. It would be so easy to kill Saul (Who has been trying to kill him) but, David again gives his revenge to YAHWEH.

Twice David puts his personal feelings aside and gives them to the LORD. What do you do when someone has hurt you or has it out for you? Do you look for ways to get revenge? Does it consume you? Do you find that you are spending more and more time thinking about the situation and how to get that person? Revenge is a consuming emotion.

If you are there or the next time revenge turns it's head towards your way, give it to the LORD. HE has promised that HE will fight your fights, and promises that revenge is HIS. I know that you will feel a weight lifted off of you, and GOD will honor the fact that you trusted HIM to take care of your problem.

Closing Prayer

Dear Jesus

Father thank You for the fresh air You provide for us to breath. The trees that sway in the wind a make a beautiful relaxing noise. Father I pray today that the ones that come into my life that I struggle with, I pray that You will show me Your ways and not mine. I pray Father that I can handle things with a loving heart and not an angry one. Father thank You for the so many blessings that You so lovingly give.

I love You and I pray in Your Name,

Amen

Bible Trivia

How old was Noah when God sent the flood to destroy the earth?

Hint: Genesis 7:11

Some have asked how to pronounce and what does this Hebrew Blessing mean:

ba-rukh at-tah Adonai me-lekh may-hul-lal ba-tesh-ba- hoot

Blessed are Lord a King be praise in adoration

Barukh attah Adonai melekh m'hulal batishbachot

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1 Samuel 17-18

Holy Week
Blessings~
This week I thought that we would honor Christ and prepare our hearts and minds for Resurrection Sunday. We will break away from our walk through the Bible, and follow Christ on His walk leading to the Cross.I would encourage you to keep walking through the Bible. We will leave the passage for today's Scripture on top.

Blessings~This is a picture of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. It commemorates the hill of crucifixion and the tomb of Christ's burial. On grounds of tradition alone, this church is the best candidate for the location of these events. The Garden Tomb came later as a possible burial place. Click on the picture to see more interesting photographs. Pictures are from Bibleplaces.com

Thursday Night & Friday
~Jesus' Arrest and Trial - Matthew 26:47-27:26

Friday
~Jesus' Crucifixion and Death17 and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called the place of a skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. 18 There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. 19 Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." 20 Many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, in Latin, and in Greek. 21 So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, "Do not write, 'The King of the Jews,' but rather, 'This man said, I am King of the Jews.'" 22 Pilate answered, "What I have written I have written."
23 When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, 24 so they said to one another, "Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be." This was to fulfill the Scripture which says,

"They divided my garments among them,
and for my clothing they cast lots.

"So the soldiers did these things, 25 but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son!" 27 Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.

The Death of Jesus
28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), "I thirst." 29 A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. 30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, "It is finished," and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. - John 19:17-30

~The Burial of Jesus - Matthew 27:57-66

Thought for the Day
Such a bitter sweet day. On one hand, we gentiles were grafted into YAHWEH's inheritance. We became adopted into HIS chosen. We received eternal life, the veil that separated YAWHEH from us was torn in half. Direct access to HIM through the new Temple; Jesus Christ.
On the other hand, my best Friend died this horrible death. Not only did He feel the physical pain, He took the anguish of ALL our sins on Himself.If you are reading this alone, take a moment, close your eyes and just reflect. If you are not alone, I would encourage you today to find a quiet spot and reflect.

Closing Prayer
Dear Jesus
Thank You Father for this time to reflect. I weep when I think of the pain and terror You went through, just for me. Thank You for loving me so much! Father I pray that I can find some quiet time and that I will feel that deep deep love that You have for me, I pray that I can reflect on You and draw even closer. Father hold my hand at this time as my fears for You are there and I realize how brave You are and how small I am.
I love You.
In Your Name,
Amen

Bible Trivia
What was cursed by God because of Adam?
Hint: Genesis 3:6, 22-24

Barukh attah Adonai melekh m'hulal batishbachot

1 Samuel 14:24-16

Holy Week
This week I thought that we would honor Christ and prepare our hearts and minds for Resurrection Sunday. We will break away from our walk through the Bible, and follow Christ on His walk leading to the Cross.I would encourage you to keep walking through the Bible. We will leave the passage for today's Scripture on top.

