Doing the right thing…

 Doing the right thing…

We are pressured so many times, in many ways to compromise…whether in personal life, public, hidden or in the open…

David had a choice to further his kingship along by killing Saul , but he chose to do the right thing…

 And afterward David's heart struck him, because he had cut off a corner of Saul's robe. 

He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the Lord's anointed, to put out my hand against him, seeing he is the Lord's anointed.” 

So David persuaded his men with these words and did not permit them to attack Saul. 

And Saul rose up and left the cave and went on his way.

1Sam.24.5-7

 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. 

For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 

For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? 

Do not even the tax collectors do the same?

Matt.5.44-46

 But I say to you, love [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for] your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,  so that you may [show yourselves to] be the children of your Father who is in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on those who are evil and on those who are good, and makes the rain fall on the righteous [those who are morally upright] and the unrighteous [the unrepentant, those who oppose Him].  

For if you love [only] those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do that? 

Matt.5.44-46 AMP

 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

Matt.5.44-46KJV

 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. 

For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 

Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 

For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. 

Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? 

Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. 

But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. 

For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. 

Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 

For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 

Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.

Rom.13.1-7

Thank YOU…

All you’ve ever wanted…

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ea-uQFPcvaM

Finding the “right” group…

 Finding the “right” group…

Our family moved when I was in the 4th and 6th grades…the second one was the most traumatic…junior high years, secrets, hormones, class cliques, etc…etc…

We moved to a small town where friendships had long been established and new students were an oddity …consequently making new friends was hard…(although I established lifelong friends at that school)..the beginning was rough…girls that age have cliques which are hard to “break into”, hard to be “accepted “…there was no bullying that I was aware of, just finding your way into the “right” group, fitting in…add to that, I was shy, quiet…it took time to adjust, find the friends who I trusted…and the by the middle of year, I was  ensconced into a group…which changed the following year…

But, God used those times, those experiences, those people in my life… for good…

Thank YOU…

David,in chapter 22 of 1 Samuel, is establishing his “group”…his family, “all those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their leader…400 men…”What a group…to form into an army…

David, who wanted to serve the king…who served the real King…became an “outlaw”…

He wrote his “outlaw” psalms during this time…

Written about Doeg going into the town  of the priests and killing them and the town of people…

 “Why do you boast of evil, you mighty hero?

Why do you boast all day long,you who are a disgrace in the eyes of God? 

You who practice deceit,your tongue plots destruction;it is like a sharpened razor. 

You love evil rather than good,falsehood rather than speaking the truth. 

You love every harmful word,you deceitful tongue! 

Surely God will bring you down to everlasting ruin:He will snatch you up and pluck you from your tent;he will uproot you from the land of the living. 

The righteous will see and fear;they will laugh at you, saying, “Here now is the man who did not make God his stronghold but trusted in his great wealth and grew strong by destroying others!” 

But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God;I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever. 

For what you have done I will always praise youin the presence of your faithful people.

And I will hope in your name,for your name is good.”

Ps.52.1-9

 Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me,for in you I take refuge.I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.

Ps.57.1

“These psalms are classic illustrations of the adage that “poets learn in suffering what they teach in song”. Ironically, the sweetest songs are born out of the saddest moments. As we read these psalms in connection with their events in 1 Samuel, we observe how God uses the refining fires of persecution to forge and shape the character and faith of David.”

https://www.onethingministries.net/word-of-the-lord/articles/the-psalms-in-the-narrative-flow-of-davids-life/

Awake my soul….Psalm 57..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmfRRdSm2us

Desert valleys…

 Desert valleys….

Years ago, I had a friend who remembered coming into the Boise valley in a wagon as a child…she remembered the desert, the dryness, the arid land…they were on their way further west as the Boise valley held no dreams for that family…this was before the dams, the irrigation systems were dreamed of…

Then, just lately another friend posted a video of one of the  present town’s beginnings…starting from a few tents to a bustling farm town…

One of the “deserts” in the world…there are so many that are much more arid than this one…

There was I book I held dear when I moved to the “desert” of Nevada, 56 years ago, by LB Cowman, Streams in the Desert …I was leaving the lushness of Western Oregon and the California Redwoods…those first years and some later were desert/wilderness years…that I needed to see God’s perspective of the streams that he provided…growth years, hard and happy years, faith building years….

In 1 Samuel, David moves from his family’s herd, anointing as king,  fighting in Saul’s army to years in the desert…training years…

Adam and Eve moved from the lushness of the garden of Eden to the desert…

The Israelites went from the land of Egypt to the desert for 40 years…coming into the promised land..

