March 31st -- 1 Samuel 24 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2024&version=NLT)
David spares Saul's life
Saul's on his way back from fighting some Philistines when he catches word of the location of David, being that he was seen in the En-Gedi. Saul gets 3,000 elite troops and goes off looking. So on their travels, Saul goes off on his own into a cave briefly for a quick pit stop. It just happens to be the cave where David and his men are hiding. David's men say this is God giving Saul over to him, so David goes out, but instead of killing Saul, he only cuts off a piece of his robe. His conscience begins to bother him for it, though. He realizes it is ungodly to kill Saul, so he refuse to, and also restrains his men so they do not.
Saul goes on his way, but David comes out and says "My lord the king!" Saul sees him, and he bows, then asks why he believes the people saying he is trying to harm him. He shows him the piece of robe, saying what happened and explains he could have killed him, but did not. He tells Saul he will never kill him. Saul realizes David's kindness and asks that God reward him for that kindness. He makes David promise never to destroy him or his family line, then goes home. David goes back with his men to their stronghold.
I think David in this section is a lovely example of controlling one's temper and own motivations/desires in order to do the right, godly thing. He could have EASILY killed Saul, who was out trying to kill him, ironically. Instead, though, he went out to Saul and explained what was going on. He talked to Saul, saying the people who said he was trying to cause Saul harm were wrong, as he was loyal to his king because God had decided him to be, and would follow who God chose to be king. David knew that was the right thing to do by God, so that's what he did. The next time we get mad and have a chance at "revenge", we need to think back to David. Instead of trying to get what we want, and our way, we need to try and truly follow God's will in all situations. It is always tempting to do things our way, but it's always better to do them God's way. This situation shows that, too, as nobody dies and instead they work out their differences and part with no bitterness against each other.
Well, that will be all! God bless! Shalom!
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Saturday, March 30, 2013
March 30th
March 30th -- 1 Samuel 20 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2020&version=NLT)
Jonathan helps David
Because of Saul's attempts to kill him, David flees. He finds Jonathan and explains what happened, asking what he did wrong. Jonathan says he knows nothing of it, so it can't be true, as his dad tells him everything. David reminds him that his father knew of their friendship, so he wouldn't be likely to tell Jonathan. Jonathan, seeing his point, then asks what he can do to help David. David sets up a plan regarding Jonathan asking his father a question, and the answer of "fine" meaning everything is okay, but him becoming mad means he does indeed want to kill David. David asks Jonathan to please do this as his friend, and not betray him to his father. Jonathan exclaims, almost seemingly offended, that he would never do that! David asks how he'll know if Saul is angry, so Jonathan tells him to come out to the field with him. Jonathan makes a very solemn vow ensuring that he will tell David the truth of Saul's answer/response. David also reaffirms his vow of friendship.
They plan out a hiding place, near some rocks, where David shall be. Jonathan says he'll shoot arrows once he knows, sending a servant to retrieve them. If the boy says "They're on this side" all is well, but if he says "Go farther - the arrows are still ahead of you" then David needs to leave right away. When Jonathan asks his father at the festival, Saul freaks out and curses at him, demanding David be brought to be killed for "being ceremonially unclean" (using that as his reason for not being there). As agreed upon, Jonatahn sends off arrows, and the boy says "Go farther - the arrows are still ahead of you" so David came out when everyone but Jonathan was gone. They said goodbye... and David left.
I really like this passage in regards to friends. Jonathan did not discard David because of family. Instead, he realized we are all people, and all make mistakes. He took a vow to his friend, placing just as much value on him as he did on family. Family does always come first, which is why Jonathan defended his father at first. However, friends are also important, which is why Jonathan agreed to try and help David, after David asked again. He didn't just assume his father was never wrong because he was family and since David was only a friend, he must be lying. He instead made a solemn vow to basically sort out the truth and help David as best he could. He also followed through with it. He did not give in to his father's wishes of David's death just because he was family. Instead, he stuck by David and helped him, because that is what friends should do - look out for the good of one another.
Well, that will be all! God bless! Shalom!
Jonathan helps David
Because of Saul's attempts to kill him, David flees. He finds Jonathan and explains what happened, asking what he did wrong. Jonathan says he knows nothing of it, so it can't be true, as his dad tells him everything. David reminds him that his father knew of their friendship, so he wouldn't be likely to tell Jonathan. Jonathan, seeing his point, then asks what he can do to help David. David sets up a plan regarding Jonathan asking his father a question, and the answer of "fine" meaning everything is okay, but him becoming mad means he does indeed want to kill David. David asks Jonathan to please do this as his friend, and not betray him to his father. Jonathan exclaims, almost seemingly offended, that he would never do that! David asks how he'll know if Saul is angry, so Jonathan tells him to come out to the field with him. Jonathan makes a very solemn vow ensuring that he will tell David the truth of Saul's answer/response. David also reaffirms his vow of friendship.
They plan out a hiding place, near some rocks, where David shall be. Jonathan says he'll shoot arrows once he knows, sending a servant to retrieve them. If the boy says "They're on this side" all is well, but if he says "Go farther - the arrows are still ahead of you" then David needs to leave right away. When Jonathan asks his father at the festival, Saul freaks out and curses at him, demanding David be brought to be killed for "being ceremonially unclean" (using that as his reason for not being there). As agreed upon, Jonatahn sends off arrows, and the boy says "Go farther - the arrows are still ahead of you" so David came out when everyone but Jonathan was gone. They said goodbye... and David left.
I really like this passage in regards to friends. Jonathan did not discard David because of family. Instead, he realized we are all people, and all make mistakes. He took a vow to his friend, placing just as much value on him as he did on family. Family does always come first, which is why Jonathan defended his father at first. However, friends are also important, which is why Jonathan agreed to try and help David, after David asked again. He didn't just assume his father was never wrong because he was family and since David was only a friend, he must be lying. He instead made a solemn vow to basically sort out the truth and help David as best he could. He also followed through with it. He did not give in to his father's wishes of David's death just because he was family. Instead, he stuck by David and helped him, because that is what friends should do - look out for the good of one another.
Well, that will be all! God bless! Shalom!
Friday, March 29, 2013
March 29th
March 29th -- 1 Samuel 18 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2018&version=NLT)
Saul becomes jealous of David ; David marries Saul's daughter
So after David talks with Saul about killing Goliath, he meets Jonathan, who is Saul's son. They become immediate friends, even making a pact to remain friends no matter what. Also, Saul decided to keep David there with him/them. David was also put in charge of the army, as he was successful in everything he did.
However, as the Israelites return home, they sing of David's greatness and make it seem far more than Saul's, which causes Saul to become jealous. Because of this, a tormenting spirit came upon Saul. David was playing his harp like he normally did, but Saul had a spear and tried to kill him. David escaped twice. Saul was afraid of David after that, so he sent him off and put him in charge of just a small force, which David led successfully. David became only more successful, as God was with him, and though Saul was frightened by this, the rest of the Israelites adored him for it.
Saul, one day, though, tells David he wants to give him his eldest daughter, Merab, to David as a wife. Saul says that first, though, David must prove himself to be a real soldier! David is shocked at the idea of his family, which has no royal connection, becoming royally connected by his being son-in-law to the king! So, Saul instead gave Merab to another man. While this is going on, though, another of Saul's daughters, Michal, falls in love with David. Saul offers Michal to David, but David sends Saul's men back asking how his family can possibly afford her bride price. Saul sees his chance and days the price will be 100 Philistine foreskins, for all he wanted was vengeance on his enemies. David likes this offer and goes out and kills 200 Philistine men, so Saul gives him Michal to be his wife. Saul became further afraid after this, seeing how much his daughter really loved David and how much God was with David. Each time Philistines attacked, David was more successful than everyone else, and he became quite famous for it!
I am terribly sorry, but I have little to say for this passage. I find it fascinating that Saul becomes so jealous of David, even trying to kill him, and nobody notices. One would think David would have said something. I guess at the times it was not appropriate. Also, one would think Saul would not be jealous but recognize that just as God had chosen him, He was now choosing David. I guess power just becomes addicting, in a way, and it's hard to let go of. I'm not really sure.
Well, that will be all! God bless! Shalom!
Saul becomes jealous of David ; David marries Saul's daughter
So after David talks with Saul about killing Goliath, he meets Jonathan, who is Saul's son. They become immediate friends, even making a pact to remain friends no matter what. Also, Saul decided to keep David there with him/them. David was also put in charge of the army, as he was successful in everything he did.
However, as the Israelites return home, they sing of David's greatness and make it seem far more than Saul's, which causes Saul to become jealous. Because of this, a tormenting spirit came upon Saul. David was playing his harp like he normally did, but Saul had a spear and tried to kill him. David escaped twice. Saul was afraid of David after that, so he sent him off and put him in charge of just a small force, which David led successfully. David became only more successful, as God was with him, and though Saul was frightened by this, the rest of the Israelites adored him for it.
Saul, one day, though, tells David he wants to give him his eldest daughter, Merab, to David as a wife. Saul says that first, though, David must prove himself to be a real soldier! David is shocked at the idea of his family, which has no royal connection, becoming royally connected by his being son-in-law to the king! So, Saul instead gave Merab to another man. While this is going on, though, another of Saul's daughters, Michal, falls in love with David. Saul offers Michal to David, but David sends Saul's men back asking how his family can possibly afford her bride price. Saul sees his chance and days the price will be 100 Philistine foreskins, for all he wanted was vengeance on his enemies. David likes this offer and goes out and kills 200 Philistine men, so Saul gives him Michal to be his wife. Saul became further afraid after this, seeing how much his daughter really loved David and how much God was with David. Each time Philistines attacked, David was more successful than everyone else, and he became quite famous for it!
I am terribly sorry, but I have little to say for this passage. I find it fascinating that Saul becomes so jealous of David, even trying to kill him, and nobody notices. One would think David would have said something. I guess at the times it was not appropriate. Also, one would think Saul would not be jealous but recognize that just as God had chosen him, He was now choosing David. I guess power just becomes addicting, in a way, and it's hard to let go of. I'm not really sure.
Well, that will be all! God bless! Shalom!
Thursday, March 28, 2013
March 28th
March 28th -- 1 Samuel 17:32-58 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2017:32-58&version=NLT)
David kills Goliath ; Israel routs the Philistines
So David volunteers to kill Goliath.... and everyone thinks he's mad. However, he keeps protesting, insisting he can do it, as Goliath has defied God so God will rescue him from Goliath. Saul finally agrees, but insists on giving David his own armor. David cannot even move in it, and turns it down. Instead, David goes to the stream and gathers 5 smooth stones. He walks into battle with only a sling, those stones, and his shepherd's staff. When David comes out, Goliath, of course, mocks him, as he sees only a small, barely armed boy. David, though, says that although Goliath has weapons, David has God, and God will conquer them all. Goliath goes in to attack, but David pulls out his slingshot and one stone. He hurls it, and it hits Goliath in the head, causing him to fall. So, David takes Goliath's sword out and uses it to cut off the giant's head.
Upon Goliath's death, the Philistines turn and run. The Israelites chase them down and manage to kill them all. They return to the battle place and raid the Philistine camp. Saul inquires upon whose son David is, and when nobody knows, he demands it be found out. As soon as David gets back, Goliath's head in tow, Saul finds out from David his father is Jesse of Bethlehem.
Anyone raised going to Sunday school has heard this story loads before. Don't let repetition render you immune to it. A young boy/young man with no armor takes down a fully-armored, 9-foot giant with a stone, and, of course, God's power. God showed a clear demonstration of His power. God can overcome anyone's "giants", if we are only willing, like David, to trust and do our part. God will ALWAYS come through when we do that. Just remember that when troubles face you. You may be a small, unarmoured and barely armed child facing a huge, armored, trained soldier, but you will always have God.
Well, that's all! God bless! Shalom!
David kills Goliath ; Israel routs the Philistines
So David volunteers to kill Goliath.... and everyone thinks he's mad. However, he keeps protesting, insisting he can do it, as Goliath has defied God so God will rescue him from Goliath. Saul finally agrees, but insists on giving David his own armor. David cannot even move in it, and turns it down. Instead, David goes to the stream and gathers 5 smooth stones. He walks into battle with only a sling, those stones, and his shepherd's staff. When David comes out, Goliath, of course, mocks him, as he sees only a small, barely armed boy. David, though, says that although Goliath has weapons, David has God, and God will conquer them all. Goliath goes in to attack, but David pulls out his slingshot and one stone. He hurls it, and it hits Goliath in the head, causing him to fall. So, David takes Goliath's sword out and uses it to cut off the giant's head.
Upon Goliath's death, the Philistines turn and run. The Israelites chase them down and manage to kill them all. They return to the battle place and raid the Philistine camp. Saul inquires upon whose son David is, and when nobody knows, he demands it be found out. As soon as David gets back, Goliath's head in tow, Saul finds out from David his father is Jesse of Bethlehem.
Anyone raised going to Sunday school has heard this story loads before. Don't let repetition render you immune to it. A young boy/young man with no armor takes down a fully-armored, 9-foot giant with a stone, and, of course, God's power. God showed a clear demonstration of His power. God can overcome anyone's "giants", if we are only willing, like David, to trust and do our part. God will ALWAYS come through when we do that. Just remember that when troubles face you. You may be a small, unarmoured and barely armed child facing a huge, armored, trained soldier, but you will always have God.
