Podcasts about benjamite

1 Samuel - David Spares Saul's LifePsalms 7- The LORD Implored to Defend the Psalmist against the Wicked., A Shiggaion of David, which he sang to the LORD concerning Cush, a Benjamite.Psalm 27 - A Psalm of Fearless Trust in God.Psalm 31 - A Psalm of Complaint and of Praise.

In this Bible Story, some men from the tribe of Benjamin brutally rape the concubine of a Levite. As a message to the people of Israel, the Levite tore his concubine into pieces, and spread her limbs to all the twelve tribes of Israel. This story is inspired by Judges 19. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Judges 19:24 from the King James Version.Episode 71: Israel continues its fall into depravity and even the holiest of people did whatever they wanted. A Levite, a minister of God, took on a concubine, who eventually left him. After a while, he left his home in Ephraim to go to Bethlehem and fetch his concubine. But whenever he arrived, the woman's father kept finding ways to keep him there at their house. When they were finally able to escape, the Levite decided to press on until the land of Benjamin. But little did he know, that Gibeah had become the new Sodom.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

And David said to Abishai and all his servants, "See how my son who came from my own body seeks my life. How much more now may this Benjamite? Let him alone, and let him curse; for so the LORD has ordered him.2SA.16:12 "It may be that the LORD will look on my affliction, and that the LORD will repay me with good for his cursing this day."GET NOTIFIED WHEN WE GO LIVE HERE AND DOWNLOAD THE APP!fringeradionetwork.comBLESSINGS!WOULD YOU LIKE TO BLESS US? THANK YOU!VENMO:@faithbucksCASHAPP:$spiritforcebucksPAYPAL:spiritforce01@gmail.comPATREON:Michael Bashamfaithbucks.com

église AB Lausanne ; KJV 1 Kings (3 Kings) 2 Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying, I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man; And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself: That the LORD may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel. Moreover thou knowest also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, and what he did to the two captains of the hosts of Israel, unto Abner the son of Ner, and unto Amasa the son of Jether, whom he slew, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war upon his girdle that was about his loins, and in his shoes that were on his feet. Do therefore according to thy wisdom, and let not his hoar head go down to the grave in peace. But shew kindness unto the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those that eat at thy table: for so they came to me when I fled because of Absalom thy brother. And, behold, thou hast with thee Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite of Bahurim, which cursed me with a grievous curse in the day when I went to Mahanaim: but he came down to meet me at Jordan, and I sware to him by the LORD, saying, I will not put thee to death with the sword. Now therefore hold him not guiltless: for thou art a wise man, and knowest what thou oughtest to do unto him; but his hoar head bring thou down to the grave with blood. So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David. ...

And David said to Abishai and all his servants, "See how my son who came from my own body seeks my life. How much more now may this Benjamite? Let him alone, and let him curse; for so the LORD has ordered him.2SA.16:12 "It may be that the LORD will look on my affliction, and that the LORD will repay me with good for his cursing this day."GET NOTIFIED WHEN WE GO LIVE HERE AND DOWNLOAD THE APP!fringeradionetwork.com BLESSINGS!WOULD YOU LIKE TO BLESS US? THANK YOU!VENMO:@faithbucksCASHAPP:$spiritforcebucksPAYPAL:spiritforce01@gmail.comPATREON:Michael Bashamfaithbucks.com

église AB Lausanne ; KJV 2 Samuel (2 Kings) 20 And there happened to be there a man of Belial, whose name was Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite: and he blew a trumpet, and said, We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tents, O Israel. So every man of Israel went up from after David, and followed Sheba the son of Bichri: but the men of Judah clave unto their king, from Jordan even to Jerusalem. And David came to his house at Jerusalem; and the king took the ten women his concubines, whom he had left to keep the house, and put them in ward, and fed them, but went not in unto them. So they were shut up unto the day of their death, living in widowhood. Then said the king to Amasa, Assemble me the men of Judah within three days, and be thou here present. So Amasa went to assemble the men of Judah: but he tarried longer than the set time which he had appointed him. And David said to Abishai, Now shall Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm than did Absalom: take thou thy lord's servants, and pursue after him, lest he get him fenced cities, and escape us. And there went out after him Joab's men, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men: and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri. When they were at the great stone which is in Gibeon, Amasa went before them. And Joab's garment that he had put on was girded unto him, and upon it a girdle with a sword fastened upon his loins in the sheath thereof; and as he went forth it fell out. And Joab said to Amasa, Art thou in health, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him. But Amasa took no heed to the sword that was in Joab's hand: so he smote him therewith in the fifth rib, and shed out his bowels to the ground, and struck him not again; and he died. So Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba the son of Bichri. ...

église AB Lausanne ; KJV 1 Samuel (1 Kings) 9 Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power. And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people. And the asses of Kish Saul's father were lost. And Kish said to Saul his son, Take now one of the servants with thee, and arise, go seek the asses. And he passed through mount Ephraim, and passed through the land of Shalisha, but they found them not: then they passed through the land of Shalim, and there they were not: and he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they found them not. And when they were come to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant that was with him, Come, and let us return; lest my father leave caring for the asses, and take thought for us. And he said unto him, Behold now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is an honourable man; all that he saith cometh surely to pass: now let us go thither; peradventure he can shew us our way that we should go. Then said Saul to his servant, But, behold, if we go, what shall we bring the man? for the bread is spent in our vessels, and there is not a present to bring to the man of God: what have we? And the servant answered Saul again, and said, Behold, I have here at hand the fourth part of a shekel of silver: that will I give to the man of God, to tell us our way. (Beforetime in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, thus he spake, Come, and let us go to the seer: for he that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer.) Then said Saul to his servant, Well said; come, let us go. So they went unto the city where the man of God was. ...

What a messy mess! David is on the run from his son Absalom. A man named Shimei who served Saul seems him on the road and curses at him. David's men want to kill Shimei but David stops them. He feels like he deserves it. In verse 12 he says, “My son, my own flesh and blood, is trying to kill me. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone; let him curse, for the Lord has told him to.” Meanwhile, Absalom seeks advice from a scoundrel named Ahithophel who tells him to sleep with all of his father's concubines in public view of everybody. He says if Absalom does this “Then all Israel will hear that you have made yourself obnoxious to your father, and the hands of everyone with you will be more resolute.” (Verse 21) For some reason, Absalom listened. -----  Corporate Soft by LesFM | https://lesfm.net/positive-background-music/  Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/  Creative Commons CC BY 3.0  https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/  Sovereign by Kevin MacLeod | https://incompetech.com/  Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/  Creative Commons CC BY 3.0  https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ 

Daily Dose of Hope August 20, 2024 Day 3 of Week 21   Scripture:  2 Samuel 18-20; Psalm 34; Romans 2   Good morning and welcome back.  This is the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the Bible reading plan at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida.  Let's go ahead and get right into our Scripture for today.   Our Old Testament text begins with 2 Samuel, chapter 18.  Joab and the other commanders under David go out to fight on his behalf.  But David is very clear to be kind to Absalom, even though it was Absalom that created this mess.  He is the one who took his father's throne and turned the people from David.  And yet, David still loves him.  He is heart-broken but he loves him.    I wonder if that's the way God feels with us sometimes.  We are disobedient.  We reject him.  We try to take his job.  And yet, he still loves us.  He is still just waiting for us to come home.  God may be heart-broken at our behavior but he is always ready to receive us back into the fold.   The story doesn't end so well for Absalom.  Joab kills him, against the wishes of the king.  Despite some attempts at softening the blow, David finds out fairly quickly that Absalom was killed.  He is shaken and he is inconsolable for the life of his boy.  It doesn't matter what Absalom has done.  David loved him and grieved for him.    In chapter 19, Absalom's troops go back to their clans and there is much talk throughout Israel about what would happen next.  Would David be welcomed back as king?  Afterall, they needed a king. The people reminisced about the times in which David took care of Israel and rescued them from the hands of their enemies.   Here we begin to see a greater divide between Israel and Judah.  The people of Israel pretty quickly decide to recommit themselves to David.  The people of Judah are another story. For some reason, Judah had overwhelmingly lent their support to Absalom.  David decides to take some very specific steps to win back their commitment to him.  His first step is to ask Zadok and Abiathar, two popular priests, to lobby for his support among the elders of Judah.  Second, he asked the priests to request the services of Amasa, David's nephew who had a high position in Absalom's regime. He promises to make Amasa commander over all his troops, both building a bridge between the disenfranchised group of Absalom supporters and punishing Joab. (Be sure to read the first part of this chapter; while Joab probably saved David's kingship, David still sought to punish Joab.)  David's plan proves successful and he is invited back to Jerusalem.     There is quite the welcoming party waiting for him.  People who previously opposed him (or he thought opposed him) met him at the Jordan and walked with him into the city as a sign of support and solidarity.  But when they arrive, it's obvious the people of Israel are enraged at the tribe of Judah.  They accuse them of all kinds of offenses.  The rumblings of division are strong.  Nathan's prophetic words of judgment (after David's rape/murder incident in 2 Samuel 12) are coming to fruition.  David's family is a mess and now his nation is beginning to crack as well.  All of this is happening and the Scripture never mentions David inquiring of the Lord.   Let's move on to chapter 20.  There are times when I read these texts and they sound way too similar to our modern-day television dramas–murder, violence, betrayal, and sex.  And this is Scripture!  The Word of God certainly doesn't gloss over all the sin and mess that humanity creates.  I was reminded of this once again as I read today's chapter.   A man named Sheba who opposed David decided to rise up in rebellion.  David commanded Abishai, Amasa's cousin, to pursue Sheba.  The troops head into Benjamite territory and are greeted by Amasa himself.  You may recall that Amasa was a supporter of Absalom but David decided to make him commander of his troops in an effort to build a bridge.  This would have deposed Joab, the current commander who had faithfully stood by David through the whole sordid mess.  Thus, Joab takes this opportunity to gruesomely stab and kill Amasa.    But the story continues.  Amasa is swiftly moved to the side of the road and they continue to pursue Sheba and those in rebellion against the king.  They begin to besiege the town of Abel, where they believe that people are hiding Sheba.  A wise woman decides to intervene, explaining to Joab why he should not destroy the city.  She arranges to give him Sheba's severed head if he leaves them alone.  And that's exactly what she does; she literally throws Sheba's head over to Joab and the troops as they leave the city.  Oh my.  Thank goodness for the wise woman who stopped the bloodshed of an entire village.  I'm not sure what I think about the severed head but the war was stopped.   What is it about humans throughout history that we continue to mistreat each other?  We continue to foster division and conflict. Again, there is no mention of inquiring of the Lord. It's become a free for all.  Has David forgotten to whom he belongs?   I don't know about you but after that, I need to head to the New Testament.  Let's move on to Romans 2.  Through the end of chapter one and most of chapter two, Paul points out the sinfulness of humanity and the righteousness of God.  Whether Jew or Gentile, each person will have a day of reckoning, in which they will stand before God.    But then, Paul's words take a turn as they are directed specifically at Jewish listeners.  He doesn't mince words.  The Jewish audience may think they are better than the Gentiles because of circumcision and the law, but truly actions speak louder than words.  What good is the law if they don't obey it?  Paul accuses the Jews of judging the Gentiles for not doing things "right" but really they should be judging themselves.  Their faith was superficial and all about outward appearances, so they look good in front of other human beings, not God.   What God values is the work of the Spirit in our hearts.  What's going on in your heart right now?  Unfortunately, it is too easy for us to make faith about a list of things that make us look good to others: attending church regularly, serving and volunteering, being part of a small group or Bible study, making moral choices, being a good person, you get the idea.  But if our heart isn't right with God, all those good things are worthless.  What God values is the work of the Spirit in our hearts.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

We are familiar with the basic story of Esther, a Jewish orphan turned queen, who courageously risks her life to save her people from genocide planned by the wicked Haman. We may be less aware of the Biblical subtext of her righting a generational disgrace sullying her Benjamite lineage.

Welcome to Day 2421 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – The Most Horrific Bible Story – I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2421 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2421 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Today is the fourteenth lesson in our segment, Theology Thursday. Utilizing excerpts from a book titled: I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible written by Hebrew Bible scholar and professor the late Dr. Michael S Heiser, we will invest a couple of years going through the entire Bible, exploring short Biblical lessons that you may not have received in Bible classes or Church. The Bible is a wonderful book. Its pages reveal the epic story of God's redemption of humankind and the long, bitter conflict against evil. Yet it's also a book that seems strange to us. While God's Word was written for us, it wasn't written to us. Today, our lesson is, The Most Horrific Bible Story. “In those days, there was no king in Israel.” This line, repeated throughout Judges, frames the horrific tale of the Levite and his concubine. The grim details of this story showcase the anarchy and spiritual decay of the period, but this story is not just a cheap thriller. When reading this story, our attention fixates on the grim details of murder, rape, war, and abduction. But there are crucial, less repugnant elements —tribal affiliations and the locations of events. The story was designed to prompt readers into favoring kingship—the people needed a Messiah, a savior. The book of Judges does not name its author; it was likely written after the time of David. All of these elements add up to not only a rationale for kingship—but a polemic for the superiority of a king from Judah (David), not Benjamin (Saul) or Ephraim. By the time Judges was being written, Saul had failed God as a spiritual leader. Anyone reading the story would be prompted to follow God's new choice of kingship, the line of David. Any other ruler would spell chaos, evil, and tragedy. The Events in the Story What Does This Teach Us? In Judges 19-20, a Levite is retrieving his fugitive concubine from her father's house in Bethlehem, located in the tribal territory of Judah. The Levite is shown warm hospitality in Judah, David's tribe. The concubine's father, who is from Judah, treats the Levite with warm hospitality. The Levite and his concubine travel home to Ephraim. On the way, he has the option to stay in the city of Jebus, a Benjamite territory. The Levite could have stopped in Jebus—which is later known as Jerusalem. It is a missed oasis in the hellish sea of Benjamin. He decides not to remain since Jebus is under the rule of Gentiles, non-Hebrews. He journeys on to Gibeah, also a The Benjamite rapists of Gibeah are clearly Benjamite territory. In Gibeah, an old man—also from Ephraim—offers...

