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

One small stone, one big faith…

 One small stone, one big faith….

As I was reading  about David and Goliath this morning, God brought to mind this last year ….

A year ago I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer…the big “C” word, that no one wants to hear…in our family we have heard it a lot…leukemia, colon, lung, prostate, liver, melanoma, skin, Hodgkins, brain, breast and now, ovarian…some treatable and some not….

I thought of David and his five smooth stones…his undoubting faith in God…

 Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine. 

David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” 

As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground.

So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.

1Sam.17:40, 45-50

Each of us may fight a battle, but the words that David  said, “for the battle is the Lord’s “…is the bottom line…whether with a small stone, a small vial of cancer killing drugs, a myriad of other tools to fight the myriad of battles we face daily…it is still in God’s hands…

 Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior,who daily bears our burdens.

Ps.68.19

 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matt.11.28-30

I am soooooo thankful for all the burden bearers who came along side me in my battle…..

 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Gal.6.2

Firm foundation…

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

Appearances…

 Appearances…

In 1986, our family went to the World’s Fair in Vancouver, B.C….one of the exhibits from Egypt was some contents of one of the Egyptian tombs…one whole area of makeup  that the ancient queens wore…so interesting…not much different from today…

“The global cosmetics market size was estimated at USD 295.95 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2024 to 2030. One of the primary factors driving market expansion is the increasing awareness among consumers to enhance their personal appearance”

https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/cosmetics-market

Reading 1 Samuel 16, Samuel was still caught up in appearances of the future king…as he had been with Saul previously…but, 

God was more interested in the heart of the future king….as we should be ourselves…while we may want to look nice, God is really more interested in our hearts and how we staid with Him…

Thank YOU

 David-“ When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed stands here before the Lord.” But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features.Then the Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.””

1Sam.16.6,1Sam.16.7,12

Some other Bible descriptions of people…

 Saul-“There was a Benjamite, a man of standing, whose name was Kish son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bekorath, the son of Aphiah of Benjamin. Kish had a son named Saul, as handsome a young man as could be found anywhere in Israel, and he was a head taller than anyone else.”

1Sam.9.1-2

 Jesus-“He grew up before him like a tender shoot,and like a root out of dry ground.He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.”

Isa.53.2

Paul-

“Paul Coomber

It is worth noting that the Bible seldom focuses on the physical features of people in the Bible narrative. However, there is one account, non-scriptural in origin, which may give us some idea of his appearance.

In the ‘Acts of Paul and Thecla,’ written about A. D. 150, there is a description of Paul which is probably the best, and a true tradition. In this he is described as ‘small in size, bald-headed, bandy-legged, well built, with eyebrows meeting; rather long nosed.’

The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (1997 edition) says about that ancient writing: “It is not impossible that the ‘Acts’ contain some elements of historical truth.” The Acts of Paul and Thecla was highly regarded in early centuries, as confirmed by the fact that 80 Greek manuscripts of it exist, as well as versions in other languages.

Darzkin Saracen

Truthologist at Truth Supremacy, LLC (1997–present)Author has 743 answers and 550.6K answer views1y

Related

Was the Apostle Paul black?

In the Bible, Apostle Paul is mistaken for an Egyptian by a Roman soldier. This incident, along with the stories of Moses and Joseph blending into Egyptian society, can be analyzed to understand the racial identity of Paul, a Jew who converted to Christianity to spread Jesus Christ's teachings.

In Acts 21 the following verses read:

• 37 And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek?

• 38 Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?

• 39 But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.

Let's examine and combine specific biblical narratives to understand the relationship between the physical appearances of ancient Jews and Egyptians to better piece together the racial identity of Apostle Paul. The argument is built on three interconnected premises:

1. Premise 1: Moses, a Hebrew, was raised in Pharaoh's court and accepted as an Egyptian, suggesting that his physical appearance did not betray his Hebrew origin.

2. Premise 2: Joseph, also a Hebrew, rose to prominence in Egypt, and his brothers failed to recognize him when they arrived in Egypt. This may further indicate that there were no significant physical differences that would have marked him as distinct from Egyptians.

3. Premise 3: The Apostle Paul was mistaken for an Egyptian by a Roman soldier in Acts 21:37-38. Paul corrected the soldier by identifying himself as a Jew from Tarsus, a city in Cilicia (part of modern-day Turkey).”

“Appearance doesn’t reveal what people are really like or what their true value is….God judges by faith and character not appearances…” Bible notes

Lead me, Lord….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1jlHA6iLJQ

Verses of comfort….19…

 Verses of comfort…19…

I have been dealing with back pain since college…and sometimes it is a lot worse than others, for whatever reason…was working on upper back and lower back before cancer and colon surgery…and laying in the hospital bed for a month and rehab for 2 1/2 months did not help, although so much steroids and pain killers masked it for a time…

(Much of what I am experiencing now is from lifting my husband when he was ill with cancer…but, I wouldn’t trade that time for anything…)

As I lay awake last night, I thought of this first verse…totally out of context …how long, how long….will my enemy(pain) triumph over me…as I wrestled for a comfortable position, sheets and blankets….

I actually had to chuckle through it…He does comfort us….

Thank YOU….

 “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?” (Psalm 13:1-2 NIV)

“To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27 NIV).

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure” (Hebrews 6:19a NIV).

“When I was sick, you took care of me” (Matthew 25:36

“A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy” (John 16:21-22 NIV).

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13 NIV). 

 

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23

He’s my rock, my sword…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HumevW8l2lA

Isaiah 25…

 Isaiah 25…

Because the day is the 25th, I looked up Isaiah 25, just to see what he wrote…a blessing…

 Lord, you are my God;I will exalt you and praise your name,for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things,things planned long ago. 

( Oh sing to the Lord a new song,for he has done marvelous things!His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.

Ps.98.1)

You have made the city a heap of rubble,the fortified town a ruin,the foreigners’ stronghold a city no more;it will never be rebuilt. 

Therefore strong peoples will honor you;cities of ruthless nations will revere you. 