Well, that's all! God bless! Shalom!
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
March 27th
March 27th -- 1 Samuel 17:1-31 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2017:1-31&version=NLT)
Goliath challenges the Israelites ; Jesse sends David to Saul's camp
So the Israelites and Philistines have once again ended up locked in battle against each other. Goliath, a Philistine champion, comes forth one day. He was over 9 feet tall, wearing bronze armor and carrying a huge spear. Goliath comes out one day and taunts the Israelites. He says that they should send one man forward to fight him. If the Israelite wins, the Philistines become their slaves, but if the Philistines win, the Israelites become their slaves. The Israelites are very afraid after this.
David was off at home, but some of his brothers were in Saul's army, where they faced the Philistines. After 40 days of Goliath coming out each day with this offer, Jesse sends David to Saul's camp to deliver some things to his brothers. David, while there, of course finds out about Goliath and his challenge. David also finds out there is a huge reward for killing Goliath. David asks around a bit more, and it gets back to the king, who sends for David.
All I can think to say for this one is that it is another good example of how God works out little things for His purpose. There was slim chance David would have been there, much less when Goliath came around, and less even that he would have heard what he did from the men. Yet, all that happened. This later leads to David killing Goliath, which wouldn't have happened without those small instances lining up perfectly. It's just neat.
Well, that's all! God bless! Shalom!
Goliath challenges the Israelites ; Jesse sends David to Saul's camp
So the Israelites and Philistines have once again ended up locked in battle against each other. Goliath, a Philistine champion, comes forth one day. He was over 9 feet tall, wearing bronze armor and carrying a huge spear. Goliath comes out one day and taunts the Israelites. He says that they should send one man forward to fight him. If the Israelite wins, the Philistines become their slaves, but if the Philistines win, the Israelites become their slaves. The Israelites are very afraid after this.
David was off at home, but some of his brothers were in Saul's army, where they faced the Philistines. After 40 days of Goliath coming out each day with this offer, Jesse sends David to Saul's camp to deliver some things to his brothers. David, while there, of course finds out about Goliath and his challenge. David also finds out there is a huge reward for killing Goliath. David asks around a bit more, and it gets back to the king, who sends for David.
All I can think to say for this one is that it is another good example of how God works out little things for His purpose. There was slim chance David would have been there, much less when Goliath came around, and less even that he would have heard what he did from the men. Yet, all that happened. This later leads to David killing Goliath, which wouldn't have happened without those small instances lining up perfectly. It's just neat.
Well, that's all! God bless! Shalom!
March 26th
March 26th -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2016:1-13&version=NLT)
Samuel anoints David.
Samuel had been in mourning a long time for Saul. God said, though, it was time for him to find a new king, and sent him to Bethlehem to find a man named Jesse. Samuel explains Saul will kill him if he finds out, but God says to bring a heifer, saying he is going to sacrifice, then God will show him which son of Jesse is to be anointed. Samuel does as God says. When he sees Eliab, one of the sons, Samuel immediately thinks he must be the man to be king. God, though, says not to judge by height or appearance, because God looks at the heart, not their outward appearances. All of Jesse's seven sons that he presents to Samuel as not the right ones. Samuel, of course, asks if he has any more sons. Jesse says the youngest is out in the field, and he is brought in at Samuel's request. When he arrives, God tells Samuel that is the one, and he needs to anoint him. Samuel does so, and the Lord's spirit came powerfully upon David from that day on. Samuel then returned to Ramah.
The one part of this that stands out to me is the overly-quoted "Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." I think because it's so overly used we forget what and how much it really means. God doesn't care how we look. He doesn't go, "oh, she has acne so she won't work for my purpose" or "oh, he needs glasses so he won't do." He looks at each person and sees their heart, and what of it lives for Him. He could see the person who the world calls the most beautiful next to one the world may call the most ugly, and see the latter as the most beautiful by far. Also, though, this does not mean God only uses people who may be considered somewhat unattractive, or simply not attractive, in the world's eyes. Even in this passage David is described as "dark and handsome, with beautiful eyes". God didn't care, though, because He saw David's heart. David is known later int he Bible as the "man after God's own heart." God wants us to respect and honor our bodies, as they are temples (as in, you really don't need to "flaunt what ya' got!"), but He does not look at them to see our value. We can dress up and alter our body in a huge number of ways, but we cannot change our hearts, and that is what God looks at, for that reason.
Well, that will be all! God bless! Shalom!
P.S. Yes, this was a day late. I was travelling yesterday so it slipped my mind.
Samuel anoints David.
Samuel had been in mourning a long time for Saul. God said, though, it was time for him to find a new king, and sent him to Bethlehem to find a man named Jesse. Samuel explains Saul will kill him if he finds out, but God says to bring a heifer, saying he is going to sacrifice, then God will show him which son of Jesse is to be anointed. Samuel does as God says. When he sees Eliab, one of the sons, Samuel immediately thinks he must be the man to be king. God, though, says not to judge by height or appearance, because God looks at the heart, not their outward appearances. All of Jesse's seven sons that he presents to Samuel as not the right ones. Samuel, of course, asks if he has any more sons. Jesse says the youngest is out in the field, and he is brought in at Samuel's request. When he arrives, God tells Samuel that is the one, and he needs to anoint him. Samuel does so, and the Lord's spirit came powerfully upon David from that day on. Samuel then returned to Ramah.
The one part of this that stands out to me is the overly-quoted "Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." I think because it's so overly used we forget what and how much it really means. God doesn't care how we look. He doesn't go, "oh, she has acne so she won't work for my purpose" or "oh, he needs glasses so he won't do." He looks at each person and sees their heart, and what of it lives for Him. He could see the person who the world calls the most beautiful next to one the world may call the most ugly, and see the latter as the most beautiful by far. Also, though, this does not mean God only uses people who may be considered somewhat unattractive, or simply not attractive, in the world's eyes. Even in this passage David is described as "dark and handsome, with beautiful eyes". God didn't care, though, because He saw David's heart. David is known later int he Bible as the "man after God's own heart." God wants us to respect and honor our bodies, as they are temples (as in, you really don't need to "flaunt what ya' got!"), but He does not look at them to see our value. We can dress up and alter our body in a huge number of ways, but we cannot change our hearts, and that is what God looks at, for that reason.
Well, that will be all! God bless! Shalom!
P.S. Yes, this was a day late. I was travelling yesterday so it slipped my mind.
Monday, March 25, 2013
March 25th
March 25th -- 1 Samuel 14:1-23 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2014:1-23&version=NLT)
Jonathan's daring plan ; Israel defeats the Philistines
(We skip right into a war/battle just so you all know) Jonathan, Saul's son, decides to go off on his own to the Philistine outpost with just his armor bearer, telling no one else. Meanwhile Saul and his 600 men are camped out at the edge of Gibeah. Yet off on his own with his armor bearer we have Jonathan, who is wandering down between the two big cliffs to get to the Philistine outpost. He says to the armor bearer God will help them. He says they will go down, and let the guard see them. If they say "Stay where you are or we'll kill you" then we are not meant to fight them, but if they say "Come on up and fight" it will be sign God is with us, and we will fight and God will help us defeat them. They go up and the Philistines tell them to come and fight, so they do. They kill about 20 men, and suddenly panic strikes the Philistine camp, followed by an earthquake.
Saul's lookouts catch a glimpse of all this, and Saul takes a role call, thinking some of his soldiers started a fight. He finds only Jonathan missing with his armor bearer. Saul calls on a priest at first, but eventually just goes to the Philistine camp as they become louder with panic. They find the Philistines in a panic, killing each other due to the panic. All the peoples unite and drive away the Philistines, who run away. So God saved Israel in that battle (the war kept going, though).
I love this story. Like, it's one of my favorites. I love how a) God answers a clear sign (and that Jonathan didn't doubt it and back down) and b) God showed how He can do the impossible (have two men take down a huge army because they cause mass panic and the army wipes itself out).
Basically, I just think it's a reminder that God can work with ANY and EVERY circumstance, and have good come from it.
Well, that'll be all! God bless! Shalom!
Jonathan's daring plan ; Israel defeats the Philistines
(We skip right into a war/battle just so you all know) Jonathan, Saul's son, decides to go off on his own to the Philistine outpost with just his armor bearer, telling no one else. Meanwhile Saul and his 600 men are camped out at the edge of Gibeah. Yet off on his own with his armor bearer we have Jonathan, who is wandering down between the two big cliffs to get to the Philistine outpost. He says to the armor bearer God will help them. He says they will go down, and let the guard see them. If they say "Stay where you are or we'll kill you" then we are not meant to fight them, but if they say "Come on up and fight" it will be sign God is with us, and we will fight and God will help us defeat them. They go up and the Philistines tell them to come and fight, so they do. They kill about 20 men, and suddenly panic strikes the Philistine camp, followed by an earthquake.
Saul's lookouts catch a glimpse of all this, and Saul takes a role call, thinking some of his soldiers started a fight. He finds only Jonathan missing with his armor bearer. Saul calls on a priest at first, but eventually just goes to the Philistine camp as they become louder with panic. They find the Philistines in a panic, killing each other due to the panic. All the peoples unite and drive away the Philistines, who run away. So God saved Israel in that battle (the war kept going, though).
I love this story. Like, it's one of my favorites. I love how a) God answers a clear sign (and that Jonathan didn't doubt it and back down) and b) God showed how He can do the impossible (have two men take down a huge army because they cause mass panic and the army wipes itself out).
Basically, I just think it's a reminder that God can work with ANY and EVERY circumstance, and have good come from it.
Well, that'll be all! God bless! Shalom!
Sunday, March 24, 2013
March 24th
March 24th -- 1 Samuel 10 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2010&version=NLT)
Samuel anoints Saul as king ; Samuel's signs are fulfilled ; Saul is acclaimed king
So Samuel takes oil and and pours it on Saul's head, then kisses his head and explains that he is doing this because God has decided Saul will be king of Israel. Samuel says when Saul leaves, he'll find two men who found the missing donkeys, and are now asking after Saul because his father is worried. Samuel tells Saul he will meet some people going to worship (he also says what they will have) and that they will offer him two of their three loaves, and Saul is to take them. He will then come upon people playing music and prophesying, and the spirit of the Lord will come upon him and he will also prophesy. After these signs all happen, he will be a different person (metaphorically) and must wait at Gilgal seven days for Samuel so they may worship together.
These things all happen, just as Samuel had said they would. Samuel then goes to the place of worship, and his uncle is there. His uncle asks where Saul was, and Saul explains he went to look for the donkeys, turning to Samuel for help. When Saul asks what Samuel said, Saul only told him about the donkeys being found, but not about the kingdom.
Later on, Samuel calls everyone together, and explains what God has been saying. After all are brought forth, Saul is chosen, but he is missing! God speaks and says he is hiding in the bags, and they find him. Samuel tells all the people this was their king, and explained to all the people a king's duties before sending them home. When Saul goes home, he has a fan group (basically) follow him, but some people complaining, too, asking how he could ever save them.
I'm kind of curious as to why Samuel needed to give Saul all those signs. He clearly knew those things would happen, but why did Saul need to know? Maybe it was a matter of making Saul believe it was the truth that he would be king? I don't know...
Sorry that's not much, but I've had an off day.... so that will be all. God bless! Shalom!
Samuel anoints Saul as king ; Samuel's signs are fulfilled ; Saul is acclaimed king
So Samuel takes oil and and pours it on Saul's head, then kisses his head and explains that he is doing this because God has decided Saul will be king of Israel. Samuel says when Saul leaves, he'll find two men who found the missing donkeys, and are now asking after Saul because his father is worried. Samuel tells Saul he will meet some people going to worship (he also says what they will have) and that they will offer him two of their three loaves, and Saul is to take them. He will then come upon people playing music and prophesying, and the spirit of the Lord will come upon him and he will also prophesy. After these signs all happen, he will be a different person (metaphorically) and must wait at Gilgal seven days for Samuel so they may worship together.
These things all happen, just as Samuel had said they would. Samuel then goes to the place of worship, and his uncle is there. His uncle asks where Saul was, and Saul explains he went to look for the donkeys, turning to Samuel for help. When Saul asks what Samuel said, Saul only told him about the donkeys being found, but not about the kingdom.
Later on, Samuel calls everyone together, and explains what God has been saying. After all are brought forth, Saul is chosen, but he is missing! God speaks and says he is hiding in the bags, and they find him. Samuel tells all the people this was their king, and explained to all the people a king's duties before sending them home. When Saul goes home, he has a fan group (basically) follow him, but some people complaining, too, asking how he could ever save them.
I'm kind of curious as to why Samuel needed to give Saul all those signs. He clearly knew those things would happen, but why did Saul need to know? Maybe it was a matter of making Saul believe it was the truth that he would be king? I don't know...
Sorry that's not much, but I've had an off day.... so that will be all. God bless! Shalom!
Saturday, March 23, 2013
March 23rd
March 23rd -- 1 Samuel 9:1-21 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%209:1-21&version=NLT)
Saul meets Samuel.