Are you desperate to know God's call for your life? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in 1 Samuel 10. I've titled this chapter "The Appointed But Reluctant Leader." Today, we pick up the story where Samuel has anointed Saul, the first king of Israel. But Samuel wants Saul to know that this is not something he has made up. It is the Word of the Lord. Therefore, he gives Saul three predictive signs as confirmations on his journey home. Here are verses 2-6: When you depart from me today, you will meet two men by Rachel's tomb in the territory of Benjamin at Zelzah, and they will say to you, ‘The donkeys that you went to seek are found, and now your father has ceased to care about the donkeys and is anxious about you, saying, “What shall I do about my son?”' Then you shall go on from there farther and come to the oak of Tabor. Three men going up to God at Bethel will meet you there, one carrying three young goats, another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a skin of wine. And they will greet you and give you two loaves of bread, which you shall accept from their hand. After that you shall come to Gibeath-elohim, where there is a garrison of the Philistines. And there, as soon as you come to the city, you will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place with harp, tambourine, flute, and lyre before them, prophesying. Then the Spirit of the Lord will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man. — 1 Samuel 10:2-6 Samuel is not your modern televangelist. He describes three extremely detailed events that confirm God's Word and Saul's appointment as king. So today, I want to look closer with you at the three confirmations that Saul will encounter on his journey home: Confirmation One: Two Men With A Message The first stop was Rachel's Tomb. We might not know who Rachel was, but Saul knew. Rachel was a matriarch of Israel. She died while giving birth to the last of the sons of Israel—Benjamin. And Saul is one of her descendants. Saul is a Benjamite. Saul would stop at her tomb and meet two men there. The symbolism in the encounter at this 800-year-old tomb is profound. Just a few days ago, he left his father's home as a peasant farmer, and now he would return as the first king of the people of Israel. His livelihood as a farmer would pass away, but as he leaves his ancestor's tomb, he would be transformed into the one who would fight for God's people, leaving a permanent mark on Israel's history. Confirmation Two: Three Men With Two Loaves The second stop is a lone oak tree at the base of Mt. Bethel. Although the oak is not mentioned anywhere else in the Bible, trees like the oak and terebinth were common landmarks for travelers in remote regions. At the tree, Saul would meet three men traveling up to Bethel with supplies for a sacrifice. Upon meeting Saul, the men would offer him a portion of their food. If you recall, just a few days before, as Saul was traveling through these hills, he and his servant ran out of provisions of bread. But the journey home would be different. He would receive divine provision as God's chosen man. Confirmation Three: Two Opposing Groups The last stop is Saul's home. Yet, as Saul returns, he witnesses two odd events: a garrison of Philistines and a group of praising and prophesying prophets. This bizarre scene is the tension that would define the calling for the rest of his life—a tension between God's people and God's enemies. Upon witnessing these two groups, the Spirit of God rushed upon him, transforming him into a different man. Remember, these three signs were confirmations of God's Word to Saul and God's selection of him as king. So you would think Saul would move ahead with some level of spiritual confidence, but as we will see, his appointment will be met with fear and trepidation instead. When God Confirms His Word To You God's Word is confirming. This is because God's Word is perfect, unchanging, and timely. God's Word is not just for Samuel and Saul; it is for you. If you are trying to understand this life and your unique calling, God's Word will clarify and confirm it. You can clarify and confirm your calling and purpose by regularly reading it, hearing it communicated by others, or confirming it in and through divine occurrences. So, if you feel concerned or confused about the events of your life and your calling, here is what you need to start doing. Increase your intake of God's Word. Start reading it more. Take it off the shelf, dust it off, and break open the binding of those unfolded pages. Read it and trust it and its divine providence over your feelings. Put yourself around grounded believers and look around for what God is telling you. God has a unique calling for you, just like he had for Samuel and Saul. The best place to live this life is right in the middle of that call. You may not be called to be a king over God's people or a prophet who can predict the future, but God is eager to tell you his purpose for you in this life, and it can be read right here, in God's Word. #GodsConfirmation #EmbracingDivineCall #SaulsJourney Ask This: Reflecting on Saul's journey and the confirmations he received, how can we discern and embrace God's confirmations in our own lives today? What steps can we take to recognize and respond to God's calling with confidence? Consider the significance of the symbols and events in Saul's journey—such as meeting the men at Rachel's tomb and receiving provisions under the oak tree. How can ordinary encounters and provisions in our lives serve as confirmations of God's presence and guidance? What examples from your own journey can you share where you've seen God's confirmation in unexpected ways? Do This: Read more of God's Word to find your calling. Pray This: Lord, help me to recognize and embrace the confirmations You provide in my life, just as You did for Saul. Guide me to walk confidently in Your calling and purpose for me, trusting in Your perfect and unchanging Word. Amen. Play This: Lead Me On.

Daily Dose of Hope July 11, 2024 Day 5 of Week 15   Scripture:  Judges 19-21; Acts 2   Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complement New Hope Church's Bible reading plan.  Today, you can breathe a sigh of relief because we are finishing with the book of Judges.  Look, I know it was a difficult book and some of the senseless violence is just hard to read.  Tomorrow, we will be moving into the book of Ruth, which is such an amazing story!  Our New Testament passage for today is Acts 2 and it should be encouraging and energizing (which is good because our Judges passages definitely are not!)  Let's get into our Scripture.    Judges 19 is a story of human depravity.  As I read it, I can't help but hear the echoes of Sodom and Gomorrah (read Genesis 19 to jog your memory of the details).  Certainly, this text in Judges serves to show just how horrific Israelite society had become.  Of course, we see the worst of patriarchy throughout the passage as well: the nameless concubine with no control over her life circumstances, the acceptance of the rape and abuse of women (in order to preserve the men's honor), the lack of emotional response from the Levite when he finds his wife is dead, and the subsequent disgusting murder and mutilation of the woman.  While we could probably dig much deeper into those themes, I really don't think this passage is intended to be about the abuse and oppression of women.  Rather, it is intended to show just how pagan and vicious the Israelites had become.  Everyone did what was right in their own eyes.  They look more like the Canaanites than the Canaanites themselves do.  And it's very, very ugly.  Where is their faith?  Have they totally forgotten God?   Judges 20 is not much better.  The Levite tells the story of his concubine being raped (he conveniently leaves out any part that makes him look bad.)  A large number of Israelites gather in response to the story.  It's unclear which part of the man's story is the source of their anger and agitation but they do feel justified to wage war against the Benajmites.  It appears to be a holy war of sorts against evil.  What's interesting to me are the spiritual themes which have returned to the text.  The Israelites gather together and assemble "before the Lord."  They inquire of the Lord several times during the battles and God answers them.  In the end, they give Yahweh credit for the victory over the Benjamites.  Israel has drifted far from God.  They have engaged in deplorable things and allowed idolatry to be regular part of their world.  In so many ways, they seem to have forgotten the ways of the one true God.  And yet, here we see they haven't totally forgotten God.  When crisis hits, when tragedy strikes, they remember who they are. Aren't we the same way?   In the final chapter of Judges, we witness the consequence of the Israelite battle against their brothers, the Benjamites.  In a fit of rage, they have sworn an oath to not allow their daughters to marry Benjamites (ironic because they seem to have no issue intermarrying with Canaanites).  However, once the smoke has cleared and the battles are over, their allegiance to the Benjamites begins to resurface.  There are only 600 Benjamite men remaining, as the rest were killed in battle and all the women and children were also slaughtered.  The other Israelites fear they will be celibate and unable to carry on the Benjamite line.  They weep loudly as a group over the literal end of the tribe of Benjamin.  Their solution to the problem is brutal and violent, in keeping with the lack of value for human life which we find throughout the book of Judges.  They punish those from Jabesh Gilead who failed to appear at their assembly by killing the whole village, except for the virgin women, who they give to the Benjamites in marriage.  The rest of the wives were simply kidnapped by the Benjamites, at the urging of the Israelite elders.  If their daughters were "stolen," then they couldn't be accused of giving them in marriage and breaking their former oath.     Again, we see the treatment of women in this time and place is appalling.  We move from the rape and murder of one woman (from chapter 19), to the kidnapping and rape of literally hundreds of women.  The total unraveling of the Israelite people seems to be complete.  They are vicious, depraved, and worthy of death.  And yet, we will continue to see God's grace shine through in the least expected ways as we work our way through the Old Testament.   Let's move on to Acts 2.  I think we need some life-giving Scripture.  I'm going to read the first three verses, On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place.  Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting.  Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them.    First, let's talk about the roaring windstorm.  Throughout Scripture, wind is a symbol of the Holy Spirit.  In ancient Hebrew, we have the word, ruach, which means breath/wind/spirit and we see this word quite a bit in the Old Testament.  Wind represents the life-giving work of the Spirit.  Think about it.  In Genesis 2, God breathed life (ruach) into Adam.  In Ezekial 37, we are in the valley of dry bones and God has Ezekiel prophesy to the bones, saying “I will put my Spirit (ruach) in you and you will live.”  In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit is typically referred to in the Greek as pneuma.  The Holy Spirit comes upon Mary to form life in her womb.  In John 3:5, Jesus tells Nicodemus that the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.    I can't help thinking, how many people need to experience the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit right now?  How many people are really struggling, barely holding on, languishing in doubt, pain, anger, cynicism?  Or maybe, you simply feel nothing?  There is NO true living without the presence of the Spirit, only existing.     Next, we have the tongues of fire.  Let's sit here for a second.  Fire is often descriptive of God in the Old Testament and it speaks to the purifying and refining work of the Holy Spirit.  In this sense, the Spirit causes things that are impure to become pure...lives, hearts. Matthew 3:11, John the Baptist says “I baptize you with water for repentance.  But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry.  He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”  Peter speaks of the new Gentile believers as experiencing the Holy Spirit and having their hearts purified.  If something is pure, it is only one thing–pure gold, pure oxygen.  It isn't filled with contaminants or additives. It is totally and completely that one thing. I picture the Holy Spirit coming upon that group of believers on the day of Pentecost and purifying or refining their hearts so they would be totally and completely dedicated to the things of God, not half filled with the stuff of the world and half filled with the things of God.  I wonder that about our own hearts.  What contaminants have we allowed to seep in?  What do we need to purify? Come like a fire, Holy Spirit, and burn in us so that we can be pure and totally devoted to the things of Jesus.   Let's read some more Scripture, beginning with verse 4 (this is truly a paraphrase), All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.  This made a racket and a crowd forms...When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken...Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?  Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”  And then Peter gets up and says, we aren't drunk, it's only 9 in the morning.  Let me tell you what his means...and he shares with them the Gospel, he speaks of how the Old Testament scriptures point to Jesus as the Messiah, he speaks of Jesus' ministry, his death, his resurrection and it says this,  Peter's words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”  Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the HolySpirit.”   And what happened? 3000 believed and were baptized.  The Holy Spirit came, the people were given power to act, and they did it!  They trusted God and they responded.  We talked about how the Holy Spirit is life-giving and purifying but it also has power.  The Holy Spirit empowers believers to do really hard things.  If you have said yes to Jesus, then the Holy Spirit has made a home within you. The same spirit that raised Jesus from the dead LIVES within you.  And God didn't give us that power simply for our own use.  It's for the mission of sharing the love and grace of Jesus Christ with others.     Why do you think we struggle so much with that?  What part of the mission causes you to hide in fear?  Friends, we have POWER within us and it is given to us for the purpose of making disciples of Jesus Christ.  Let's just let that sit and settle.   More tomorrow.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Behind every significant event in history has been the “will of the LORD” bringing about things that are “good” or things that are “bad” – more often the latter.      This is even sometimes the case with seemingly insignificant events!  In our reading of 1 Samuel 9, donkeys belonging to a Benjamite become lost and the owner's son, Saul is sent to look for them and in the end he ‘chances' to meet up with Samuel.  “Before Saul came, the LORD had revealed to Samuel” [v.15] that Saul would come “and you shall anoint him to be prince over my people, Israel.” [v.16] Despite God's displeasure with them they never ceased to be “his people” – and so it has been throughout history.  The chapter ends with Samuel taking Saul aside saying, “stop here yourself for awhile, that I may make known to you the word of God.”     Today we have the written word of God – how often do we prayerfully turn aside to absorb its message in its fullness as a “lamp shining in a dark place until the day dawns …”[1 Peter 1 v.19] This world is a dark place – and it's getting darker every year! How remarkable is the 53rd chapter in Isaiah, clearly a forecast of the life and death of our Lord so that many in recent generations had become convinced it must have be added during or after the time of Christ!  But when the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered they were silenced.  The chapter starts, “Who has believed what they heard …?” And that is still the question!  Who believes what was written and has been preserved and now made available in every language.  Our last reading today – Revelation – is about “seven plagues … the last, for with them the wrath of God is finished.” [15 v.1]  An angel is heard to say, “Just are you, O Holy One, who is and who was, for you brought these judgements …It is what they deserve!” [16 v.5,6]  We read of “demonic spirits … who go abroad to the kings (leaders) of the whole world to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty.” [v.14] “And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.” [v.16] Christ is returning without warning, “like a thief” [v.15]  The word ‘Armageddon' has fascinated people, especially moviemakers, in recent years – in their inner being many sense disaster is looming.      As in the days of Samuel, God arranged for the people to have what they wanted – and deserved, so our world will get what it deserves, “… and the cities of the nations fell … to make (them) drain the cup of the wine of the fury of his wrath” [v.19] Frightening!  Look back on our recent thoughts – remember to whom it was said – “I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world”  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christadelphians-talk/message

2 Samuel 16:6-12 6 And he cast stones at David, and at all the servants of king David: and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left.7 And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial:8 The Lord hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose stead thou hast reigned; and the Lord hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son: and, behold, thou art taken in thy mischief, because thou art a bloody man.9 Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head.10 And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? so let him curse, because the Lord hath said unto him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so?11 And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now may this Benjamite do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for the Lordhath bidden him.12 It may be that the Lord will look on mine affliction, and that the Lordwill requite me good for his cursing this day.

A new MP3 sermon from Grace Baptist Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Israel's War with the Benjamite's Subtitle: Judges Speaker: Clint Keith Broadcaster: Grace Baptist Church Event: Sunday Service Date: 6/11/2024 Bible: Judges 19; Judges 20 Length: 48 min.

Your sin can become a national crisis. Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are reading 1 Samuel 4. I've titled this chapter "Misusing Divine Power." In the first few verses of Chapter 4, we discover that the Israelites were at war with the Philistines. They engaged in two battles sustaining devastating losses, first 7000 dead, then 30,000 dead, until the Philistines claimed victory, captured the Ark of God, and then sent the Israelites running. A man of Benjamin ran from the battle line and came to Shiloh the same day, with his clothes torn and with dirt on his head. When he arrived, Eli was sitting on his seat by the road watching, for his heart trembled for the ark of God. And when the man came into the city and told the news, all the city cried out. When Eli heard the sound of the outcry, he said, “What is this uproar?” Then the man hurried and came and told Eli. — 1 Samuel 4:12-14 This is a tragic moment for Israel. In a short devotional, it's tough to capture how devastated God's people might have felt. The unnamed Benjamite makes the 20-mile run retreating from the battle and shows up wearing all the signs of a man in mourning “with his clothes torn and dirt on his head.” The only way to capture the feeling of this moment is to imagine that you receive a call in the next few moments that your spouse or child was killed and then multiply it by 37,000. That's the message this man delivered to this city: 37,000 souls lost on the field of battle, including sons, husbands, and fathers. But let's not forget that all of this stemmed from the apathy of one man. Eli, the last in a long line of Judges, allowed his sons to continue to act in disobedience until finally, they did the unthinkable. They took the Ark of the Covenant from the House of the Lord into battle, which led to slaughter. Disobedient actions concern God, but so does disobedient inaction. Eli had plenty of time to deal with his sons' disobedience, but he didn't. He was apathetic. He took no action, and his inaction was counted as disobedience. This devious sin had devastating consequences for him, his family, his legacy, and 37,000 families who were also impacted. Listen carefully: your sin never only affects you. Disobedient action and disobedient inaction have consequences for everyone. Here's the application. Don't be spiritually apathetic to God today. Address your secret sin and stop hiding it. Address the issue in your marriage that you still need to address. Address your child who is acting in sin. Move from disobedient inaction into obedient action and rally those around you to godly action. If you keep putting it off, that situation will have the same devastating consequences in your life as it did to Eli, his family, and the nation of Israel because your apathy never affects only you; it affects everyone around you.