You have been a refuge for the poor,a refuge for the needy in their distress,a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat.

( Let me dwell in your tent forever!Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah

Ps.61.4)

For the breath of the ruthless is like a storm driving against a wall     

and like the heat of the desert.

You silence the uproar of foreigners;as heat is reduced by the shadow of a cloud,so the song of the ruthless is stilled. 

On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples,a banquet of aged wine—the best of meats and the finest of wines. 

( I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven,

Matt.8.11)

On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples,the sheet that covers all nations;     

he will swallow up death forever.The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tearsfrom all faces;he will remove his people’s disgrace from all the earth.The Lord has spoken. 

( When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:“Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory?O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1Cor.15.54-57)

( He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Rev.21.4)

In that day they will say,“Surely this is our God;we trusted in him, and he saved us.This is the Lord, we trusted in him;let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.” 

( May we shout for joy over your salvation,and in the name of our God set up our banners!May the Lord fulfill all your petitions!

Ps.20.5)

The hand of the Lord will rest on this mountain;but Moab will be trampled in their land as straw is trampled down in the manure. They will stretch out their hands in it,as swimmers stretch out their hands to swim.

God will bring down their pride despite the cleverness of their hands. He will bring down your high fortified walls-and lay them low;he will bring them down to the ground,to the very dust.

( In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him;all his thoughts are, “There is no God.”

Ps.10.4)

Isa.25.1-12

Thank YOU…

Forever…

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

Altars…

 Altars…

To whom do we set up altars?

I thought it was interesting that in two chapters, king Saul set up two altars…one to the Lord for His help…the second one to himself in his pride…

Even the first one was done as an afterthought …he had done what he thought was right without consulting God…

It made me think of the monuments we erect for various events…in honor of others, temples to various gods around the world…

Saul’s second altar was in his own honor, for his “own” victory…he was an on again, off again, halfhearted follower of God…

 Then Saul built an altar to the Lord; it was the first time he had done this.

1Sam.14.35

 Early in the morning Samuel got up and went to meet Saul, but he was told, “Saul has gone to Carmel. There he has set up a monument in his own honor and has turned and gone on down to Gilgal.”

1Sam.15.12

 But Samuel said to him, “I will not go back with you. You have rejected the word of the Lord, and the Lord has rejected you as king over Israel!” 

As Samuel turned to leave, Saul caught hold of the hem of his robe, and it tore. Samuel said to him, “The Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to one of your neighbors—to one better than you. He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a human being, that he should change his mind.” 

Saul replied, “I have sinned. But please honor me before the elders of my people and before Israel; come back with me, so that I may worship the Lord your God.” 

So Samuel went back with Saul, and Saul worshiped the Lord. Then Samuel left for Ramah, but Saul went up to his home in Gibeah of Saul. 

Until the day Samuel died, he did not go to see Saul again, though Samuel mourned for him. And the Lord regretted that he had made Saul king over Israel…

1Sam.27-31, 34-35

“Altars serve as powerful reminders of our devotion to God. They are not just physical structures; they symbolize our commitment to worship, sacrifice, and prayer. When we look at the Bible verses about altars, we notice they help us to reflect on our relationship with God. Consider this: every time we step to an altar, we are meeting God in a special way, just like our ancestors did. They remind us of the holiness of God and our obedience to His will. Through the act of building or coming to an altar, we acknowledge God’s power and presence in our lives. Each time we turn our hearts towards an altar, we renew our commitment to a life filled with faith, love, and service.”biblestudyforyou.com

 Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner. He said, “Because hands were lifted up against the throne of the Lord, the Lord will be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation.”

Exod.17.15-16

 Then Joshua built on Mount Ebal an altar to the Lord, the God of Israel, as Moses the servant of the Lord had commanded the Israelites. He built it according to what is written in the Book of the Law of Moses—an altar of uncut stones, on which no iron tool had been used. On it they offered to the Lord burnt offerings and sacrificed fellowship offerings.

Josh.8.30-31

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

Ps.127.1

Thank YOU….

Psalm 127 Song…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcGhyVlvX3g

https://builtbyhim.com/2018/09/04/lesson-3-saul-proud-in-heart/

https://www.gotquestions.org/what-is-an-altar.html

https://biblestudyforyou.com/bible-verses-about-altars/

Farewell…

 Farewell….

 Samuel said to all Israel, “I have listened to everything you said to me and have set a king over you. Now you have a king as your leader. As for me, I am old and gray, and my sons are here with you. I have been your leader from my youth until this day. Here I stand. Testify against me in the presence of the Lord and his anointed. Whose ox have I taken? Whose donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated? Whom have I oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe to make me shut my eyes? If I have done any of these things, I will make it right.”

1Sam.12.1-3

The first we hear of Samuel is the beginning of the book of 1 Samuel..before he was born…

Here he is in Chapter 12 giving his farewell speech…..and he doesn’t actually die until Chapter 25 …he apparently was in his 50’s…he anointed two kings, saw the nation  of Israel  move from a loosely governed tribal people to a monarchy which they demanded…was a trusted judge, leader, prophet…

His leadership, his faithfulness were well known…

What do we leave behind…what will be our legacy, our report…

Thank YOU….

 The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba recognized that Samuel was attested as a prophet of the Lord.

1Sam.3.19-20

 Moses and Aaron were among his priests,Samuel was among those who called on his name;they called on the Lordand he answered them. He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud;they kept his statutes and the decrees he gave them.

 Ps.99.6-7

 Then the Lord said to me: “Even if Moses and Samuel were to stand before me, my heart would not go out to this people. Send them away from my presence! Let them go!

Jer.15.1

 “Indeed, beginning with Samuel, all the prophets who have spoken have foretold these days. And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.’ When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.

Acts.3.24-26

 And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; …. Heb.11.32,Heb.11.33a

 Gray hair is a crown of splendor;it is attained in the way of righteousness. The glory of young men is their strength,gray hair the splendor of the old.

