2 Samuel: Dance Before God

KJB Daily Devotion – Following Jesus Through Every Chapter
Date: Friday, April 01, 2016
Chapters: 2 Samuel 4-6
Message: 2 Samuel: Dance Before God

Hello My Friend,

In all my years of dedicating my life to Christ, and in all the ups and downs I had in doing so, none have been so blessed as today. Being blessed by God comes in more ways than just being healthy, wealthy, or successful in the things that we do, it often comes during the most difficult times in our lives. Whether things are going well or falling apart, dance before God. “Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp. For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.” - Psalms 149:3,4.

David was just a teen when Samuel arrived at his father's house and anointed him to be the next king of Israel, chosen by God Himself. After Saul's death he still was not king of Israel, he reigned as king in Judah for seven years. Others looking to find personal gain in seeing David become king of all of Israel had no problem using force to try to get him on the throne. Once again, we learn of two men, Rechab and Baanah, who took it upon themselves to kill Ishbosheth to gain some recognition from David.

“And they brought the head of Ishbosheth unto David to Hebron, and said to the king, Behold the head of Ishbosheth the son of Saul thine enemy, which sought thy life; and the LORD hath avenged my lord the king this day of Saul, and of his seed. And David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, and said unto them, As the LORD liveth, who hath redeemed my soul out of all adversity, When one told me, saying, Behold, Saul is dead, thinking to have brought good tidings, I took hold of him, and slew him in Ziklag, who thought that I would have given him a reward for his tidings: How much more, when wicked men have slain a righteous person in his own house upon his bed? shall I not therefore now require his blood of your hand, and take you away from the earth? And David commanded his young men, and they slew them, and cut off their hands and their feet, and hanged them up over the pool in Hebron. But they took the head of Ishbosheth, and buried it in the sepulchre of Abner in Hebron.” - 2 Samuel 4:8-12.

“who hath redeemed my soul out of all adversity,” Adversity, no one wants to face adversity, but it is adversity that grows and defines us as the Christians that God wants us to be. When we dance before God through our adversity He will never fail to bring us out of it and bless us through it. “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” - 1 Peter 1:7.

After the death of Ishbosheth, and all the wicked servants who sought power through their own deceitfulness were out of Israel, all of Israel decided that David should rightfully be their king. Now, twelve years after Samuel anointed David becomes king of all of Israel.

“Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh. Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel. So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the LORD: and they anointed David king over Israel. But when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines came up to seek David; and David heard of it, and went down to the hold. The Philistines also came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim. And David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand.” - 2 Samuel 5:1-3,17-19.

“Thou shalt feed my people Israel,” David began his new life as king of Israel, he owed all his success to God and did not hesitate to acknowledge and tell others as well. We are nothing apart from God, every good thing that we are blessed with comes from God, even those who do not know God are blessed to receive the things He has to offer. It is God's intention throguh blessings that all acknowledge Him and accept His Son,yet very few do. “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 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.” - Matthew 5:43-45.

David lacked one thing as king, the Word of God, so, he was unaware of some of the laws and commands of God. Eager to have the Ark near Him, David, along with thirty thousand men went up to Gibeah to retrieve it. The only people who were able to touch the Ark were Levites, so when trying to keep the Ark from falling off the cart they had it on a man named Uzzah touched it and died instantly. David witnessed first hand God's judgment through ignorance.

“And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzzah: and he called the name of the place Perezuzzah to this day. And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and said, How shall the ark of the LORD come to me? So David would not remove the ark of the LORD unto him into the city of David: but David carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gittite. And the ark of the LORD continued in the house of Obededom the Gittite three months: and the LORD blessed Obededom, and all his household. And it was told king David, saying, The LORD hath blessed the house of Obededom, and all that pertaineth unto him, because of the ark of God. So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obededom into the city of David with gladness. And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings. And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.” - 2 Samuel 6:8-14.

“And David danced before the LORD with all his might;” David saw how blessed Obededom was while the Ark remained in his home and instantly knew that God still loved them. We can try to live the life that God wants us to live without His Word, but unless we know it we lack it the key things that bring about the best blessings. Ignorance does not save us, so many people believe in God expect to see heaven, but unless they know Christ hell still awaits them when they die. This is not God being cruel, it is His Law, and unless we know His Son we are subject to this judgment. If we follow His word there is nothing that God will not do for us, and if there is something that we are seeking that God has not given us perhaps God has something better waiting for us.

“Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” - James 1:21-25.

Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through David, who was anointed as king over Israel. God anointed Jesus to be King of all. “Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;” - I Timothy 6:15.

Today's Prayer: God, In any given day we should be able to stop, look at the life we have now and see how far we have come since we came to know Your Son. It's not so easy to see the blessings if we are facing difficulties or haven't had a chance to get to know You like we should, but with a little prayer and studying of Your word it can be done. Lord, my heart is often willing to dance for You, but I often let my difficulties hinder me from doing so. Lead me and guide me, help me to see beyond the difficulties, to keep dancing, looking onto You, who will see me through and bless me for enduring them all by my faith and trust in You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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2 Samuel: Prospering Under God

KJB Daily Devotion – Following Jesus Through Every Chapter
Date: Thursday, March 31, 2016
Chapters: 2 Samuel 1-3
Message: 2 Samuel: Prospering Under God

Hello My Friend,

The Book of 2 Samuel is the tenth book of the Bible/Old Testament and contains twenty-four chapters. The author of the book is uncertain, and it was first written to the Israelites. The timeline for these events took place approximately 1056 BC to 1017 BC. The purpose of the book was to record David's forty year reign as king and how God dealt with him and all His people during that time. What we are to learn from the book is that God carries out His plan through those who are obedient to Him despite their occasional mishaps. We are to remain in the will of God through all our walks of life, even if we fall God is with us and will pick us back up as long as we call upon Him. “In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears.” - 2 Samuel 22:7.

Lies, we have all been caught in lies over the years, hopefully it was when we were younger and have since learned that no lie is a good lie. Lies benefit no one, and there is no such thing as a little white lie, those also have consequences. 2 Samuel continues where 1 Samuel left off, it had been three days since Saul and three of his sons were killed. A man finds David and tells him the news of his and Jonathan's death and got something he was not expecting.

“Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them; and likewise all the men that were with him: And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword. And David said unto the young man that told him, Whence art thou? And he answered, I am the son of a stranger, an Amalekite. And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the LORD'S anointed? And David called one of the young men, and said, Go near, and fall upon him. And he smote him that he died. And David said unto him, Thy blood be upon thy head; for thy mouth hath testified against thee, saying, I have slain the LORD'S anointed.” - 2 Samuel 1:11-16.

“Thy blood be upon thy head;” This man thought that he was going to get praise for saying he was the one who killed Saul, what he got was himself killed. Lies destroy lives, whether David knew he was lying or not, this man lost his life because of his lie. People will not get very far in life by making up lies to benefit themselves or anyone else. Even a lie told under good intentions leads to problems, if people are truthful and do what they are told to to begin with they would not get into situations where they need to come up with lies in the first place. “A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.” - Proverbs 19:9.

As Christians we must understand that we do not need to lie or cheat our way to a prosperous life, God will help us prosper Himself, through our faith, trust, and obedience in Him. Now, with Saul gone, the opportunity for David to become king was now available, but instead of immediately taking the throne he asks God where he should go, and He tells him Hebron, a city in Judah territory. He became king over the house of Judah, but Saul's Captain of the guard, Abner got the rest of Israel side with him and make Saul's last living son, Ishbosheth king.

“And it came to pass after this, that David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the LORD said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron. So David went up thither, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail Nabal's wife the Carmelite. And his men that were with him did David bring up, every man with his household: and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron. And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, That the men of Jabeshgilead were they that buried Saul. And David sent messengers unto the men of Jabeshgilead, and said unto them, Blessed be ye of the LORD, that ye have shewed this kindness unto your lord, even unto Saul, and have buried him. But Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's host, took Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim; And made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel.” - 2 Samuel 2:1-5,8,9.

“And made him king over Gilead,” David asked God first where he ought to go, and while it was not all of Israel, He still became a king. However, Abner wanted to make sure he gained control of Saul's army and get even higher up in rank, and deceitfully got the people to make Ishbosheth king. With most careers everyone starts at the bottom and progresses toward the top with hard work and dedication, it works the same way with God. With hard work and dedication to Him He will lead us to prosperity one step at a time. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” - Psalms 1:1-3.

In an attempt to find out Abner's plan, Asahel, a successful young man in David's army was killed when he was following him. Fearing for his life, Abner goes to David and lies to him in an attempt to join forces with him, but his lies caught up to him and he was killed also.