2 When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon his son. 2 “I am about to go the way of all the earth,” he said. “So be strong, act like a man, 3 and observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go 4 and that the Lord may keep his promise to me: ‘If your descendants watch how they live, and if they walk faithfully before me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel.' 5 “Now you yourself know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me—what he did to the two commanders of Israel's armies, Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether. He killed them, shedding their blood in peacetime as if in battle, and with that blood he stained the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet. 6 Deal with him according to your wisdom, but do not let his gray head go down to the grave in peace. 7 “But show kindness to the sons of Barzillai of Gilead and let them be among those who eat at your table. They stood by me when I fled from your brother Absalom. 8 “And remember, you have with you Shimei son of Gera, the Benjamite from Bahurim, who called down bitter curses on me the day I went to Mahanaim. When he came down to meet me at the Jordan, I swore to him by the Lord: ‘I will not put you to death by the sword.' 9 But now, do not consider him innocent. You are a man of wisdom; you will know what to do to him. Bring his gray head down to the grave in blood.” 10 Then David rested with his ancestors and was buried in the City of David. 11 He had reigned forty years over Israel—seven years in Hebron and thirty-three in Jerusalem. 12 So Solomon sat on the throne of his father David, and his rule was firmly established. 13 Now Adonijah, the son of Haggith, went to Bathsheba, Solomon's mother. Bathsheba asked him, “Do you come peacefully?” He answered, “Yes, peacefully.” 14 Then he added, “I have something to say to you.” “You may say it,” she replied. 15 “As you know,” he said, “the kingdom was mine. All Israel looked to me as their king. But things changed, and the kingdom has gone to my brother; for it has come to him from the Lord. 16 Now I have one request to make of you. Do not refuse me.” “You may make it,” she said. 17 So he continued, “Please ask King Solomon—he will not refuse you—to give me Abishag the Shunammite as my wife.” 18 “Very well,” Bathsheba replied, “I will speak to the king for you.” 19 When Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak to him for Adonijah, the king stood up to meet her, bowed down to her and sat down on his throne. He had a throne brought for the king's mother, and she sat down at his right hand. 20 “I have one small request to make of you,” she said. “Do not refuse me.” The king replied, “Make it, my mother; I will not refuse you.” 21 So she said, “Let Abishag the Shunammite be given in marriage to your brother Adonijah.” 22 King Solomon answered his mother, “Why do you request Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? You might as well request the kingdom for him—after all, he is my older brother—yes, for him and for Abiathar the priest and Joab son of Zeruiah!” 23 Then King Solomon swore by the Lord: “May God deal with me, be it ever so severely, if Adonijah does not pay with his life for this request! 24 And now, as surely as the Lord lives—he who has established me securely on the throne of my father David and has founded a dynasty for me as he promised—Adonijah shall be put to death today!”25 So King Solomon gave orders to Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he struck down Adonijah and he died. 26 To Abiathar the priest the king said, “Go back to your fields in Anathoth. You deserve to die, but I will not put you to death now, because you carried the ark of the Sovereign Lord before my father David and shared all my father's hardships.” 27 So Solomon removed Abiathar from the priesthood of the Lord, fulfilling the word the Lord had spoken at Shiloh about the house of Eli. 28 When the news reached Joab, who had conspired with Adonijah though not with Absalom, he fled to the tent of the Lord and took hold of the horns of the altar. 29 King Solomon was told that Joab had fled to the tent of the Lord and was beside the altar. Then Solomon ordered Benaiah son of Jehoiada, “Go, strike him down!” 30 So Benaiah entered the tent of the Lord and said to Joab, “The king says, ‘Come out!'” But he answered, “No, I will die here.” Benaiah reported to the king, “This is how Joab answered me.” 31 Then the king commanded Benaiah, “Do as he says. Strike him down and bury him, and so clear me and my whole family of the guilt of the innocent blood that Joab shed. 32 The Lord will repay him for the blood he shed,because without my father David knowing it he attacked two men and killed them with the sword. Both of them—Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel's army, and Amasason of Jether, commander of Judah's army—were better men and more upright than he. 33 May the guilt of their blood rest on the head of Joab and his descendants forever. But on David and his descendants, his house and his throne, may there be the Lord's peace forever.” 34 So Benaiah son of Jehoiada went up and struck down Joab and killed him, and he was buried at his home out in the country. 35 The king put Benaiah son of Jehoiada over the army in Joab's position and replaced Abiathar with Zadok the priest. 36 Then the king sent for Shimei and said to him, “Build yourself a house in Jerusalem and live there, but do not go anywhere else. 37 The day you leave and cross the Kidron Valley, you can be sure you will die; your blood will be on your own head.” 38 Shimei answered the king, “What you say is good. Your servant will do as my lord the king has said.” And Shimei stayed in Jerusalem for a long time. 39 But three years later, two of Shimei's slaves ran off to Achish son of Maakah, king of Gath, and Shimei was told, “Your slaves are in Gath.” 40 At this, he saddled his donkey and went to Achish at Gath in search of his slaves. So Shimei went away and brought the slaves back from Gath. 41 When Solomon was told that Shimei had gone from Jerusalem to Gath and had returned, 42 the king summoned Shimei and said to him, “Did I not make you swear by the Lord and warn you, ‘On the day you leave to go anywhere else, you can be sure you will die'? At that time you said to me, ‘What you say is good. I will obey.'43 Why then did you not keep your oath to the Lord and obey the command I gave you?” 44 The king also said to Shimei, “You know in your heart all the wrong you did to my father David. Now the Lord will repay you for your wrongdoing. 45 But King Solomon will be blessed, and David's throne will remain secure before the Lordforever.” 46 Then the king gave the order to Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he went out and struck Shimei down and he died. The kingdom was now established in Solomon's hands.

Unlike Ps 6, where the root issue behind David's problems was sin, in Ps 7 he is innocent being falsely slandered and pursued to death - a song of a slandered saint. The background is from when he was on the run from king Saul. Early in his reign Saul rebelled against God and Samuel told him God had rejected him and would replace him by another king (1Saml 13:13-14, 15:22-29). From then on he was on the look out for who this new replacement might be. David was anointed by Samuel (1Sam 16), then came into favour after slaying Goliath (1Sam 17), but when the people praised him more than Saul, he began to eye David with jealousy, believing he was going to usurp him as king (1Sam 18:5-9). He then tried to kill David on a number of occasions (1Sam 18), so that David had to go on the run from Saul (1Sam 19–31). The heading of Ps 7 says David sang it to the Lord concerning the words of Cush, a Benjamite. Cush was from the same tribe as Saul, one of his close advisors, feeding his paranoia by making accusations against David that he was conspiring to overthrow him (those who spoke the truth and defended David's innocence, like Jonathan, experienced Saul's wrath). David knew about these false accusers stirring up Saul against David, and twice was able to protest his innocence to Saul (1Sam 22:6ff, 24:8ff). So David faced a double trial of (1) false accusations, which resulted in (2) being hunted to death. David gives us an example of how to respond to false accusation and persecution, by not taking revenge but by turning to the Lord for refuge, and committing our situation to Him, pleading our case, and asking Him in faith for vindication and deliverance. He starts with a plea to God for deliverance (v1-2), followed by a strong plea of innocence - equivalent to making an oath. He said: "if I am guilty of the charges being made against me then let my enemies pursue, overtake and kill me" (v3-5). He did not claim sinless perfection, but that in this case he was completely innocent of the charges being made against him. Next David, believing the Lord was angry on his behalf, urges Him to quickly move into action, due to the hostility of his enemies, and ascend to His Judge's Seat and initiate a court case to decide the issue, so He can make His judgment and command justice to be done (v6). David wants a court case, where all nations are assembled to witness the outcome and his public vindication. He says this is "for their sakes" for it is good for people to see justice done, for it causes them to trust in God (when evil-doers seem to get away with it, people cast off restraint). Also David had a special role in the plan of God, bringing salvation to all nations through Messiah, so it was "for their sakes" that God judged in David's favour and spared his life (v7). Clearly God answered his prayer, because in the Bible, God has declared His verdict of vindication of David in this situation to all mankind. Notice he turned the matter over to the Lord, rather than taking it into his own hands and taking revenge himself: "Vengeance is Mine says the Lord" (Rom 12:19). In v8-9, David declares that God will render justice to all people, and he renews his plea: "Judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness, and according to my integrity within me." He is not referring to his final eternal judgment before God (in which he would not dare to stand on his own righteousness), but that God would make a judgment between him and his enemies in his earthly situation. In v9, he points out that God is qualified to judge for He is righteous and sees into everyone's heart and motives. He also expands his prayer beyond his own personal needs, where his situation is an example of many other cases of injustice, so that he prays for universal justice, where God brings the wickedness of the wicked to an end, and establishes the just forever, just as we pray: "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth" and 'Lord, come and set all things in order.' In v10, David declares his confidence God has heard his prayer and judged his case, so that justice will be done concerning him and his false accusers, and that therefore God will defend him from those who seek to destroy him. In v11, David declares God is the just Judge, who continually hates and resists all evil, and who therefore is angry with the wicked every day (John 3:36). Sinners never imagine they will stand before a God, who is perfectly just and who cannot ignore the crime of sin. Therefore, if the sinner does not turn back (repent), God will suddenly release His arrows of fiery judgment upon him (v12,13). David sees God as being ever ready to judge the sinner, like an archer with his bow bent back, ready to release his arrow at any time. The only reason that, in His love and mercy for the sinner, God delays His judgment is to give men a chance to repent. It is not because He is weak, slack or unconcerned with justice. Man should not presume upon such mercy, ass if it will last for e

In Psalm 7, David is innocent, falsely slandered and pursued to death - a song of a slandered saint on the run from Saul. When he rebelled Samuel told him God would replace him (1Sam 13:13-14, 15:22-29). From then on he watched for his replacement. Samuel anointed David (1Sam 16), who came into favour after slaying Goliath (1Sam 17), but when he was praised him more than Saul, he eyed David with jealousy, believing he would usurp him (1Sam 18:5-9). He then tried to kill David (1Sam 18), who had to flee (1Sam 19–31). The title says David sang it to God concerning the words of Cush, a Benjamite. Cush was from Saul's tribe, a close advisor, feeding his paranoia by making accusations David was conspiring to overthrow him. He knew about these false accusers and protested his innocence to Saul (1Sam 22:6, 24:8). So he faced a double trial of (1) false accusations, resulting in (2) being hunted to death. He shows us how to respond to false accusation and persecution, by not taking revenge but turning to God for refuge, committing our situation to Him, pleading our case, and asking Him in faith for vindication & deliverance. He starts with a plea for deliverance (v1-2), and declaration of innocence, making an oath: "if I'm guilty, then let my enemies pursue and kill me" (v3-5). He didn't claim to be sinless, but that in this case he was innocent. Next David, believing the Lord was angry on his behalf, urged Him to move into action, due to the hostility of his enemies, ascend to His judge's seat and initiate a court case to decide the issue, and command justice be done (v6). He wants all to witness the outcome and his public vindication. He says this is 'for their sakes' as it is good for people to see justice done, for it helps them trust in God (when evil-doers seem to get away with it, they cast off restraint). Also he had a special role in God's plan of salvation thru Christ, so it was for their sakes for God to judge in his favour and spare his life (v7). Clearly God answered him, for in the Bible, God declared His verdict of his vindication. He turned the matter over to God, rather than taking it into his own hands and taking revenge (Ro 12:19). In v8-9, he declares God will render justice, and renews his plea for vindication. He's not referring to his final eternal judgment (in which he wouldn't dare stand on his own merits), but that God would judge in his favour in this situation. In v9, he says God is qualified to judge for He is righteous and sees every heart. He expands his prayer beyond his situation (an example of other cases of injustice), praying for universal justice, when God brings the evil of the wicked to an end, and establishes the just forever. In v10, he declares his confidence God has heard him and judged his case, so justice will be done, and God will defend him from those who seek to destroy him. In v11, he says God is the just Judge, who continually resists all evil, and is angry with the wicked all day. Sinners never imagine they will stand before a perfectly just God, who can't ignore sin. So, if they do not turn back, He will suddenly release His arrows of fiery judgment on them (v12,13). He sees God as ever ready to judge the sinner, like an archer with his bow bent back, ready to release his arrow at any time. The only reason He delays is His mercy, giving men a chance to repent, not cos He is weak, slack or unconcerned with justice. Men should not presume on His mercy, as if it will last for ever, for judgment will surely come, and suddenly. This poetic imagery reveals the severity & imminence of judgment, a strong incentive to repent. In v14, he describes the nature of sin -a monstrous child conceived in the womb (heart), growing until it comes into manifestation, and ultimately kills them (Jas 1:13-15). Then he describes God's moral government of the universe, as seen in the law of sowing & reaping (Gal 6:7). Like a hunter who lays a trap and falls into it (v15, Prov 26:27), what you do to others will be done to you (Newton's 3rd Law). It will return on your own head as sure as gravitation (v16) - a common way God's justice works in this life, often bringing the same calamity on the wicked they planned for the just: (1) Saul's violent death after trying to kill David, (2) Pharoh's drowning in Red Sea, after drowning many Jewish babies, (3) Haman hanged on the gallows he made for Mordecai (Est 7:7-10), (4) Daniel's enemies in the lion's den (6:24), (5) Abab & Jezebel's judgment for Naboth's murder. God's righteous government means the way of evil can't prosper, as it creates its own destruction. Psalm 7 began with David facing many troubles, but ends with praise for God's justice. Having taken his cause to the righteous God, he is confident in his vindication. He concludes: "I will sing praise to the Name (righteous nature) of the Lord Most High" (v17). We should praise God for all His righteous judgments.