Prov.16.31,Prov.20.29

How deep is the Father’s love…

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

Hidden..l

 Hidden…

Reading this section in 1 Samuel, what comes to mind…so many things…but the word, hidden, caught me…

Made me think of Adam and Eve hiding from God in their disobedience…

Gideon hiding, thrashing grain for food, so the enemy didn’t take it or him…

A treasure hidden in the  field to be found…

Rahab hiding  the spies…

Moses hidden in a basket…

Jehoshabeath hiding Joash from death…

And more…

But Saul, hiding amongst the baggage…knew he was to be king…

Was he afraid of the huge responsibilities that were to come…was he shy, was he afraid of failure, afraid of what others might think, unsure of how to proceed…(Bible notes)…we don’t know…

But, we know that God  gave him the strength to face the task set before him…

When we are called to a task that God has prepared, we know that God is going before us, with us and will give us the ability to complete it…

 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Phil.1.6

 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Phil.4.13

Thank YOU…

 Samuel summoned the people of Israel to the Lord at Mizpah and said to them, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘I brought Israel up out of Egypt, and I delivered you from the power of Egypt and all the kingdoms that oppressed you.’ But you have now rejected your God, who saves you out of all your disasters and calamities. And you have said, ‘No, appoint a king over us.’ 

So now present yourselves before the Lord by your tribes and clans.” 

When Samuel had all Israel come forward by tribes, the tribe of Benjamin was taken by lot. 

Then he brought forward the tribe of Benjamin, clan by clan, and Matri’s clan was taken. 

Finally Saul son of Kish was taken. 

But when they looked for him, he was not to be found. So they inquired further of the Lord, “Has the man come here yet?”

And the Lord said, “Yes, he has hidden himself among the supplies.” 

They ran and brought him out, and as he stood among the people he was a head taller than any of the others. 

Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see the man the Lord has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people.”Then the people shouted, “Long live the king!”

1Sam.10.17-24

 He is able… 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhJlCJ8jkec

Whiners…

 Whiners….

Whine=complain, fuss, grouch,murmur, bellyache,gripe, mutter,caterwaul, croak, moan, nag, squawk, yammer, grump, crab, etc., etc., etc.,…Merriam Webster…

As a parent, I have heard whiny children….as a human being I have whined…wanting my way until someone gives in or I go away grumbling, murmuring, nagging, griping…not what I want to be known for…

Reading 1 Samuel 8 is yet another example of whining children…rejection, consequences…”we want what they have”, I want something besides this…never satisfied…

The saddest words…”they have rejected me…”

God gave and gave, gives and gives…and we want more, whining for our way…instead of being satisfied….

Thank YOU….and forgive me….

 “When Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons as Israel’s leaders. The name of his firstborn was Joel and the name of his second was Abijah, and they served at Beersheba. But his sons did not follow his ways. They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice. 

So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. 

They said to him, “You are old, and your sons do not follow your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.” 

But when they said, “Give us a king to lead us,” this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the Lord. 

And the Lord told him: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will claim as his rights.” 

Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking him for a king. 

He said, “This is what the king who will reign over you will claim as his rights: 

He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots and horses, and they will run in front of his chariots. (14:52, 2 Samuel 15:1)

Some he will assign to be commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, 

and others to plow his ground and reap his harvest,

and still others to make weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. 

He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers.(2 Chonicles 2:17,18)

He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. (1 Kings 21:5-16, 9:10-15)

He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants. (1 Kings 12:1-16)

Your male and female servants and the best of your cattle and donkeys he will take for his own use. 

He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves. 

When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, but the Lord will not answer you in that day.” 

But the people refused to listen to Samuel. 

“No!” they said. “We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.” 

When Samuel heard all that the people said, he repeated it before the Lord. 

The Lord answered, “Listen to them and give them a king.”….

1Sam.8.1-22a

 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. You shall not set your desire on your neighbor’s house or land, his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

Deut.5.21

 Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife.

Prov.21.19

 Death and Destruction are never satisfied,and neither are human eyes.

Prov.27.20

 Whoever loves money never has enough;whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.This too is meaningless.

Eccl.5.10

 When I fed them, they were satisfied;when they were satisfied, they became proud;then they forgot me. 

Where is your king, that he may save you?

Where are your rulers in all your towns,of whom you said,‘Give me a king and princes’? 

So in my anger I gave you a king,and in my wrath I took him away.

Hos.13.6,Hos.13.10-11

Because I’m forgiven…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihRxhCmkl4E

Speak, your servant is listening…

 Speak,your servant is listening…

Our family, along with many others support a Bible publishing ministry which partners with over a thousand other ministries around the world to get the Word of God into people’s hands , written, visually or digitally…Getting the Word to the ends of the earth…translation into as many languages, dialects as possible…each year, thanks to computers, more and more are 

translated  and transported to people waiting to have access to the Word…the most published book in the world…

Reading about Samuel with the description of his time, “the word of the Lord was rare” is so sad…when our generation has so much accessibility to the Word…but, just because we have access, doesn’t mean we access it either……it can still sit on our shelves, we can refuse to listen the Spirit speak and go on our merry way…not paying heed to the Word as they seemingly did in Samuel’s day…each doing right in their own eyes…

I can only pray we heed His Word, His  lessons each day…

Thank YOU…

 Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision.

1Sam.3.1

 We do not see our signs;there is no longer any prophet,and there is none among us who knows how long.

Ps.74.9

 “Behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord God,“when I will send a famine on the land—not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water,but of hearing the words of the Lord.

Amos.8.11

 “‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares,that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh,and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,and your young men shall see visions,and your old men shall dream dreams; even on my male servants and female servantsin those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.

Acts.2.17-18

 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. 

Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith. But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men.

2Tim.3.1-9

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

2Tim.3.16-17

 The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”

Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

1Sam.3.10

“Listening and responding is vital in a relationship with God.

