The anger of the Lord burned against Amaziah, and he sent a prophet to him, who said, “Why do you consult this people’s gods, which could not save their own people from your hand?” (2 Chronicles 25:10) There are times when the emotion of the moment gets us, and we find ourselves doing things that we wouldn't otherwise do. If we were to stop and think rationally, then ... [Continue Reading]
The Danger of Perception (1 Kings 20-21)
Ahab said to Elijah, “So you have found me, my enemy!” (1 Kings 21:20) The problem with our perceptions is that they aren't always right. In fact, I can think of many occasions when I perceived something quite wrongly. In my mind, the intentions of the person were even opposite of a true picture of reality. The problem is that perceptions are jaded by emotion, and ... [Continue Reading]
The Nature of Your Closet (Proverbs 8-10)
Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out. (Proverbs 10:9) "Everyone has a skeleton in his closet." You've heard that phrase before, haven't you? The implication is that we all have things that we either like to hide or want to hide from others. Due to the reality of our propensity to sin, it's not surprising that most ... [Continue Reading]
The Pain of Loss (2 Samuel 19-21)
Joab was told, “The king is weeping and mourning for Absalom.” And for the whole army the victory that day was turned into mourning, because on that day the troops heard it said, “The king is grieving for his son.” The men stole into the city that day as men steal in who are ashamed when they flee from battle. The king covered his face and cried aloud, “O my son ... [Continue Reading]
Finding the Truth (2 Samuel 16-18)
Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head.” (2 Samuel 16:9) When David was confronted by the curses of Shimei he had a couple of choices. One option was to have his mighty warriors destroy Shimei right there on the spot. Another option was to listen to Shimei's words and to take ... [Continue Reading]
Fighting to Be King (2 Samuel 13-15)
Then the king said to Zadok, “Take the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the Lord’s eyes, he will bring me back and let me see it and his dwelling place again. But if he says, ‘I am not pleased with you,’ then I am ready; let him do to me whatever seems good to him.” (2 Samuel 15:25-26) David never fought to be king. That was true when Saul was ... [Continue Reading]
Misunderstanding God (2 Samuel 5:11-6:23; 1 Chronicles 13-14)
When they came to the threshing floor of Nakon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen stumbled. The Lord’s anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act; therefore God struck him down, and he died there beside the ark of God. (2 Samuel 6:6-7) God has been misunderstood by many over the years, and some have even surmised that the ... [Continue Reading]
A Sign From God (Exodus 7-9)
But the Egyptian magicians did the same things by their secret arts, and Pharaoh’s heart became hard; he would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the Lord had said. Instead, he turned and went into his palace, and did not take even this to heart. (Exodus 7:22-23) When I was a kid, I used to pray that God would give me signs for things. I remember once I asked God to ... [Continue Reading]
The Other Side of a Story (Job 14-16)
I also could speak like you, if you were in my place; I could make fine speeches against you and shake my head at you. But my mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief. (Job 16:4-5) We live in a culture that applauds the armchair critics. Everyone has a platform to speak his or her mind on the issues of the day without fear, behind the ... [Continue Reading]
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