In this Bible Story, some men from the tribe of Benjamin brutally rape the concubine of a Levite. As a message to the people of Israel, the Levite tore his concubine into pieces, and spread her limbs to all the twelve tribes of Israel. This story is inspired by Judges 19. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Judges 19:24 from the King James Version.Episode 71: Israel continues its fall into depravity and even the holiest of people did whatever they wanted. A Levite, a minister of God, took on a concubine, who eventually left him. After a while, he left his home in Ephraim to go to Bethlehem and fetch his concubine. But whenever he arrived, the woman's father kept finding ways to keep him there at their house. When they were finally able to escape, the Levite decided to press on until the land of Benjamin. But little did he know, that Gibeah had become the new Sodom.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Am I Not A Benjamite?”( 1Samuel 9, 10 )

Psalm 7[a] A shiggaion[b] of David, which he sang to the Lord concerning Cush, a Benjamite. 1 Lord my God, I take refuge in you;     save and deliver me from all who pursue me, 2 or they will tear me apart like a lion     and rip me to pieces with no one to rescue me. 3 Lord my God, if I have done this     and there is guilt on my hands— 4 if I have repaid my ally with evil     or without cause have robbed my foe— 5 then let my enemy pursue and overtake me;     let him trample my life to the ground     and make me sleep in the dust.[c] 6 Arise, Lord, in your anger;     rise up against the rage of my enemies.     Awake, my God; decree justice. 7 Let the assembled peoples gather around you,     while you sit enthroned over them on high. 8     Let the Lord judge the peoples. Vindicate me, Lord, according to my righteousness,     according to my integrity, O Most High. 9 Bring to an end the violence of the wicked     and make the righteous secure— you, the righteous God     who probes minds and hearts. 10 My shield[d] is God Most High,     who saves the upright in heart. 11 God is a righteous judge,     a God who displays his wrath every day. 12 If he does not relent,     he[e] will sharpen his sword;     he will bend and string his bow. 13 He has prepared his deadly weapons;     he makes ready his flaming arrows. 14 Whoever is pregnant with evil     conceives trouble and gives birth to disillusionment. 15 Whoever digs a hole and scoops it out     falls into the pit they have made. 16 The trouble they cause recoils on them;     their violence comes down on their own heads. 17 I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness;     I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.

5:35 - Are birds always a sign of evil in Jesus' parables? / 19:00 - Judges 21:2, after the tribes agreed not to marry into the clan of Benjamin, how did David marry a Benjamite? / 25:32 - Did Daniel ever fight a dragon? / 33:39 - I lost my mother recently, and what do you think of Rodney Brown? / 37:38 - What are your thoughts on Replacement Theology? / 53:27 - Does the Bible talk about food addiction?

SUN AM SERMONWatch/Listen here using the Embedded Subsplash Playerdiv.sap-embed-player{position:relative;width:100%;height:0;padding-top:56.25%;}div.sap-embed-player>iframe{position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;}Central Baptist Church of Ponca City, OKDATE: Sunday AM, February 4, 2023SERMON BY: Dr. John WaterlooSERMON TITLE: Keep the Charge of the LORD Thy GodSERMON THEME: David's Advice to His SonSERMON SERIES: 1 Kings (King Me)SERMON VERSES: 1Kings 2:1-12A Father's Last Words* Shew thyself a man-be strong and courageous * Keep the charge of the LORD* Success is only sustained when we put God first* Be shrewd and discerning (wise)-do what is right!1Kings 2:1 Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying, 2 I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man; 3 And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself: 4 That the LORD may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel. 5 Moreover thou knowest also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, and what he did to the two captains of the hosts of Israel, unto Abner the son of Ner, and unto Amasa the son of Jether, whom he slew, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war upon his girdle that was about his loins, and in his shoes that were on his feet. 6 Do therefore according to thy wisdom, and let not his hoar head go down to the grave in peace. 7 But shew kindness unto the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those that eat at thy table: for so they came to me when I fled because of Absalom thy brother. 8 And, behold, thou hast with thee Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite of Bahurim, which cursed me with a grievous curse in the day when I went to Mahanaim: but he came down to meet me at Jordan, and I sware to him by the LORD, saying, I will not put thee to death with the sword. 9 Now therefore hold him not guiltless: for thou art a wise man, and knowest what thou oughtest to do unto him; but his hoar head bring thou down to the grave with blood. 10 So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David. 11 And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem.1Kings 2:12   Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly. — — —Watch/Listen here using our Subsplash WebShare Playerhttps://cbcponca.subspla.sh/p8vr7r8Listen on archive.orghttps://archive.org/download/020424-am-facebook-stream/020424AM-FacebookStream.mp3 

Psalm 7 A meditation by David, which he sang to Yahweh, concerning the words of Cush, the Benjamite. 7:1 Yahweh, my God, I take refuge in you. Save me from all those who pursue me, and deliver me, 7:2 lest they tear apart my soul like a lion, ripping it in pieces, while there is none to deliver. 7:3 Yahweh, my God, if I have done this, if there is iniquity in my hands, 7:4 if I have rewarded evil to him who was at peace with me (yes, if I have delivered him who without cause was my adversary), 7:5 let the enemy pursue my soul, and overtake it; yes, let him tread my life down to the earth, and lay my glory in the dust. Selah. 7:6 Arise, Yahweh, in your anger. Lift up yourself against the rage of my adversaries. Awake for me. You have commanded judgement. 7:7 Let the congregation of the peoples surround you. Rule over them on high. 7:8 Yahweh administers judgement to the peoples. Judge me, Yahweh, according to my righteousness, and to my integrity that is in me. 7:9 Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, but establish the righteous; their minds and hearts are searched by the righteous God. 7:10 My shield is with God, who saves the upright in heart. 7:11 God is a righteous judge, yes, a God who has indignation every day. 7:12 If a man doesn’t relent, he will sharpen his sword; he has bent and strung his bow. 7:13 He has also prepared for himself the instruments of death. He makes ready his flaming arrows. 7:14 Behold, he travails with iniquity. Yes, he has conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood. 7:15 He has dug a hole, and has fallen into the pit which he made. 7:16 The trouble he causes shall return to his own head. His violence shall come down on the crown of his own head. 7:17 I will give thanks to Yahweh according to his righteousness, and will sing praise to the name of Yahweh Most High. Right mouse click or tap here to save this Podcast as a MP3. To download all 150 Psalms to your device, click or tap here to visit our Psalm page on this website.

