Today we see more heartbreaking sin.  Could it be that David's sin was passed to the next generation like the Bible talks about.  When we as parents sin, it opens the door to that and our chldren are more apt to follow in those footsteps.

The other problem is that the sin in this passage was not dealt with justly.  This led to more sin.  Maybe David found it hard to discipline because he himself screwed up.  Even so, the sin should still have been dealt with.

The real problem though is sin, period.  Man's heart is bent on evil and unless God changes a heart, it will do evil.  I just went to a conference last night about the massive need for the good news of Jesus amongst Muslims throughout the world.  In light of the Boston Marathon Bombings, many people are talking about solutions to the problem of terrorism.  Political debate is roaring but the real answer is the right answer for every Sunday School question, "Jesus."  Jesus can and is changing lives but as the Bible says, "How can they hear unless someone goes to them and tells them." (paraphrase)  People need to hear the great news about Jesus and we need to be responsible with sharing that great news that has been trusted to us.

Can I challenge you to share with people as much as possible.  Do it with grace and let it be their decision with how they want to respond.  You have been given an incredible gift:  Christ in you, the hope of glory.  Be responsible with that gift.

As we trek through our reading today, we find David with wandering eyes.  I have been told men are extremely visual, and satan will do everything in his power to subdue our moral teachings, as evidenced by David’s adultery with Bathsheba, and she becoming pregnant.  I can recall pastor lamenting on this subject a few years ago, in that, when these acts are carried out, it was already “purposed in the heart” to do so, it was no accident or getting carried away in the moment.

What is frightening is David’s response to this act in sending for Uriah (2 Sam. 11), Bathsheba’s husband, and getting him drunk in hopes that he would sleep with her so it would look like the child she was carrying would be his.  Since that plan didn’t work out, David sent word to Joab to have Uriah put on the front lines where heavy fighting was taking place against the Ammonites at Rabbah.  Joab had been instructed by David to pull back the troops so he would be killed.  Uriah, one of David’s Thirty Mighty Men (2 Sam 23), was being murdered because of David’s lust. Who could now dispute Bathsheba’s pregnancy since her husband was now deceased; the child would certainly have been thought to be Uriah’s – David thought he had covered his tracks well.

Now enters Nathan the prophet, who tells David a story of a rich man who takes advantage of a poor man (2 Sam. 12), and how David becomes enraged and wants justice to be served against the rich man.  Check mate – Nathan reveals that David is the rich man in the story for his acts against Uriah and his wife.  Furthermore, Nathan reveals God’s punishment upon him, but David confesses to Nathan that he has sinned against the Lord, and because of this, the Lord has forgiven him and will spare his life, but sin has a price - Bathsheba’s child would die.

In closing, David’s Psalm of confession (Psalm 51) describes a man in deep sorrow, pleading with God to forgive his rebellion and sin.  David’s Psalm 51 thrusts deeply into our own souls, allowing us to examine our own motives and shortcomings when dealing with life’s challenges.  May we aspire to Psalm 51:10, where David says:  “Create in me a clean heart, O God; renew a loyal spirit within me”.  As Samuel said, David was a “man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13).   Just remember, our Lord and Savior is after your heart, Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:7-8:   “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened for you; for everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.  Open you heart to the "Greatest Possession" of all - Jesus Christ.

Have a wonderful and blessed weekend………..Larry

2 Samuel 8:15-18, 1 Chronicles 18: 14-17, 1 Chronicles 6:16-30, 50-53, 31-48, 2 Samuel 9:1-10:19, 1 Chronicles 19:1-19

In today's reading you can see why David was called a "man after God's own heart." (1 Samuel 13:14).  In 2 Samuel 9, David seeks out a living relative of Saul's family so that he may show kindness for Jonathan's sake.  In the midst of all that Saul did to David; tried to pin him to the wall with a spear, made him flee his home and go on the run even after he was anointed to be the next King of Israel. David still wants to bless Saul's family because of the love of his friend Jonathan, Saul's son.  He finds Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son who is disabled in both feet.  He is brought to David and the first thing David says to Mephibosheth to not be afraid., as he must have believed that David was going to eliminate Saul's lineage.  Instead Mephibosheth is given all of Saul's personal land and property back and is welcomed at David's table and treated as one of David's own sons.

The second account is found after David sends a delegation to the land of Ammon to send his sympathy for the loss of their king, Nahash who had been loyal to David.  The delegation was thought to be spies and they were captured; the beards shaved half off and their clothing cut exposing their buttocks, and were left to go back to Israel shamed.  When David found out, he sent word via messenger for his delegation to stay in Jericho until the beards grew back then return so not show what had occurred.  David then sent a war party to defeat the Ammonites.

In both accounts David models God's heart.  God shows His compassion and mercy in restoring relationships that have been severed.  Here David restores Saul's family through Mephibosheth because of Jonathan's love and friendship.  David also displays God's anger when His people are mistreated. God is not fooled, His compassion has no equal nor His protection for His people.  Being a follower of Christ does not mean that you will never endure hardships, or persecutions, but you won't have to fight them alone.  God is our strength and protection, it is us to us to trust in Him.  Be a blessing to someone today......Art

The one thing that stood out to me in  today’s reading was that when God grants a blessing it is “an eternal blessing!”  (2 Sam7:29 and 1 Chron 17:27). 