“And Abner also spake in the ears of Benjamin: and Abner went also to speak in the ears of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel, and that seemed good to the whole house of Benjamin. So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. And David made Abner and the men that were with him a feast. And Abner said unto David, I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel unto my lord the king, that they may make a league with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that thine heart desireth. And David sent Abner away; and he went in peace. So Joab and Abishai his brother slew Abner, because he had slain their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle. And David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. And king David himself followed the bier. And they buried Abner in Hebron: and the king lifted up his voice, and wept at the grave of Abner; and all the people wept. And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth? Thy hands were not bound, nor thy feet put into fetters: as a man falleth before wicked men, so fellest thou. And all the people wept again over him.” - 2 Samuel 3:19-21,30-34.

“Died Abner as a fool dieth?” Fool, One who is destitute of reason, or the common powers of understanding; an idiot. I use to hate the word idiot, but the truth is people can do some idiotic things in order to get ahead. Those who lie and cheat their way to the top will always lose. When we allow God to handle things under His hand, we save ourselves a lot of pain, suffering, and perhaps even premature death. “For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:” - 1 Peter 3:10-12,17,18.

Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through David's sorrow over Saul's death (1:17). He did not dwell upon all his years of suffering at the hand of Saul, but dwelt only upon the pleasant things. Jesus Christ, who forgave His enemies, from the cross, said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” - Luke 23:34.

Today's Prayer: God, When we come to You regarding the situations we do not quite understand or have no personal ability to change we find peace and stability in our lives through You. Lord, help me to let go and let You handle all the situations in my life, all I am doing is hurting myself and hindering You if I try to go above You. When I seek You I know You can show me something mighty as I trust and depend on You to help me be prosperous in all that I do on Your time table. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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1 Samuel: But What Have I Done

KJB Daily Devotion – Following Jesus Through Every Chapter
Date: Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Chapters: 1 Samuel 29-31
Message: 1 Samuel: But What Have I Done

Hello My Friend,

Every once in a while God will put you in a situation when you look up to Him and say, Are you sure about this? You just know that something is going to go wrong and you are going to have even more problems. It is times like this when we really need to trust God, rely on His word, and keep Him close by at all times. “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” - Proverbs 30:5,6.

No matter where God places us in this world we must not take a step without making sure He is with us. The devil can often pretend that he is God in order to try to get us to do wrong, God will never put us anywhere that would make us go against His word. David was done running from Saul, he decided to leave Israel and make a life for himself somewhere else, oddly enough he ended up into Philistine territory. He made peace with the king, took his two wives, and those that followed him, and was content to dwell with the Philistines. For a year David and his army of men resided in Ziklag, once again they are at battle with Israel, and while David was eager to fight, the people did not trust him and refused to let him go with them.

“Is not this David, of whom they sang one to another in dances, saying, Saul slew his thousands, and David his ten thousands? Then Achish called David, and said unto him, Surely, as the LORD liveth, thou hast been upright, and thy going out and thy coming in with me in the host is good in my sight: for I have not found evil in thee since the day of thy coming unto me unto this day: nevertheless the lords favour thee not. Wherefore now return, and go in peace, that thou displease not the lords of the Philistines. And David said unto Achish, But what have I done? and what hast thou found in thy servant so long as I have been with thee unto this day, that I may not go fight against the enemies of my lord the king? And Achish answered and said to David, I know that thou art good in my sight, as an angel of God: notwithstanding the princes of the Philistines have said, He shall not go up with us to the battle.” - 1 Samuel 29:5-9.

“But what have I done?” The first thing we do when everything seems to be going well and we are being rejected is wonder what we have done wrong. The truth is, God places us in situations that help grow and prepare us for bigger battles. He may allow us to be among those of the world, but we are not of the world, therefore, we cannot fight a battle that is not our own. “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;” - 1 Timothy 6:12,17.

David, a little confused and actually a bit distraught by being rejected, found the reason why God did not allow Him to fight in the battle. When he and his army returned home they found out that they had been invaded, the Amalekites ambushed the city, and took their wives and children. Some of the men were weary and stayed behind to look after supplies while the rest went to retrieve their wives and children.

“And David came to the two hundred men, which were so faint that they could not follow David, whom they had made also to abide at the brook Besor: and they went forth to meet David, and to meet the people that were with him: and when David came near to the people, he saluted them. Then answered all the wicked men and men of Belial, of those that went with David, and said, Because they went not with us, we will not give them ought of the spoil that we have recovered, save to every man his wife and his children, that they may lead them away, and depart. Then said David, Ye shall not do so, my brethren, with that which the LORD hath given us, who hath preserved us, and delivered the company that came against us into our hand. For who will hearken unto you in this matter? but as his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike.” - 1 Samuel 30:21-24.