I recently reviewed the resumes of several accomplished individuals and was impressed by their education and experience. That's the point of a resume, isn't it? To highlight our qualifications and pique the interest of a possible employer. In Philippians 3, Paul encourages the church to live with a joy found only in the Lord and to guard against the Judaizers. Paul doesn't pull any punches here. His warning is harsh as he called those pious legalists “dogs” and “evil” and “mutilators of the flesh” (v. 2). Their confidence was in their own merit. Paul offered his own resume in comparison (vv. 4–6). He was the ultimate Benjamite, Hebrew, Pharisee, and so forth. But when Christ appeared to Paul (Saul) on the Damascus Road (Acts 9) and called him to apostleship, Paul's perspective on his credentials drastically changed. What follows in verses 7–14 is a very personal testimony of Christ's transformative work. Everything Paul used to take pride in, he now saw as fallible and fallen human offerings that should only be considered as “loss” when compared to the greatness of “knowing” Jesus. Not limited to intellectual understanding, this knowing is an acknowledgment of and submission to Jesus as Lord. This sort of knowing resulted in a new righteousness from God and a fellowship in Christ's suffering during this lifetime, as well as a future glorification in eternity. In verses 12–14 Paul repeatedly emphasizes his own humble position and reiterates the ultimate goal, “the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (v. 14). The rich theological significance of this call is undeniable, not only in the present but also in the future. It is a heavenly call which Paul persistently pursued with all his might, and to which we are welcome. >> God's call on our lives changes our present condition and our eternal destiny! For this reason, we press onward. Take encouragement from Paul's words today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trials of Faith Prepare Us For Battle (2)  (audio) David Eells - 10/22/23  The Desert Shed  Anonymous 4/20/23 (David's notes in red)    I dreamed that I was given an opportunity to go stay at an Airbnb for a few weeks for free, and I was going to spend that time fasting and focusing 100% on God to get closer to Him. (It is good to fast from the world and the flesh to seek God. An Airbnb represents trusting in the heavenly provision for food and covering.)  I wasn't sure where the Airbnb was because someone took care of all the details and paid for it so it was free for me. (This is a spiritual place where Jesus paid for everything and has taken care of every detail of our lives with His life.) I had to go on a small private plane (representing being led into the wilderness through heavenly places in Christ.) to get there, and the plane flew into a desert (wilderness) where there was literally no one else. (It is our individual fellowship with the Lord like a feast of individual tabernacles.) There were barely any trees and the dirt was a bright orange color. (The dirt represents the flesh and its bright orange because of the burning heat of the sun/Son in the fiery trials of the wilderness.)   As we flew further out into the barren desert, I started feeling God's presence stronger and stronger; I assume it was because it's more into God's creation and there are less spirits out there. (When we go into the wilderness, that's where the Lord reveals Himself to each of us personally. The desert is where we learn to trust and be dependent on God only. Moses (a type of the Man-child) fled Egypt into the desert and was there 40 years (1st time), which was his tribulation before he was qualified to lead the Israelites through the desert (2nd time) for another 40 years. Jesus fasted for 40 days in the desert where He was tempted by satan, and He spent much time alone in the desert mountains fasting and praying. The apostle Paul received the revelation of Jesus Christ and the Gospel from the Lord while he was alone in Arabia.)  As I was looking down, my flesh had slight fear of how strong God's presence was and I knew that the old man was dying just by being here and the Holy Spirit was rising. Pro 9:10 The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom; And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Psa 119:120 My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; And I am afraid of thy judgments.  The plane landed in the desert area next to a silver shed. (The silver shed represents our spiritual tabernacle in the wilderness. Silver is the refining and purifying away of the dross (flesh). Pro 17:3 The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold; But Jehovah trieth the hearts. Psa 12:6 The words of Jehovah are pure words; As silver tried in a furnace on the earth, Purified seven times.)   There was a small old-looking house not far from the shed that looked abandoned. (The small old, abandoned house represents our old carnal life which we gave up to follow the Lord into our spiritual wilderness.) I got out, and the pilot said he would pick me up in a few weeks, and he went back into the air, and I went and walked around the shed. There was no internet service for reception (no worldly electronic distractions) and no way to get help from man or self-works. The Airbnb was a large open plain shed without a door. (The veil has been torn by what Jesus did at the cross so we can come directly into the presence of our Father in the Holy of Holies.)   Inside, it had a table with chairs, (to partake of the Table of the Lord) there was a small room with a door, and inside to the right there was a bed. (to enter the rest) Located outside the shed was an outdoor shower and toilet. (This represents cleansing our soul of the defilements of flesh and spirit; our sanctification. It is done outside because nothing unclean can come into the Holy of Holies.)   Although there wasn't much there, I was completely satisfied. (The soul is satisfied and sustained with the Word in the presence of the Lord. Isa 58:11 and Jehovah will guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in dry places, and make strong thy bones; and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.) This is a place in the wilderness with no distractions of the world. (Rev 12:6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that there they may nourish her a thousand two hundred and threescore days. (3 ½ years)  I explored the area and found that there was a cliff edge over the ocean and the land was so very high up. (This represents Mt. Zion and the promised land high above the ocean representing the peoples tribes etc..) The temperatures were not as hot as I was expecting but it was still warm with a nice breeze. (When we go willingly into our own wilderness to let the Lord do His refining work in us, the trials are not as hot as they could be if we resist what God wants to do in our sanctification process. 2Co 12:9 And he hath said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.)   I spent the time here growing closer to the Lord and staying here was a big help to crucify my flesh spiritually and physically.      Saved From Leviathan  Marie Kelton 7/10/23 (David's notes in red)  During the meeting I had an open vision of a desert place. (The wilderness) I saw a stone or concrete slide that was next to a small body of water. The water was a turquoise color. (Turquoise is a blue-green color and often associated with “waters of the Caribbean.” These waters appear very clear and blue because they are shallow, and there is a lack of Plankton, which are a crucial source of food in the sea. These waters could represent taking a vacation, which the world does. It represents a distraction from the daily grind.  But the Body of Christ should stay focused on eating the Word of God and continuing to serve the Lord.) I saw my spirit man get on a slide and slide into the water. When my spirit man went into the water, it was very deep. In the water was a huge, long black creature; I knew it was Leviathan.  Leviathan (the serpent) swam around my spirit man, like it was about to attack her. My spirit reached up like she was trying to escape. I then saw the hand of Lord come down and pull my spirit man out of the water and placed her on the land that was on the other side of the body of water. (Psa 18:16-17 He sent from on high, he took me; He drew me out of many waters. 17 He delivered me from my strong enemy, And from them that hated me; for they were too mighty for me. Psa 31:8 And thou hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy; Thou hast set my feet in a large place. Psa 94:18 When I said, My foot slippeth; Thy lovingkindness, O Jehovah, held me up.)  My spirit man then turned toward the desert with her back toward the body of water. (I knew that meant that I had to continue to walk through the wilderness.) (We should not entertain vacations from the wilderness training grounds for the promised land is where that leads.)  I asked the Lord what the body of water was, the Leviathan was in. I heard Him say, "Waters of deception." (These are fleshly appealing luxuries we cannot afford if we want to win the race.)  Eph 5:6 Let no man deceive you with empty words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience. Col 2:4 This I say, that no one may delude you with persuasiveness of speech.  The Lord will destroy the old serpent when He's done tempting us. Psa 74:14 Thou brakest the heads of leviathan in pieces; Thou gavest him to be food to the people inhabiting the wilderness. (Babylon is being plundered to build the Kingdom.) Isa 27:1 In that day Jehovah with his hard and great and strong sword will punish leviathan the swift serpent, and leviathan the crooked serpent; and he will slay the monster that is in the sea.)      Light Track  Samuel Fire 1/11/23 (David's notes in red)  I saw a tall mountain (Mt Zion) from a distance. Then I saw many people making a journey to the top. (Many people start out with us on the Way to holiness and maturity.) However, most of the people took different paths to get there. Some did follow the same parts of another's path but took diversions and added length and time to the journey. (We are to follow Jesus and keep His ways, not turning to the left or the right. When we try to go another way, it takes more time and effort, and if we are diverted we have to start over. The Israelites' journey through the wilderness could have been a very short journey to the Promised Land but sin, rebellion and unbelief made it longer and some died there.) Deu 5:32-33 Ye shall observe to do therefore as Jehovah your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. 33 Ye shall walk in all the way which Jehovah your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess.  I then saw who resembled to be the Lord Jesus at the very peak and there was a path He made for them to follow along the mountain. (The Lord leads us up to high places; He is calling many to come and follow Him.) (Isa 30:21 and thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it; when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left. Psa 23:1-3 A Psalm of David. Jehovah is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: He guideth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.) Psa 5:8 Lead me, O Jehovah, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; Make thy way straight before my face. Pro 8:20 I walk in the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of justice;  It seemed that each of the people making the trek up the mountain had a map and some ignored it, and some followed as close as possible. (The Word of God (Jesus) is our map. When Jesus called His disciples, He said, “Follow Me” and “I am the way”. Some follow Jesus closely and others ignore what God has said.) Joh 1:1 In the beginning the Word was, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life:…  (Psa 119:105 NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And light unto my path. Psa 43:3 Oh send out thy light and thy truth; let them lead me: Let them bring me unto thy holy hill, And to thy tabernacles. Pro 6:23 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; And reproofs of instruction are the way of life)  It felt that all these people making the journey to the top are brethren with different trials and types of life (And different callings), that's why there were different paths. NENT Eph 1:4 even as he chose us in him before the world's foundation, that we be holy and without blemish before him in love: Jer 1:5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee, and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee; I have appointed thee a prophet unto the nations.  Then I saw in another vision, individual light rays coming from a lightbulb, illuminating a room. All the light rays travelled outwardly separately and independent of one another and filled the room with the light source. (The source of Light that filled the room is the Lord Jesus, and the room represents each individual who make up the one Body of Christ.) Joh 8:12 Again therefore Jesus spake unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.  (Joh 12:36 While ye have the light, believe on the light, that ye may become sons of light. 2Co 4:6 Seeing it is God, that said, Light shall shine out of darkness, who shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.)  NENT Rom 12:4-5 For even as we have many members in one body, but all the members have not the same office: 5 so we, the many, are one body in Christ, and severally members one of another.  Then I saw how if the direction of the light rays were to return to the source, the quickest path is to go directly in a straight path. But each ray was never in the same spot as another, and none would reach the source if being diverted or blocked. (Jesus said His words are spirit and life and our born-again spirit returns to the Lord.)   (Joh 3:13 And no one hath ascended into heaven, but he that descended out of heaven, even the Son of man, who is in heaven. Eph 4:10 He that descended is the same also that ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.  Ecc 12:7 and the dust returneth to the earth as it was, and the spirit returneth unto God who gave it.) Isa 40:3 The voice of one that crieth, Prepare ye in the wilderness the way of Jehovah; make level in the desert a highway for our God. Psa 107:7 He led them also by a straight way, That they might go to a city of habitation.      Seeking In Secret  Anonymous 12/17/22 (David's notes in red)    I heard in prayer and The Lord spoke:  He said, “Shut out everything.” (Close off all distractions, the enemy always uses everything he can to distract us from seeking God's presence and to distract us from staying in God's rest.) (Seeking His will through the trials is a test of Faith and devotion to the Word. Just as Job gave acknowledgement and glory to God during his trials. Job 1:8 And Jehovah said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job? for there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and turneth away from evil.)  He said, “Prayer closet.” (Dedicate more of your time to God and His Spirit, not the flesh.) (“You have not because you ask not.” Being intimate with God in prayer has eternal rewards. Distractions will try to steal this time with God.)  He said, “Have patience.” (Knowing that your prayers will be answered in His perfect time.)  Jas 1:3-4  knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience.  4  And let patience have its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing. Rom 5:3-5 And not only so, but we also rejoice in our tribulations: knowing that tribulation worketh stedfastness; 4 and stedfastness, approvedness; and approvedness, hope: 5 and hope putteth not to shame; because the love of God hath been shed abroad in our hearts through the Holy Spirit which was given unto us. (“He that endureth to the end shall be saved.”)  He said, “Speak out when you can see the enemy attack, call out to Me.” (Alert the Saints and respond to duty. God sends these tests to cause us to get in line with His Word so the enemy has no advantage.) (There is safety in numbers because some brethren may have overcome some specifics that we have not encountered. It is not only Christ in you, but in your brothers and sisters too.)  He said, “Turn up the heat, get into deep, fervent and desperate prayer!” (“The effectual fervent prayer of the righteous man availeth much.” “Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”) He said, “Laugh the enemy to scorn for he does this all the time.” (Calling out the enemy's bluff and stay in the resolve of Jesus and the truth of the Word.) (The majority of trials are enemy lies, or a twisted truth to deceive. Symptoms, curses and afflictions – never last. Only Jesus is the everlasting!)  He said, “That test is to turn it all back for what it is.” (Refute and retake the stolen things back from the enemy.) (Act 3:20-21 and that he may send the Christ who hath been appointed for you, even Jesus:  21  whom the heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, whereof God spake by the mouth of his holy prophets that have been from of old.) He said, “In humility give all gratefulness that nothing is done for you or to you, unless I allow it.” (Praise God in all things, praise Him for He is in control, and we can trust Him only.) (Psa 149:6-9 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, And a two-edged sword in their hand;  7  To execute vengeance upon the nations, And punishments upon the peoples;  8  To bind their kings with chains, And their nobles with fetters of iron;  9  To execute upon them the judgment written: This honor have all his saints. Praise ye Jehovah.)  He said, “Seek Me in fear and gladness for everything.” He said, “Bring the life of Christ into the open.” (Reveal the greatest of things for all to experience.) (Joh 10:10 The thief cometh not, but that he may steal, and kill, and destroy: I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.)  He said, “Love all and be showing the example of Him.” (God through us to others.) (Rom 13:8 ASV  Owe no man anything, save to love one another: for he that loveth his neighbor hath fulfilled the law.)  He said, “See that nothing is allowed into Me unless passes the test of being in the image of My Son.” (Nothing of self or evil can ever imitate.) (A final result of our trials is more of Christ revealed. “Christ in you the hope of glory.”)  He said, “As you look to Me by the Word and heart, you can see I look through all things.” (There is nothing that can be hidden from God.) (Only the wicked do not believe He sees all and will do anything about it.)   He said, “When you see that you need Me in everything and when you are that desperate, you can see Me in others too.” (Everyone is in dire need for more of the Lord Jesus and His salvation.)  He said, “Pray in tongues and write down interpretation you get.” (Exercising the gifts to be trained and gain experience.)  He said, “Seeking the Lord in servitude and want.” (Nothing for selfish gain) (But to serve the Kingdom.) He said, “Draw close to Him” (Honestly and sincerely prefer The Lord as priority always.) (Talk to Him for He desires our fellowship.) He said, “Fan the flames that burn the traps and attacks.” (Nothing can withhold you when the fire of the Lord burns everything evil. Praise and worship engulfs the evil.)  He said, “Add to the fire the fuel of the Word and continue to add each verse in thought as it burns.” (Keep the fire burning with explosive power)  He said, “The light shines as the flames burn brighter in the zeal and desire of the Father.” (Love burns so hot, it eliminates all darkness.)  (Return us Lord into Your wonderful garden and keep us hedged around and protected from all evil, under Your wings, in Your promises.)     The Fiery Trial to Overcome the Flesh  David Eells   You know, we have to make decisions. Every day we're faced with a decision. If you decide the easy way, which is the flesh way, then you say, “Okay, devil, you can rule over this flesh.” That's what you're really saying. Of course, we can see it across the country, too – people who are so-called Christians rising up against the government and actually being used of the enemy who is going to invade this country. But God said, My power is made perfect in weakness (2Co.12:9). (9) And he hath said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for [my] power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (10) Wherefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.   We need to see how the power of God comes to those who will enter into weakness of self. The commands, many of the principles, but also the commands of God, are to put us into a position of weakness. If you obey the commands of Christ, you will be weak and you'll cease from your works. You will not be able to handle the situation yourself. You will have to trust in God to do it, if you obey His commands. (2Co.13:4) For he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth through the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him through the power of God toward you. Weakness brings the power of God.   Weakness brings crucifixion in the flesh, but it also brings the power of God to bring resurrection. Resurrection life is what we've all wanted from God, but many times we won't pay the price for it. We ask God for the fruit of Jesus to live in us, but before you can have the fruit, you have to give up the lust. The two war against one another, they seek to occupy the same territory in your life. They can't both live together. The lust must be crucified in order for the new man to live in you and for the fruit to be borne. Anger and forgiveness can't be in the same place. You can do one or you can do the other, but you won't do both.   Christ was crucified through weakness. He obeyed God's word to Him. As a matter of fact, it appears to be a command to Him and He passed on that command to us. To me, it's one the most important commands in all of the Scriptures for those who want to bring forth fruit. (Isa.50:5) The Lord God hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away backward. (6) I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair; I hid not my face from shame and spitting. (7) For the Lord God will help me; therefore have I not been confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame.   You'll recognize this as a prophecy about Jesus. But His ears were open to the Lord's command and His command to Jesus was that He was to give His back to the smiters and His cheeks to them that plucked off the hair. That command has been passed on to us. It wasn't a request; it was a command. (Mat.5:38) Ye have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: (39) but I say unto you, Resist not him that is evil: but whosoever smiteth thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. (40) And if any man would go to law with thee, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.   (41) And whosoever shall compel thee to go one mile, go with him two. (42) Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. The reason I say that this is such an important command of Jesus is because of our human nature. The lusts of the flesh rise up against a person who wants to obey these Scriptures. You can imagine in your mind turning the other cheek, either in word or in deed or in action of some kind, and you know what kind of lusts rise up inside of you when you try to do this.   There's a war that goes on inside you when you do this. Jesus fought that war. (Gal.5:19) Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these:] fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, (20) idolatry, sorcery (from here on you can identify these as having to do with this command), enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions, parties, (21) envyings (maybe some of these don't apply so much), drunkenness, revelings, and such like; of which I forewarn you, even as I did forewarn you, that they who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. These things must be put to death.   You know, the Lord has given us a method to put these works of the flesh to death. He spoke to me one time and He said, “You don't get resurrection life before you get death.” That was at a time I was trying to bring some people into resurrection life and they weren't entering into the death part. If you want fruit, these lusts have to die. They have to die on this side of Heaven. That's the purpose of God. God's grace delivers from sin; it doesn't just cover sin. Yes, it's wonderful that it covers sin, but that's just for the meantime so that you can have fellowship with God until you manifest its full deliverance. Jesus came to do away, to destroy the works of the devil and that's what we're talking about here. Most of these lusts are affected by just one command of Jesus and they're put to death by obedience to just one command of Jesus, and that is, “Resist not him that is evil.” It's one of the most important and most neglected doctrines in all of the Scriptures. This regards bearing our cross of death to self. We are to resist the Devil and to defend the weak.  Let's read on. (Gal.5:22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (23) meekness, self-control; against such there is no law. (24) And they that are of Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with the passions and the lusts thereof. Well, the Lord said that we had to take up our cross and follow Him as in Matthew 16:24. We just saw that “he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth through the power of God” (2Co.13:4).   If we're going to enter into the resurrection life of Jesus in the earth, we have to enter into this death. We have to take up our cross. I don't think many people realize that Jesus always bore a cross. It wasn't just at the end of His life. He bore a cross His whole life by denial of self. He “hath been in all points tempted like as [we are, yet] without sin” (Heb.4:15). And “each man is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed” (Jas.1:14). Jesus was “of the seed of David according to the flesh” (Rom.1:3).   I know a lot of people don't believe that, but I'm just quoting what the Bible says. According to the Spirit, He was the Son of God (Romans 1:4), but according to the flesh, He was of the seed of David. You know what? He was tempted. That flesh Jesus had was real flesh. He was a great God because He came down in the likeness of sinful flesh and overcame sin in the flesh (Romans 8:3).   But He bore a cross all of His life and that cross was to deny self, to deny the old man to live through Him. He wouldn't permit the lusts of the flesh to speak or to live through Him. And we have to take up our cross and follow Him or we cannot be His disciple. Taking up our cross is to walk as He walked. We probably won't be called upon to bear the physical cross of Jesus, but we're definitely called upon to bear this spiritual cross that He always bore as to the denying of self.   The commands of Jesus put you in a position of weakness. If you obey them, your flesh is going to squirm and it's going to writhe and it's going to try to rise up on the inside of you. It's going to tell you, “No, don't believe that doctrine,” but it's just too prevalent, too common in the Scriptures to deny it. Jesus said, “resist not him that is evil” (Mat.5:39). I tell you, your flesh rises up on the inside of you and it says, “No, no, no! Hit back, talk back, do something, get even!” That flesh just doesn't want to die. It's a crucifixion.   You can always tell when the flesh is in trouble because it squeals like a stuck pig. If you don't ever go against it, you don't ever hear it squeal, but I can tell you that the commands of Jesus are going to put you at variance with the flesh. They're going to cause the flesh to be seen by you very plainly. It's easy, before you read the Scriptures, to think you're doing pretty well, that everything's alright. Then you start reading the Scriptures and you see commands like this and, if you start to obey them, you'll find out what lives in you. You'll find out what's way down inside of you when it shows its ugly head and when you go against it, that's where the power of God takes over.   We want the fruit of the Spirit, but before the fruit of the Spirit comes the crucifixion of the lusts. Jesus taught us. He was an example to us. A lot of people think He was an example so that we wouldn't have to die. No, Jesus didn't die so that we wouldn't have to die. Jesus died so that we could die. I'm talking about dying spiritually, dying to self, not about dying physically, but dying to self. He died to make it possible for us to die.   Those who refuse to take up their cross and follow Him, those who refuse to obey His commands, are refusing to be disciples. It doesn't matter that they call themselves Christians. I want to show you that Jesus turned the other cheek, but He did it as an example to us. When Jesus was before Pilate and the Sanhedrin He resisted not the evil. He did turn the other cheek.  (Mat 27:12-13 ASV  And when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.  13  Then saith Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?)  He had the power to say “No” to the flesh. He had more power than the disciples understood He had because they thought they were going to save Him with the sword.   (Mat.26:52) Then saith Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into its place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. He said, “Don't you know I could call more than 12 legions of angels (Matthew 26:53)?” Look, Jesus had power they didn't know of to keep from going to the cross. He didn't have to resort to man's arm of the flesh. One angel in the Old Testament killed 185,000 men in 2 Kings 19:35, and Jesus is talking about calling 72,000 angels here. That's power! Christians need to realize that their power is not in the arm of the flesh. Their power is in the Kingdom of Heaven, but that power shouldn't be used when you're going to the cross. That power should be used to fulfill God's Will.   In the very next verse after Jesus said, “Don't you know I could call more than 12 legions of angels?” He said, “how then should the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be” (Mat.26:54)? We want the Scriptures to be fulfilled in us, which is the manifestation of Christ; however, they won't be fulfilled, if you refuse to go to your cross. Just as Jesus had a free will and He could have called the 12 legions of angels, we have a free will and we could, in many cases, walk away from our cross. But that doesn't mean we won't be faced with it again. We will be faced with it again and again because God is merciful. And we'll be faced with it until we get it right or just run out of time because we are running out of time.   We've been put here to bear fruit and we've been given a certain amount of time to do that. There's a door closing on the other end of this life. My wife saw a vision like that, on a treadmill. The door ahead was closing. We had to run faster and faster in order to get through the door before it closed. The treadmill was imperceptibly picking up speed going in the opposite direction and we had to run faster and faster. That's the way the world is. The world is picking up speed going in the opposite direction, but there's a door closing.   We're running a race but, let me say, this is not a race against one another; this is a race against time. There's a door closing. You have to bear fruit or else you'll be called what the Scripture and Jesus called an “unprofitable servant” cast forth into outer darkness (Matthew 25:30). There's no such thing as bearing fruit without the cross. I'm going to point out just a few of Jesus' commands and show you that when you obey them, they put you in a position of weakness. You cannot defend yourself. You cannot hit back. You cannot do any of the things that your flesh wants because, if you do, your flesh will live and it will get stronger.   (Rom.8:13) For if ye live after the flesh (in other words, if you walk in submission to the flesh), ye must die; but if by the Spirit ye put to death the deeds of the body, ye shall live. We want the new man to live and there's only one way that can happen – the old man has to die. They live in the same house. The spiritual man was supposed to go into the Promised Land and kill that enemy and live in his house and we are, in one parallel, that promised land. That spiritual man is Christ in us and He's the spiritual man in every one of us Who seeks to take over this vessel.   (1Pe.2:18) Servants, [be] in subjection to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. (19) For this is acceptable (the literal translation is actually “grace”), For this is grace, if for conscience toward God a man endureth griefs, suffering wrongfully. Grace? That's right. God sends us through grace down here on this earth. Sometimes we don't look on it as grace, but it's wrongful suffering. He calls it grace. That's the original word there. We have to go through suffering. (Act.14:22) … Through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God.   We must go through suffering because the flesh doesn't die without suffering. If you're not suffering, then you're not ceasing from sin. Peter said, He that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin (1Pe.4:1). That's because when you're suffering, when the flesh is suffering – and I'm talking about that entity of the old man in you, the mind of the flesh in you – when that old man is suffering, it means that he's not getting his way. I'm not talking about this physical flesh suffering, you understand. I'm talking about that entity that lives in us that wants to gratify self. If he's not suffering, you're not bearing the cross; you're not obeying the commands of Jesus.   So Peter called it “grace” here. (1Pe.2:20) For what glory is it, if, when ye sin, and are buffeted [for it,] ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer [for it,] ye shall take it patiently, this is grace with God. The last thing we want is to do right and to have wrong done to us in return. We want justice. We want our rights. The flesh demands its rights, but the flesh is a dead man. We reckon the old man to be dead unto sin (Romans 6:11) and dead men don't demand rights. Dead men don't have rights. You can slap them on one cheek and they'll turn the other one every time. That's the way Jesus commanded us.   If you want that old man to die, then don't feed him. Just don't obey him and he'll die. This is grace with God. (1Pe.2:21) For hereunto were ye called…. We were called to suffer wrongfully, to suffer in what the world would call “wrongfully.” In other words, we're called to suffer when we do right. (1Pe.2:21) For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps: (22) who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: (23) who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, threatened not; but committed [himself] to him that judgeth righteously.  But when we are called to defend the flock from wolves we should point out their sin as was done in scripture. In other words, Jesus left judgment, wrath and payback in the hands of God, concerning self. Peter said Jesus left this example to us so that we should follow in His steps. Every day we're going to have an opportunity to do this. There's just no way you could live in this life without having an opportunity to do this. Don't waste your time. Redeem the time (Ephesians 5:16), the Scripture says. This is what we're here for. Suffering is one of God's greatest methods, to put to death your flesh so that Christ can live in you.   (1Pe.3:13) And who is he that will harm you, if ye be zealous of that which is good? (14) But even if ye should suffer for righteousness' sake, blessed [are ye:] and fear not their fear, neither be troubled; (15) but sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord: [being] ready always to give answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, yet with meekness and fear: (16) having a good conscience; that, wherein ye are spoken against, they may be put to shame who revile your good manner of life in Christ.   (17) For it is better, if the will of God should so will, that ye suffer for well-doing than for evil-doing. (18) Because Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God; being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit. We can see a spiritual type there in the life of Christ. When he resisted not the evil, he was put to death in the flesh, but he was made alive in the spirit. This is a spiritual type for us because, if we want to be made alive in the spirit, we must be put to death in the flesh. (1Pe.4:14) If ye are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed [are ye;] because the [Spirit] of glory and the Spirit of God resteth upon you.   (15) For let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil-doer, or as a meddler in other men's matters: but if [a man suffer] as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in this name. (17) For the time [is come] for judgment to begin at the house of God: and if [it begin] first at us, what [shall be] the end of them that obey not the gospel of God? (18) And if the righteous is scarcely saved, where shall the ungodly and sinner appear? (19) Wherefore let them also that suffer according to the will of God (That doesn't fit the prosperity doctrine very well, does it?) commit their souls in well-doing unto a faithful Creator. Commit your soul unto a faithful creator.   Jesus obeyed His own command in Matthew 5:39 and He was crucified for it. I can imagine several places where He could have interjected just a little bit of truth and totally turned the situation around, such as when He talked about, “destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (Joh.2:19). Of course, he spake of the temple of his body (21), but that's not what was brought out at the trial by the Sanhedrin and I never saw Him even objecting to it, though He knew what He was meaning. He didn't bother to stick up for Himself.  There's one person from the Old Testament who really impressed me with his understanding of not resisting him that is evil and that's David. He obeyed this. I've seen probably a half-dozen to a dozen good examples of where David obeyed this doctrine. He seemed to be way ahead of his time in an understanding of what it was that pleased God. He seemed to be almost walking in New Testament revelation in some areas of this resisting not evil and it definitely bore fruit in his soul.   (Psa.38:12) They also that seek after my life lay snares [for me,] And they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and meditate deceits all the day long. (13) But I, as a deaf man, hear not; And I am as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth. (14) Yea, I am as a man that heareth not, And in whose mouth are no reproofs. (15) For in thee, O Lord, do I hope: Thou wilt answer, O Lord my God. David put his trust in God to bring about justice, just as the Lord did (1 Peter 2:23), and not with his own tongue, nor in his own strength. In fact, as we read on here, you'll see that David knew and understood God's purpose.   You know, it's a fiery trial when you resist not the evil, no matter what form it is. This so-called righteous indignation rises up on the inside of you wanting justice, but listen, folks, we can't afford justice. Nobody reading this can afford justice. We want mercy. With the merciful thou wilt show thyself merciful (Psa.18:25). If you get justice, you're in trouble. Did you know that? God gives justice to some and He gives mercy to others (Romans 9:21-23). Christians get mercy. The world doesn't always get mercy. But, I'll tell you what, the only thing we better show to the world is mercy because God's going to be merciful and forgiving to those who are merciful and forgiving. And to those who are not merciful, He's going to give justice. Mat 18:34-35 ASV  And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due.  35  So shall also my heavenly Father do unto you, if ye forgive not everyone his brother from your hearts. Justice is not what we can afford.   Everybody doesn't even get a revelation of God in this world, but they get justice because every man is going to reap what he sows (Galatians 6:7). People ask, “What do you do with the wicked who never hear the name of Christ?” No problem. They're going to get justice being judged by their own conscience. Everybody in this world is going to at least get justice, but the Christians, the true Christians, are going to get mercy and grace.   God's not doing wrong by doing that because He's at the very least giving justice to people. But we better pray that we don't get justice because that means we'll pay for what we've done and what we are doing that is wrong. David understood this and Jesus understood this. So David says, “for I said, Lest they rejoice over me: When my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me” (Psa.38:16). (17) For I am ready to fall, And my sorrow is continually before me. (18) For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.   (19) But mine enemies are lively, [and] are strong; And they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied. (20) They also that render evil for good Are adversaries unto me, because I follow the thing that is good. (21) Forsake me not, O Lord: O my God, be not far from me. (22) Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation. (39:1) I said, I will take heed to my ways, That I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, While the wicked is before me. (2) I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; And my sorrow was stirred. (3) My heart was hot within me; While I was musing the fire burned; [Then] spake I with my tongue: (4) Lord, make me to know mine end, And the measure of my days, what it is; Let me to know how frail I am.   You know, when David resisted not the evil, when he kept his mouth shut when he was really being pressured to speak up, he said the fire burned in him. Have you ever felt that fire? I have. It's just like a real fire burning in you. It's a fiery trial that's come to prove you and to burn up the wood, hay and stubble.  You know, we've been told that the fiery trial is in the next life, but that's as big a lie as has ever been told. (1Co.3:12) But if any man buildeth on the foundation gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, stubble; (13) each man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself shall prove each man's work of what sort it is. Here is where you go through the fiery trial to burn up the wood, hay and stubble, not in the next life. The Bible says “the day shall declare it.”  There are no days in eternity. This is where the fiery trial comes. But you can avoid the fiery trial very easily. All you have to do is not obey the commands of Jesus. If you don't obey Him, it's easy to avoid those kinds of trials and quite often we'll go around them, but what we're doing is putting off the day of crucifixion and the day of bearing fruit. God wants to motivate us with many, many Scriptures that today is the day of salvation. Today is God's day of deliverance 2Co 6:2  (for he saith, At an acceptable time I hearkened unto thee, And in a day of salvation did I succor thee: behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation): I found many places where David understood this. One of them is when Nabal's herds had been protected by David and his men out in the wilderness (1 Samuel 25:16). By the way, Nabal means “fool.” And David's men were sent to Nabal to get some supplies for his men, who were living in the wilderness, and Nabal answered them very roughly and sent them back without any help (1 Samuel 25:10,11,14). So David had decided, “I'll just go over there and take his head off” (1 Samuel 25:22).   Meanwhile, Nabal's wife, who was a very understanding and wise woman, decided she was going to go meet David and ask his forgiveness and she did (1 Samuel 25:24). And one thing she said is, “Thank God that the Lord has withheld you from avenging yourself at your own hand” (1 Samuel 25:26,31). She said that twice. Then David thanked her for her part in bringing that to pass (1 Samuel 25:32,33).   You know, there's something wrong about us avenging ourselves with our own hand. (Rom.12:19) Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath [of God:] for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord.  He said, if you do this, “thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head” (20). In other words, it's God's job to repay. If we repay, then God has to whip us because we've been commanded over and over not to repay. If we do it, He's going to whip us, but He doesn't have to whip them.   I'll give you an example. If you have two kids and you tell them, “Now, look, don't you hit back. If so-and-so does something to you, you come and tell me; I'll take care of it. If one of them hits back, then the other one has already gotten his punishment. In that case, why should I hit him again? I'm going to have to hit you since you're the one who needs the whipping because you disobeyed me.” Here's the point. This is the way God does things. If He tells us. “Don't do it,” there's a purpose in it. (Eph.6:12) For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual [hosts] of wickedness in the heavenly [places]. What we can do must be done in the spirit; it must be done through the power of faith. It can't be done in the flesh. We can be used of God to speak prophetic words that bring judgment on those who harm and kill his people but this should not be personal vengeance. Let me show you a really good example of this from David. (2Sa.16:5) And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, there came out thence a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera; he came out, and cursed still as he came. (6) And he cast stones at David, and at all the servants of king David: and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left. (7) And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Begone, begone, thou man of blood, and base fellow: (8) the Lord hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose stead thou hast reigned …  Well, I don't know if Shimei knew it or not, but David had opportunity about three times to kill Saul. It was in his hand to do it and he wouldn't do it. He wouldn't resist the evil. He wouldn't repay. He left that to the Lord and the Lord took care of that. The Lord used the Philistines to take Saul and almost his whole family out (1 Samuel 31:6), but He didn't blame David for it. David even had to dodge some of Saul's spears and his evil spirits (1 Samuel 18:11, 19:10). And Shimei continued his railing… And the Lord hath delivered the kingdom unto the hand of Absolom thy son; and, behold, thou art [taken] in thine own mischief, because thou art a man of blood. (2Sa.16:9) Then said Abishai the son of Zeruah unto the king, Why should this dead dog curse the lord my king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head.  (10) And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? Because he curseth, and because the Lord hath said unto him, Curse David … Do you see that? “The Lord hath said unto him, ‘Curse David.'” David wasn't wrong here. The Lord works all things after the counsel of His Own Will (Ephesians 1:11). He sends wicked people to us to crucify this flesh. It's His purpose to do that, just as He sent and used the hand of wicked men to crucify the Lord. (Act.2:23) Him, being delivered up by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye by the hand of lawless men did crucify and slay. God used these vessels of dishonor. He used the people of Israel and He used the wicked Roman empire to crucify the Lord, as the Scripture says.  It's the same way with us. He put us here in the midst of a bunch of wolves. Jesus said, “I send you forth as lambs in the midst of wolves” (Luk.10:3). We have been put here for crucifixion and the world is designed to crucify us. If you don't understand that, you don't understand the sovereignty of God. God designed this world to crucify us. Jesus was the lamb slain from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8). Stop and think. The lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Before Adam fell, God designed a Savior. Do you think we're in Plan B? Nope. We're in Plan A. There never has been a Plan B because God is sovereign. He designed this world to manifest sons and to do that you have to have a fallen nature to begin with. You have to have somebody who does not deserve God's goodness. That's where you have to start out because God wasn't creating angels.   If He was creating angels, He wouldn't have had to make man at all. God didn't want angels. He wanted somebody who was fallen and picked up by the grace of God. You remember what Jesus said to one of the Pharisees? (Luk.7:40) And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Teacher, say on. (41) A certain lender had two debtors: the one owed five hundred shillings, and the other fifty. (42) When they had not [wherewith] to pay, he forgave them both. Which of them therefore will love him most? (43) Simon answered and said, He, I suppose, to whom he forgave the most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.   (47) Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, [the same] loveth little. In other words, “Who is forgiven much, loveth much.” See, we're going to know how to love God because we don't deserve anything. We have fallen and have been picked up by grace, not by our works, by grace. We don't deserve anything but justice, but pray you don't get it because God's grace and mercy is far above justice. That's why we have to be graceful with other people. Don't give them what they deserve; you may get what you deserve. (Mat.7:2) For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured unto you.  Don't think that you're going to give somebody justice because you'll get it back. Give them mercy. Give them grace. God will judge them. God may even judge them out of your mouth, but understand that it won't be with your flesh. The prophets spoke judgments. In the book of Revelation, prophets speak judgment (Revelation 11:6). I'm convinced that everything that happens in the book of Revelation comes out of the mouth of God's children. Many of the curses today that are coming upon this world are coming out of the mouth of God's children.   In fact, I'm convinced that all of them do. God is bringing judgment and He's doing it through His people. They're speaking that judgment, but they're not doing it with the arm of the flesh. You know, we can't rise up against this government (Romans 13). If you do, God promises, “all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword” (26:52). But, we can tear down this government because God has a Kingdom that's coming. The saints are going to possess the Kingdom and they're going to take it from the beast. And they're going to do it in the spirit realm. They are not going to do it in the flesh. In the flesh, they must be crucified. In the flesh, you must cease. You must desist. You must resist not him who is evil.   In the spirit realm, we can do many mighty things. God has planned it that way so that your spirit man will be strong, but your flesh will be weak. That's the way God's salvation, God's deliverance, is going to come. David understood that the Lord had commanded this and we need to understand this, too. All we have to do is read Job to see that circumstances are the same today as they were back then. (Job 2:10) … What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?…. And you know what? Job repented after God answered him in chapters 38-40. He repented of his self-righteousness. He repented in Job 42:1-6 and God gave him back what he'd lost in Job 42:10. But God used crucifixion in Job's life. Job wasn't physically doing wrong things; he wasn't in outward immoral disobedience. His problem was self-righteousness. He had to repent and God brought this against him to bring him to repentance.   David, too, was put in a position of crucifixion by God. God sent this enemy against him and David understood that. And he said, (2Sa.16:10) And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? Because he curseth, and because the Lord hath said unto him, Curse David; who then shall say, Wherefore hast thou done so? (11) And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, who came forth from my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more [may] this Benjamite now [do it]? let him alone, and let him curse; for the Lord hath bidden him. “The Lord hath bidden him.” Think about that the next time people come against you and want to put you on the cross but you keep wanting to climb down. We do want to climb down off that cross, but you can't drive the nails. God has designed the wicked to put the cross in the ground and drive the nails. That's their calling in this world.   God has vessels of honor and vessels of dishonor. He has vessels of grace and vessels of wrath. They're all going to do His Will, one way or the other. All things serve the Lord and He works all things after the counsel of His Own Will (Ephesians 1:11). If you understand this, you can walk in grace and peace in this world, no matter what comes against you, because God put you there for a purpose. He put you there to be crucified and He put you there so that you would learn to use the weapons of your warfare (2 Corinthians 10:4).   You know, sometimes the Lord sends the devil against you just so you can defeat him. He'll send him against you. He'll send the enemy against you but He doesn't want you to go against him by wrestling with flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12). Remember that the Bible says, “resist not him that is evil” (Mat.5:39). On the other hand, it says “resist the devil” (Jas.4:7). “Resist not him that is evil” is talking about man. We don't wrestle with flesh and blood. When they wrestled with flesh and blood in the Old Testament, that was a type and shadow of them wrestling with principalities and powers. Go back over there and read the names of those kings and the names of those tribes that were conquered and study in the Hebrew what those names mean. You're going to find out they're all the lusts of the flesh and demon spirits.   That's who the Israelites were spiritually wrestling with and everything that happened to them was a type and a shadow for us. (1Co.10:11) Now these things happened unto them by way of example; and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages are come. So go back to the Old Testament and look at it carefully. You'll see what they wrestled with. Today we think we're supposed to carry on an Old Testament-type warfare in the way we war with people, but you can't grow if you do that and God will chasten you if you do that because you're rebelling against His Word. And David said, “the Lord hath bidden him” (2Sa.16:11). (12) It may be that the Lord will look on the wrong done to me, and that the Lord will requite me good for [his] cursing of me this day.  David is saying that the Lord will pay him back good for his resisting not evil. If the Lord's going to bless you for it, go ahead and let them curse. Didn't Jesus say you'd be blessed when men would curse you? Absolutely (Matthew 5:11). Didn't He say the spirit of grace and the Spirit of God would rest upon you? Have you ever experienced that? I have. When I first learned of this doctrine, the Lord put me in situations where I did, by His grace, turn the other cheek and I felt the power of God on me for going through that. It's just a great anointing that comes upon you when you obey God in the place where you want to defend yourself and you refuse to do it. You, instead, leave it in the hands of God and you won't defend yourself.   If you do defend self, then the old man will live; he'll climb down off that cross. Even though he's crucified, he's not totally dead yet, so he can still climb down. It's true that we have to reckon him dead (Romans 6:11), but until he is dead, don't let him live; don't feed him. Do you know what fasting is a type of? Well, when you fast, you're not feeding the flesh. What does it do when you don't feed it? It gets weak. What does that do? It makes the spiritual man strong. There's a reason for fasting and there's a spiritual type. The whole chapter of Isaiah 58 is talking about spiritual fasting, about denying yourself, so we see that they had a revelation of that in the Old Testament, too. (2Sa.16:13) So David and his men went by the way; and Shimei went along on the hillside over against him, and cursed as he went, and threw stones at him, and cast dust. (14) And the king, and all the people that were with him, came weary; and he refreshed himself there.   Well, that wasn't the end of the story. David never did do anything to Shimei but his son Solomon had him killed because he rebelled against his commands and left the city. It's hard to comprehend why Shimei was so against David. My guess is he was a low-life who just didn't want to understand the situation here. Anybody who was on Absalom's side and saw righteousness in Absalom and not in David, and saw righteousness in Saul, and not in David, was in trouble. He was a sick son of the devil. 