 Although God does not always use the sound of a human voice, he always speaks clearly through his Word. To receive his messages, we must be ready to listen and to act upon what he tells us. “ Bible  Study notes…

Word of God speak…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PbUNhbeBZM

Ancient Words…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouTgX9hcwk4

 

Bearing children…

 

Bearing children…

Watching the birth of a child is watching a miracle…your heart is tendered by the sight…and experiencing it first hand is like nothing   else…oh, it is painful, scary, but the joy of holding that tiny squiggly being, with their eyes on you for the first time is like a moment no other…you want to praise and cry at the same time…until you realize you hold this tiny person in your hands and you are responsible for his/her care,  nurturing forever…from babyhood through adulthood…they are a gift from the creator…to you personally…

As I reread Hannah’s prayer written centuries before Christ, I had to reread Mary’s prayer as well…their praise, their confidence in God…during these tender moments of new beginnings…

“Like Hannah and Mary, we should be confident of God’s ultimate control over the events in our lives, and we should be thankful for the ways God has  blessed us.  By praising God for all the good gifts, we acknowledge his ultimate control over all the affairs of life”. Bible notes..

Thank YOU….

 Then Hannah prayed and said:“My heart rejoices in the Lord;in the Lord my horn is lifted high.

My mouth boasts over my enemies,for I delight in your deliverance. 

“There is no one holy like the Lord;there is no one besides you;there is no Rock like our God. “

Do not keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance,for the Lord is a God who knows,and by him deeds are weighed. 

“The bows of the warriors are broken,but those who stumbled are armed with strength. 

Those who were full hire themselves out for food,but those who were hungry are hungry no more.

She who was barren has borne seven children,but she who has had many sons pines away. 

“The Lord brings death and makes alive;he brings down to the grave and raises up. 

The Lord sends poverty and wealth;

he humbles and he exalts. 

He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap;

he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor.

“For the foundations of the earth are the Lord’s;on them he has set the world. 

He will guard the feet of his faithful servants,but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness.

“It is not by strength that one prevails;

those who oppose the Lord will be broken.

The Most High will thunder from heaven;the Lord will judge the ends of the earth.

“He will give strength to his king and exalt the horn of his anointed.”

1Sam.2.1-10

 And Mary said,“My soul magnifies the Lord,     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.

For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me,and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. 

He has shown strength with his arm;

he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; 

he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; 

he has filled the hungry with good things,and the rich he has sent away empty. 

He has helped his servant Israel,in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers,to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

Luke.1.46-55

Rejoice in the Lord…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kAIA5qxmHk

 

 

“Friendships” and acquaintances….. the Peninnahs in our lives…

Over the years, and they are getting to be many…in business and personal life, my husband and I have met many, many people…both rich and poor, a variety of cultures, those who we have given our trust and friendship to…those who have given their trust and friendship to us…

There have also been those who ridiculed, who embezzled, who have scoffed, who lied to us…those who caused us to miss many a night’s worth of sleep…as well as tears of anguish,  frustration…

Thankfully the good have far outweighed the bad…no matter what , we knew God would see us through…even in the tears…

Now as a widow, I still meet a variety of people…

Reading about Hannah and Peninnah, brought up some of those hard memories…

My Bible notes…”rather than dwelling upon our problems, we can enjoy the loving relationships God has given us…by doing so, we can exchange self-pity for hope”…

Thank YOU…

 There was a certain man from Ramathaim, a Zuphite from the hill country of Ephraim, whose name was Elkanah son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. He had two wives; one was called Hannah and the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none. Year after year this man went up from his town to worship and sacrifice to the Lord Almighty at Shiloh, where Hophni and Phinehas, the two sons of Eli, were priests of the Lord. Whenever the day came for Elkanah to sacrifice, he would give portions of the meat to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters. But to Hannah he gave a double portion because he loved her, and the Lord had closed her womb. Because the Lord had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her. This went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the Lord, her rival provoked her till she wept and would not eat.

1Sam.1.1-7

 Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.” 

She said, “May your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast. 

So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I asked the Lord for him.”

1Sam.1.17-18, 20

 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?.

Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. 

But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. 

Do to others as you would have them do to you.

Luke.6.27,Luke.6.32-36,Luke.6.31

 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Rom.8.28

Turn your eyes upon Jesus…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5X85txs60yY

Ruth …5…widows in the Bible…

 Ruth…5….Widows in the Bible…

As the 13th anniversary of my husband’s passing is approaching, reading about Ruth and Naomi is bittersweet….it is a reminder of his absence, but also of God’s care…

There are several widows mentioned in the Bible in both the Old and New Testaments …miracles are associated with  some of these widows..

But, one caring standout first…it is how Jesus, on the cross, bleeding, dying, took care of his widowed mother…giving over her care to one of his disciples…John 19:25-30

Jesus also raised a son of a widow …Luke 7:11-17..

Other widows that quickly come to mind are…the widow of Zarephath…a widow ready to die from lack of food…Elijah asks for food which she gives and in  turn her food did not run out as she obeyed and gave her “last” flour and oil…1 Kings 17…

 Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.’”

1Kgs.17.13-14

The widow and the oil…

 The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that he revered the Lord. But now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves.” 

Elisha replied to her, “How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?”“Your servant has nothing there at all,” she said, “except a small jar of olive oil.” 

Elisha said, “Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few. Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side.” 

She left him and shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring. When all the jars were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another one.”But he replied, “There is not a jar left.” Then the oil stopped flowing. 

She went and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left.”

2Kgs.4.1-7

The widow and the coins…Mark 12

The widow and the unjust judge…Luke 8

Anna…we usually only speak of her at Christmas…Luke 2,3

She must have been about the same age as Ruth when she became a widow…she stayed a widow and dedicated herself wholly to the Lord and is rewarded by seeing the Savior …whereas Ruth’s plan was to remarry and become part of the lineage of the Savior…

Paul exhorts Timothy about care of widows 1 Timothy 5…

Dorcas cared for the widows…in Acts 9…

Thank YOU…

https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-widows.html

https://biblestudyforyou.com/verses-about-widows-in-the-bible/

https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/bible-verses-about-widows/

https://www.beliefnet.com/faiths/christianity/6-inspiring-stories-of-courageous-widows-in-the-bible.aspx

https://christianpure.com/learn/widows-bible/

https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Widows

https://sharonwilharm.com/widows-in-the-bible/#dorcas

https://www.askayoungwidow.com/widows-in-the-bible/

 “Do not take advantage of the widow or the fatherless. 