Has God blessed you? List or name some of  them? If you need help with your list, think about what you’ve read in the Bible, heard in pastor’s sermons, felt while rejoicing with Josh and the Worship Team, or learned in Tom’ Sunday School Class.  What are some of the  blessings that God has promised you? 

I get the impression that David was fired up about building a building a temple for the “Ark of God”. Nathan’s encouragement (2 Sam 7:3 and 1 Chron 17:2) surely indicated that it was the right thing to do and he should precede full speed ahead. When God closed that door David’s response wasn’t one of disappointment. He accepted the fact that God had another plan for him and God’s plan would bring blessings to him.  David fully accepted God’s plan over his desires because he understood that “when God grants a blessing it is an eternal blessing!”

If you were to ask anyone on the street “Who is David from the Bible?” Do you think they would know who you were talking about? They might not be able to tell you a whole lot about him. But they would probably recognize the name. So when God told David “Now I will make your name as famous as anyone who has ever lived on earth.” (1 Chron 17:8). It is just as true today as it was then!

 So, whatever you circumstances – Remember
that God has a plan for you - Count your blessings – Know that “when God grants
a blessing it is an eternal blessing!”

As we celebrate the valiant men (and women) who caught the 2nd suspect in the Boston Marathon bombing, we read today about David's valiant men that fought for him.  When the police caught the 2nd suspect suspect last night, there were cheers that went up.  I felt like cheering too.  Not just because a dangerous person was taken off of the streets but because of the incredible job our law enforcement do.  It's amazing how they do so many things to track down the bad guys.  It's also amazing how they put themselves in harms way, pursuing people with guns and bombs strapped to their chests, and having those people throw bombs at them.  In our reading today, we see how David's men were valiant for the incredible things they did in battle.  It even uses language that makes you feel like this guy was more incredible than this one, or this guy was great but not as amazing as this other guy.

The question for us today though is, what does God find amazing and valiant?  Well, He has a "Hall of Faith" and its found in Hebrews 11.  All these people were recognized and recorded in scripture for their faith in God; the action they took because they believed that God was in control and He wanted them to simply obey.  Romans 1:8 tells us that the faith of the church in Rome was so great that it was spoken of all over the world.  Are we a church that has a faith so great in God that it is talked about all over the world?  I think some things that make it tough to have faith is being comfortable and able to take care of ourselves.  We never really have to be dependent on God so it's hard to really have faith in Him and trust in Him.  The second thing I think of is the fact that we don't really know or believe this incredible, all-powerful God.  If we truly knew Him, it would not be hard at all to put our faith in Him.

So, maybe the challenge for us today, is to seek to know God with all our heart.  And not just to know things about Him but to know Him from experience.  This takes reading His word all the time and then putting His word to the test, putting faith in Him and what He says.  If His word tells us to do this or not to do that, we're going to obey Him believing that He knows the best way to live life.  If His word tells us that He is a loving Father that cares for us more than the sparrows, then we will not worry when we face tough times.  If His word tells us to ask for things in His name so that He can give them to us to produce much fruit that will remain, then we are going to ask God to do great things for His kingdom.  Let us increase our faith so that people won't just recognize our great faith but will see the incredible God that we have faith in!  Amen and amen.

Today, I feel compelled to move away from commenting on our reading, and take some time to discuss what happened at the Boston Marathon.  The loss of life and injuries are devastating.

As I try to understand the Marathon attack, I feel anger against those responsible, and an outpouring of emotion for the individuals that were injured and for those who had lost loved ones.  I asked; “who could do something like this”, and “why would someone do this”?  I can only speculate, but do realize that there is something amiss in this world, and of late, in this country.  I have spoken to many individuals over the last few years who have said to me:  “Larry, there is something not right, I can feel it”. 

What this world is feeling is a lack of our Lord God’s “Moral Compass”.  As society moves further and further away from the teachings of our Lord Christ, we will continue to see special interest groups wage war upon the moral values that He proclaimed.   We will continue to see Christians persecuted in this world on a daily basis.  They are “Fighting the good fight” as Paul would say.  Innocent blood will continue to spill as a result of someone’s anger or belief system, and as Carolyn commented in a previous blog, “It is interesting that the ones who got hurt the worst were the women. In societies where men are living for God, women are protected, respected, and honored, but where they are not living for God, women are used and abused”. 

A society that aspires to the Lord’s Moral Compass, is one that is truly free.  Free from a degradation of moral values, free from persecution, free from senseless bloodshed, and free from dishonor, disrespect and a lack of hope.  "To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father---to him be glory and power for ever and ever!  Amen (Revelations 1:5.5-6)

Lastly, we were challenged by Tom a few days ago to see if we could come up with a Psalm, well………here goes:

 Lord God, ruler of all mankind, protect your people,
          let not their hearts grow weary.
For you strengthen all who believe in you,
          and bring terror to those who mock or insult you.
Honor our wishes this day, that despair and grief would take refuge,
          that your mighty hand will protect and guide us through adversity.
Let all proclaim your good works this day,
          as we bow our heads and our hearts in prayer to you.