Lesson 9 and 10 Notes Download Worship Yahweh Music Playlist 2 Samuel 14:28-15:6, 12-14 Absalom's betrayal of David 2 Samuel 12:9-13 The consequences of David's sin is foretold. 2 Samuel 16:5-13 Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my son who came out from me seeks my life; how much more now this Benjamite? Let him alone and let him curse, for Yahweh has told him. Psalm 3:1 What state of mind would David have as a parent; as a sinner who was told the consequences to come; as the founder of Jerusalem, the city of God; as the king being dethroned and exiled again; as the leader of a nation at civil war? Psalm 3:1-8 This is what faith looks like! “I lay down and slept; I awoke, for Yahweh sustains me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people Who have set themselves against me…. Psalm 9:9-11 Yahweh also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble; and those who know Your name will put their trust in You, for You, O Yahweh, have not forsaken those who seek You. Sing praises to Yahweh. Psalm 27:1-5, 13-14 Whom shall I fear? Yahweh is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread? Psalm 31:1-5, 14-17, 19-21 Psalm 46:1-11 God is our refuge, a very present help in trouble, we will not fear, Yahweh of hosts is with us. Psalm 46:10 (ESV) “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” If you have songs you would like to add to the Worship Yahweh playlist, send a YouTube link to vcf@lhim.org or digital@lhim.org.The post 9: Faith and Trust in Your God first appeared on Living Hope.