If you do and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry. 

My anger will be aroused, and I will kill you with the sword; your wives will become widows and your children orphans…

Exod.22.22-24

 Sing to God, sing in praise of his name,extol him who rides on the clouds;rejoice before him—his name is the Lord. 

A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,is God in his holy dwelling.

Ps.68.4-5

 Learn to do right; seek justice.Defend the oppressed.Take up the cause of the fatherless;plead the case of the widow.

Isa.1.17

  “Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame.Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated.You will forget the shame of your youthand remember no more the reproach of your widowhood. 

For your Maker is your husband—the Lord Almighty is his name—the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer;he is called the God of all the earth.

Isa.54.4-5

Is He Worthy…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auHMeQit4Wk

Ruth….4…love…

 Ruth… 4…love…

It has been said the gospel is preached throughout the Bible…God’s Word to us is a story and history of love…

From Biblestudytools.com…a one sentence description of Old Testament books…

“Ruth…

The ultimate Redeemer (Jesus Christ) is foreshadowed through the picture of Boaz, the kinsman-redeemer, in the ancestral line of Christ..”

“Praise the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer.” Ruth 4:14

He created the world, the universae and mankind out of love…

He had a plan for redemption from the beginning…

The small book of Ruth, written about a family, a community, a kinsman-redeemer show us redemption and love…a short love story…and so much more…

Out of love, Ruth stayed with Naomi, cared for her, provided for her…out of love Naomi suggested a way toward the future with Boaz, their kinsman- redeemer…out of compassion Boaz cared for    a stranger in need of food and sustenance, the bread of life…out of love Boaz married Ruth fathering an ancestor to King David, thus entering into the lineage of Christ…

All of this while the Book of Judges was happening, the rise and fall of Judges, the nation of Israel falling and returning to God…

The “side” stories of everyday people goes on through the ages…through wars, rumors of wars, the ups and downs of life…the love of God continues…Christ’s kingdom still moves forward…and will forever….

God still cares for people along the way as Naomi and Ruth did….He takes care of the widows and orphans…He shows compassion by bringing us to the Bread of Life, Jesus…He has sent us a Redeemer…a Saviour…Jesus…

Thank YOU….

 Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer,who formed you from the womb:“I am the Lord, who made all things,who alone stretched out the heavens,who spread out the earth by myself,

Isa.44.24

 For your Maker is your husband,the Lord of hosts is his name;and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer,the God of the whole earth he is called.

Isa.54.5

 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”

John.6.35-40

 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

Rom.1.16-17

 So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And he went in to her, and the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son. 

Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.” 

Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her lap and became his nurse. And the women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi.” They named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David. 

Now these are the generations of Perez: Perez fathered Hezron, Hezron fathered Ram, Ram fathered Amminadab, Amminadab fathered Nahshon, Nahshon fathered Salmon, Salmon fathered Boaz, Boaz fathered Obed, Obed fathered Jesse, and Jesse fathered David.

Ruth.4.13-22

My Redeemer lives…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRW-jr_PnbQ

Ruth…3…

 Ruth…3…reputation…

 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.

1Tim.3.7

One of the character qualities I think of when I read the book of Ruth is reputation…

Elimelech, Naomi’s husband made the decision to provide for his family by moving them to a hostile country because of the severe famine in Judah…he was a provider…until.he died…leaving his family in the care of two sons who married Moabite women…

Naomi…now a widow along with two widowed daughter-in-laws decide to return to Bethlehem as the famine is over…she must have been a  strong woman…a loving one as she cared for and blessed her daughters in law…she knew the in and outs of Jewish Law as she advised Ruth…she was also a grieving and bitter woman for a time as she told others about her emotional trials…she was a godly woman as she references how God worked in her life and Ruth follows her because of God in her life…

“Even in our sorrow and calamity, God can bring great blessings…”

Bible Application Notes…

Ruth…faithful, loving….providing as she went to the fields to glean for food for she and her mother in law, threshing and grinding it…thoughtful…obedient, “I will do whatever you say”…”a woman of noble character “, a report of the townsmen to Boaz…patient, as she waited for for answers…respectful and honoring as she spoke to Boaz…

Field workers…obedient to Boaz’s request…diligent, as they worked for Boaz…

Elders, women, Townsmen and kinsman-redeemer…Willing to follow the law and traditions to carry out Boaz’s report and request of Naomi’s land issue…blessed Boaz and Ruth…

Boaz…kind, caring as he saw a need in Ruth and Naomi’s living situation…compassionate as he cared for Ruth’s reputation…

Godly, as he blessed Ruth…

“We will not know the full purpose of our lives until we are able to look back from the perspective of eternity..we must make our choices with God’s eternal values in mind…live in faithfulness to God, knowing that the significance of your life will extend beyond your lifetime…” Bible Application Notes…

Thank YOU…

I know whom I have believed…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXE7WofDZLk

Ruth ….2…

 

Ruth…2…

“ which is way we know this book forever remains a place where the disciples can find instruction, the heedless can find warning, the weary, inspiration…the faint hearted, courage…and the sorrowful, comfort…help us to trust You and lead us into Your plans and purposes…” Carolyn Miller….

I realize that Ruth and Naomi did not have the written Word as we know it today…but they had faith…I thought of them as I read this passage written by Carolyn Miller this morning…

They were weary and needed inspiration…

They were faint hearted and needed Courage…

They were sorrowful and needed comfort…

They were hungry and needed provision…

They were homeless and needed shelter…

They needed a plan…

They needed a purpose…

They needed a redeemer…and God provided…

They saw their immediate needs, but God saw the bigger picture for their lives…

 “Don’t call me Naomi,” she told them. “Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The Lord has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me.” 

So Naomi returned from Moab accompanied by Ruth the Moabite, her daughter-in-law, arriving in Bethlehem as the barley harvest was beginning. 