So there is a man in a place called Kish, who is very wealthy and sort of "famous" in the area for it. He has a son named Saul, who was said to be the most handsome man in Israel at the time. So one day the donkeys of Kish get out. Saul is sent, along with a servant, to find them. They go a long ways and have still not found them, so Saul suggests returning. However, the servant says there is a great man of God nearby who may be able to help, as he is known for speaking things that come true/will come true. Saul says they have nothing to offer, but the servant says he has one silver piece, so it's worth a shot. They are pointed along to his house by some women.
The day before, God had told Samuel he would send, tomorrow, the man to be appointed king. This day, then (the tomorrow God spoke of), Saul arrives. When Samuel sees him, God tells him that is the man. Saul approaches Samuel asking where the seer's house is, and Samuel explains he is the seer. He then asks Saul to come up and worship with him, for the donkeys were found, and Saul and his family are the focus of Israel's hope. Saul explains that he is of the least important family of the smallest tribe (Benjamin) in Israel, and asks why Samuel is speaking to him how he is (as if to someone in great power, I think).
I think this is just a great example of how God works together all the little details for His bigger, perfect plan. He tells Samuel the man will arrive the next day, then the donkeys just happen to get loose. It just happens to be Saul sent to search. They just happen to wind up near Samuel's and the servant just happens to know of Samuel. The donkeys were found anyways, and Saul found Samuel, so God could tell Samuel Saul was to be king. God knit together all these little details that many people would credit to chance, and He used them all for His plan to work out how I was meant to. I love those clear examples of this in the Bible. Even bad circumstances (donkeys getting away, in this case) can lead to incredible things (finding the man who will then appoint him king, in this case). Keep that in mind the next time all sorts of little (or even big) things are going wrong. While those things may be going wrong, it's all so something far bigger in God's plan can go right!
That's all. God bless! Shalom!
Saul meets Samuel.
So there is a man in a place called Kish, who is very wealthy and sort of "famous" in the area for it. He has a son named Saul, who was said to be the most handsome man in Israel at the time. So one day the donkeys of Kish get out. Saul is sent, along with a servant, to find them. They go a long ways and have still not found them, so Saul suggests returning. However, the servant says there is a great man of God nearby who may be able to help, as he is known for speaking things that come true/will come true. Saul says they have nothing to offer, but the servant says he has one silver piece, so it's worth a shot. They are pointed along to his house by some women.
The day before, God had told Samuel he would send, tomorrow, the man to be appointed king. This day, then (the tomorrow God spoke of), Saul arrives. When Samuel sees him, God tells him that is the man. Saul approaches Samuel asking where the seer's house is, and Samuel explains he is the seer. He then asks Saul to come up and worship with him, for the donkeys were found, and Saul and his family are the focus of Israel's hope. Saul explains that he is of the least important family of the smallest tribe (Benjamin) in Israel, and asks why Samuel is speaking to him how he is (as if to someone in great power, I think).
I think this is just a great example of how God works together all the little details for His bigger, perfect plan. He tells Samuel the man will arrive the next day, then the donkeys just happen to get loose. It just happens to be Saul sent to search. They just happen to wind up near Samuel's and the servant just happens to know of Samuel. The donkeys were found anyways, and Saul found Samuel, so God could tell Samuel Saul was to be king. God knit together all these little details that many people would credit to chance, and He used them all for His plan to work out how I was meant to. I love those clear examples of this in the Bible. Even bad circumstances (donkeys getting away, in this case) can lead to incredible things (finding the man who will then appoint him king, in this case). Keep that in mind the next time all sorts of little (or even big) things are going wrong. While those things may be going wrong, it's all so something far bigger in God's plan can go right!
That's all. God bless! Shalom!
Friday, March 22, 2013
March 22nd
March 22nd -- 1 Samuel 8:6-22 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%208:6-22&version=NLT)
Samuel doesn't like that Israel is asking for a king, so he brings it to God. God tells him to do as they wish, but warn them first. Samuel passes on a long warning, saying terrible things (such as that people will be forced into his army, forced to work his land, he will take 1/10 their grain for his officers, he'll take some of their slaves and cattle, and they will be his slaves), and ending with saying that when those things happen, they'll be begging for relief from the king they asked for. The people still insist they want a king, and he will lead them into battle, they say. So Samuel - at God's say-so - agrees that he will appoint them a king.
I kind of understand Israel's side of things, but I don't get why they won't just listen to Samuel. I mean, they KNOW he is a prophet and accurate at it, so why don't they take his warning to heed? I don't know... it just seems like they should have listened...
That'll be all. God bless! Shalom!
Samuel doesn't like that Israel is asking for a king, so he brings it to God. God tells him to do as they wish, but warn them first. Samuel passes on a long warning, saying terrible things (such as that people will be forced into his army, forced to work his land, he will take 1/10 their grain for his officers, he'll take some of their slaves and cattle, and they will be his slaves), and ending with saying that when those things happen, they'll be begging for relief from the king they asked for. The people still insist they want a king, and he will lead them into battle, they say. So Samuel - at God's say-so - agrees that he will appoint them a king.
I kind of understand Israel's side of things, but I don't get why they won't just listen to Samuel. I mean, they KNOW he is a prophet and accurate at it, so why don't they take his warning to heed? I don't know... it just seems like they should have listened...
That'll be all. God bless! Shalom!
Thursday, March 21, 2013
March 21st
March 21st -- 1 Samuel 8:1-5 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%208:1-5&version=NLT)
Israel requests a king.
So Samuel got old, and he appointed his sons as judges. Joel and Abijah were his oldest and were in charge of Beersheba. However, unlike Samuel, they had become greedy and they would accept bribes and pervert justice in their courts.
The leaders finally all go to Samuel and basically explain they can clearly see he's getting old. They say his sons are very much not like him, so they want Samuel to appoint a king over them, because all the other nations are ruled by one.
Well... that's all. All I can say is that I find it interesting that the people ask for a king instead of a new judge. In my Bible course in grade 10, we talked about how the nation just wanted to fit in, in a way. All the nations around them were ruled by kings, who would have great cities, and armies that could wipe out other nations. So, Israel, upon seeing the opportunity because of Samuel's unrighteous sons, saw this as a great opportunity to get a king for their nation. Really all they wanted was to be able to say to all the other nations "Look! We have a king!".
Well, that's all! God bless! Shalom!
Israel requests a king.
So Samuel got old, and he appointed his sons as judges. Joel and Abijah were his oldest and were in charge of Beersheba. However, unlike Samuel, they had become greedy and they would accept bribes and pervert justice in their courts.
The leaders finally all go to Samuel and basically explain they can clearly see he's getting old. They say his sons are very much not like him, so they want Samuel to appoint a king over them, because all the other nations are ruled by one.
Well... that's all. All I can say is that I find it interesting that the people ask for a king instead of a new judge. In my Bible course in grade 10, we talked about how the nation just wanted to fit in, in a way. All the nations around them were ruled by kings, who would have great cities, and armies that could wipe out other nations. So, Israel, upon seeing the opportunity because of Samuel's unrighteous sons, saw this as a great opportunity to get a king for their nation. Really all they wanted was to be able to say to all the other nations "Look! We have a king!".
Well, that's all! God bless! Shalom!
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
March 20th
March 20th -- 1 Samuel 3 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%203&version=NLT)
The Lord speaks to Samuel ; Samuel speaks to the Lord
So Samuel grows up serving the Lord by helping Eli at the Tabernacle. In those times, messages from God were rare, and visions were extremely uncommon. One night, Eli, who's basically blind, goes to bed, but forgot to put out the lamp of God. Samuel was asleep in the Tabernacle when God called out to him. Samuel jumps up and runs to Eli, asking what he needs and why he called. Eli says he didn't call and sends Samuel back to bed. This happens again and he is sent to bed again. When the happens the third time, Eli realizes it is God calling to Samuel. He tells Samuel to go back to bed, but if someone calls, say "Speak, Lord, your servant is listening." When the voice calls this time, Samuel answers with that phrase. God tells him that He is soon going to carry out all his threats to Eli and his family, for though He warned Eli, Eli did not stop his sons' blaspheming God, so now they will not be forgiven by sacrifices or offerings.
Samuel stays in his bed until morning, but then gets up and closes the Tabernacle doors as usual. However, he was afraid to tell Eli what God had told him. Eli asks, though. Samuel tells him everything, and Eli replies saying God will do what it best.
As Samuel grows up, God is with him. All the things Samuel said were reliable. All Israel recognized him as a confirmed prophet. God continued appearing at Shiloh at the Tabernacle to give messages to Samuel, who then told the rest of Israel.
I think the thing that stood out to me most is Eli's acceptance of Samuel's news. He simply accepts it, saying God's will is best and it is His will that will be done. He does not argue or protest, but simply accepts. In my opinion this shows a huge level of faith. He knew what was coming for him and his family would probably be brutal, but he trusted God so much that he also recognized it had to be done and would be done in the best way possible. I wish we could accept our trials - especially those we know are coming but cannot change - like Eli accepted his. We need to recognize and remember, but also truly believe, that God's will is best.
Also, I think it'd be cool to be a prophet. Just a personal opinion but I think it would be awesome to be able to directly influence people for God like that.
Anyways, that shall be all! God bless! Shalom!
The Lord speaks to Samuel ; Samuel speaks to the Lord
So Samuel grows up serving the Lord by helping Eli at the Tabernacle. In those times, messages from God were rare, and visions were extremely uncommon. One night, Eli, who's basically blind, goes to bed, but forgot to put out the lamp of God. Samuel was asleep in the Tabernacle when God called out to him. Samuel jumps up and runs to Eli, asking what he needs and why he called. Eli says he didn't call and sends Samuel back to bed. This happens again and he is sent to bed again. When the happens the third time, Eli realizes it is God calling to Samuel. He tells Samuel to go back to bed, but if someone calls, say "Speak, Lord, your servant is listening." When the voice calls this time, Samuel answers with that phrase. God tells him that He is soon going to carry out all his threats to Eli and his family, for though He warned Eli, Eli did not stop his sons' blaspheming God, so now they will not be forgiven by sacrifices or offerings.
Samuel stays in his bed until morning, but then gets up and closes the Tabernacle doors as usual. However, he was afraid to tell Eli what God had told him. Eli asks, though. Samuel tells him everything, and Eli replies saying God will do what it best.
As Samuel grows up, God is with him. All the things Samuel said were reliable. All Israel recognized him as a confirmed prophet. God continued appearing at Shiloh at the Tabernacle to give messages to Samuel, who then told the rest of Israel.
I think the thing that stood out to me most is Eli's acceptance of Samuel's news. He simply accepts it, saying God's will is best and it is His will that will be done. He does not argue or protest, but simply accepts. In my opinion this shows a huge level of faith. He knew what was coming for him and his family would probably be brutal, but he trusted God so much that he also recognized it had to be done and would be done in the best way possible. I wish we could accept our trials - especially those we know are coming but cannot change - like Eli accepted his. We need to recognize and remember, but also truly believe, that God's will is best.
Also, I think it'd be cool to be a prophet. Just a personal opinion but I think it would be awesome to be able to directly influence people for God like that.
Anyways, that shall be all! God bless! Shalom!
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
March 19th
March 19th -- 1 Samuel 1 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%201&version=NLT)
Elkanah and his family ; Hannah's Prayer for a son ; Samuel's birth and dedication
So there is a man who lives out in Ramah, who had two wives, of which only one had children. Peninnah had children but Hannah seemed unable to have any. This man went yearly to Shiloh to worship and sacrifice to God. When he presented the sacrifices, he gave multiple portions to Peninnah and her sons, but only one to Hannah as he loved her but she had no children. Every time, though, Peninnah would taunt Hannah for it, and Hannah would become so upset she would not even eat. Elkanah would ask why she cried, asking if he was not better than ten sons, and she had him.
One time, after the sacrifice, Hannah goes out to pray. She went and prayed outside the Tabernacle and Eli could see her, as he sat at its entrance. She was horribly upset as she prayed, and cried out, making a promise if He gives her a son, she will dedicate him to God and never cut his hair. Eli watches her and sees her mouth moving but hears no words, so he thinks she is drunk and tells her to leave. Hannah explains she has not had anything to drink, but was pouring out her heart to God. Eli then instead tells her to be on her way in peace and says he hopes God will give her what she asked. She thanks him and leaves, then eats as she is no longer sad.
The next morning, the whole family goes to worship. God remembered Hannah's prayer and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son, naming him Samuel. When they go to sacrifice that next year, Hannah stays back, explaining she will come next year when Samuel is fully weaned and then he shall remain there permanantly with the Lord. When Samuel is weaned, they bring him to the Tabernacle, along with sacrifices. Hannah brings Samuel to Eli, asking if he remembers her and her cry to God for a son and explaining God granted it so she is here to give her son back to God. Then they worshipped.
Only thought: It must have been very hard for Hannah to finally have a son, then give him up. Even when she had promised, admire her strength for being able to go through with that. It would have been so hard after wanting a child so long, then getting one and having to give him up almost right away. Yet she did it, because it was the Godly thing to do. I admire that strength of conviction to her promises with God.
Well, that shall be all! God bless! Shalom!
