Author: Patricia

Behind? It happens!

~ Patricia ~ Leave a comment

Life gets so busy.  In the short moments that we are not busy we just ‘veg’ out!  I GET IT!

We just read about King David.  What happens after King David??  Well, most people don’t know.  Look at the timeline below.  Many of us can look at it and explain the TOP half of the timeline, but not so much the bottom 🤠).

Do you have this handout? | Bible timeline, Understanding the ...

So you have two options:

  1.  Don’t jump in because you feel like you are “missing” parts of it.  (That’s just not an option, God’s Word meets us where we are anyway)
  2. Jump in right here!

Hmmm, I wonder which one you should choose??  Click here if you need to print a schedule.

The Overview for 1 Kings will be posted in about an hour or two.

Psalms 111-118

~ Patricia ~ 2 Comments

Praise the Lord.

Psalm 111-112 (very similar)  These psalms of praise are “acrostic” psalms.  Each line in the Hebrew text begins with the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet (this was done with the purpose of memorizing the Psalms).  These Psalms start with “Hallelujah,” or “Praise the Lord” which unfortunately has been watered down in meaning by 2021.

Verse 10 is the Key verse to Wisdom Psalms:

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
    all who follow his precepts have good understanding.
    To him belongs eternal praise.

Wisdom is following the Precepts.  Anyone can read the Bible, memorize scripture, and have knowledge.  But wisdom begins with reverent fear followed by application-follow through!

Psalm 112-

There are five blessings that normally come to the righteous.

  1. righteous person (following Moses Law) receives physical and material prosperity (v. 2-3)
  2. he obtains light in his darkness (v.4).
  3. goodness comes to him for his generosity and justice (v. 5).
  4. he enjoys stability and confidence (vv. 6-8).
  5.  he gets strength and honor from the Lord because he gives to the poor

Psalm 113- This Psalm is read during the High Holy days including Passover. The Lord is worthy of praise because He graciously gives great blessings to those who have no hope of obtaining them from any other source.

I love this verse:

Who is like the Lord our God,
    the One who sits enthroned on high,
6 who stoops down to look
    on the heavens and the earth?

Psalm 114- Oh I like this one!  A Psalm remembering the Exodus.  Obviously, this too would be read at the Passover.  (I usually wouldn’t use the word Obviously EVER when reading the Bible….except maybe here 😉)

Psalm 115-This anonymous communal psalm of praise instructs God’s people to trust in the Lord rather than in idols. The house of Aaron in this time is the Priesthood (from Levi).  The house of Aaron today is the Priesthood (Us).

Psalm 116-If you already read all the Psalms, go back and reread this one.  The Psalmist is promising to praise him for helping him.  A recommitment.  It is really beautiful to read twice. Verse 12:

What shall I return to the Lord
    for all his goodness to me?

Well?  What was the answer in the Psalm?

Psalm 117- Fun Fact: THIS IS THE SHORTEST PSALM- (I love those little facts).  (Did a song come to your head?)

1 Praise the Lord, all you nations;
    extol him, all you peoples.
2 For great is his love toward us,
    and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.

Praise the Lord.

Psalm 118-

2 The stone the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;
23 the Lord has done this,
and it is marvelous in our eyes.
24 The Lord has done it this very day;
let us rejoice today and be glad.

A phrase you may have heard or studies in the past.  Jesus said in Matthew 21:

42 Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: (referring to Psalm 118)

“‘The stone the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;
the Lord has done this,
and it is marvelous in our eyes’[a]?

43 “Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.

Guess what??? We start a New Book tomorrow!!!  Exciting!  1 KIngs!

1 Chonicles 26-29, Psalm 127

~ Patricia ~ Leave a comment

Summary:  In chapters 26 and 27, David appointed:

  • Gatekeepers,
  • Treasurers,
  • Army Officials,
  • Leaders of the Tribes, and
  • Overseers.

God is a God of order BUT also the Temple is about to be built…Security is tight!!