And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.”Naomi said to her, “Go ahead, my daughter.” So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters. As it turned out, she was working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelek. 

So Boaz said to Ruth, “My daughter, listen to me. Don’t go and glean in another field and don’t go away from here. Stay here with the women who work for me. Watch the field where the men are harvesting, and follow along after the women. I have told the men not to lay a hand on you. And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled.” At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. 

She asked him, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?” May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.” 

“The Lord bless him!” Naomi said to her daughter-in-law. “He has not stopped showing his kindness to the living and the dead.” 

She added, “That man is our close relative; he is one of our guardian-redeemers.” 

Naomi said to Ruth her daughter-in-law, “It will be good for you, my daughter, to go with the women who work for him, because in someone else’s field you might be harmed.” 

So Ruth stayed close to the women of Boaz to glean until the barley and wheat harvests were finished. And she lived with her mother-in-law.

Ruth.1.20-22,Ruth.2.2,Ruth.2.3,Ruth.2.8,Ruth.2.9,Ruth.2.10,Ruth.2.12,Ruth.2.20,Ruth.2.22,Ruth.2.23

Thank YOU…

I will celebrate….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiMMyZzl5vA

Over and over…

 Over and over…

Rebellion and redemption….Judges…

The following verses start at the beginning of judges and end with the last verse… repetition of the same theme…a people going their own ways, then crying out to God for help when events are bad…turning away from God, repenting, turning back to Him….over and over…

It brought to mind events in our own country…like 911…people praying , unity in thoughts, helping one another and then going our own way again…

Or it happens in our lives…we drift along, going our own way until some catastrophe happens and we turn back to our God for help…

Oh that our walk would be stable, always following the Lord…not the see-saw we see in the book of Judges…

Thank YOU…

Order my steps in your Word…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxnZVrp1NHY

 The people served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him and who had seen all the great things the Lord had done for Israel. 

After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel. 

Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord and served the Baals. 

They forsook the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of Egypt. 

They followed and worshiped various gods of the peoples around them. 

They aroused the Lord’s anger because they forsook him and served Baal and the Ashtoreths. 

In his anger against Israel the Lord gave them into the hands of raiders who plundered them. 

He sold them into the hands of their enemies all around, whom they were no longer able to resist. 

Whenever Israel went out to fight, the hand of the Lord was against them to defeat them, just as he had sworn to them. 

They were in great distress. 

Yet they would not listen to their judges but prostituted themselves to other gods and worshiped them. 

They quickly turned from the ways of their ancestors, who had been obedient to the Lord’s commands. 

Whenever the Lord raised up a judge for them, he was with the judge and saved them out of the hands of their enemies as long as the judge lived; for the Lord relented because of their groaning under those who oppressed and afflicted them. 

But when the judge died, the people returned to ways even more corrupt than those of their ancestors, following other gods and serving and worshiping them. 

They refused to give up their evil practices and stubborn ways. The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord; they forgot the Lord their God and served the Baals and the Asherahs. 

But when they cried out to the Lord, he raised up for them a deliverer, Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, who saved them. 

Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord, and because they did this evil the Lord gave Eglon king of Moab power over Israel. 

Again the Israelites cried out to the Lord, and he gave them a deliverer—Ehud, a left-handed man, the son of Gera the Benjamite. The Israelites sent him with tribute to Eglon king of Moab. 

Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord, now that Ehud was dead. 

The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord, and for seven years he gave them into the hands of the Midianites. 

Midian so impoverished the Israelites that they cried out to the Lord for help. 

No sooner had Gideon died than the Israelites again prostituted themselves to the Baals. 

They set up Baal-Berith as their god Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord. 

They served the Baals and the Ashtoreths, and the gods of Aram, the gods of Sidon, the gods of Moab, the gods of the Ammonites and the gods of the Philistines. 

And because the Israelites forsook the Lord and no longer served him, Then the Israelites cried out to the Lord, “We have sinned against you, forsaking our God and serving the Baals.” 

Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord, so the Lord delivered them into the hands of the Philistines for forty years. 

In those days Israel had no king.

And in those days the tribe of the Danites was seeking a place of their own where they might settle, because they had not yet come into an inheritance among the tribes of Israel. 

In those days Israel had no king.

Now a Levite who lived in a remote area in the hill country of Ephraim took a concubine from Bethlehem in Judah. 

In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.

Judg.2.7,Judg.2.10,Judg.2.11,Judg.2.12,Judg.2.13,Judg.2.14,Judg.2.15,Judg.2.17,Judg.2.18,Judg.2.19,Judg.3.7,Judg.3.9,Judg.3.12,Judg.3.15,Judg.4.1,Judg.6.1,Judg.6.6,Judg.8.33,Judg.10.6,Judg.10.10,Judg.13.1,Judg.18.1,Judg.19.1,Judg.21.25

 Pride and vengeance….

Reading about Samson again…

When I think about pride and vengeance in the Bible, my two top examples, and there are others,  are Samson in the Book of Judges  and Haman in the book of Esther…

Of course there are some differences…

Both had a special position…Samson a judge who made it to the faith Chapter in Hebrews…Haman was a high advisor to a king, but was killed in disgrace…so may similarities and differences…

Would love to be counted among the faithful as Samson, but not face all the trials and bad decisions he made… head strong and willful, a picture of the Israelites, back and forth, obedient and disobedient. 

Thank YOU for the reminder…

Make me a servant …

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=r6U8O_WnPZY&pp=ygUebWFrZSBhIHNlcnZhbnQgaHVtYmxlIGFuZCBraW5k

 For the wicked boasts of the desires of his soul,and the one greedy for gain curses and renounces the Lord. In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him;all his thoughts are, “There is no God.”

Ps.10.3-4

 Therefore pride is their necklace;violence covers them as a garment.

Ps.73.6

 The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil.Pride and arrogance and the way of eviland perverted speech I hate.

Prov.8.13

 When pride comes, then comes disgrace,but with the humble is wisdom.

Prov.11.2

 Pride goes before destruction,and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Prov.16.18

 For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”

Mark.7.21-23

 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.