David went to the desert for several years…coming into his kingship at the end…

Israel was exiled to Babylon for 70 years…coming back to the land…

Jesus went into the wilderness for 40 days…came out Triumphant…

God promises he will never leave us or forsake us…even in the wilderness years…He walks with us…preparing the way…

Coming to the feast, the table prepared  for us…

 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.     

He makes me lie down in green pastures,he leads me beside quiet waters,     

he refreshes my soul.He guides me along the right pathsfor his name’s sake. 

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,I will fear no evil,for you are with me;your rod and your staff,they comfort me. 

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil;my cup overflows. 

Surely your goodness and love will follow meall the days of my life,and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Ps.23.1-6

1 Samuel 21

1. David sought refuge in God by going to his house…

2. David sought provision from God…

3. David sought deliverance from the evil one…

4. David sought God’s protection from his enemies…

5. David sought God’s guidance…

6. David praised God…(1 Thess. 5:8)

Psalm 34…when David feigned madness 

 I will extol the Lord at all times;his praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the Lord;let the afflicted hear and rejoice. 

Glorify the Lord with me;let us exalt his name together. 

I sought the Lord, and he answered me;he delivered me from all my fears. 

Those who look to him are radiant;their faces are never covered with shame. 

This poor man called, and the Lord heard him;he saved him out of all his troubles. 

The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him,and he delivers them. 

Taste and see that the Lord is good;blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. 

Fear the Lord, you his holy people,for those who fear him lack nothing. 

The lions may grow weak and hungry,but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. 

Come, my children, listen to me;I will teach you the fear of the Lord. 

Whoever of you loves lifeand desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from eviland your lips from telling lies. 

Turn from evil and do good;seek peace and pursue it. 

The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,and his ears are attentive to their cry; 

but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil,to blot out their name from the earth. 

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them;he delivers them from all their troubles. 

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. 

The righteous person may have many troubles,but the Lord delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones,not one of them will be broken. 

Evil will slay the wicked;the foes of the righteous will be condemned. 

The Lord will rescue his servants;no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.

Ps.34.1-22

Thank YOU…

Give thanks to the Lord…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1m9I7vHYZ0

Great article…

https://inspiredscripture.com/bible-studies/1-samuel-21#gsc.tab=0

 

Pressed down..poured out

 Pressed down…poured out…

The other day, a neighbor/friend came over to ask a favor…her husband was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer, given a few months to live…they needed a Walker, one which he could walk with and also sit in when needed..it just so happens I had an assortment of walkers from my adventures these last few years…and one fit their needs…she  hugged me again and again In tears, thanking me for being an answer to their prayers…..

You know, I didn’t wake up that day knowing I would be helpful to anyone or be an answer to someone’s prayers…God orchestrated it …I just happened to be blessed by it…as well as He….

Going back to God’s fingerprints in our lives that was alluded to the other day…those times when we see Him working , a glimpse of glory…His provision, His care…His rich love…His miracles-events that only He can do…I love watching for those…they me cry in wonder and praise of His great glory….

He has done something in our family this last week, that only he could do…upon receiving the news, I broke down, never expecting the gift he has given…along with so many more…

I thought of John who wrote, “ Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.”

John.21.25

Thank YOU….

 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Luke.6.38

 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. 

He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 

This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. 

These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

Titus.3.4-8

Our God…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-6YdT1DEO8

Friendships 2…toxic…

 Friendships 2…toxic….

Before my husband and I were married as well as several months afterwards, we visited back and forth with one of his friends and his new wife…we always came away drained from the events…grumpy and out of sorts…we moved away soon and the get togethers ceased…

We finally realized that they had a very toxic/dysfunctional relationship which ran over on us when we were around them…( their marriage did not last well or long)…

Toxic and dysfunctional were words that we didn’t know of at the time, but we sure knew what it felt like to be in that kind of friendship…

Yesterday’s blog about good friendships really brought those memories back…we want to seek good friends…those whom we can bear burdens for and those who will bear our burdens…those who lift us up and not tear us down…etc.

Samson and Delilah come to mind as a Biblical toxic relationship, or Haman and King Xerxes in the book of Esther….plus others…

 “Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakesi the fear of the Almighty.

Job.6.14

 In return for my friendship they accuse me,but I am a man of prayer. They repay me evil for good,and hatred for my friendship.

Ps.109.4-5

 The righteous choose their friends carefully,but the way of the wicked leads them astray. 

A perverse person stirs up conflict,and a gossip separates close friends.