The other day we read about David “counting” his men and he was given a choice of consequence.  When you read this it was referring to that past incident:

23 David did not take the number of the men twenty years old or less, because the Lord had promised to make Israel as numerous as the stars in the sky. 24 Joab son of Zeruiah began to count the men but did not finish. God’s wrath came on Israel on account of this numbering, and the number was not entered in the book of the annals of King David.

The book of the annals (better than the book of anals  🤭) was the royal archive that was kept with the King.  We do not have David’s.  I think Indiana Jones has it to help him look for that missing Ark.  😂

Deconstructing the Scene: Raiders of the Lost Ark

Chapter 29- read it word for word-no skimming here!

The people donated a freewill offering (remember God was content in the tent, he didn’t require a temple; it was David’s heart that required it) of more gold, silver, bronze, and other materials to make The Lord’s house reflects the glory of His greatness. David was responsible for providing 3,860 tons of gold and 37,760 tons of silver. But the king continued to urge his leaders to give generously to the ‘building fund’, and they contributed another 190 tons of gold, plus another 185 pounds, 375 tons of silver, 675 tons of bronze, and 3,750 tons of iron, as well as precious stones.

I don’t know who said this but it’s worth repeating:

“Often the extent to which we are prepared to put at risk our material well-being is a measure of the seriousness with which we take our discipleship”

David’s Prayer  ❤❤❤

These were some of David’s last official words to his nation and his son Solomon. Ancient Near Easterners regarded such statements as extremely important, as indeed they were.  It was so perfect I wanted to cut and paste each line so instead, I put it on a separate piece of paper.  Please feel free to print it, read it often, read it to your kids, hang it on the fridge, use it as a bookmark, or memorize it (if you have that brain capacity.  I can remember every word to every Eagles song but man I struggle on memorizing scripture! Click here.

We end 1 Chronicles with the anointing of Solomon and the death of David.

Psalm 127- Fun Fact: During President Eisenhower’s inauguration he had 2 Bibles: 1 of them was opened to Psalm 127  during it.

Unless the Lord builds the house,
    the builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
    the guards stand watch in vain.

I read this Psalm in several versions: click here to read it in the Message.  It was pretty cool.

Psalm 131, 138, 139, 143, 144, 145

~ Patricia ~ 3 Comments

Psalm 131-SHORT Psalm, but something that should be prayed often.

My heart is not proud, Lord,
    my eyes are not haughty;

I need to pray “Please make my heart not proud, or my eyes haughty”. About a month ago we read Psalm 10, which said:  “In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God”.

Pride is not just a problem for me…it is a problem for everyone even if you don’t want to admit it.  Pride is easier to recognize than to define, easier to recognize in others than ourselves.  Some of the synonyms for pride include arrogance, presumption, conceit, self-satisfaction, or boasting.   It is the opposite of humility.

Haughty I had to look up.  Here is what I found- “Someone who is haughty is arrogant and full of pride. When you’re haughty, you have a big attitude and act like you’re better than other people. A haughty person acts superior and looks down on others. Haughty people are disdainful, overbearing, prideful, swaggering, and obnoxious.”

Psalm 138- Maybe a verse or a stanza stuck out to you.  But I immediately thought of this: Click here.

Psalm 139-   Flag on the field.  I need a time out.  So there I was reading Psalm 139 when I got to verse 13 and realized this is one of those “famous ones” that you see on t-shirts in the South.   And YES verse 13 is BEAUTIFUL-but the rest of the Psalm is incredible!!    Go back and read it again and tell me your favorite part.  To pick one will be so hard!!

Click here to read it again

This Psalm talks about the three “O”s.

  1. God is Omniscient- He knows EVERYTHING about you. Verses 1-6
  2. God is Omnipresent–  He is EVERYWHERE you are. Verses 7-12
  3. God is Omnipotent–  He is ALL POWERFUL.  Verses 13-18

When we have the weight of the world on us it is a good reminder to think about the 3 O’s of God.  It will bring you Peace.

Psalm 143- This another penitential psalm just like Psalm 6.  David prayed for deliverance and guidance. Even when we sin, we can appeal to the Lord for help and restoration on the basis of His faithfulness,  This psalm beautifully combines humble requests and appreciation for God’s character.