1John.2.15-16

 Vengeance is mine, and recompense,for the time when their foot shall slip;for the day of their calamity is at hand,and their doom comes swiftly.’

Deut.32.35

Story writing…

 Story writing…

*introduction…

*rising action….

*climax…

*Falling action…

*resolution…

I watch movies on tv…they have these key components…and the advertisements seem to even revolve around these components…the last advertisement coming right before the resolution…the happy ending, the kiss, the looks,  the engagement, the wedding, etc…it all fits neatly into 2 hours.

The book of Ruth does it in 4 short chapters…

We get the introduction, whom she is, what is happening, the climax of the thrashing floor, how she is taken care of and the resolution-the marriage of Ruth…the birth of a son…and much more….and definitely a sequel….

Characters of a deceased husband and father in law, sister in law, mother in law, laborers, citizens of Bethlehem, Boaz, relatives of her husband’s family…

All these things are part of this life story…which takes place in the turbulent times of the Judges, the ups and downs  of Israelites…”everyone did as he saw fit”…(the sentence before the beginning of the book of Ruth).

We find her in Moab, a Moabite woman who married an Israelite man, became part of an Israelite family as did her sister in law…the husbands and father in law all die…what amazing grief they all  faced…

Naomi, the mother in law decides to return to her homeland and town, broken, widowed, destitute…she urges Ruth and her sister in law to return to their families…Ruth only wants to go with Naomi…

 But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.” And when Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more.

Ruth.1.16-18

And that is the beginning of this short story which has eternal consequences…for us all… 

Thank YOU…

Song of Ruth…

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yFgruhmaw0I&pp=ygUcc29uZyBvZiBydXRoIHdoZXJldmVyIHlvdSBnbw%3D%3D

There is hope…

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6QeF2rhMr6U&pp=ygUsd2UgaGF2ZSBhIGhvcGUgdGhhdCBpcyBzdGVhZGZhc3QgYW5kIGNlcnRhaW4%3D

 

Only child….

 Only child…

I was the only child that my parents could bear……and I always got the jokes about “spoiled only children”…

We lived  on ranches, sometimes in the middle of nowhere, it seemed, so rarely were there any other children around except when we would go to church…and finally to school.

When I was nine we moved into town and lived in an apartment, quite the change…down the little street lived another little girl my age who was an only child as well…I thought this was great to have a friend so close…but, I soon discovered that we were very dissimilar…she raged at her parents, showed them little respect, cried if when she didn’t get her way, stomped around when angry…her parents were kind and always gave into her whims…so even at nine I remember that was not the kind of friend I wanted…

(We actually went all the way through high school together and she never changed, her friends were the “rough” crowd and were always getting into trouble, never, as far as I know changing their ways)

Reading about Samson again brought these memories back…

He was an only child, prayed for and beloved by his parents…”teach us how to bring up the boy who is to be born”…

He was raised a Nazirite, meaning he could not cut his hair, touch a dead body, or drink anything containing alcohol…all of which he broke the vow….and proceeded to do…

“Although Samson often used poor judgment and sinned terribly, he accomplished much when he determined to be set apart for God.In this  way he was like the nation of Israel. As long as the Israelites remained set apart for God, the nation thrived. But they fell into terrible sin when they ignored God. “ Bible notes….

Only children have the same choices as others, whom will they serve…whom will they follow…how will they live…what is their legacy…

Thank YOU… 

Here I am, Lord….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnO5B_G505w

“Samson was born a Nazirite, meaning he was “separated” or “set aside” for God. This meant that he was not to drink wine or fruit of the vine. He couldn’t go near or touch a dead body, human or animal, nor could he cut his hair. Though he was set apart for special service to God (Judges 13:5), Samson ignored his Nazirite vow of godly devotion and relied upon his own strength and abilities rather than upon God’s. Although God empowered him with supernatural strength to begin the deliverance of the people of Israel from the Philistines (Judges 13:5), it was his weakness for the Philistine women that did him in (Judges 14:1–3, 16:1–22). His passion for women was more important to him than God’s expressed will (Deuteronomy 7:3).”….

“There are many valuable lessons we can glean from the story of Samson and Delilah. Though born with unbelievable potential, Samson forfeit his life because of sin. The lesson for us is that, the deeper we allow ourselves to be influenced by the glamour and allurement of sin, the more blind we become. This extraordinary story tells us that Samson was spiritually blind long before his eyes were gouged out (Judges 16:21). We must accept the reality that sin can seep deep into in our lives. We must know that sin has a blinding, numbing impact upon us. Otherwise, we find ourselves ensnared by it, just as Samson did.”….

“However, despite all of Samson’s weaknesses, he did turn back to God before he died (Judges 16:28–30). God in His sovereignty used Samson to fulfill His purpose. In reality, Samson’s death did much to impede the oppressive actions of the Philistines. Samson’s destruction of the temple of Dagon was a major factor in their downfall at Mizpah by Samuel and the children of Israel some 100 years later (1 Samuel 7:7–14).

Perhaps the greatest lesson we learn is that God would rather forgive than judge. In the final analysis, God saw Samson as a man of faith. This is evidenced by the fact that he’s listed among those in the hall of faith (Hebrews 11:32). When we read through the list of names recorded there, we find that no one in the “hall of faith” was perfect. Samson was the strongest man to ever live, but it was God who gave him the strength. More importantly, Samson let himself be used by God. In fact, God could have used him without making him the strongest man. He’s willing to meet us right where we are right now and to take us where He wants if we will let Him (James 4:8).”

https://www.gotquestions.org/Samson-and-Delilah.html

 

From cancer companions…

Written by David Gira

He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm (Mark 4:39 NIV). 

A few months after my initial cancer diagnosis, my family and I went to the coast to spend a few days. It would be good for us all. We could use the R&R. 

My brother-in-law and his son (my nephew) joined us. My nephew had just returned from an “awesome” beach trip with his Uncle Kevin, who has an “amazing” boat. Every day they had zipped up and down the inner coastal waters, skiing, bodyboarding, and soaking up the sun.