Elkanah and his family ; Hannah's Prayer for a son ; Samuel's birth and dedication
So there is a man who lives out in Ramah, who had two wives, of which only one had children. Peninnah had children but Hannah seemed unable to have any. This man went yearly to Shiloh to worship and sacrifice to God. When he presented the sacrifices, he gave multiple portions to Peninnah and her sons, but only one to Hannah as he loved her but she had no children. Every time, though, Peninnah would taunt Hannah for it, and Hannah would become so upset she would not even eat. Elkanah would ask why she cried, asking if he was not better than ten sons, and she had him.
One time, after the sacrifice, Hannah goes out to pray. She went and prayed outside the Tabernacle and Eli could see her, as he sat at its entrance. She was horribly upset as she prayed, and cried out, making a promise if He gives her a son, she will dedicate him to God and never cut his hair. Eli watches her and sees her mouth moving but hears no words, so he thinks she is drunk and tells her to leave. Hannah explains she has not had anything to drink, but was pouring out her heart to God. Eli then instead tells her to be on her way in peace and says he hopes God will give her what she asked. She thanks him and leaves, then eats as she is no longer sad.
The next morning, the whole family goes to worship. God remembered Hannah's prayer and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son, naming him Samuel. When they go to sacrifice that next year, Hannah stays back, explaining she will come next year when Samuel is fully weaned and then he shall remain there permanantly with the Lord. When Samuel is weaned, they bring him to the Tabernacle, along with sacrifices. Hannah brings Samuel to Eli, asking if he remembers her and her cry to God for a son and explaining God granted it so she is here to give her son back to God. Then they worshipped.
Only thought: It must have been very hard for Hannah to finally have a son, then give him up. Even when she had promised, admire her strength for being able to go through with that. It would have been so hard after wanting a child so long, then getting one and having to give him up almost right away. Yet she did it, because it was the Godly thing to do. I admire that strength of conviction to her promises with God.
Well, that shall be all! God bless! Shalom!
Monday, March 18, 2013
March 18th
March 18th -- Ruth 4 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ruth%204&version=NLT)
Boaz marries Ruth.
Like Boaz said, he had to approach the first "family redeemer" before he could marry Ruth rightfully. So, he goes and waits at the gates to the town. Boaz calls over the family redeemer when he comes, and ten elders to be witnesses. Boaz explains Naomi is selling the land, and the man says he will redeem it. Boaz then explains, though, that if he takes the land he also has to marry Ruth. The man changes his mind, telling Boaz to take the land. So, as is custom to show the transfer of a right of purchase to land, the man takes off one sandal and gives it to Boaz. Boaz turns to the elders and says they are witnesses of this transaction. The people gathered basically ask that he be blessed by Ruth.
So Ruth and Boaz get married. God allows Ruth to become pregnant, and she has a son. Everyone is very happy because her line can now be passed on. The son is named Obed. He becomes the father of Jesse and grandfather of David (as in the well-known King David).
I again find the customs interesting. I don't see why the woman came with the land. That almost bothers me a bit because, well, it was like she was property. If the family redeemer had taken the land, Ruth would have been forced to marry him and could not have married Boaz.... which would have been sad. I guess we've just changed so much even in day-to-day values from back in Biblical times.
Well, that's all. Not much I can say for this one.... God bless! Shalom!
Boaz marries Ruth.
Like Boaz said, he had to approach the first "family redeemer" before he could marry Ruth rightfully. So, he goes and waits at the gates to the town. Boaz calls over the family redeemer when he comes, and ten elders to be witnesses. Boaz explains Naomi is selling the land, and the man says he will redeem it. Boaz then explains, though, that if he takes the land he also has to marry Ruth. The man changes his mind, telling Boaz to take the land. So, as is custom to show the transfer of a right of purchase to land, the man takes off one sandal and gives it to Boaz. Boaz turns to the elders and says they are witnesses of this transaction. The people gathered basically ask that he be blessed by Ruth.
So Ruth and Boaz get married. God allows Ruth to become pregnant, and she has a son. Everyone is very happy because her line can now be passed on. The son is named Obed. He becomes the father of Jesse and grandfather of David (as in the well-known King David).
I again find the customs interesting. I don't see why the woman came with the land. That almost bothers me a bit because, well, it was like she was property. If the family redeemer had taken the land, Ruth would have been forced to marry him and could not have married Boaz.... which would have been sad. I guess we've just changed so much even in day-to-day values from back in Biblical times.
Well, that's all. Not much I can say for this one.... God bless! Shalom!
Sunday, March 17, 2013
March 17th
March 17th -- Ruth 3 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ruth%203&version=NLT)
Ruth at the Threshing Floor.
So one day, Naomi tells Ruth that Ruth should find a new permanent home. She says that Boaz is a close relative and kind man, so Ruth should do as she says. Naomi instructs her to take a bath, put on perfume, and dress up nicely. Go to the thresing floor but don't et Boaz see her until he has eaten and drank. See where he lies down, and when he does go uncover his feet, and he will then say what to do. Ruth says she will do as Naomi says, and does so.
When Boaz lays down and falls asleep, Ruth uncovers his feet and lays there. Boaz wakes up in the middle of the night and asks who she is, she tells him. He is surprised but quite glad. He says, though, the right thing is to take her to her one closer male relative, first, and if he will not marry her, Boaz gladly will. Ruth goes back to sleep at his feet. When they get up, Boaz creates a cover story for her being there, so they would not be suspected of having done wrong by God (as they did not). So Ruth goes back to Naomi, who asks what happened, and Ruth tells her. Naomi says Boaz will work everything out before the day is over.
Now, I admit reading this as a teenager, no longer as a kid, this makes very little sense to me. I don't understand why there were rules on who one could and could not marry... I don't get why Boaz couldn't have just married Ruth, because he is the one she went to. Also, I don't get why you had to marry kin, anyways. I mean, nowadays that's considered creepy (or illegal to a certain degree of blood relation). Mind you, I think really she could have been marrying for love. Love is an action and choice, not so much a feeling. Boaz was certainly loving her. They had God and love.... that's all a lasting relationship really needs. So this story doesn't make much sense to me... but maybe it also shows when it comes to love, God has a plan, but He doesn't necessarily make it clear to us. Sometimes we have to just wait and trust and listen and obey.
Well, that shall be all, I think. God bless! Shalom!
Girls, keep waiting for your Boaz. Guys, when God brings you to your Ruth, thank Him.
Ruth at the Threshing Floor.
So one day, Naomi tells Ruth that Ruth should find a new permanent home. She says that Boaz is a close relative and kind man, so Ruth should do as she says. Naomi instructs her to take a bath, put on perfume, and dress up nicely. Go to the thresing floor but don't et Boaz see her until he has eaten and drank. See where he lies down, and when he does go uncover his feet, and he will then say what to do. Ruth says she will do as Naomi says, and does so.
When Boaz lays down and falls asleep, Ruth uncovers his feet and lays there. Boaz wakes up in the middle of the night and asks who she is, she tells him. He is surprised but quite glad. He says, though, the right thing is to take her to her one closer male relative, first, and if he will not marry her, Boaz gladly will. Ruth goes back to sleep at his feet. When they get up, Boaz creates a cover story for her being there, so they would not be suspected of having done wrong by God (as they did not). So Ruth goes back to Naomi, who asks what happened, and Ruth tells her. Naomi says Boaz will work everything out before the day is over.
Now, I admit reading this as a teenager, no longer as a kid, this makes very little sense to me. I don't understand why there were rules on who one could and could not marry... I don't get why Boaz couldn't have just married Ruth, because he is the one she went to. Also, I don't get why you had to marry kin, anyways. I mean, nowadays that's considered creepy (or illegal to a certain degree of blood relation). Mind you, I think really she could have been marrying for love. Love is an action and choice, not so much a feeling. Boaz was certainly loving her. They had God and love.... that's all a lasting relationship really needs. So this story doesn't make much sense to me... but maybe it also shows when it comes to love, God has a plan, but He doesn't necessarily make it clear to us. Sometimes we have to just wait and trust and listen and obey.
Well, that shall be all, I think. God bless! Shalom!
Girls, keep waiting for your Boaz. Guys, when God brings you to your Ruth, thank Him.
Saturday, March 16, 2013
March 16th
March 16th -- Ruth 2 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ruth%202&version=NLT)
Ruth works in Boaz's field.
In Bethlehem, where Ruth and Naomi just moved, we have a rich man named Boaz. He was a relative of Naomi's husband, Elimelech.
One day, Ruth asks Naomi to let her go into the fields and pick up grain left behind if the owner of the field will be kind enough to let her. Naomi says she may go, and Ruth happens to end up in a field that belongs to Boaz. When she is there, Boaz shows up, and, naturally, asks who she is. The foreman says who she is, and explains she asked to pick up what was left behind and has been doing so all day. Boaz goes to Ruth and tells her to always come to his fields for grain. He says she may follow the women and he has told the men not to be rough to her. She is also free to water when she is thirsty. Ruth asks what she did to deserve such kindness, and Boaz says he knows of what she did for her mother-in-law, so this will be reward from God for that. Ruth says she hopes she will continue to please him (he said what she had done for Naomi pleased him) and she is comforted by his kindness to her.
It comes time for a meal, and Boaz calls to her, offering her wine for her bread, as well as roasted grains, and she has leftovers when she is full. She goes back to working, but not before Boaz gets to his workers and says to let her gather right from the sheaves. They are also to pulls heads of barley from the bundles, then drop them and let her pick them up. So Ruth manages to gather a full basket.
When she shows Naomi, Naomi asks where she was working, saying God will bless them. Ruth tells Naomi and Naomi explains their relation. Ruth also tells Naomi Boaz had told her to return and stay with the other harvesters until the harvest is complete. Naomi tells her this is great and she should do this, because she will be safe there. So Ruth keeps working with the other women in the fields while still living with Naomi.
I think the main lesson in here is kindness. Kindness to everyone. Realistically, Boaz could and normally would have been very angry to have someone picking along through his fields. That is leftovers he could have had gather afterward for him. She could basically have been seen as a thief. Also, it was always risky for women, as they would be out among men in the fields with no supervision. Boaz, though, sees Ruth working diligently to help Naomi, who she gave up her home and family for. He respects her for that, and treats her with kindness. He is remembered for that.
Wouldn't you like to be remembered for that? We see the stories like it all the time. A man shoves another out of the way of a bus. Someone gives up their organ for a stranger who will die without one. A child is found stealing food to try to feed a homeless man in the streets (well, not sure that one's happened, but it's a nice idea for a kid to be trying to help a homeless guy). I'd much rather be remembered for an act of kindness than anything else. Why? Kindness is love. Love is the only reason we are here. "For God so loved the world..." We'd all be hell-bound (literally) without love, and love is shown through kindness. We are supposed to "love your neighbour as yourself". That means we need to be kind to them. Who are out neighbours? EVERYONE. That's right. Be kind to everyone. We need to be the Boaz of this world's wheat fields. We need to help those we can to the best of our abilities, simply to bring glory to God, as Boaz wished to.
Well, that shall be all! God bless! Shalom!
Ruth works in Boaz's field.
In Bethlehem, where Ruth and Naomi just moved, we have a rich man named Boaz. He was a relative of Naomi's husband, Elimelech.
One day, Ruth asks Naomi to let her go into the fields and pick up grain left behind if the owner of the field will be kind enough to let her. Naomi says she may go, and Ruth happens to end up in a field that belongs to Boaz. When she is there, Boaz shows up, and, naturally, asks who she is. The foreman says who she is, and explains she asked to pick up what was left behind and has been doing so all day. Boaz goes to Ruth and tells her to always come to his fields for grain. He says she may follow the women and he has told the men not to be rough to her. She is also free to water when she is thirsty. Ruth asks what she did to deserve such kindness, and Boaz says he knows of what she did for her mother-in-law, so this will be reward from God for that. Ruth says she hopes she will continue to please him (he said what she had done for Naomi pleased him) and she is comforted by his kindness to her.
It comes time for a meal, and Boaz calls to her, offering her wine for her bread, as well as roasted grains, and she has leftovers when she is full. She goes back to working, but not before Boaz gets to his workers and says to let her gather right from the sheaves. They are also to pulls heads of barley from the bundles, then drop them and let her pick them up. So Ruth manages to gather a full basket.
When she shows Naomi, Naomi asks where she was working, saying God will bless them. Ruth tells Naomi and Naomi explains their relation. Ruth also tells Naomi Boaz had told her to return and stay with the other harvesters until the harvest is complete. Naomi tells her this is great and she should do this, because she will be safe there. So Ruth keeps working with the other women in the fields while still living with Naomi.
I think the main lesson in here is kindness. Kindness to everyone. Realistically, Boaz could and normally would have been very angry to have someone picking along through his fields. That is leftovers he could have had gather afterward for him. She could basically have been seen as a thief. Also, it was always risky for women, as they would be out among men in the fields with no supervision. Boaz, though, sees Ruth working diligently to help Naomi, who she gave up her home and family for. He respects her for that, and treats her with kindness. He is remembered for that.
Wouldn't you like to be remembered for that? We see the stories like it all the time. A man shoves another out of the way of a bus. Someone gives up their organ for a stranger who will die without one. A child is found stealing food to try to feed a homeless man in the streets (well, not sure that one's happened, but it's a nice idea for a kid to be trying to help a homeless guy). I'd much rather be remembered for an act of kindness than anything else. Why? Kindness is love. Love is the only reason we are here. "For God so loved the world..." We'd all be hell-bound (literally) without love, and love is shown through kindness. We are supposed to "love your neighbour as yourself". That means we need to be kind to them. Who are out neighbours? EVERYONE. That's right. Be kind to everyone. We need to be the Boaz of this world's wheat fields. We need to help those we can to the best of our abilities, simply to bring glory to God, as Boaz wished to.