Prov.12.26,Prov.16.2

I found some lists of toxic friendships…quite telling…then I had to ask myself, am I toxic? Truthfully answering….

Thank YOU….

Make me a servant…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPZy5HKn9AY

The RED light on  toxic friendships…

Behave selfishly…

They are critical of you…

They’re  too competitive…

They bring you down…

They manipulate you..

They can’t be trusted…

The drama never stops…

They’re insincere…

They’re unreliable…

They isolate you…

They tease or insult you regularly…

They want all of your attention…

They make themselves the perpetual  victim…

Use peer pressure…

They disrespect your boundaries….

Jealous of other friends…

You feel trapped or obligated…

Often withhold truth…

Feel drained…

Feel anxious…

https://www.verywellmind.com/signs-of-a-toxic-friend-8430982

https://www.choosingtherapy.com/toxic-friends/

Freindships…loyalty…

 Friendships….loyalty…

Jonathan, king Saul’s son, became fast friends with David, the next king of Israel… the closest David ever had…they maintained their friendship throughout Jonathan’s life and even extended to Jonathan’s son after David became king…

Loyal-unswerving in allegiance, faithful to a private person to whom faithfulness is due, faithful to a cause, ideal, custom , institution or product….Merriam Webster… 

“Loyalty is one of life’s most costly qualities; it is the most selfless part of love..to be loyal you cannot live only for yourself..” Bible Study notes…

Although Saul became an enemy of David and sought regularly to kill him, Jonathan remained true to his word in love and friendship to David , even while maintaining a relationship with his father, Saul…which must have been tricky, heart rending…

“When David and Jonathan met, they became close friends at once. Their friendship is one of the deepest and closest recorded in the Bible: they based their friendship on commitment to God, not just each other; they let nothing come  between them, not even career, or family problems; they drew closer together when their friendship was tested; they remained friends to the end.” Bible study notes…

 But David took an oath and said, “Your father knows very well that I have found favor in your eyes, and he has said to himself, ‘Jonathan must not know this or he will be grieved.’ Yet as surely as the Lord lives and as you live, there is only a step between me and death.”

1Sam.20.3

 After the boy had gone, David got up from the south side of the stone and bowed down before Jonathan three times, with his face to the ground. Then they kissed each other and wept together—but David wept the most. 

Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘The Lord is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.’” Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the town.

1Sam.20.41-42

 “How the mighty have fallen in battle!

Jonathan lies slain on your heights. 

I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother;you were very dear to me.Your love for me was wonderful,more wonderful than that of women.

2Sam.1.25-6

David and Jonathan, friends…it behooves each to find those lifetime friends…we have Jesus above all who remains our friend through the thick and thin… from the beginning to the end…

“A best friend can bring great joy, comfort, solace, and fun to your life. People are pack animals. They love to roam together and need friends to thrive—friends that share the good times and offer support in the bad.

Great friendships extend life. A 10-year-long Australian study showed that participants with solid friend groups were 22 percent more likely to live longer.”

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/tech-support/201612/8-strategies-for-dealing-with-the-toxic-people-in-your-life

Thank YOU….

What a friend we have in Jesus…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTpUQO0aryw&list=RDYTpUQO0aryw&start_radio=1

Good friends…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2c-shtDOSyQ

Babysitter…

 

I had a “babysitter” for awhile when I was in grade school. She was always there when I got home from school until my parents arrived home from work… it wasn’t that I really needed one, but, a neighbor had abused me and taunted me when I arrived home alone….

That aside, this “babysitter” or friend as we really called her…loved soap operas and would watch them while she ironed awaiting my parents arrival…so  that was my introduction and only time I watched them…

They were filled with drama, with a variety of storylines concurrently weaving themselves together…jealousy, forbidden love, current events or lifestyles were featured and on and on…

As I read this verse about Saul….

 When Saul realized that the Lord was with David and that his daughter Michal loved David, Saul became still more afraid of him, and he remained his enemy the rest of his days.

1Sam.18.28-29

I was drawn back to those soap opera days…the jealousy, the intrigue, the intensity of various relationships…

Paul, in the New Testament, lists traits of an ungodly life…acts of the flesh…followed by the fruit of the Spirit…

Fruit from the Spirit which we need to drawn on as we grow in our faith, our walk with God…not following the flesh…

Not being drawn in by the soap operas of life…and living there…

Instead living in love, joy peace, forbearance, kindness,goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control…a much better life…

Thank YOU….

 

 For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder 2Cor.12.20

 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.

I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 

Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Gal.5.19-26

Fruit of the Spirit…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNOBR6SLHtI