May we find comfort in the Lord’s word, blessings………Larry                

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 26:1-27:7, 1 Chronicles 12: 1-7, 1 Samuel 27:8-29:11, 1 Chronicles 12:19, Psalm 56.

As we witness the contrast between Saul, a man chosen by God to be King of Israel in moral decline, and David who has the promise of the kingdom by God's anointing still honoring God's chosen King of Israel..  For the second time David has spared Saul's life.  David and his men found Saul's army, who were searching for David asleep.  David and Abishai go into the camp and remove Saul's spear and water jug from beside Saul's head and leave without harming Saul, even after Abishai informed David he could "pin him to the ground with one thrust" (26:8.)  David said not to harm Saul asking the question "who can lay a hand on the Lord's anointed and be guiltless."  They leave the camp and while they are a safe distance away, yell to Saul's bodyguard that they had been into the camp and have taken Saul's spear and water jug as proof.  Again Saul admits his error and promises not to harm David.  David knowing Saul's character chooses to live among the Philistines rather than to go back to his home.

As David continues to take the high roads, Saul continues his moral decay, seeking out a medium as Saul cannot seek advice from God or a prophet as God's spirit has left Saul.  He finds a witch and Endor and has her awaken the spirit of Samuel who informs him that he can offer no help as God has removed himself from Saul because of his disobedience.  He does however advise him that his days are numbered, the Philistines will be victorious, and Saul will die.  No where does Scripture state that Saul ever repented, ever took responsibility, but rather tried to justify his actions to God. 

As we will see later, David in the midst of all his attributes has his failures, but we see the difference in the heart of the king.  Where Saul stood arrogant, David bowed in submission and repentance.  There were consequences of sin, there always is, but unlike Saul, God's spirit was never removed from David.  How is your heart?  Are we submitted to God's ways or still justifying our own ways?  Believers are not perfect, we fall short, the difference is that we feel an absence from the Spirit that we want back.  We are able to have that Spirit back by repentance by the sacrifice of Christ.  It is the cross that bridges the great divide.  Thank you Lord for bridging that gap.  Be Blessed. Today.....Art

Four things stand out to me in today’s  reading: 1) The way Saul’s self-centeredness fueled his intense hated for
David.  2) The way Abigail’s suaveness saved her household. 3) David’s dependence on God’s protection in Psalm 54. 4) Jonathan and David’s friendship. I am only going to comment about two of them.. 

    1) Saul knew that the David was going to take over the throne (1 Sam 23:17). I get the impression that, Saul was probably a sore loser and accustom to excelling in whatever he pursued. So his hunting day after day and not finding David only frustrated him. We see his self-pity when he says “At last someone is concerned about me!” (1 Sam 23:21), in response to the Ziphite’s betrayal of David.  The only thing that temporarily diverted him from pursuing David was a Philistine raid on Israel. It wasn’t until David showed him mercy by not killing him in the caves that he gave up the chase. Notice what was really going on. Outwardly he was chasing David. But inwardly Saul was fighting God’s judgment. It was God that didn’t let him find David (1 Sam 23:14). It was God that put him a place that David could kill him (1 Sam 24:18). And, it was God’s anointing that kept David from rising against Saul. 

    This period of Saul’s life makes me think about those believers out of fellowship with God and the Church. They are discontent, feel like no one is concerned about them, and frequently vainly pursue other things. It is only after they accept God’s judgment and repent like Saul can they resume fellowship in peace. 
 
     2) Abigail strikes me as Proverbs 31 wife. Despite Nabal’s temper and foolishness, she remained a dutiful wife. She recognized the danger he placed the household in and “wasted no time” (1 Sam25:18) setting things straight. She was even willing to take the blame for her husband’s offense (1 Sam 25:24). I think David was awe struck by her humility, God fearing sense of justice (1 Sam 25:26-31), and beauty.  So much so that he thanks
her, praises God for sending her to him, and ultimately takes her as a wife. I think there is a lesson for wives, particularly those with ill-tempered spouses. There is also a lesson for men - when it comes to choosing a prospective bride.

There are a lot of cool things in this passage but I want to highlight God’s communication with David.   David continued to cry out to God and communicate to Him. He praised Him and trusted Him…Why? I think the answer is because God spoke back.  The relationship was mutual and the reality of God was that He spoke and gave direction.  Many times we think we are on our own or we don’t really think God will communicate.  If you look at the Psalms in this passage you see that David understood who God was and praised Him and requested things from Him.  It was a give and take relationship.  Many time today I think we would not hear God because we are not sure who He is or what His voice sounds like.  The real art of talking to God is praising Him and listening for Him. I think those are the two greatest weaknesses in most of our lives.  Could you write a Psalm …give it a shot…also come to God and expect an answer!  Think about it and take time to listen!