In this Bible Story, some men from the tribe of Benjamin brutally rape the concubine of a Levite. As a message to the people of Israel, the Levite tore his concubine into pieces, and spread her limbs to all the twelve tribes of Israel. This story is inspired by Judges 19. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Judges 19:24 from the King James Version.Episode 71: Israel continues its fall into depravity and even the holiest of people did whatever they wanted. A Levite, a minister of God, took on a concubine, who eventually left him. After a while, he left his home in Ephraim to go to Bethlehem and fetch his concubine. But whenever he arrived, the woman's father kept finding ways to keep him there at their house. When they were finally able to escape, the Levite decided to press on until the land of Benjamin. But little did he know, that Gibeah had become the new Sodom.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.This episode is sponsored by Medi-Share, an innovative health care solution for Christians to save money without sacrificing quality.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Saturday, 12 August 2023   When these things were accomplished, Paul purposed in the Spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” Acts 19:21   The words more closely read, “And after these things were fulfilled, Paul purposed in the Spirit – having passed through Macedonia and Achaia – to go to Jerusalem, having said, “That after I have been there, I must also see Rome” (CG).   The previous verse told of the word of the Lord growing mightily and prevailing. This occurred in Ephesus. Now a new direction takes place with the words, “And after these things were fulfilled.”   There was a time in Ephesus to evangelize, teach, and raise up leaders, and now that time is about to be fulfilled. Verse 19:10 said that this continued for two years. That was in addition to the three months he had spent reasoning in the synagogue. With this time in Ephesus coming to its completion, it next says, “Paul purposed in the Spirit.”   It is debated whether this should simply refer to a willful spirit in Paul or the Holy Spirit. The word is preceded by an article in the Greek text. Of this, Ellicott – who argues it should simply say “in spirit” – says, “The Greek word, however, implies a reference to something more than human volition. The spirit which formed the purpose was in communion with the Divine Spirit.”   If this is true, and it certainly is, then rendering it “in the Spirit” provides the honor of the communion to the Holy Spirit by saying “in the Spirit.” For example, Paul says elsewhere –   “And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” Galatians 5:24-26   This is something he repeats in various ways elsewhere. Paul was walking in the Spirit. He was in communion with the Spirit and thus he “purposed in the Spirit” to take action. Therefore, once the gospel was firmly fixed in Ephesus, he – and the Spirit he was in communion with – couldn't sit at ease any longer.  And so, it was resolved that it was time to move on. Therefore, it next says, “having passed through Macedonia and Achaia.”   Paul surely yearned to fellowship with the churches he had established. And so, it was his intention that prior to doing anything else, he would go through these areas, certainly anticipating a happy reunion with them, strengthening them, etc. In addition to this, he purposed to use this trip to gather a collection for the saints in Jerusalem. This is noted in his epistles, such as –   “But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. 26 For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. 27 It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things. 28 Therefore, when I have performed this and have sealed to them this fruit, I shall go by way of you to Spain. 29 But I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.” Romans 15:25-29   He also discusses this in great detail in 2 Corinthians 8. As for what he purposed in the Spirit after having passed through Macedonia and Achaia, it was “to go to Jerusalem.”   This was the purpose of the collection he was going to gather from those churches. Those who were in Jerusalem had ministered to the Gentiles in spiritual things. Paul thought it was appropriate to reward them by tending to them in material things. The entire matter concerning this offering was very sensitive. People had made promises and Paul expected them to be fulfilled.   This is especially true because the poorer churches had gone out of their way considering this offering. If the richer churches failed in their promises, it would be an embarrassment to Paul, a stain upon them, and a slap in the face of the poorer churches. Therefore, Paul carefully wrote out the necessity for everything to be handled in a proper fashion.   Once this offering was made, Paul had made plans beyond the trip to Jerusalem. Next, Luke records Paul “having said, ‘That after I have been there, I must also see Rome.'”   This is just what is recorded in the citation from Romans 15 above. He will, in fact, go to Rome. However, it will not be in the manner that he expected as indicated in those words. Of the words of this verse, the Pulpit Commentary, citing Bengel, says –   “Observe also the insatiable appetite of the apostle for spiritual conquests, and his noble contempt for idleness. He has but just won Ephesus and Asia, and already he undertakes Macedonia and Achaia. Nor does his mind stop there, but reaches on to Jerusalem, then stretches onwards to Rome, and meditates the invasion of Spain. Truly neither Alexander, nor Caesar, nor any hero of antiquity was a match for this little Benjamite (paulus) in the magnanimity of his designs.”   Life application: There is never a time that we can say, “I have nothing else to do in my walk with the Lord.” It is true that Paul said to Timothy that he had finished his race, but the context must be considered –   “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:6-8   In his words, the surrounding verses tell us that Paul's race was ending only because of his anticipated death. In the verses following this, he continued to give instruction to Timothy which confirmed he was still active and would continue until that day had arrived.   Even if we are on our deathbed, there is no reason to keep silent about Jesus. If a doctor or nurse comes in, it is time to tell them the good news. If an unbelieving family member comes by, it is time to speak about the hope you possess. Let us continue in the good fight until we can no longer speak. Eternal destinies are being decided in those we encounter from moment to moment.   Heavenly Father, give us the strength to speak out about Jesus until our dying breath. And more, instill in us the desire to do so. If we fail to speak, we may miss the only chance someone ever has to hear the good news about Your offer of peace and reconciliation. Yes, Lord, help us to do this until our final day arrives. Amen.

Pastor Lowell Nelson teaches on 1 Samuel 9:21 "True Biblical Humility" on 6/18/2023 for our Sunday Service. 1 Samuel 9:21 And Saul answered and said, "Am I not a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel, and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? Why then do you speak like this to me?"

Pastor Lowell Nelson teaches on 1 Samuel Chapter 9 "Saul anointed as King" on 6/14/2023 for our Wednesday Bible Study. 1 Samuel 9 Saul Chosen to Be King 1 There was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power. 2 And he had a choice and handsome son whose name was Saul. There was not a more handsome person than he among the children of Israel. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people. 3 Now the donkeys of Kish, Saul's father, were lost. And Kish said to his son Saul, "Please take one of the servants with you, and arise, go and look for the donkeys." 4 So he passed through the mountains of Ephraim and through the land of Shalisha, but they did not find them. Then they passed through the land of Shaalim, and they were not there. Then he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they did not find them. 5 When they had come to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant who was with him, "Come, let us return, lest my father cease caring about the donkeys and become worried about us." 6 And he said to him, "Look now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is an honorable man; all that he says surely comes to pass. So let us go there; perhaps he can show us the way that we should go." 7 Then Saul said to his servant, "But look, if we go, what shall we bring the man? For the bread in our vessels is all gone, and there is no present to bring to the man of God. What do we have?" 8 And the servant answered Saul again and said, "Look, I have here at hand one-fourth of a shekel of silver. I will give that to the man of God, to tell us our way." 9 (Formerly in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, he spoke thus: "Come, let us go to the seer"; for he who is now called a prophet was formerly called a seer.) 10 Then Saul said to his servant, "Well said; come, let us go." So they went to the city where the man of God was. 11 As they went up the hill to the city, they met some young women going out to draw water, and said to them, "Is the seer here?" 12 And they answered them and said, "Yes, there he is, just ahead of you. Hurry now; for today he came to this city, because there is a sacrifice of the people today on the high place. 13 "As soon as you come into the city, you will surely find him before he goes up to the high place to eat. For the people will not eat until he comes, because he must bless the sacrifice; afterward those who are invited will eat. Now therefore, go up, for about this time you will find him." 14 So they went up to the city. As they were coming into the city, there was Samuel, coming out toward them on his way up to the high place. 15 Now the LORD had told Samuel in his ear the day before Saul came, saying, 16 "Tomorrow about this time I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him commander over My people Israel, that he may save My people from the hand of the Philistines; for I have looked upon My people, because their cry has come to Me." 17 So when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said to him, "There he is, the man of whom I spoke to you. This one shall reign over My people." 18 Then Saul drew near to Samuel in the gate, and said, "Please tell me, where is the seer's house?" 19 Samuel answered Saul and said, "I am the seer. Go up before me to the high place, for you shall eat with me today; and tomorrow I will let you go and will tell you all that is in your heart. 20 "But as for your donkeys that were lost three days ago, do not be anxious about them, for they have been found. And on whom is all the desire of Israel? Is it not on you and on all your father's house?" 21 And Saul answered and said, "Am I not a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel, and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? Why then do you speak like this to me?" Continued https://ebible.com/nkjv/1samuel/9/

The Rev. Ben Dose, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Arcadia, IA, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Judges 21. After nearly wiping out the tribe of Benjamin in a civil war, the Israelites faced a dilemma: how to provide wives for the 600 surviving Benjamite men, without breaking their oath not to give them their daughters. Their solution was to attack another town that did not join them in the war and take their virgin daughters as brides for the Benjaminites. But that was not enough, so they also devised a scheme to kidnap more young women from a festival at Shiloh. In this way, they hoped to preserve the tribe of Benjamin from extinction, but at what cost? The Book of Judges tells the story of Israel's descent into chaos and idolatry, and the subsequent rise of a series of judges, or redeemers, who deliver them from their enemies. The judges are flawed heroes, but they are also instruments of God's deliverance. The book ends with the Israelites in a state of moral and spiritual decay, but it also offers hope for a better future.