Well, that shall be all! God bless! Shalom!
Friday, March 15, 2013
March 15th
March 15th -- Ruth 1 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ruth%201&version=NLT)
Elimelech moves his family to Moab and Naomi and Ruth return.
So during the times where there were still judges over Israel, there was a horrible famine. Because of this, a man named Elimelech moved to Moab, bringing his family (his wife Naomi and sons Mahlon and Kilion) with him. The famly was all Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. Over time, though, her husband dies, her sons marry, then they die, too, and Naomi is left alone. One of the women who married one of her son was Ruth and the other was Orpah.
So later on, Naomi hars the God blessed his people in Judah with good crops. She gets her daughters-in-law ready, then they set out back to Judah. On the way, though, Naomi tells them to go back to their parents and says God will reward them for their kindess to her. However, they weep and argue that they do not want to leave her. Naomi asks why they would want to stay, saying she won't have any more sons whom they could marry, so they should go home and remarry there. They all weep (again), and this time Orpah leaves. Ruth, however, insists on staying with Naomi. Naomi tells Ruth she should go back, just like Orpah did. Ruth, though, asks that she not tell her to go back. She says "Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. 17 Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!” . Naomi realizes how set on coming with her Ruth is, and gives up trying to convince her to go back.
When they get back to the town Naomi came from, people begin asking "Is is really Naomi?" Naomi, though, says to call her Mara, not Naomi, because "the Almighty has made life very bitter for me." She says she left full and returned empty, and does not know why God has done this to her. So Naomi gets to Bethlehem then, in late spring, at the beginning of the barley harvest, and with Ruth in tow.
Ruth, to me, is a great example of loyalty. She has no real reason to stay with Naomi. Naomi wasn't even her mom, and after Ruth's husband died Ruth and Naomi really had no real family relationship. Ruth still had her home family, yet she chose to go with Naomi. Why? She was loyal to Naomi. She had a great love for her mother-in-law, so she left what she might have had and went with her. She probably didn't even realize it, but it was blind faith. She was trusting that if she went with Naomi, it would work out. She wasn't a believer (I don't believe) at the time, but she was blindly believing in God's promises to her. I think she can be a great example of how sometimes we need to just take a blind step of faith. Not only must we take that step, but we must do it without doubting or looking back and thinking "maybe I should step back...".
Well, that shall be all. God bless! Shalom!
Elimelech moves his family to Moab and Naomi and Ruth return.
So during the times where there were still judges over Israel, there was a horrible famine. Because of this, a man named Elimelech moved to Moab, bringing his family (his wife Naomi and sons Mahlon and Kilion) with him. The famly was all Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. Over time, though, her husband dies, her sons marry, then they die, too, and Naomi is left alone. One of the women who married one of her son was Ruth and the other was Orpah.
So later on, Naomi hars the God blessed his people in Judah with good crops. She gets her daughters-in-law ready, then they set out back to Judah. On the way, though, Naomi tells them to go back to their parents and says God will reward them for their kindess to her. However, they weep and argue that they do not want to leave her. Naomi asks why they would want to stay, saying she won't have any more sons whom they could marry, so they should go home and remarry there. They all weep (again), and this time Orpah leaves. Ruth, however, insists on staying with Naomi. Naomi tells Ruth she should go back, just like Orpah did. Ruth, though, asks that she not tell her to go back. She says "Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. 17 Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!” . Naomi realizes how set on coming with her Ruth is, and gives up trying to convince her to go back.
When they get back to the town Naomi came from, people begin asking "Is is really Naomi?" Naomi, though, says to call her Mara, not Naomi, because "the Almighty has made life very bitter for me." She says she left full and returned empty, and does not know why God has done this to her. So Naomi gets to Bethlehem then, in late spring, at the beginning of the barley harvest, and with Ruth in tow.
Ruth, to me, is a great example of loyalty. She has no real reason to stay with Naomi. Naomi wasn't even her mom, and after Ruth's husband died Ruth and Naomi really had no real family relationship. Ruth still had her home family, yet she chose to go with Naomi. Why? She was loyal to Naomi. She had a great love for her mother-in-law, so she left what she might have had and went with her. She probably didn't even realize it, but it was blind faith. She was trusting that if she went with Naomi, it would work out. She wasn't a believer (I don't believe) at the time, but she was blindly believing in God's promises to her. I think she can be a great example of how sometimes we need to just take a blind step of faith. Not only must we take that step, but we must do it without doubting or looking back and thinking "maybe I should step back...".
Well, that shall be all. God bless! Shalom!
Thursday, March 14, 2013
March 14th
March 14th -- Judges 16:22-31 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges%2016:22-31&version=NLT)
Samson's final victory.
So Samson was captured by the Philistines and thrown in prison, after he told Delilah his secret of his strength (it was because he had never cut his hair as he was told not to) and she sold him out. However, the thing about hair is, it regrows. So, his strength also began to keep coming back slowly.
So the Philistines throw this huge festival to offer praise to their god, Dagon, for letting them overcome Samson. Due to the partying, the people were all becoming drunk, so they suggested Samson be brought out as entertainment. He was brought out and tied between the pillars that held up the roof of the place. Samson asks the servant who brings him out to put his hands on the pillars, so he can rest against them, and the servant does so. Now this temple was PACKED. It was FULL of people, including all the Philistine rulers. It was so full, there were 3,000 people on the roof alone because they would not fit into the building.
Samson, while there "resting" against the pillars, and amusing the people (I'm not entirely sure what is meant by that, and my Study Bible has no note at the bottoms explaining it, but it explains that typically during those festivals prisoners would be tortrued for amusement, so I think it's safe to assume Samson was being tortured there) was also praying. He prays that God will remember him, and asks that He will let him pay back the Philistines for gouging out his eyes. He begins to push on the pillars, praying to God to let him die with the Philistines... and the whole temple crashes, killing them all. In that moment Samson killed more people than he had in all his life. Later, his body would be found by his brothers, taken, and buried with his father's.
This story always compels me to push myself more in my faith. Samson gave his life to make a blow to the Philistines. He did not just give in to them, and let them have their amusement then throw him back in jail. Instead, he cries out to God, and God hears and answers.
Now, you may be as confused as I was at first as to why God answered. I mean, Samson was asking for God to help him despite all the times he seemed to have messed up recently. Why did God answer? Love. Simply out of love. Despite all that Samson had done, God still loved him, so He heard Samson's cry to let him make this final blow to the Philistines.
My point is, no matter what we've done, God doesn't give up on us, or love us less. (See Romans 8:31-39 if you want that right out of the Bible) He will not look at out pasts, try and tally it up, and then judge if we deserve having Him hear and answer our prayer, or grant us that miracle we pray for so wholeheartedly. When we can confess that we are sinners and do not deserve anything but death, but we can still ask for Him to hear us out, He always will. That doesn't mean He'll automatically give us what we pray for just because we pray for it. However, it means we're NEVER too far gone to be heard by Him. Matthew 7:7 "Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you." This verse is used referring to prayer. Just like Samson didn't give up, we shouldn't either. We have to keep praying, and pray believing God will answer you (Mark 11:24 "I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours."). Don't take that so literally as praying for a unicorn and getting one, because remember still that prayer should be based on a desire for things that bring glory to God.
Whatever you are going through, and whatever choices you may have to make, remember you're not alone in making them. Talk to God. Pray for wisdom for you, and anyone else involved. Ask that His will be done, and that He will give you the grace to accept it if it may not be what you wanted. He will never let you down, and you will always be satisfied when you are truly keeping Him at the centre of your life.
Well, that shall be all. God bless! Shalom!
Also, in regards to prayer, if there is anything I can be praying for, feel free to message me anonymously at http://emdaisy1.tumblr.com/ask . I am planning to start keeping a book of prayer requests, and any sent to me will be added. After all, Galatians 6:2 says "Share each other's burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ." ☺
Samson's final victory.
So Samson was captured by the Philistines and thrown in prison, after he told Delilah his secret of his strength (it was because he had never cut his hair as he was told not to) and she sold him out. However, the thing about hair is, it regrows. So, his strength also began to keep coming back slowly.
So the Philistines throw this huge festival to offer praise to their god, Dagon, for letting them overcome Samson. Due to the partying, the people were all becoming drunk, so they suggested Samson be brought out as entertainment. He was brought out and tied between the pillars that held up the roof of the place. Samson asks the servant who brings him out to put his hands on the pillars, so he can rest against them, and the servant does so. Now this temple was PACKED. It was FULL of people, including all the Philistine rulers. It was so full, there were 3,000 people on the roof alone because they would not fit into the building.
Samson, while there "resting" against the pillars, and amusing the people (I'm not entirely sure what is meant by that, and my Study Bible has no note at the bottoms explaining it, but it explains that typically during those festivals prisoners would be tortrued for amusement, so I think it's safe to assume Samson was being tortured there) was also praying. He prays that God will remember him, and asks that He will let him pay back the Philistines for gouging out his eyes. He begins to push on the pillars, praying to God to let him die with the Philistines... and the whole temple crashes, killing them all. In that moment Samson killed more people than he had in all his life. Later, his body would be found by his brothers, taken, and buried with his father's.
This story always compels me to push myself more in my faith. Samson gave his life to make a blow to the Philistines. He did not just give in to them, and let them have their amusement then throw him back in jail. Instead, he cries out to God, and God hears and answers.
Now, you may be as confused as I was at first as to why God answered. I mean, Samson was asking for God to help him despite all the times he seemed to have messed up recently. Why did God answer? Love. Simply out of love. Despite all that Samson had done, God still loved him, so He heard Samson's cry to let him make this final blow to the Philistines.
My point is, no matter what we've done, God doesn't give up on us, or love us less. (See Romans 8:31-39 if you want that right out of the Bible) He will not look at out pasts, try and tally it up, and then judge if we deserve having Him hear and answer our prayer, or grant us that miracle we pray for so wholeheartedly. When we can confess that we are sinners and do not deserve anything but death, but we can still ask for Him to hear us out, He always will. That doesn't mean He'll automatically give us what we pray for just because we pray for it. However, it means we're NEVER too far gone to be heard by Him. Matthew 7:7 "Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you." This verse is used referring to prayer. Just like Samson didn't give up, we shouldn't either. We have to keep praying, and pray believing God will answer you (Mark 11:24 "I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours."). Don't take that so literally as praying for a unicorn and getting one, because remember still that prayer should be based on a desire for things that bring glory to God.
Whatever you are going through, and whatever choices you may have to make, remember you're not alone in making them. Talk to God. Pray for wisdom for you, and anyone else involved. Ask that His will be done, and that He will give you the grace to accept it if it may not be what you wanted. He will never let you down, and you will always be satisfied when you are truly keeping Him at the centre of your life.
Well, that shall be all. God bless! Shalom!
Also, in regards to prayer, if there is anything I can be praying for, feel free to message me anonymously at http://emdaisy1.tumblr.com/ask . I am planning to start keeping a book of prayer requests, and any sent to me will be added. After all, Galatians 6:2 says "Share each other's burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ." ☺
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
March 13th
March 13th -- Judges 16:1-21 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges%2016:1-21&version=NLT)
Samson carries away Gaza's gates AND Samson and Delilah.
So Samson goes one day and spends the night at a prostitutes in Gaza, but word gets out, so the Philistine men gather at the gates to kill him in the morning. Samson, though, gets up at midnight and takes the gate, lifts it out of the ground, and carries it to the top of the hill across from Hebron.
Skipping ahead to later in his life, Samson falls in love with Delilah. The Philistines offer her 1,100 pieces of silver from her if she discovers the secret of his strength. She asks once, and he falsely tells her it's if he is tied with 7 new bowstrings. The Philistine men try this, and he breaks loose. Delilah accuses him of making fun of her and asks again. He again lies, saying he must be tied with new, unused rope to be weak as anyone else. They Philistines again try, and Samson again breaks free. Delilah asks again, and the same process happens, but this time he says his hair must be weaved into her loom and he will be weak. She nags and nags and nags after this, until he finally gives in and tells her he will be weak if his hair is cut. So Delilah tells the Philistines, then lulls Samson to sleep and has his hair cut. The Philistines come for him, gouge his eyes out, take him to Gaza, bind him with bronze chains, and force him to grind grain in prison.
Again, an instance where I don't see why God didn't seem to do anything about it. Samson was sleeping with a prostitute, but God didn't seem to send any punishment for that. I don't quite understand that, as He had chosen Samson to be Israel's leader, in a way...
Also, I REALLY don't get why the heck Samson told Delilah. He must have seen it coming, after all the attempts before. Like, did he not see hiw wife was selling him out? After the three times he tells he something, and they show up for him, you'd think he'd realize she was being paid off by them. And yet he tells her. That, I DO NOT UNDERSTAND....
Anyways, I think that'll be all. God bless! Shalom!
Samson carries away Gaza's gates AND Samson and Delilah.