Teach me to do your will,
    for you are my God;
may your good Spirit
    lead me on level ground.

Psalm 144- You may have read this and thought it sounded familiar.  In essence, it is the same as Psalm 18.

By now you might be able to read a Psalm and “categorize it”.   This is one of the Royal Psalms:  Here is the total list

Here are ten psalms scholars commonly classify as royal.

Psalm Author Royal Topic
Psalm 2 David King’s coronation
Psalm 18 David King’s battle victory
Psalm 20 David Prayer for king for battle victory
Psalm 21 David Praise by king for battle victory
Psalm 45 Sons of Korah King’s wedding
Psalm 72 Solomon Prayer for king’s dominion
Psalm 89 Ethan the Ezrahite Davidic covenant
Psalm 101 David King’s charter
Psalm 110 David Priestly kingdom
Psalm 144 David Peace by king’s victory
  • When we read royal psalms, we should consider first what they meant in their original context
  • Then we should look at any cross-references to the New Testament
  •  Last, reflect on how the psalm might relate to Jesus’ second coming and eternal reign.

Psalm 145- A Psalm of Praise.  Sorry, it is worship kind of day….

Click here: ❤️

1 Chronicles 23-25

~ Patricia ~ 16 Comments

The year is 937 B.C.  (Question of the day:  what year will it be when we finish the Old Testament)

Verses 1 and 2 provide an outline for what follows in chapters 23—27, but in reverse order.

1:When David was old and full of years, he made his son Solomon king over Israel.

 2:He also gathered together all the leaders of Israel, as well as the priests and Levites

I am betting even if you have been marinating in church all your life you may not have read this part of the Bible (Chapters 23-25)  So I will be honest, do I physically read EVERY name, I intend to…but my eyes take over and they skim a lot!!!  Ohhhh I can’t stop them!!  BUT be better than me…read your Bee Eye Bee  Ell Eeee. Because I skimmed, I threw in a load of laundry and listened to it after.

Here is why: these chapters give a connected view or a visual of the condition of the Levites towards the end of David’s life. UNITY.  (I am sure this view will not stay the same, especially by the time we get to the New Testament).

  • To recap, the Levites (from the tribe of Levi, one of Jacob’s sons) were set apart to take care of the Tabernacle.
  • A Tabernacle: (called a Mishkan in Hebrew)  is a portable sanctuary that the presence of the Lord would dwell as they traveled (or wandered) on the Ark of the Covenant.

BUT now we are building the Temple!  (Well, it is a 20-year project) So, “lots are cast” (remember the rocks called Urim and Thummin: they would use to make decisions because God would use the rocks to answer)Were Joseph Smith's Translation Instruments Like the Israelite Urim and Thummim? | Book of Mormon Central

Anyway, I can chase some of these rabbits all day!    There are three branches of Levi’s family:

  1. Gershonites,
  2. Kohathites, and,
  3. Merarites.

IF you skimmed just make sure you read the summary statement: 23:24 says: 24 These were the descendants of Levi by their families—the heads of families as they were registered under their names and counted individually, that is, the workers twenty years old or more who served in the temple of the Lord. 25 For David had said, “Since the Lord, the God of Israel, has granted rest to his people and has come to dwell in Jerusalem forever, 26 the Levites no longer need to carry the tabernacle or any of the articles used in its service.” 27 According to the last instructions of David, the Levites were counted from those twenty years old or more.

Then the duties for the Levites are explained. When the Israelites left Egypt, the Levites numbered 8,580 (you ask how do I know that….there is a book called Numbers, it is where I find the numbers) 😂 (sorry feeling frisky, it’s my birthday). In David’s day, the Levites numbered 38,000 (which says a lot about the success of the nation under David’s reign)

  • The high priest supervised the priests in their temple service
  • High Priests were descendants of Aaron (Moses’ brother) and constituted only one branch of the Levitical family
  • The priests continued to offer sacrifices and offerings
  • David organized the priests into 24 groups, each of which served for one week at a time (sounds appealing but I would struggle greatly sacrificing an animal…husband maybe, animal….no). Ha!!

