TODAY’S BIBLE READING CHALLENGE:
2 Samuel 9:1-11:27
John 15:1-27
Psalm 119:49-64
Proverbs 16:1-3
2 Samuel 9:1 — Vows are important (Deuteronomy 23:21-23). David made a covenant with Saul before the LORD (I Samuel 24:21), and with Jonathan (1 Samuel 18:3, 1 Samuel 20:42).
2 Samuel 10:5 — The esteem of the nation of Israel was in how the other nations treated the ambassadors from Israel. By treating them shamefully, they declared war on Israel. David was loyal to his servants and protected their reputation and that of the nation they served.
2 Samuel 11:1 — We have seen many great victories of David, now we see the words “But David …” When he should have been at work, he tarried. When one warned him (2 Samuel 11:3), he disregarded it. While he acted in an unethical military manner as an absentee king, he had a loyal soldier who acted ethically (2 Samuel 11:11). But David’s actions were plainly understood by the unethical Joab (2 Samuel 11:19).
2 Samuel 11:27 — The chapter that starts “But David …” ends with “But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD.”
John 15:2 — The last lines of Ron Hamilton’s song “Rejoice in the LORD” echo this verse:
God strengthens His children, and purges in love.
My Father knows best, and I trust in His care;
Through purging, more fruit I will bear.Ron Hamilton
John 15:5 — Some change the verse to say, “Without me ye can’t do everything.” Nope … it literally says, “You can do nothing without Jesus.” The challenge in ministry is that one can get caught up in doing things for Jesus, as opposed to doing things by Jesus. The scary admonition is what happens when we try to do things without Jesus … “they are burned” (John 15:6).
John 15: 7, 12, 13 — From Earl Martin (If Ye Abide in Me):
John 15:14 — Again, Jesus reiterates the connection between love, fellowship, and obedience.
Psalm 119:49 — What is the root of our hope? The Word of God in us. The memory of His judgments (Psalm 119:52). The melody of His statutes (Psalm 119:54). The motivation of His judgments (Psalm 119:62).
Proverbs 16:3 — How can we know what our thoughts should be? By giving our agenda to the LORD.
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