So Samson goes one day and spends the night at a prostitutes in Gaza, but word gets out, so the Philistine men gather at the gates to kill him in the morning. Samson, though, gets up at midnight and takes the gate, lifts it out of the ground, and carries it to the top of the hill across from Hebron.
Skipping ahead to later in his life, Samson falls in love with Delilah. The Philistines offer her 1,100 pieces of silver from her if she discovers the secret of his strength. She asks once, and he falsely tells her it's if he is tied with 7 new bowstrings. The Philistine men try this, and he breaks loose. Delilah accuses him of making fun of her and asks again. He again lies, saying he must be tied with new, unused rope to be weak as anyone else. They Philistines again try, and Samson again breaks free. Delilah asks again, and the same process happens, but this time he says his hair must be weaved into her loom and he will be weak. She nags and nags and nags after this, until he finally gives in and tells her he will be weak if his hair is cut. So Delilah tells the Philistines, then lulls Samson to sleep and has his hair cut. The Philistines come for him, gouge his eyes out, take him to Gaza, bind him with bronze chains, and force him to grind grain in prison.
Again, an instance where I don't see why God didn't seem to do anything about it. Samson was sleeping with a prostitute, but God didn't seem to send any punishment for that. I don't quite understand that, as He had chosen Samson to be Israel's leader, in a way...
Also, I REALLY don't get why the heck Samson told Delilah. He must have seen it coming, after all the attempts before. Like, did he not see hiw wife was selling him out? After the three times he tells he something, and they show up for him, you'd think he'd realize she was being paid off by them. And yet he tells her. That, I DO NOT UNDERSTAND....
Anyways, I think that'll be all. God bless! Shalom!
March 12th
March 12th -- Judges 15 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges%2015&version=NLT)
Samson's vengeance on the Philistines.
So Samson comes home one day with a goat as a present for his wife (can I just say I'm glad the version of a good gift has changed since those times?) and says he's going to go sleep with her. His dad stops him and explains that he married her off to the best man, thinking Samson hated her (for the riddle incident) and he tells her to marry the sister, instead. Samson, being mad, I guess, says he can't be blamed for this, but takes 300 foxes, tied their tails in pairs and puts a torch on each, lights the torches and sends them running through the Philistine fields, burning all the crops as they go. When the Philistines figure out Samson did it bc the woman's father gave her to the best man, they go burn both the woman and her dad. They then go down to Samson's town, looking for Samson. The men of the town go to Samson and ask why he's done this while knowing the Philistines rule them. Samson basically says they deserved it for what they did to him, so he merely paid it back. The men and Samson reach an agreement Samson will be tied up, but not killed, and given to the Philistines. When they get to them, though, Samson breaks free because the Lord's Spirit comes upon him. He then finds a donkey's jawbone lying around and uses it to kill 1,000 men. Then Samson's thirsty, so he cries out to God, and a spring gushes out of the ground. Samson judgd Israel for 20 years during this period.
I find this cool. God just comes upon Samson so strongly he wipes out 1,000 men singlehandedly with a jawbone. Like, that's epic, honestly! Although, the onw thing that makes me wonder is why Samson was allowed to wreak such havoc among the Philistines... normally that wouldn't be acceptable. God works in myterious ways, though, so it's almost like he set it up so that they'd come for Samson, who would wipe them out, demonstarting God's power.
Well, that's all. God bless! Shalom!
(P.S. Yes this post was a day late. I had a friend sleep over last night, so I couldn't very well just leave them to entertain themself for a good 20-30 mins while I did this)
Samson's vengeance on the Philistines.
So Samson comes home one day with a goat as a present for his wife (can I just say I'm glad the version of a good gift has changed since those times?) and says he's going to go sleep with her. His dad stops him and explains that he married her off to the best man, thinking Samson hated her (for the riddle incident) and he tells her to marry the sister, instead. Samson, being mad, I guess, says he can't be blamed for this, but takes 300 foxes, tied their tails in pairs and puts a torch on each, lights the torches and sends them running through the Philistine fields, burning all the crops as they go. When the Philistines figure out Samson did it bc the woman's father gave her to the best man, they go burn both the woman and her dad. They then go down to Samson's town, looking for Samson. The men of the town go to Samson and ask why he's done this while knowing the Philistines rule them. Samson basically says they deserved it for what they did to him, so he merely paid it back. The men and Samson reach an agreement Samson will be tied up, but not killed, and given to the Philistines. When they get to them, though, Samson breaks free because the Lord's Spirit comes upon him. He then finds a donkey's jawbone lying around and uses it to kill 1,000 men. Then Samson's thirsty, so he cries out to God, and a spring gushes out of the ground. Samson judgd Israel for 20 years during this period.
I find this cool. God just comes upon Samson so strongly he wipes out 1,000 men singlehandedly with a jawbone. Like, that's epic, honestly! Although, the onw thing that makes me wonder is why Samson was allowed to wreak such havoc among the Philistines... normally that wouldn't be acceptable. God works in myterious ways, though, so it's almost like he set it up so that they'd come for Samson, who would wipe them out, demonstarting God's power.
Well, that's all. God bless! Shalom!
(P.S. Yes this post was a day late. I had a friend sleep over last night, so I couldn't very well just leave them to entertain themself for a good 20-30 mins while I did this)
Monday, March 11, 2013
March 11th
March 11th -- Judges 14 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges%2014&version=NLT)
Samson's Riddle
So Samson, all grown up now, sees a Philistine woman, and decides he wants to marry her. His father at first protests, as the Philistines do not worship God, but idols. His parents don't realize God is using it as an opportunity to work against the Philistines.
So when Samson and his parents are going to Timnah, to get the woman, a lion jumps out of nowhere. The Spirit of God fills Samson, and he rips the lion's jaw apart with his bare hands. He doesn't tell anyone, though. He gets to Timnah and talks with the woman, and is quite happy with her.
When he goes back to Timnah, for the wedding, he finds the carcass, and sees bees made honey in it, so he takes some to eat and brings some to his parents, not telling them where it's from. His father sets up final arrangements, and Samson throws a party, and when his bride's parents see him, they pick 30 men from town to be his companions. Samson gives them a riddle, and says if they can solve it in the 7 days of celebration, he'll give them 30 fine linen robes as well as 30 sets of festive clothes, but if they don't solve it, they must give those to him. The riddle is this:
"Out of the one who eats came something to eat;
out of the strong came something sweet"
They can't figure it out in 3 days, so on the 4th they tell his wife to tell her so she can tell them, saying if she doesn't they'll burn her dad's house down with her inside. She nags and cries to him for the rest of the seven days, then he tells her finally. So the men come to Samson on the last day and answer it with:
"What is sweeter than honey?
What is stronger than a lion?"
Samson says they wouldn't know if they hadn't messed with his wife to find out. But the Lord's Spirit comes on him and he goes down to Ashkelon and kills 30 men, taking their clothes and giving them to the men who solved the riddle. However, Samson was so mad about what happened that he went back to living with his parents and his fiancé married the best man. (that was custom back there, that the bride married the best man if the groom didn't show - or the maid of honor married the groom if the bride didn't show)
I really don't know what to say on this one, sorry..... except if that was a typical riddle back then, they used to be a lot harder back then.
God bless! Shalom!
Samson's Riddle
So Samson, all grown up now, sees a Philistine woman, and decides he wants to marry her. His father at first protests, as the Philistines do not worship God, but idols. His parents don't realize God is using it as an opportunity to work against the Philistines.
So when Samson and his parents are going to Timnah, to get the woman, a lion jumps out of nowhere. The Spirit of God fills Samson, and he rips the lion's jaw apart with his bare hands. He doesn't tell anyone, though. He gets to Timnah and talks with the woman, and is quite happy with her.
When he goes back to Timnah, for the wedding, he finds the carcass, and sees bees made honey in it, so he takes some to eat and brings some to his parents, not telling them where it's from. His father sets up final arrangements, and Samson throws a party, and when his bride's parents see him, they pick 30 men from town to be his companions. Samson gives them a riddle, and says if they can solve it in the 7 days of celebration, he'll give them 30 fine linen robes as well as 30 sets of festive clothes, but if they don't solve it, they must give those to him. The riddle is this:
"Out of the one who eats came something to eat;
out of the strong came something sweet"
They can't figure it out in 3 days, so on the 4th they tell his wife to tell her so she can tell them, saying if she doesn't they'll burn her dad's house down with her inside. She nags and cries to him for the rest of the seven days, then he tells her finally. So the men come to Samson on the last day and answer it with:
"What is sweeter than honey?
What is stronger than a lion?"
Samson says they wouldn't know if they hadn't messed with his wife to find out. But the Lord's Spirit comes on him and he goes down to Ashkelon and kills 30 men, taking their clothes and giving them to the men who solved the riddle. However, Samson was so mad about what happened that he went back to living with his parents and his fiancé married the best man. (that was custom back there, that the bride married the best man if the groom didn't show - or the maid of honor married the groom if the bride didn't show)
I really don't know what to say on this one, sorry..... except if that was a typical riddle back then, they used to be a lot harder back then.
God bless! Shalom!
Sunday, March 10, 2013
March 10th
March 10th -- Judges 13 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges%2013&version=NLT)
The birth of Samson.
The Israelites yet again begin sinning, so God gives them over this time to the Philistines, and for forty years. In that time there was a man with a wife who could not become pregnant, but an angel visited her and said she would be. However, the angel said she had to be careful not to drink alcohol or eat any forbidden foods, and that her son, as he grew, musr never have his hair cut, because he will be dedicated from birth to God as a Nazirite. She goes and tells her husband, who prays that the man (was actually an angel) would come back and give them more instructions. The next day the wife comes running and says he's back. The man repeats the instructions. Then after refusing food, Manoah (the husband) and his wife make a sacrifice to God. The angel doesn't appear again, but Manoah realizes it was an angel, and thinks they will die for having seen the face of God. His wife reassures him that God would not kill them if He had accepted their offering. When her son was born she called him Samson, and God blessed him as he grew. The Lord's spirit began to stir in him.
I really don't have much to say for this story... it's cool to know of another instance where an angel appears to a couple who can't have children and says they will have a child. I like those stories - they're happy. ☺ Also, I find it interesting that every time people see an angel they fear they will die. Personally I'd figure you'd start to wonder why would God send an angel to you if He loves you and knows you'd die for seeing it? He wouldn't, so you're not gonna' drop dead for seeing it. He sends those because we really CAN'T look upon Him or we WOULD die.
Well, that shall be all! God bless! Shalom!
The birth of Samson.
The Israelites yet again begin sinning, so God gives them over this time to the Philistines, and for forty years. In that time there was a man with a wife who could not become pregnant, but an angel visited her and said she would be. However, the angel said she had to be careful not to drink alcohol or eat any forbidden foods, and that her son, as he grew, musr never have his hair cut, because he will be dedicated from birth to God as a Nazirite. She goes and tells her husband, who prays that the man (was actually an angel) would come back and give them more instructions. The next day the wife comes running and says he's back. The man repeats the instructions. Then after refusing food, Manoah (the husband) and his wife make a sacrifice to God. The angel doesn't appear again, but Manoah realizes it was an angel, and thinks they will die for having seen the face of God. His wife reassures him that God would not kill them if He had accepted their offering. When her son was born she called him Samson, and God blessed him as he grew. The Lord's spirit began to stir in him.
I really don't have much to say for this story... it's cool to know of another instance where an angel appears to a couple who can't have children and says they will have a child. I like those stories - they're happy. ☺ Also, I find it interesting that every time people see an angel they fear they will die. Personally I'd figure you'd start to wonder why would God send an angel to you if He loves you and knows you'd die for seeing it? He wouldn't, so you're not gonna' drop dead for seeing it. He sends those because we really CAN'T look upon Him or we WOULD die.
Well, that shall be all! God bless! Shalom!
Saturday, March 9, 2013
March 9th
March 9th -- Judges 7 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges%207&version=NLT)
Gideon defeats the Midianites.
So Jerub-Baal/Gideon (he got himself a nickname for the incident with the Baal altar and Asherah pole) and his army get up early and start on their way to the Midianite camp. God, though, tells Gideon he has too many soliders, because if he won with that many, Israel would think they won by their power not God's. So, he says to tell the people anyone who's afraid can go home, which cuts their 32,000 to 10,000. God says there are still too many. God says to bring the men to water to drink, then divide them into two groups, one being those who cup water in their hands, and the other being those who go all the way down with their mouths. Only 300 used their hands, and God said to take only those 300 to battle.
So they get to the Midianite camp and camp on the cliff nearby. God says to go down into the camp (bringing Purah if he's afraid) because he will be encouraged by what he hears. Gideon hears about a dream, and how someone interprets it as God giving Gideon victory over Midian and its allies. So Gideon goes back and splits the men into groups. He gives each group horns and clay jars. Gideon says when he does, blow the horns and smash the jars. They do so, and this causes panic in the Midian camp, where soldiers begin attacking each other in confusion and panic. Very few escape, but Gideon sends out messengers to nearby places, and the few who escaped are found and killed.
I like this story. I find it so cool that 300 men killed off thousands just by blowing horns and smashing torches. That would never have worked without God. In fact, I don't think they'd have ever come up with that plan without God. Without God they'd have just brought all their soldiers and hoped for the best. But God intervened to show that He is still their powerful God, and He is still on their side.