Chapter 24

Every detail of the temple service was important to David. This shows his heart for God.  David lowered the priest age from 30 to 20, I am assuming some muscle might have been needed…a lot of work ahead of them!

Chapter 25

David also organized some of the Levitical families as temple musicians: One from each branch

  • Asaph was a Gershonite (6:39-43),  (he’s my favorite Psalmist…says it like it is, no filter)
  • Heman a Kohathite (6:33),
  • Jeduthun (Ethan) a Merarite (6:44-47).

One verse made me laugh:  8 Young and old alike, teacher as well as student, cast lots for their duties.

I just had this visual of them casting lots and saying “awww man, I hate the harp, can we do best out of 3 or rock, paper scissors for the cymbals??”   OR some guy in the corner saying “what are you playing, craps….papa needs a new pair of sandals.”   I am a hot mess today!!

Psalm 108-110

~ Patricia ~ 3 Comments

Psalm 108

This song/psalm of trust is pieced together sections of other Davidic psalms for the Israelites to use in public worship.

  • Verses 1-5 are very similar to 57:7-11,
  • and verses 6-13 are identical to 60:5-12.
  • The theme of this psalm is trust in God because of His promises.

David was relying on God as Israel’s Warrior, not his army, to defeat the enemy. He realized and confessed that if victory depended on the sinful people, they would fall in defeat. We should face our spiritual enemies with the same humility and confidence.

verse 13: With God we will gain the victory,
    and he will trample down our enemies.

For those who have been read through the Bible several times, you may be able to put this into context:

7 God has spoken from his sanctuary:
    “In triumph I will parcel out Shechem
    and measure off the Valley of Sukkoth.
8 Gilead is mine, Manasseh is mine;
    Ephraim is my helmet,
    Judah is my scepter.
9 Moab is my washbasin,
    on Edom I toss my sandal;
    over Philistia I shout in triumph.”

Psalm 109

Ummmmm I wasn’t expecting that!!!  We know David had a HARD life, but I am thinking this prayer was at the LOWEST point in his life.  This is called an Imprecatory Psalm.  Imprecatory means: to invoke evil upon or curse.

This is ROUGH stuff:

6 Appoint someone evil to oppose my enemy;
    let an accuser stand at his right hand.
7 When he is tried, let him be found guilty,
    and may his prayers condemn him.
8 May his days be few;
    may another take his place of leadership.
9 May his children be fatherless
    and his wife a widow.
10 May his children be wandering beggars;
    may they be driven[b] from their ruined homes.
11 May a creditor seize all he has;
    may strangers plunder the fruits of his labor.
12 May no one extend kindness to him
    or take pity on his fatherless children.
13 May his descendants be cut off,
    their names blotted out from the next generation.
14 May the iniquity of his fathers be remembered before the Lord;
    may the sin of his mother never be blotted out.
15 May their sins always remain before the Lord,
    that he may blot out their name from the earth.

Knowing this was going to be the reading today I tried to read or listen to as many commentators as possible on this Psalm last night.  We always have to remember:

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God  may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.  2 Timothy 3:16-17

David’s feelings were real, and God understands what we feel, and always gives us freedom in prayer  BUT that does not mean He “approves” our feelings.  Is it ok to have these feelings and talk to God about them, of course.  Should we pray for evil to come over our enemies?  No.  God is Just.

It’s not his first rodeo!  He’s got it.

Psalm 110

Oh my stars!  I wasn’t expecting that either!!  Psalm 110  is a conversation between God and Jesus!  Could this day be any better??

The New Testament contains more references to this psalm than to any other chapter in the Old Testament :

  • Matt. 22:44; 26:64;
  • Mark 12:36; 14:62; 16:19;
  • Luke 20:42-44; 22:69;
  • Acts 2:34-35;
  • Rom. 8:34;
  • 1 Cor. 15:25;
  • Eph. 1:20;
  • Col. 3:1;
  • Heb. 1:3, 13; 5:6; 7:17, 21; 8:1; 10:12-13; 12:2.
  • And roughly 33 quotations or paraphrases to the first four verses.