“with that which the LORD hath given us,” While the men were quick to upbraid David for saluting the men that stayed behind, David was quick to remind them that they all played a part in the battle, even those who just minded the things they took for the battle. Every person that receives Christ as their Saviour is part of the body of Christ, from the person who never does anything to serve God to the one who serves Him in full-time ministry, we all are preserved by the blood that Jesus Christ shed. God is no respecter of persons, anyone can come to Him, and none of us are saved by our works, only our faith. “Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: For there is no respect of persons with God. For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;” - Romans 2:9-12.

Everything we go through, whether it is something we bring on ourselves or just being in the wrong place at the wrong time, has the potential to bring good out of it. We can find it if we trust God, stay close to Him, and never let Him out of our sight. Just as David has said that God would remove Saul from being king in His time, the time has come. Saul along with his sons, including Jonathan, were killed in the battle.

“Now the Philistines fought against Israel: and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain in mount Gilboa. And the Philistines followed hard upon Saul and upon his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchishua, Saul's sons. And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was sore wounded of the archers. Then said Saul unto his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it. And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise upon his sword, and died with him. So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armourbearer, and all his men, that same day together.” - 1 Samuel 31:1-6.

“So Saul died,” What a disgraceful end to what began a glorious, blessed life for Saul. All this probably could have been avoided had Saul just admitted his sin, and asked God to forgive him, but never once do we learn of Saul ever seeking forgiveness from God. You know, pride is our biggest enemy, it is pride that keeps the worst or least of sinners from going to Christ and getting saved. We may not always understand God's intentions, but if we trust and stick close to Him, we will find that all of His intentions are good. “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.” - 2 Corinthians 7:10,11.

Jesus Christ Revealed: Today, Jesus is revealed through David as he nourished the Amalekite (30:13) and two hundred men who stayed behind because of exhaustion (30:21). Jesus gladly nourishes all who believe in and receive Him with His bread. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life.” - John 6:47,48.

Today's Prayer: God, I do not always understand where You are taking me, but I do understand that You are right there with me, preparing me for something great. Lord, give me Your power to hold on to my integrity as I wait patiently for You to prepare me for what You have for me to do. Give me Your strength to keep going, faith to never give up, and hope of not only receiving what You have waiting for me in heaven, and here on earth as well. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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1 Samuel: God Gets The Vengeance

KJB Daily Devotion – Following Jesus Through Every Chapter
Date: Monday, March 28, 2016
Chapters: 1 Samuel 23-25
Message: 1 Samuel: God Gets The Vengeance

Hello My Friend,

As Christians we will face all kinds of trials simply because of our faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Amazingly, there are even religions who claim to be Christians, yet have now idea who Christ is. The truth is, people who follow false religion really have no idea that they are being deceived, they are just doing what they are taught. How sad is it to go through life and think that you are doing what is right only to find out they got it all wrong. We can choose to follow the truth or a lie, but if we say we are Christians we need to follow the truth, and the only way to know the truth is to know the Saviour. “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” - I John 5:11,12.

Every where David went, Saul followed, there was always someone willing to sell him out for their own personal gain, even though they knew it was wrong. Saul even stooped so low as to start killing priests and their families for letting David go. This time, David was ready to fight for his life, but this time, the first thing he did before he ever made a move was ask God what he should do.

“Then said David, O LORD God of Israel, thy servant hath certainly heard that Saul seeketh to come to Keilah, to destroy the city for my sake. Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? will Saul come down, as thy servant hath heard? O LORD God of Israel, I beseech thee, tell thy servant. And the LORD said, He will come down. Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the LORD said, They will deliver thee up. Then David and his men, which were about six hundred, arose and departed out of Keilah, and went whithersoever they could go. And it was told Saul that David was escaped from Keilah; and he forbare to go forth. And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand.” - 1 Samuel 23:10-14.

“but God delivered him not into his hand.” David knew that God was with him and would deliver him from Saul, but he also knew that if he wanted God's help he had to ask Him for it. I came to the conclusion that I need this reminder in front of me every day as it forces me to ask God whenever I am in a position to question what I need to be doing. God will not do anything to deliver us from our troubles unless we seek His guidance first. By seeking His guidance we are letting Him know that we are trusting in Him to make the right decision for us. We cannot go wrong when we allow Him to make the decisions for us. “Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way. The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.” - Psalm 25:8-10.