Blessings~This is an Aerial photograph from the south of Mount Zion. On top of this Mount is believed to be the Upper Room. Jesus met with His disciples, broke bread, and drank from the cup. This would be their last meal together. If you would like to see a picture of the upper room, please click on the picture. The photo is taken from Bibleplaces.com.

View April's Reading Schedule

Thursday
~The Last Supper - Matthew 26:17-29
~Praying at Gethsemane - Matthew 26:36-46
~Jesus Comforts the Disciples - John 14:1-16:33
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. - John 14:12- 14

Thursday Night & Friday
~Jesus' Arrest and Trial - Matthew 26:47-27:26

Thought for the Day
This verse was always confusing to me, but, now after reading it many many times, I believe that I am starting to understand it.
The verse states; "Whatever you ask in My Name, this I will do, that the FATHER may be glorified in the Son." I always read; what I ask in Jesus name; it will be done, then I skipped over that part that states; what I ask for in prayer should glorify the FATHER through Jesus Christ. Pretty big miss huh?
Today, this verse kept on going around and around in my mind. Most of the things that I ask for in Jesus' name glorified me. Jesus, please give me more money. Jesus, please make the TV work again. Jesus, please let me get this promotion. I am sure you could insert your own "Jesus, please." Most of these prayers fall under the "Trust" and "Faith" category, not a "Glorify" category.
I believe that Jesus gave me an example of this yesterday. We have been moving into our new home for the past 2 days. Among other little annoyances, our brand new microwave was not heating. As I was working I could have sworn that I heard Jesus say "Pray for the microwave and it will be fixed." As I was going down to pray over it, my wife and I got into an argument (satan's attack) we both became angry and walked away. But, I was not going to let satan win, I went back down and prayed over the microwave. I rebuked satan, and asked that Jesus would repair the microwave to show His power. I ended, did not test it, and went to bed. I woke up and forgot about it, but, later in the day Kim told me that it was running again??? Hmmm.......
Looking back, I could care less whether the microwave was working, it was something I was going to have to deal with, but no big deal. Next time you are asking for something in prayer, does it glorify you or YAHWEH through Christ Jesus?

Closing Prayer
Dear Jesus
Thank you that we have such an open door with You. Thank You for Your gift of prayer that You allow us to have. May You be praised!
I love You and I pray in Your Name,
Amen

Bible Trivia
Who paid Judas Iscariot to betray Jesus?
Hint: Matthew 26:14-16

Barukh attah Adonai melekh m'hulal batishbachot

1 Samuel 12-14:23

Holy Week
Blessings~
This week I thought that we would honor Christ and prepare our hearts and minds for Resurrection Sunday. We will break away from our walk through the Bible, and follow Christ on His walk leading to the Cross.I would encourage you to keep walking through the Bible. We will leave the passage for today's Scripture on top.

This picture is another view of the temple. This shot was taken as aerial photo from the east side. It really is majestic, isn't it? Today, the plot was set in stone to take Jesus down. If you would like to see more pictures of the Temple, please click on the picture. This picture was taken from Bibleplaces.com

Wednesday
The Plot Against Jesus
14 Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, "What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?" And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. 16 And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him. - Matthew 26:14-16

Thought for the Day
There are so many verses in the New Testament where Christ tells us that we cannot serve money and Him. It is impossible. But I feel that we need to take that a step further, you can't serve ANYTHING and Christ. One always takes the place of the other, and I would guess that it is Christ that gets the short end of the stick.
Our family was very busy today with moving and trying to keep our business going at the same time. I was very stressed out because I had alot to do, and I thought of skipping my time with GOD to continue working and making more money. Then a thought came over me, what if one day Jesus told me that He did not have enough time for me, He was so busy in China all day, He thought it would be OK if He skipped me today.
Because Christ did not have time for me today I got into a car accident; he was not there to protect me. And our business took a dive; He was too busy to bless our work. Then our son was arrested for buying drugs; Christ Spirt left so He could not tell him it was wrong......... I am sure that you get the picture. How would you feel if Christ told YOU that?
Judas gave us a good example of letting his love for money get in the way of Christ. I know that is it hard, I believe that we all have a little "Judas" in all of us. My question would be how much "Judas" do you have in you?