I know we have been in the Old Testament a long time, so here is a little New Testament to make you feel great on this Monday:

Mark 12:35: While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, he asked, “Why do the teachers of the law say that the Messiah is the son of David? 36 David himself, speaking by the Holy Spirit, declared:

“‘The Lord said to my Lord:
“Sit at my right hand
until I put your enemies
under your feet.”’

Luke 20:42: David himself declares in the Book of Psalms:

“‘The Lord said to my Lord:
“Sit at my right hand
43 until I make your enemies
a footstool for your feet.”

44 David calls him ‘Lord.’ How then can he be his son?”

If you know me I cannot pass up an opportunity to talk about Melchizadek!

“You are a priest forever,
    in the order of Melchizedek.”

You may not remember: Read Genesis 14:17-24.   Here is the post if you missed it the first time: January 16, click here.

2 Samuel 24, 1 Chronicles 21-22, and Psalm 30

~ Patricia ~ 5 Comments

Today we end 2 Samuel.  Can you believe it!  You have been reading for 144 days.  That’s crazy!

This can be confusing if you just read 2 Samuel and not 1 Chronicles with it at the same time.  1 Chronicles starts with:

“Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel.”

There are many reasons to take a census: organizing a battle, taxing the people, BUT David’s motives were neither.  I am not sure if Satan incited a lack of trust in David that the Lord would win his battles for him regardless of his military size or pride in David’s accumulation.   Either way,  God allowed Satan to test him and he failed.   Even ruthless Joab said “What??” But David ordered him anyway.  As a leader, David’s actions brought a consequence to Israel.  God gave David an option for the consequence:

‘Take your choice:

  1. three years of famine, 
  2. three months of being swept away before your enemies, with their swords overtaking you,
  3. or three days of the sword of the Lord—days of plague in the land, with the angel of the Lord ravaging every part of Israel.

Now then, decide how I should answer the one who sent me.

  • Option 1 would put David/Israelites’ survival in the hands of men, merchants, and farmers to survive
  • Option 2 would put David/Israelites’ survival in the hands of his enemies
  • Option 3 would put David/Israelites’ survival in the hands of God

Who is more merciful: men or God?

David said to Gad, “I am in deep distress. Let me fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is very great; but do not let me fall into human hands.” (He chose Option 3)

God took the very thing that David put his confidence in his “70 units” of military strength.  God is a God of mercy and He relented.

David said to God, “Was it not I who ordered the fighting men to be counted? I, the shepherd, have sinned and done wrong. These are but sheep. What have they done? Lord my God, let your hand fall on me and my family, but do not let this plague remain on your people.” There it is!  David is back.  The man after God’s own heart! ❤️

OK, are you ready for this??   

BIG MOMENT!! 

The Temple Location is Chosen.

  • Back in Deuteronomy 12:5 (Before the Hebrews even entered the Promised Land), God said “But you are to seek the place the Lord your God will choose from among all your tribes to put his Name there for his dwelling. To that place you must go”
  • Wait it gets better!  I am a bit unglued already with excitement.  God always knew where His Temple would be built…Go back even further to Genesis 22.  Abraham’s testing.  He was told to sacrifice his son (his one and only son), but a substitute was provided.  Where was that incident??2 Gen 22: Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.”
    • If you do not remember this OR jumped in late.  PLEASE go back and read it.  God was giving a complete foreshadow of the Cross.  Click here for that reading.  Even if you remember it…revisit it!
    • The region of Mt. Moriah is the region of Mt. Zion (Zion means “marked”).  God always marked the spot!
  • In 2 Samuel 7 (The Davidic Covenant) David was told by God- “And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed.”