Grace, it is the unmerited favor of God, we cannot earn grace, it is given freely to us, but we often forfeit grace by focusing on the problems we face rather than the God who can give us the strength to deal with them. Before we make a decision, we first need to make sure it is from God, the devil is pretty good at making it look like something is coming from Him. Saul was about to learn what grace is all about when David had the opportunity to kill him.

“The LORD therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand. And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept. And he said to David, Thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil. And thou hast shewed this day how that thou hast dealt well with me: forasmuch as when the LORD had delivered me into thine hand, thou killedst me not. For if a man find his enemy, will he let him go well away? wherefore the LORD reward thee good for that thou hast done unto me this day. And now, behold, I know well that thou shalt surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thine hand. Swear now therefore unto me by the LORD, that thou wilt not cut off my seed after me, and that thou wilt not destroy my name out of my father's house. And David sware unto Saul. And Saul went home; but David and his men gat them up unto the hold.” - 1 Samuel 24:15-22.

“for thou hast rewarded me good,” It is only by the grace of David, and the conviction of God that Saul was not killed. David's soldiers were convinced that God delivered Saul into David's hands, and David would have been rightly justified in killing him, but just by ripping his clothes he realized something, God had appointed Saul as king. And until He removed him from the throne, David had no right to take this mans life. No matter what people have done to us we have no right to take the law into our own hands, God will never allow us to take a life in order to receive something for He promised us. “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” - Romans 12:19-21.

By now all of Israel as well as the surrounding areas knew who David was, whenever he came into their town they wondered if he were there to destroy it or help them. David knew a man named Nabal, Nabal was a sheep wrangler, at one time he was having problems with the Philistines and asked David to help drive them away, as a result he became very rich and successful. When David heard that Nabal was out shearing sheep in the wilderness he tried to get his help to feed the hungry men that were with him. He refused to even acknowledge David and that brought a fury on him and he was about to destroy the city until Nabal's wife brought food and gifts and pleaded with David. Ten days later Nabal died.

“And Abigail came to Nabal; and, behold, he held a feast in his house, like the feast of a king; and Nabal's heart was merry within him, for he was very drunken: wherefore she told him nothing, less or more, until the morning light. But it came to pass in the morning, when the wine was gone out of Nabal, and his wife had told him these things, that his heart died within him, and he became as a stone. And it came to pass about ten days after, that the LORD smote Nabal, that he died. And when David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, Blessed be the LORD, that hath pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and hath kept his servant from evil: for the LORD hath returned the wickedness of Nabal upon his own head. And David sent and communed with Abigail, to take her to him to wife.” - 1 Samuel 25:36-39.

“and hath kept his servant from evil:” There are a lot of Nabal's in life, they only want you around when they want something, yet expect people to constantly help them prosper. Sometimes Christians can become crutches to people like Nabal, and while it is the Christians duty to help and lift up those in need, there comes a time when we must realize we are hindering our blessings by continuing to help them. There are also people who help us from becoming a fool by retaliating due to anger or impulse. “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit. As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly. Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.” - Proverbs 26:4,5,11,12.

Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through David's refusal to take the kingdom by force or before the appointed time set by God (24:10-13). Jesus refused to allow Israel to make Him king by force, “When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.” - John 6:15.

Today's Prayer: God, I know how easy it is to go after those who have done me wrong, I also know how awful I felt when I got even with them, it really did nothing for me or them. You love Your children and do not want anything bad to happen to them, but as we get closer to Your Son returning we are being persecuted and attacked more than ever. Give us Your power to control our anger, tempers, and egos, let us not seek vengeance upon ourselves, but look to You to take care of things for us. Give us Your strength to love as You love, and let us not get caught up in those who are eager to sell us out for their own wicked advances. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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1 Samuel: No Better Friend

KJB Daily Devotion – Following Jesus Through Every Chapter
Date: Sunday, March 27, 2016
Chapters: 1 Samuel 20-22
Message: 1 Samuel: No Better Friend

Hello My Friend,

We all face difficulties in life, some seem to be more significant than others, and as Christians, we are often found with a dilemma, ask God what to do or make our own decision. Whenever we resort to our own reasoning, no matter what difficulties we face, we bring about more difficulties, but if we trust God and look to Him to make the right decisions for us He will send us on the right path. However, when we come to Him He will even make use of our mistakes. Remember, God will not push Himself on us, even when we are saved, He waits until we come to Him before He makes a move before He gets involved. “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” -Romans 8:34,35,37.