Also, I've always randomly wondered why God picked that water-drinking test for how to sort the men. I just would love to know why that of all the various things.
Well, that will be all! God bless! Shalom!
Gideon defeats the Midianites.
So Jerub-Baal/Gideon (he got himself a nickname for the incident with the Baal altar and Asherah pole) and his army get up early and start on their way to the Midianite camp. God, though, tells Gideon he has too many soliders, because if he won with that many, Israel would think they won by their power not God's. So, he says to tell the people anyone who's afraid can go home, which cuts their 32,000 to 10,000. God says there are still too many. God says to bring the men to water to drink, then divide them into two groups, one being those who cup water in their hands, and the other being those who go all the way down with their mouths. Only 300 used their hands, and God said to take only those 300 to battle.
So they get to the Midianite camp and camp on the cliff nearby. God says to go down into the camp (bringing Purah if he's afraid) because he will be encouraged by what he hears. Gideon hears about a dream, and how someone interprets it as God giving Gideon victory over Midian and its allies. So Gideon goes back and splits the men into groups. He gives each group horns and clay jars. Gideon says when he does, blow the horns and smash the jars. They do so, and this causes panic in the Midian camp, where soldiers begin attacking each other in confusion and panic. Very few escape, but Gideon sends out messengers to nearby places, and the few who escaped are found and killed.
I like this story. I find it so cool that 300 men killed off thousands just by blowing horns and smashing torches. That would never have worked without God. In fact, I don't think they'd have ever come up with that plan without God. Without God they'd have just brought all their soldiers and hoped for the best. But God intervened to show that He is still their powerful God, and He is still on their side.
Also, I've always randomly wondered why God picked that water-drinking test for how to sort the men. I just would love to know why that of all the various things.
Well, that will be all! God bless! Shalom!
Friday, March 8, 2013
March 8th
March 8th -- Judges 6 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges%206&version=NLT)
Gideon becomes Israel's judge and also asks for a sign.
So the Israelites start sinning again, and God gives them over to the Midianites for seven years as punishment. It's horrible, and they finally cry out to God. God sends along a prophet to speak for Him, reminding them of all the things He did for them, and yet they still worshipped false gods.
An angel comes along then, and sees Gideon, telling him God is with him. Gideon asks why this awful stuff is happening if God is with them. God tells Gideon he will rescue Israel, now. Gideon says if He's speaking the truth to wait so that Gideon can make a sacrifice. When he does, he gives it to the angel, who taps it with a staff. This causes fire to rise up and consume it, then the angel vanishes. Gideon then thinks he is doomed for having seen an angel, but God tells him not to worry, so Gideon built an altar there.
God speaks to Gideon in the night and says to take a bull, go and pull down Baal's altar and cut the Asherah pole, then build an altar to God there instead and sacrifice the bull with the pole's wood as fuel. The next morning people find out and are horrified. They realize it was Gideon, and demand he be brought out to die. Joash (Gideon's father), though, asks they mob why they defend Baal, saying if he really is a god, he will defend himself.
After this, a bunch of armies form an alliance against Israel. The Lord's spirit took possession of Gideon, who summons together many armies. Gideon asks for a sign, though. He puts fleece on the ground and says if God is really going to rescue them, that in the morning the fleece will be wet, but the ground dry. It is so. He asks for one more, asking God not to be angry, and saying this time he wants the ground to be wet and the fleece to be dry. It is so.
I like this story, even if it's mostly just for the fleece signs. I find it comforting that God DOES sometimes give undeniably clear, miraculous signs. I mean, I doubt He just gives them out all the time, especially in everday life, because He wants us to trust in Him, not regard on signs and try and do it ourselves. However, it's still reassuring to see He does still give some.
Well, that'll be all. God bless! Shalom!
Gideon becomes Israel's judge and also asks for a sign.
So the Israelites start sinning again, and God gives them over to the Midianites for seven years as punishment. It's horrible, and they finally cry out to God. God sends along a prophet to speak for Him, reminding them of all the things He did for them, and yet they still worshipped false gods.
An angel comes along then, and sees Gideon, telling him God is with him. Gideon asks why this awful stuff is happening if God is with them. God tells Gideon he will rescue Israel, now. Gideon says if He's speaking the truth to wait so that Gideon can make a sacrifice. When he does, he gives it to the angel, who taps it with a staff. This causes fire to rise up and consume it, then the angel vanishes. Gideon then thinks he is doomed for having seen an angel, but God tells him not to worry, so Gideon built an altar there.
God speaks to Gideon in the night and says to take a bull, go and pull down Baal's altar and cut the Asherah pole, then build an altar to God there instead and sacrifice the bull with the pole's wood as fuel. The next morning people find out and are horrified. They realize it was Gideon, and demand he be brought out to die. Joash (Gideon's father), though, asks they mob why they defend Baal, saying if he really is a god, he will defend himself.
After this, a bunch of armies form an alliance against Israel. The Lord's spirit took possession of Gideon, who summons together many armies. Gideon asks for a sign, though. He puts fleece on the ground and says if God is really going to rescue them, that in the morning the fleece will be wet, but the ground dry. It is so. He asks for one more, asking God not to be angry, and saying this time he wants the ground to be wet and the fleece to be dry. It is so.
I like this story, even if it's mostly just for the fleece signs. I find it comforting that God DOES sometimes give undeniably clear, miraculous signs. I mean, I doubt He just gives them out all the time, especially in everday life, because He wants us to trust in Him, not regard on signs and try and do it ourselves. However, it's still reassuring to see He does still give some.
Well, that'll be all. God bless! Shalom!
Thursday, March 7, 2013
March 7th
March 7th -- Judges 4:4-24 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges%204:4-24&version=NLT)
(Shortly after) Deborah becomes Israel's judge. (Judges were basically people set in charge like a Moses or a Joshua, just there to try and keep Israel in order as best they could.)
So Deborah was judging at this time, and Israelites came to her for judgement. One day she sends for a man named Barak. She gives him a message from God, saying He said that Barak is to call 10,000 warriors from the tribes of Naphtali, Zebulun, and Mount Tabor. Then God will call out Sisera, the Jabin army's commander, and God will give Barak victory. Barak says he will go if Deborah comes. She agrees, but says he won't get honor, because the victory will go to a woman. So Barak does as told, and Deborah goes with him.
So Heber, one of the men, had moved his tent away from the others. Sisera finds out about Barak going to Mount Tabor and calls for his 900 chariots. They march to the Kishon River. Deboarh tells Barak this is they day they will have victory. When Barak attacks, God thros Sisera and his men into a panic, and they all flee but are killed.
While this is going on, Sisera ran to Jael's tent (she was the wife of a friend). She invites him in and protects him. When he falls asleep, though, she kills him with a tent peg. Barak came looking, and Jael shows him Sisera, dead. On that day, Israel watched God defeat Jabin, and Israel became stronger after that until they destroyed him.
I like this story. Honestly, I think it's just because it's nice to see some women in the Bible getting some credit. The Bible doesn't always have the men winning and whatnot, but the women get their stories, too. I just think that's nice. Cunning is sometimes seen as less next to force, but this story shows it can be just as helpful.
Also, I love stories where to armies go to battle, and the one God's fighting for whoops butt just because God sends the other army into an array of chaos and panic.
Well, that's all. God bless! Shalom!
(Shortly after) Deborah becomes Israel's judge. (Judges were basically people set in charge like a Moses or a Joshua, just there to try and keep Israel in order as best they could.)
So Deborah was judging at this time, and Israelites came to her for judgement. One day she sends for a man named Barak. She gives him a message from God, saying He said that Barak is to call 10,000 warriors from the tribes of Naphtali, Zebulun, and Mount Tabor. Then God will call out Sisera, the Jabin army's commander, and God will give Barak victory. Barak says he will go if Deborah comes. She agrees, but says he won't get honor, because the victory will go to a woman. So Barak does as told, and Deborah goes with him.
So Heber, one of the men, had moved his tent away from the others. Sisera finds out about Barak going to Mount Tabor and calls for his 900 chariots. They march to the Kishon River. Deboarh tells Barak this is they day they will have victory. When Barak attacks, God thros Sisera and his men into a panic, and they all flee but are killed.
While this is going on, Sisera ran to Jael's tent (she was the wife of a friend). She invites him in and protects him. When he falls asleep, though, she kills him with a tent peg. Barak came looking, and Jael shows him Sisera, dead. On that day, Israel watched God defeat Jabin, and Israel became stronger after that until they destroyed him.
I like this story. Honestly, I think it's just because it's nice to see some women in the Bible getting some credit. The Bible doesn't always have the men winning and whatnot, but the women get their stories, too. I just think that's nice. Cunning is sometimes seen as less next to force, but this story shows it can be just as helpful.
Also, I love stories where to armies go to battle, and the one God's fighting for whoops butt just because God sends the other army into an array of chaos and panic.
Well, that's all. God bless! Shalom!
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
March 6th
March 6th -- Joshua 24:1-31 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua%2024:1-31&version=NLT)
The Lord's Covenant Renewed.
After Joshua's farewell, he gathers the people to him. He summarizes the stories very briefly of their ancestors (Terah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) up to Egypt, then goes on to speak of Moses and Aaron whom God sent to deliver them from Egypt. He reminds them of the miracles they've seen. Then he goes on to say how God was with them in fighting all the nations they have conquered to gain their land. He tells the people to fear God and worship Him wholeheartedly.
The people say they will serve God and will not abandon Him, but Joshua warns them if they do, He will punish them. They stil say the will. Joshua says, then, they have made their own decision and are their witnesses, and they agree. Joshua says to destroy the idols and they swear they will serve and obey only God. So Joshua makes the covenant/renews the covenant with them. He also leaves them a stone as a witness to what they had said. Joshua then dies, and those who had served God while Joshua was alive continued to do so.
This is an important moment. This moment marks when Israel, God's people, chose to make that covenant, really taking it upon themselves to keep it. They understood by now both the blessings and punishments. At this time, they decided it was their choice and their covenant. This was important, because I feel it sort of marks the start of Israel as a nation, finally in their land and serving God.
Well, that's all I can think to say... so God bless! Shalom!
The Lord's Covenant Renewed.
After Joshua's farewell, he gathers the people to him. He summarizes the stories very briefly of their ancestors (Terah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) up to Egypt, then goes on to speak of Moses and Aaron whom God sent to deliver them from Egypt. He reminds them of the miracles they've seen. Then he goes on to say how God was with them in fighting all the nations they have conquered to gain their land. He tells the people to fear God and worship Him wholeheartedly.
The people say they will serve God and will not abandon Him, but Joshua warns them if they do, He will punish them. They stil say the will. Joshua says, then, they have made their own decision and are their witnesses, and they agree. Joshua says to destroy the idols and they swear they will serve and obey only God. So Joshua makes the covenant/renews the covenant with them. He also leaves them a stone as a witness to what they had said. Joshua then dies, and those who had served God while Joshua was alive continued to do so.
This is an important moment. This moment marks when Israel, God's people, chose to make that covenant, really taking it upon themselves to keep it. They understood by now both the blessings and punishments. At this time, they decided it was their choice and their covenant. This was important, because I feel it sort of marks the start of Israel as a nation, finally in their land and serving God.
Well, that's all I can think to say... so God bless! Shalom!
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
March 5th
March 5th -- Joshua 23 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua%2023&version=NLT)
Joshua's Final Words to Israel.
So after many peaceful years for Israel, Joshua is then very old. He speaks his final words to Israel. His main points are:
-God has fought for them
-the land alloted WILL be theirs, just like God promised
-Be careful to follow what Moses wrote in the Book of Instruction (because breaking those laws breaks the covenant, and things like the incident with Achan will happen)
-Don't associate with the people still in this land (as they were unbelievers or believed in false gods and then would risk that spreading through Israel)
-remember that if they turn away from God, punishment will follow as promised
-Soon he will die but they need to keep believing and trusting and having faith and following God (run-on whoops) even without him around to tell them to
Really, to me, this comes across as a reminder of the covenant and it's laws. It's like when Moses first explained it to the people and then again before they crossed into their land. It's a reminder of all the things God had said, and that God always keeps his word, so every part of it - good and bad / blessing and punishment - is true. It seems more like Joshua is just giving one final attempt to ensure that Israel shall keep prospering even after his death - he wants them to do well in future as they are like his own people now since he took over for Moses. It kind of makes me think of a father-son relationship - there needs to be a certain strictness, but everything is done out of love to keep the child out of harm as much as possible.
Well, that shall be all! God bless! Shalom!
Joshua's Final Words to Israel.
So after many peaceful years for Israel, Joshua is then very old. He speaks his final words to Israel. His main points are:
-God has fought for them
-the land alloted WILL be theirs, just like God promised
-Be careful to follow what Moses wrote in the Book of Instruction (because breaking those laws breaks the covenant, and things like the incident with Achan will happen)
-Don't associate with the people still in this land (as they were unbelievers or believed in false gods and then would risk that spreading through Israel)
-remember that if they turn away from God, punishment will follow as promised
-Soon he will die but they need to keep believing and trusting and having faith and following God (run-on whoops) even without him around to tell them to
Really, to me, this comes across as a reminder of the covenant and it's laws. It's like when Moses first explained it to the people and then again before they crossed into their land. It's a reminder of all the things God had said, and that God always keeps his word, so every part of it - good and bad / blessing and punishment - is true. It seems more like Joshua is just giving one final attempt to ensure that Israel shall keep prospering even after his death - he wants them to do well in future as they are like his own people now since he took over for Moses. It kind of makes me think of a father-son relationship - there needs to be a certain strictness, but everything is done out of love to keep the child out of harm as much as possible.