I digress!  Back to today’s reading:  2 Sam 24:18: “On that day Gad went to David and said to him, “Go up and build an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.” So David went up, as the Lord had commanded through Gad.”  King David bought that land, under the instruction of God, and it was on that site the first temple was built. The threshing floor of arauna

This is where the Temple will be built:

The Dome of the Rock stands in its place today, see picture below.  The rock inside the dome is where Islamic people believe Abraham prepared to sacrifice Isaac….but it is also the same rock where Islamic people believe Muhammad transcended to Heaven to hang out with prophets like Moses and Jesus, so they built a Mosque there until he, Muhammad,  returns).  Anyway, back to facts…😉, the Bible…not fiction 😂)

Western Wall with the Dome of the Rock in background | Flickr

God chose a Threshing Floor.  Threshing is essentially dividing – separating the wheat from the chaff. Threshing is weaved throughout the whole Bible.  Even in the Psalms, we read about the contrast between the wicked and the righteous.  But my favorite is in the Gospel when John the Baptist is baptizing believers he says:

“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.  His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

1 Chronicles 22- David begins collecting an enormous amount of material to build the Temple so the Ark of the Covenant could dwell there.  But we call it Solomon’s Temple (not David’s Temple) for a reason.

‘You have shed much blood and have fought many wars. You are not to build a house for my Name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in my sight.  But you will have a son who will be a man of peace and rest, and I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side. His name will be Solomon, and I will grant Israel peace and quiet during his reign. He is the one who will build a house for my Name. He will be my son, and I will be his father. And I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.’

But….keep reading…a big IF is coming.  verse 13:
 so that you may keep the law of the Lord your God. Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the Lord gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.

Well, what’s your prediction?  Will Solomon observe the decrees and laws??

Don’t forget to read Psalm 30!

Psalm 95, 97, 98, and 99

~ Patricia ~ 2 Comments

These are called Enthronement Psalms or Royal Psalms.  Most of you cling to the Psalms that Praise and Celebrate God so you will love these.  Even in a “lament” Psalm, you guys (“ya’ll” if you grew up in the South) will read a long Psalm and find that ONE verse that Praises the Lord.  Well, you are in for a wonderful read.

Psalm 95:  I picture a church worship leader feeling the Spirit on his church so powerfully that he grabs the microphone and says with his eyes closed because it is not about himself, but his God

Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord;
    let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before him with thanksgiving
    and extol him with music and song….

And then the congregation in unison would Praise God.  Now picture God looking down on it.  Whoever the Psalmist was who wrote this did the same thing, he called the Israelites to sing his praises.

There is a clear shift at the end of verse 7.  This psalm is a reminder that praise needs to connect with trust and
obedience.  What were Meribah and Massah?  In a word: Ingratitude!   Complaining about your blessings!  I could screenshot you a text I sent to my closest friend that I was on a rant about just this week about “my messy house”, “my busy schedule”, “my weight gain” “how busy work is”.  From God’s viewpoint: Szymanski’s burdens are: her beautiful house, her healthy busy family, the abundance of food, and her amazing job”.

This is a wonderful Psalm and reminder!

Click here to read Exodus 17if you need a recap

Psalm 97-  As you can imagine after reading this I am ready to set up a Zoom with you and read Revelation!  Don’t dare me…I will!!   So I want you to find a  place and actually sing this.  In your house, at work, go outside for a walk  (and when it goes acapella you better be loud!)

CLICK HERE

Psalm 98– You know when you read something and you know it is NOT a coincidence!  Last night about 11:30  I started researching “leveling the playing field” for work.  I got STUCK on the word Equity.  In other words Equality verse Equity.

And then Psalm 98 ends with-

He will judge the world in righteousness
    and the peoples with equity.

Shut up!  These are the moments I have to say “Are you talking to me” (Yes,  I said that in my Robert De Niro Italian voice”.

Look for your one Word from God sometimes.

Psalm 99-

STOP!  So when I write a post in the Psalms I read only one.  I write one.  I read the next one….So can you picture me writing the above, reopening my BIble and THEN reading –

The King is mighty, he loves justice—
    you have established equity;

Back to Psalm 99.-This may be called the Sanctus, or ‘the Holy, Holy, Holy Psalm,’ for the word ‘holy’ is the conclusion and the refrain of its three main divisions.   God extends Mercy without ever compromising His Holiness.  How?  By answering our prayers and forgiving us.  Think about that.  Our Prayers are undeserved!