Closing Prayer
Dear LORD,
Thank you that you are never too busy for us. Thank you for all the love and protection that you provide us. We praise YOUR name! Dear Jesus we live in a human world with human emotions. Please let your Spirt fall on us hard, and give us the consuming fire to know You better. WE LOVE YOU!
In YOUR Amazing Name!
Amen

Bible Trivia
What did Jesus say He would arrive in when He returns to earth "with power and great glory?" Hint: Luke 21:27

1 Samuel 8-11

Holy Week
Blessings~
This week I thought that we would honor Christ and prepare our hearts and minds for Ressurection Sunday. We will break away from our walk through the Bible, and follow Christ on His walk leading to the Cross.I would encourage you to keep walking through the Bible. We will leave the passage for today's Scripture on top.

Two events happened today in this Temple. Jesus' authority was questioned by the Pharisees and Sadducees, as Jesus taught. This picture of the Temple is taken from the Kidron Valley. Click on the picture to see more interesting photographs. The picture is taken from Bibleplaces.com

Tuesday
The Authority of Jesus Questioned - Matthew 21:23- 27
Jesus anointed - Matthew 26:6-13
Jesus teaches in the temple
28 "What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work in the vineyard today.' 29 And he answered, 'I will not,' but afterward he changed his mind and went. 30 And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, 'I go, sir,' but did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him. - Matthew 21:28-32

Thought for the Day
My wife and I have a wonderful relationship, it has taken years of hard work, but what we have is something amazing. One of the main reasons we have a great relationship is we are honest with each other, we never lie to each other.The same holds true with your relationship with Christ. Christ desires a personal relationship with you, so much that some 2,000 years ago, this coming Friday, He suffered a terrible death just to clear the way for this relationship.
My relationship with Christ took a huge jump when I became totally honest. I told Jesus when I was scared, when I was mad, when I was confused, when i was hurting, when I was happy. If you have not started being totally honest with Christ, this week is a great time to open your heart up to Him. He will take all your fears, hurts, and doubts and fill it with Love, joy, and peace.

Closing Prayer
Father thank you for this amazing weeks journey that you went on. Thank You for seeing what was needed for us to be with You forever. Father I pray as I go on this journey that I am touched with the amazing love You have for me. Father I pray that I can always be truthful with You so You know my every hearts pain and desire. Thank You for always loving me, even when I am mad. I love You and I pray in Your Name,
Amen.

Bible Trivia
Who was Isaac's favorite son? Hint: Genesis 25:28

1 Samuel 4-7

Holy Week Blessings~
This week I thought that we would honor Christ and prepare our hearts and minds for Ressurection Sunday. We will break away from our walk through the Bible, and follow Christ on His walk leading to the Cross.I would encourage you to keep walking through the Bible. We will leave the passage for today's Scripture on top.

Good Morning~Sunday, Jesus made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, through the Mount of Olives. This is a modern day picture of the Mount of Olives. This may have been the spot where Jesus told His disciples to go into town and find a donkey. This picture is taken from Bibleplaces.com. Click on the picture to see more pictures of the Mount of Olives.

Scripture Reading
SundayThe Triumphal Entry
1 Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, "Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, 'The Lord needs them,' and he will send them at once." 4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying,
5 "Say to the daughter of Zion,'Behold, your king is coming to you,humble, and mounted on a donkey,and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.'"
6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. 8 Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" 10 And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, "Who is this?" 11 And the crowds said, "This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee." - Matthew 21:1-11

Monday
Jesus Curses The Fig Tree (Matthew 21:18- 19)
Jesus Cleanses The Temple
12 And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. 13 He said to them, "It is written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer,' but you make it a den of robbers." - Matthew 21:12- 13

Thought for the Day
If you follow your Jewish Christian roots, at sundown, is the start of Passover week. This is a week where in their houses they would clear out ALL leaven (Yeast) and burn it. For this week they would not eat anything made with yeast. Yeast in the Bible is symbolic as sin.
I would encourage you this week to see if you have any "Yeast" in your life. The funny thing with yeast is that any little amount changes the entire dough (Your life) mixture. Examine this Holy Week and see if there is anything that you are hanging onto that is effecting your relationship with Christ.

Closing Prayer
Father as I go into this week I pray that I can even fathom the courage, love and sacrifice You did for me, little old me. I pray that I can shine for You this week and bring a lost heart to You. THANK YOU Father for loving us that much.
I love You and
I pray In Your Name,
Amen.

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