My nephew quickly grew bored with our place. He asked if we could take our boat out and have some fun. 

My boat was not amazing. Almost every time I tried to take it out, something didn’t work. It usually failed to start. When it did start and we got out on the river, it had stopped running more than once, requiring us to be towed home.

I didn’t want to disappoint my nephew, so I agreed to give it a try. To our amazement, the engine fired up right away, and sounded great.

Everyone boarded. We pushed the boat away from the dock and headed out of the creek and into the river. My nephew, brother-in-law and my kids took turns being pulled on a tube behind the boat. I sped through figure eights, and we raced back and forth across the river.  

Suddenly the skies began to darken. We loaded up and headed home. As we approached shore, with our dock in sight, the engine stalled. My heart sank to my stomach. I tried and tried to start it but had no success. 

The winds became strong, and the waters grew rough. Not a single boat could be seen. Our dock stood less than a hundred yards away. We were at the mouth of the creek, but the waves were pushing us toward the big rocks on the other side of the creek.  

In no time, we were bumping against the rocks. The waves lifted and dropped us. We were all terrified, especially my nephew. He looked at me with eyes wide, mouth opened, and a face full of fear. 

I called back to the house for help. The land lovers would try to find someone to rescue us. A few minutes later, another boat appeared with one of our neighbors. He quickly tied a rope to our boat and towed us home to safety again. We were elated.

Our aquatic adventure reminded me of the cancer experience. One day everything is going great. Smooth sailing. Blue skies as far as you can see. But then cancer barges in like a storm and disrupts and threatens your life. Disaster and death loom large.

Thankfully, Jesus hears our cry for help. He’s actually already with us—in the same boat! He loves us too much to jump ship. He comes to our rescue and calms the storms. Just as Jesus rebuked the wind and the waves for the disciples, He can rebuke the chaos of cancer.    

Pray: Lord Jesus, help me to be aware of Your presence with me in the storm. I call on You now to silence cancer’s wind and waves. Let me experience Your salvation and peace. Amen.

Praise you in the storm …

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0YUGwUgBvTU

Rock and gem show…

 Rock and gem show…

Once a year the local Rock and Gem society has a show here in my town…it is  this weekend…of course there are all kinds of booths and vendors with all of their wares, jewelry, specimens, etc..plus beautiful displays of cut rocks, polished rocks, crystals…various  people grinding facets on to stones, making jewelry from cut stones…there is  people selling thunder eggs with the opportunity to have them split so you can see the crystals inside…panning for gold, panning for gems and my grandson’s favorite- a continuous silent auction of  various rocks and stones put out for auction starting at .25….fun to watch and participate…

Our favorite this year was a demonstrator with a powerful microscope, a computer and specimens no bigger than 1/4 inch in size…looking at the intricacies, crystals, rock formations in minuscule size, the beauty…wow…things we would overlook as plain, take on a whole new significance to minute size…

When you think of God creating the universe and not forgetting the molecules, the minute, the atoms…the big, the little…the precision, the intricate…with the detail …how much fun He must have showing us surprises in his creation…good gifts…just like we like to gift others…

And then He designed gems for the priests in the Old Testament, gems for the new Heaven in the New Testament…he had a purpose for each …

Thank You…

 “Make the ephod of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen—the work of skilled hands. It is to have two shoulder pieces attached to two of its corners, so it can be fastened. Its skillfully woven waistband is to be like it—of one piece with the ephod and made with gold, and with blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and with finely twisted linen. “Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel in the order of their birth—six names on one stone and the remaining six on the other. Engrave the names of the sons of Israel on the two stones the way a gem cutter engraves a seal. Then mount the stones in gold filigree settings Then mount four rows of precious stones on it. The first row shall be carnelian, chrysolite and beryl; the second row shall be turquoise, lapis lazuli and emerald; the third row shall be jacinth, agate and amethyst; the fourth row shall be topaz, onyx and jasper. Mount them in gold filigree settings. There are to be twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes.

Exod.28.6,Exod.28.7,Exod.28.8,Exod.28.9,Exod.28.10,Exod.28.11,Exod.28.17,Exod.28.18,Exod.28.19,Exod.28.20,Exod.28.21

 The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx, the sixth ruby, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth turquoise, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass.

Rev.21.18-21

The love of God…

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

“Idaho is often called the “Gem State,” and it has a long history of “gem mining in Idaho.” Native tribes have treasured these valuable stones for hundreds of years, and early settlers quickly understood the state’s importance in gemology. 

The search for gems in Idaho led to the finding of many minerals, which interested both fans and scientists. Over time, public gem mines opened up in Idaho, allowing people to go rock hunting and find secret treasures in the state’s rough terrain.”

https://www.allcrystal.com/articles/gemstones-in-idaho/

https://rockchasing.com/idaho-rocks-minerals-gems/

https://rockseeker.com/minerals-gemstones-in-idaho/

The stars at night…

 The stars at night…

This last week, we have had clear skies at night…and if you are at a place that doesn’t have so much night light, you can see the brightest stars for this time of the year…so amazing…

We have a creator who made the stars, who shows us the splendor  of the stars…has named the stars…yet knows each of us as well…

Thank YOU..

 “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set,or who laid its cornerstone— while the morning stars sang togetherand all the angels shouted for joy?

Job.38.4-7

 Lord, our Lord,how majestic is your name in all the earth!You have set your glory in the heavens. 

Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies,to silence the foe and the avenger. 

When I consider your heavens,the work of your fingers,the moon and the stars,which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them,human beings that you care for them?

Ps.8.1-4

 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods.His love endures forever. 

Give thanks to the Lord of lords:His love endures forever. 

to him who alone does great wonders,His love endures forever. who by his understanding made the heavens,His love endures forever. 

who made the great lights—His love endures forever. 

the moon and stars to govern the night;His love endures forever.

Ps.136.1-5Ps.136.7,9

“He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name” (Psalm 147:4 NKJV). 

 The sun has one kind of splendor, the moon another and the stars another; and star differs from star in splendor.

1Cor.15.41

How great is our God…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0LXro5_cvo