2 Samuel 22-23 and Psalm 57

~ Patricia ~ 2 Comments

We began 1 Samuel with Hannah’s Song of Praise, it is only fitting we end Samuel with David’s Song of Praise.  This song is almost identical to Psalm 18.  We haven’t read it yet so I posted I attached it.   OK, I wrote a section-by-section cross-reference post and deleted it because each person is going to read a particular stanza and it will be JUST for them.

Chapter 23:  David’s last words:   We have been reading about David since April 12th.  We took a 40 day Journey on David. Here are his last words:

“The inspired utterance of David son of Jesse,
    the utterance of the man exalted by the Most High,
the man anointed by the God of Jacob,
    the hero of Israel’s songs:

2 “The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me;
    his word was on my tongue.
3 The God of Israel spoke,
    the Rock of Israel said to me:
‘When one rules over people in righteousness,
    when he rules in the fear of God,
4 he is like the light of morning at sunrise
    on a cloudless morning,
like the brightness after rain
    that brings grass from the earth.’

5 “If my house were not right with God,
    surely he would not have made with me an everlasting covenant,
    arranged and secured in every part;
surely he would not bring to fruition my salvation
    and grant me my every desire.
6 But evil men are all to be cast aside like thorns,
    which are not gathered with the hand.
7 Whoever touches thorns
    uses a tool of iron or the shaft of a spear;
    they are burned up where they lie.”

David’s last words centered with a prophecy of the Messiah.  Similar prophecies are recorded in Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Zechariah. However, a beautiful confession from David is in verse 2 where he gives all his credit to God who used him as a vessel.

David’s Mighty Men:  We know that the Lord fought his battles for him, but David knew the value of his warriors.  Thirty-Seven of his men deserved special credit for their commitment to David (and the Lord), but The Three were singled out above the rest.

  • Josheb-Basshebeth killed 800 men at one time
  • Eleazar single handily struck down the Philistines
  • Shammah refused to flee and stood his ground and was successful.

Verse 23-39

Thirty heroes are mentioned that were picked from many parts of Israel including Saul’s capital city.  Now that we have read, I am betting you might recognize some of the names at the end 😁.

Psalm 57.  When I read this Psalm I went to my computer and tried to find a worship song that went with it and I just couldn’t find the right feel to it.  What song did you think of?

10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;
    your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

 

 

(Here is the Psalm that matched David’s Song of Praise

Click here to see Psalm 18

Psalm 5, 38, 41, and 42

~ Patricia ~ 3 Comments

Psalm 5. Is it just me or does it feel like you are in a “busy season”?  Guess what…we are always in a busy season.  But this verse stood out to me:

3 In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;
    in the morning I lay my requests before you
    and wait expectantly.

So if I text someone, I wait expectantly for those little bubbles on my phone telling me that they are writing back.  I WAIT EXPECTANTLY.  Do you do that with God?  Did you open your Bible this morning KNOWING the moment you opened it, you should have seen the “little bubbles”.

Beautiful Psalm…I am hoping someone cut and pastes their favorite part and puts it in comments.

Psalm 38.  Do you remember I spoke about the penitential psalms?  This is one of them.  Maybe take a minute and search your heart for a sin that you know you committed BUT rationalized it.  That is not repentance.  Actually seeing the sin through God’s eyes, and hating the sin so much that if you could go back in time you would do it differently.

For I am about to fall,
    and my pain is ever with me.
I confess my iniquity;
    I am troubled by my sin

Psalm 41-Once again I am drawn to the overwhelming sadness David feels regarding “words” “slander” “lies” “speaking falsely”.  I can relate.  I know most of you don’t know me but my outward and inward don’t match.  I appear thick-skinned, confident, strong.  It could not be further from the truth.  Lacey said the other day: “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me” is a lie!!!!  Hashtag true story!

Psalm 42- Close your eyes (after you click play).  Take 5 minutes.