Well, that shall be all! God bless! Shalom!
Monday, March 4, 2013
March 4th
March 4th -- Joshua 10:1-15 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua%2010:1-15&version=NLT)
Joshua defeats the Southern armies (in NIV, The Sun Stands Still, which I think sounds cooler).
So king Adoni-zedek, of Jerusalem, hears Joshua destroyed the Ai, had taken Jericho, and had allied with the Gibeonites. The alliance made him fear for the Gibeonites were a strong nation. So Adoni sends out messages to four other kings, and the five agree to take out Gibeon.
When the Gibeonites are attacked they of course call on their allies, the Israelites. God tells Joshua, upon leaving, not to be afraid for He has given them the victory. They take the Amorite armies by surprise and kill many of them. When they tried to flee God killed many and delayed the rest with hail, so the Israelites could finish them off.
After this victory, Joshua prayed that the sun would stand still over Gibeon and the moon would stand still over the valley of Aijalon. The sun did stay their until Israel, as a nation, had defeated its enemies. The sun stayed there the whole time, as if it were one long day. God fought for Israel that day. After that, the Israelites went back to their camp at Gilgal.
I think this is just incredble. Yet another awesome example of God's incredible power. Sure, (going back to parting the Red Sea and also making the Jordan river pause for the Israelites) we can argue we have some control over water, yet we have NO control over the sun/earth. We can't stop the earth from rotating so that the days are as long as we wish. We will never reach that point, because it requires incredible power to do that. God can do it just by willing it so, not even with some sort of scientific formula or math equation, just with His incredible power. I think it's just amazing.
Well, I think that's about all I can say on it. It's incredible.
God bless! Shalom!
Joshua defeats the Southern armies (in NIV, The Sun Stands Still, which I think sounds cooler).
So king Adoni-zedek, of Jerusalem, hears Joshua destroyed the Ai, had taken Jericho, and had allied with the Gibeonites. The alliance made him fear for the Gibeonites were a strong nation. So Adoni sends out messages to four other kings, and the five agree to take out Gibeon.
When the Gibeonites are attacked they of course call on their allies, the Israelites. God tells Joshua, upon leaving, not to be afraid for He has given them the victory. They take the Amorite armies by surprise and kill many of them. When they tried to flee God killed many and delayed the rest with hail, so the Israelites could finish them off.
After this victory, Joshua prayed that the sun would stand still over Gibeon and the moon would stand still over the valley of Aijalon. The sun did stay their until Israel, as a nation, had defeated its enemies. The sun stayed there the whole time, as if it were one long day. God fought for Israel that day. After that, the Israelites went back to their camp at Gilgal.
I think this is just incredble. Yet another awesome example of God's incredible power. Sure, (going back to parting the Red Sea and also making the Jordan river pause for the Israelites) we can argue we have some control over water, yet we have NO control over the sun/earth. We can't stop the earth from rotating so that the days are as long as we wish. We will never reach that point, because it requires incredible power to do that. God can do it just by willing it so, not even with some sort of scientific formula or math equation, just with His incredible power. I think it's just amazing.
Well, I think that's about all I can say on it. It's incredible.
God bless! Shalom!
Sunday, March 3, 2013
March 3rd
March 3rd -- Joshua 7 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua%207&version=NIV)
Ai defeats the Isrealites, and Achan's sin.
So recall there were things set aside for God taken from Jerusalem? Well, one man, Achan, decided to take some, making God angry with the Israelites.
So, Joshua sends some men to scout out Ai, and they come back saying only to send 2 or 3 thousand men. 3000 are sent and defeated. Joshua and the elders cry out to God asking why this has happened, after everything He promised them. God tells Joshua to get up, explaining the covenant was broken because Israel stole from Him. He tells Joshua to tell the people to purify themselves so they can remove what has been taken. In the morning, they will be presented by tribe and God will point out who is guilty of stealing. The person who stole it will be burned because he broke the covenant and did something terrible to Israel.
That next morning, this process happens. The tribes narrow to Judah and then the clan to Zerah. Zimri's family was singled out and from it, Achan. Joshua tells Achan to tell the truth and confess. Achan does so. Men search his tent and find what Achan listed he stole. They take all those things and Achan to the valley of Achor. Joshua asks why he had to bring trouble upon the Israelites because now God will bring it on him. So Achan and his family are stoned and burned. The valley has ever-since been known as the Valley of Trouble.
I find this whole story interesting, only because I can't quite understand some of it. One part is the punishing many innocent for the wrongs of one man. Achan sinned and Israel as a whole was punished. More specifically his family was horribly punished (death). I don't really understand that, to be honest. I used to hate it when in school the whole class would miss recess or get a lecture because one kid was bad. I never understood it. Apparently it had something to do with hoping the class would positively reinforce good behaviour by looking down on their peer for their wrong behaviour. I think it more often worked the other way in that it became a challenge of who could get into the most trouble without being expelled. I don't know... God had a reason I'm sure. Maybe it was more that He had to show the people He meant what He said in the covenant. If they broke those laws, He HAD to go through with the promised punishments because He ALWAYS keeps His word. Either way, it's just a reminder to be careful what you do even so that you don't bring harm to those around you.
Well, that will be all! God bless! Shalom!
Ai defeats the Isrealites, and Achan's sin.
So recall there were things set aside for God taken from Jerusalem? Well, one man, Achan, decided to take some, making God angry with the Israelites.
So, Joshua sends some men to scout out Ai, and they come back saying only to send 2 or 3 thousand men. 3000 are sent and defeated. Joshua and the elders cry out to God asking why this has happened, after everything He promised them. God tells Joshua to get up, explaining the covenant was broken because Israel stole from Him. He tells Joshua to tell the people to purify themselves so they can remove what has been taken. In the morning, they will be presented by tribe and God will point out who is guilty of stealing. The person who stole it will be burned because he broke the covenant and did something terrible to Israel.
That next morning, this process happens. The tribes narrow to Judah and then the clan to Zerah. Zimri's family was singled out and from it, Achan. Joshua tells Achan to tell the truth and confess. Achan does so. Men search his tent and find what Achan listed he stole. They take all those things and Achan to the valley of Achor. Joshua asks why he had to bring trouble upon the Israelites because now God will bring it on him. So Achan and his family are stoned and burned. The valley has ever-since been known as the Valley of Trouble.
I find this whole story interesting, only because I can't quite understand some of it. One part is the punishing many innocent for the wrongs of one man. Achan sinned and Israel as a whole was punished. More specifically his family was horribly punished (death). I don't really understand that, to be honest. I used to hate it when in school the whole class would miss recess or get a lecture because one kid was bad. I never understood it. Apparently it had something to do with hoping the class would positively reinforce good behaviour by looking down on their peer for their wrong behaviour. I think it more often worked the other way in that it became a challenge of who could get into the most trouble without being expelled. I don't know... God had a reason I'm sure. Maybe it was more that He had to show the people He meant what He said in the covenant. If they broke those laws, He HAD to go through with the promised punishments because He ALWAYS keeps His word. Either way, it's just a reminder to be careful what you do even so that you don't bring harm to those around you.
Well, that will be all! God bless! Shalom!
Saturday, March 2, 2013
March 2nd
March 2nd -- Joshua 5:13-6:27 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua%205:13-6:27&version=NIV)
Conquering the promised land and the fall of Jericho.
After the Israelites cross the river, they begin conquering all the peoples in those lands, starting with Jericho. So when Joshua reaches near Jericho he finds a man with a sword, who ends up telling him to take off his sandals because it is holy land.
So when the people get to Jericho, the gates are shut because the people are afraid of the Israelites. I'm sure most of us know this story. The Israelites walk around the city once a day for six days. On the seventh day, they walk around seven times with the priests blowing horns. When they hear the priests they need to shout and the walls will fall down. They do this and the walls do fall down. Everything in the town was to be destroyed, save Rahab's house, and all the gold, silver, bronze, and iron was brought to the Lord's treasury. So the spies Rahab hid brought her and her family out, then the city was burned (except for what was brought to the Lord's treasury).
This curse was then put on Jericho:
"“Cursed before the Lord is the one who undertakes to rebuild this city, Jericho:
Conquering the promised land and the fall of Jericho.
After the Israelites cross the river, they begin conquering all the peoples in those lands, starting with Jericho. So when Joshua reaches near Jericho he finds a man with a sword, who ends up telling him to take off his sandals because it is holy land.
So when the people get to Jericho, the gates are shut because the people are afraid of the Israelites. I'm sure most of us know this story. The Israelites walk around the city once a day for six days. On the seventh day, they walk around seven times with the priests blowing horns. When they hear the priests they need to shout and the walls will fall down. They do this and the walls do fall down. Everything in the town was to be destroyed, save Rahab's house, and all the gold, silver, bronze, and iron was brought to the Lord's treasury. So the spies Rahab hid brought her and her family out, then the city was burned (except for what was brought to the Lord's treasury).
This curse was then put on Jericho:
"“Cursed before the Lord is the one who undertakes to rebuild this city, Jericho:
“At the cost of his firstborn son
he will lay its foundations;
at the cost of his youngest
he will set up its gates.”
he will lay its foundations;
at the cost of his youngest
he will set up its gates.”
God was with Joshua, who became famous throughout the land.
I really like this story. Maybe it's just because it always makes me think of the Veggietales version of it, which I used to watch repeatedly, but I think I just love God's clear demonstration of power. Also, He doesn't just sweep in and do it - He makes it clear his people have to play their part (the marching) before He will do His (toppling the city walls). He doesn't just come in and fix our problems, but he tells us what we need to do so He will help us with them. Whether or not we do those things is up to us, but if we do our part, we know He will never fail to do His. So instead of always thinking "Oh, God will just fix it" it's important to remember that maybe we need to first do something ourselves and hold up our end of things for God to hold up his. Sometimes it may be hard (marching that much in the heat and without the same luxuries we have today would have been BRUTAL because the city was HUGE not small) but once we do it, God WILL come in and help us, and it will be ENTIRELY worth it.
Anyways, that shall be all for the day! God bless! Shalom!
Anyways, that shall be all for the day! God bless! Shalom!
Friday, March 1, 2013
March 1st
March 1st -- Joshua 3 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua%203&version=NLT)
Crossing the Jordan River.
So the morning after the spies return with their news, the Israelites head to the Jordan river, camping there before crossing it. After the three days, officers went out and told the people their instructions: When they saw the Levites carrying the Ark of the Covenant, they were to follow them, staying about half a mile behind, though, so they were not too near to the Ark. Joshua also tells all the people to purify themselves.
In the morning, upon being told to by Joshua, the priests take up the Ark and start heading to the river. God speaks to Joshua and says He will being making Joshua into a leader today, so when he reaches the river, he is to step in a few steps and stop. Joshua then passes along the message that they must choose twelve men (one from each tribe). The priests will carry the ark and when they touch the water, the flow upstream will stop and it will stand like a wall. So the people leave their camps and, when the priests' feet met the water, it did as God had said and stood up like a wall. All the people crossed on the dry ground, ending with the priests carriying the ark, who waited in the middle of the river until everyone else was safely across.
I just find this cool. It's like a mini parting of the Red Sea. I just love how God just again takes this force of nature and bends it to His will. It's incredible. I mean, especially when we look at science, and realize the force of nature is really one of the few things man hasn't been able to conquer at all or manipulate or control. We have no control over that. Then there's God who just wills the water to redirect/stop and it does. It shows how honestly incredible our God is!
Well, that will be all! God bless! Shalom!
Crossing the Jordan River.
So the morning after the spies return with their news, the Israelites head to the Jordan river, camping there before crossing it. After the three days, officers went out and told the people their instructions: When they saw the Levites carrying the Ark of the Covenant, they were to follow them, staying about half a mile behind, though, so they were not too near to the Ark. Joshua also tells all the people to purify themselves.
In the morning, upon being told to by Joshua, the priests take up the Ark and start heading to the river. God speaks to Joshua and says He will being making Joshua into a leader today, so when he reaches the river, he is to step in a few steps and stop. Joshua then passes along the message that they must choose twelve men (one from each tribe). The priests will carry the ark and when they touch the water, the flow upstream will stop and it will stand like a wall. So the people leave their camps and, when the priests' feet met the water, it did as God had said and stood up like a wall. All the people crossed on the dry ground, ending with the priests carriying the ark, who waited in the middle of the river until everyone else was safely across.
I just find this cool. It's like a mini parting of the Red Sea. I just love how God just again takes this force of nature and bends it to His will. It's incredible. I mean, especially when we look at science, and realize the force of nature is really one of the few things man hasn't been able to conquer at all or manipulate or control. We have no control over that. Then there's God who just wills the water to redirect/stop and it does. It shows how honestly incredible our God is!
Well, that will be all! God bless! Shalom!
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