One thing I never had growing up and still lack is a close friend, one that would be there for me, even in my darkest hour, one that would fight for me, even if it put them in danger. The second that Saul's son, Jonathan met David he felt a connection with him, they were in a sense soul brothers. When David realized that Saul wanted to kill him he had no idea why, but Jonathan insisted it was all a mistake and that if he went to his father it would be all cleared up. Jonathan soon found out that it was not a lie, and his father would stop at nothing to kill him.

“Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother's nakedness? For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die. And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done? And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David. So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and did eat no meat the second day of the month: for he was grieved for David, because his father had done him shame.” - 1 Samuel 20:30-34.

“thou shalt not be established,” Saul tried to use temptation and intimidation to get Jonathan to turn his back on David, stating that he would not be a king if David became king. The biggest ploy a person uses to get people to do what they want is temptation, and when that does not work, intimidation. At the end of our life there is only one person we must stand in front of and that is Jesus Christ. We will be accountable for everything we do in this life, while the saved do not face an eternity in hell, they do face seeing missed opportunities they could have had in His kingdom. “A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” - Matthew 12:35-37.

David finds no relief in Saul, all efforts to seek help from Jonathan, Michal, and Samuel are exhausted, his only hope for survival is to leave. He finds himself in Nob, where the tabernacle resided at that time, searching for aid from the priest, someone spots him there, one of Saul's men, Doeg.

“Now a certain man of the servants of Saul was there that day, detained before the LORD; and his name was Doeg, an Edomite, the chiefest of the herdmen that belonged to Saul. And David said unto Ahimelech, And is there not here under thine hand spear or sword? for I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business required haste. And the priest said, The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom thou slewest in the valley of Elah, behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod: if thou wilt take that, take it: for there is no other save that here. And David said, There is none like that; give it me. And David arose, and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath.” - 1 Samuel 21:7-10.

“detained before the LORD;” Held back of the priest for some religious purpose such as the fulfillment of a vow, or purification, a Sabbath, or on account of suspected leprosy. We do not know why Doeg was at the temple, but given what he does after he sees David it is likely that it had nothing to do with getting right with God. We must be careful who we get around, there is always someone out there trying to work there way up the ladder and will do anything to get what they want as well. While we never really know who will turn on us, we do have someone who will never turn on us and will fight for us in a moments notice, one who is always there, and even gave His life for us, that friend is Jesus Christ. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” - John 15:13-16.

It is often jealousy and envy that turns a friend into an enemy. Jealousy is like a disease, it slowly spreads until it consumes and controls the person that it captures and stops at nothing to destroy what gets in its way. Saul became increasingly violent with an uncontrolled temper, he considered any opposition as treason. He even went as far as having the priest who helped David and all his family killed.

“And Saul said, Hear now, thou son of Ahitub. And he answered, Here I am, my lord. And Saul said unto him, Why have ye conspired against me, thou and the son of Jesse, in that thou hast given him bread, and a sword, and hast enquired of God for him, that he should rise against me, to lie in wait, as at this day? Then Ahimelech answered the king, and said, And who is so faithful among all thy servants as David, which is the king's son in law, and goeth at thy bidding, and is honourable in thine house? Did I then begin to enquire of God for him? be it far from me: let not the king impute any thing unto his servant, nor to all the house of my father: for thy servant knew nothing of all this, less or more. And the king said, Thou shalt surely die, Ahimelech, thou, and all thy father's house. And the king said unto the footmen that stood about him, Turn, and slay the priests of the LORD; because their hand also is with David, and because they knew when he fled, and did not shew it to me. But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of the LORD. And the king said to Doeg, Turn thou, and fall upon the priests. And Doeg the Edomite turned, and he fell upon the priests, and slew on that day fourscore and five persons that did wear a linen ephod.” - 1 Samuel 22:12-18.

“and fall upon the priests.” There is always someone willing to in a sense, sell their soul by going against what is right, our country is falling apart because of this very reason. Let me tell you, nothing is worth selling your soul for fame and or wealth, it will always end tragically. “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.” - Matthew 16:26-28.

Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through David, who was the safeguard for Abiathar the priest who escaped Saul (22:23). Jesus is our safeguard, not only from hell and the lake of fire, but from the world.

Today's Prayer: God, There is no better friend to have than Your Son, He truly does stick closer than a brother. Lord, let me be the friend You need me to be to bring others to You, give me Your power to stick close to Jesus, to learn from and follow Him at all times. Let me be a faithful friend who boldly proclaims Jesus as my Savior and seeks to reach others with the Gospel so they too know Him. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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