It's another lament from David.  But this one hit me a little different. You never know what you are going to learn when you start digging into the Word. [6:27] Reading of Psalm 7, NIV[9:05]   Psalm 7 being about a Benjamite can be a reference to one of two stories.  The first is in 1 Samuel 24.  David is fleeing for his life from Saul and is presented with an opportunity to kill Saul in his sleep, but he does not. The second story is in 2 Samuel 16: 5-14.  I think this is the more likely reference and matches the text of Psalm 7 better.   Three different things really stuck out to me in this Psalm.   [23:08]  First, in verse 3 David is really being honest and asking if he actually might deserve what he is getting right now.  I think David believed he was innocent, but he believed God knew his true intentions and would judge him accordingly. [25:09]  Second, is verse 10.  It is a FANTASTIC reminder for us.  Here is the way it reads in several translations: My defense is of God, who saves the upright in heart. NKJV My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart.  NIV God is my shield, who saves the upright in heart. NRSV God is my shield, saving those whose hearts are true and right.  NLT The Exalted God is my shield, the one who delivers the morally upright.  NET My favorite is from the Passion translation.  God, your wrap-around presence is my protection and my defense.  You bring victory to all who reach out for you.See how good that is?!  Don't you love the visual of God's wrap-around presence?  Like a comforting blanket.  [36:46]  Third, is verse 17.  I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness,  and sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High. NRSV    Keep Learning:See the full show notes on the websiteHere is this week's playlist---Check out the Nothin' But Fine blog and website.Follow us on social media: Instagram Facebook Twitter YouTube Want everything in your inbox? Subscribe to the Nothin' But Fine substack newsletter!

Psalm 007A shiggaion of David, which he sang to the Lord concerning Cush, a Benjamite. (v 1-17)**********Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version ®, NIV ® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved worldwide.The “NIV”, “New International Version”, “Biblica”, “International Bible Society” and the Biblica Logo are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.  Used with permission.BIBLICA, THE INTERNATIONAL BIBLE SOCIETY, provides God's Word to people through Bible translation & Bible publishing, and Bible engagement in Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and North America. Through its worldwide reach, Biblica engages people with God's Word so that their lives are transformed through a relationship with Jesus Christ.Support the show

In this Bible Story, some men from the tribe of Benjamin brutally rape the concubine of a Levite. As a message to the people of Israel, the Levite tore his concubine into pieces, and spread her limbs to all the twelve tribes of Israel. This story is inspired by Judges 19. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Judges 19:24 from the King James Version.Episode 71: Israel continues its fall into depravity and even the holiest of people did whatever they wanted. A Levite, a minister of God, took on a concubine, who eventually left him. After a while, he left his home in Ephraim to go to Bethlehem and fetch his concubine. But whenever he arrived, the woman's father kept finding ways to keep him there at their house. When they were finally able to escape, the Levite decided to press on until the land of Benjamin. But little did he know, that Gibeah had become the new Sodom.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.This episode is sponsored by Medi-Share, an innovative health care solution for Christians to save money without sacrificing quality.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2 Samuel 16: Transformando la maldición en bendición.2 Samuel 16:5-14:(Por favor leer en su biblia)---------------------------En este episodio vemos uno de los momentos más tenebrosos en la vida de David. David había pasado muchos momentos duros, difíciles y peligrosos cuando huía de Saúl, y ahora lo vemos viviendo algo similar pero como rey huyendo de su propio hijo que se sublevó contra él para destronarlo y destruirlo.Como rey y como padre fue un momento muy confuso y doloroso. David huyó porque temía que Absalón exterminara a sus propios hermanos para afirmar su reino y a las familias de los servidores de David. David caminó toda la noche por el desierto y ahí aparece un familiar de Saúl insultándolo y culpándolo por la muerte de Saúl, a pesar de que David no causó su muerte ni la muerte de sus hijos, David recibió la maldición y voluntariamente evitó que uno de sus soldados matara a Simei, de la tribu de Benjamín. David nos da una lección de humildad y de completa confianza en Dios en medio de la desesperación, el dolor, la confusión y la vergüenza. David asumió que Dios está permitiendo que este hombre lo maldiga; y si Dios lo hace, David solo debía responder con mansedumbre y con paciencia, recibiendo la afrenta, la ofensa, la injusticia. ¿Por qué? Porque David sabía que Dios es un Dios justo, que se compadece del que sufre y que hace justicia al que sufre injusticias. Así es cómo debemos aprender de David que se refugió en la misericordia de Dios. Prefirió esperar a Dios que tomar acción con sus propias manos. Pudiendo callar al ofensor de un solo golpe, prefirió aguantar esta ofensa e injusticia porque él sabía que Dios se iba a manifestar para darle consolación, fortaleza y restituir su honor. Yo sé que es difícil callar y quedarse quieto en esos momentos. Uno quiere defenderse y contraatacar a la persona que habla mal de uno, que quiere la destrucción de nuestro hogar. La verdad es que muchos se dejan llevar por su propia opinión o por envidia, o simplemente se dejan usar por satanás y comienzan a opinar lo mal que estamos, que no merecemos el favor de Dios, que sienten que tienen el derecho de lastimarnos. Sea cual sea la razón que los impulsa a decir o hacer lo que no deben, a actuar con malicia y sevicia, podemos confiar plenamente que tenemos un Dios Todopoderoso que nos cubre, nos protege, que se levanta a actuar a nuestro favor defendiéndonos de toda situación adversa. Así como David, tengamos la certeza que Dios está escuchando las palabras del malvado y está viendo las acciones del maligno contra nosotros, y también está viendo nuestra actitud sumisa al Señor, trayendo ante Su presencia nuestra causa y pidiendo su intervención. Recordemos el consejo del apóstol Pedro, cuando hace referencia del Salmo 34 en 1 Pedro 3:8-13: "Finalmente, sean todos de un mismo sentir: compasivos, amándose fraternalmente, misericordiosos y humildes. No devuelvan mal por mal ni maldición por maldición sino, por el contrario, bendigan; pues para esto han sido llamados, para que hereden bendición. Porque: ´El que quiere amar la vida y ver días buenos refrene su lengua del mal, y sus labios no hablen engaño. Apártese del mal y haga el bien. Busque la paz y sígala. Porque los ojos del Señor están sobre los justos, y sus oídos están atentos a sus oraciones. Pero el rostro del Señor está contra aquellos que hacen el mal. ́ ¿Quién es aquel que les podrá hacer daño si son apasionados por el bien?"Así que, con cualquier maldición en contra nuestra, respondamos con una bendición, y pongamos ante el Juez del universo la causa. Verás como Dios torna la maldición en bendición.Eduardo Rodríguez.2 Samuel 16: Turning the curse into a blessing.2 Samuel 16:5-14:Now when King David came to Bahurim, there was a man from the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei the son of Gera, coming from there. He came out, cursing continuously as he came. And he threw stones at David and at all the servants of King David. And all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left. Also Shimei said thus when he cursed: “Come out! Come out! You bloodthirsty man, you rogue! The Lord has brought upon you all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned; and the Lord has delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom your son. So now you are caught in your own evil, because you are a bloodthirsty man!” Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my Lord the king? Please, let me go over and take off his head!” But the king said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? So let him curse, because the Lord has said to him, ‘Curse David.' Who then shall say, ‘Why have you done so?' ” And David said to Abishai and all his servants, “See how my son who came from my own body seeks my life. How much more now may this Benjamite? Let him alone, and let him curse; for so the Lord has ordered him. It may be that the Lord will look on my affliction, and that the Lord will repay me with good for his cursing this day.” And as David and his men went along the road, Shimei went along the hillside opposite him and cursed as he went, threw stones at him and kicked up dust. Now the king and all the people who were with him became weary; so they refreshed themselves there.---------------------------In this episode we see one of the darkest moments in David's life. David had gone through many hard, difficult and dangerous moments when he fled from Saul, and now we see him living through something similar but as a king fleeing from his own son who rose up against him to dethrone and destroy him.As a king and as a father it was a very confusing and painful time.David fled because he feared that Absalom would exterminate his own brothers to establish his kingdom and the families of David's servants. David walked all night through the desert and there appears a relative of Saul insulting him and blaming him because of Saul's death, even though David did not cause his death or the death of his sons, David received the curse and voluntarily prevented one of his soldiers from killing Shimei of the tribe of Benjamin.David teaches us a lesson in humility and complete trust in God in the midst of despair, pain, confusion and shame. David assumed that God is allowing this man to curse him; and if God does it, David only had to respond with meekness and patience, receiving the affront, the offense, the injustice. Why? Because David knew that God is a just God, who has compassion for those who suffer and who does justice to those who suffer injustice.This is how we should learn from David that he took refuge in God's mercy. He preferred to wait for God than take action with his own hands. Being able to silence the offender with a single blow, he preferred to put up with this offense and injustice because he knew that God was going to manifest Himself to give him consolation, strength and restore his honor.I know that it is difficult to be quiet and remain still in those moments. You want to defend yourself and counterattack the person who speaks ill of you, who wants the destruction of your home. The truth is that many allow themselves to be carried away by their own opinion or out of envy, or they simply allow themselves to be used by satan and begin to think how bad we are, that we do not deserve God's favor, that they feel they have the right to hurt us. Whatever the reason that drives them to say or do what they should not, to act with malice and cruelty, we can fully trust that we have an Almighty God who covers us, protects us, who rises up to act in our favor, defending us from all adverse situations. Like David, let us be sure that God is listening to the words of the wicked and is seeing the actions of the evil one against us, and is also seeing our submissive attitude to the Lord, bringing our cause before His presence and asking for His intervention.Let us remember the advice of the Apostle Peter, when he refers to Psalm 34 in 1 Peter 3:8-13: "Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. For “He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good?"So, with any curse against us, let us respond with a blessing, and bring the cause before the Judge of the universe. You will see how God turns the curse into a blessing.Eduardo Rodríguez.#2Samuel16 #LibroDeSamuel #2samuel #KingdomChurch #iglesiaelreino #ipuh#HogaresDePacto #HogaresDePactoPodcast #PastorCarlos #CarlosRodriguez #EduardoRodriguezR

Me, Are You Sure God?1 Samuel 9:18-21 & 1 Samuel 10:1 “Saul approached Samuel in the gateway and asked, “Would you please tell me where the seer's house is?” “I am the seer,” Samuel replied. “Go up ahead of me to the high place, for today you are to eat with me, and in the morning I will send you on your way and will tell you all that is in your heart.  As for the donkeys you lost three days ago, do not worry about them; they have been found. And to whom is all the desire of Israel turned, if not to you and your whole family line?”  Saul answered, “But am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why do you say such a thing to me?” Then Samuel took a flask of olive oil and poured it on Saul's head and kissed him, saying, “Has not the Lord anointed you ruler over his inheritance?”When I was reading over the scriptures for the week this one caught my eye because Saul says something I can picture each one of us saying.  Saul has set out in search of these 3 donkeys that are missing.  This interaction picks up when he gets to Samuel's house.  He is looking for Samuel because he is a seer.  A seer is a perceiver of hidden truth according to one site I found online.  Samuel says Saul is to eat with him and then will go on his way in the morning.  Samuel then drops this crazy idea on Saul that Israels future lies in his hands.  Saul answered, “But am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why do you say such a thing to me?” This is where I think we can all relate.  Saul has just been told, “And to whom is all the desire of Israel turned, if not to you and your whole family line?”  Basically the future of Israel lies in Saul's hands and he instantly questions his worthiness.  Have you ever done this?  Have you ever wanted to go for a promotion at work and yet worried you weren't good enough for it?  Have you ever had someone tell you that you would be perfect for some position, whether paid, or volunteer and you wonder what they see in you that made them think that?  I know I have.  I went to a retreat once, and they were looking for people to be on the executive board for the European region.  It was my first retreat with the group.  I had been a part of the local groups for a few years.  The women I had met at the retreat were saying if no one else wanted the positions maybe we should help out.  I instantly wondered if I could do it.  Didn't you have to be pretty holy to be on the executive board of a large Catholic organization?  What if they knew how flawed I am?  What if they realized I don't know nearly as much as anyone else does about our faith?  What if's kept running through my head.  When we were talking about it at dinner, we were discussing what experience we had either in a job setting or in a volunteer setting.  I mentioned I had several years experience volunteering on the executive boards of several spouses groups.  I had pretty much done all the various roles.  I will never forget one of the women said, I could have guessed that.  I wondered what about me made her think that.  To me I just saw my self as a mom of three boys.  Someone who helps out wherever needed.  I didn't think I did anything too important.  I mean I know mothering is important. Its just, sometimes in the grand scheme of things, when mothering is your full time job, it can start to feel like you aren't important. I am not sure if that makes sense to everyone, but I know some of you have probably felt that way before.  It was nice to have someone else affirm that she knew I could do it.  I had only spent two days or so with this woman and she could see things in me that I couldn't see.  Why is it that others can see things in us that we can't see?  Why do others see the best in us and we not only can't see it, we often struggle to believe it when they call it out in us?  Saul was struggling to believe he was worthy of this amazing thing Samuel called out in him.  He answered, “But am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why do you say such a thing to me?” All Saul could see was where he came from.  He saw his family status, he saw his place in the clan, he saw all he lacked.  He didn't come from the best family, he didn't have the status, he didn't see what Samuel saw in him.  However, Samuel was a seer, he could see the hidden truths.  Samuel was able to see what God had in store for Saul.  He was able to look to the future and see all Saul was capable of doing.  I know Saul didn't have the benefit of the Bible.  I am sure some of the stories of God had been passed down through the generations, but he did't have the benefit of the complete Old and New Testament.  If he did he would have been able to realize that God rarely, if ever, uses those with perfect family blood lines.  He rarely, if ever, uses the person you are I would pick for Him to use.  God tends to pick the broken to do His work.  God chooses people not based on how we see them, but on how He sees them.  God chooses people for a particular purpose and your status, your family, your job, your reputation, none of that will exclude you out if God wants you.  I was mentioning to Tony yesterday about how Saul was on his way to capture and put in jail anyone who believed in Jesus Christ and God gave him a vision and he was baptized just a few days later.  Saul consented to the stoning of Stephen, a beloved follow of Jesus, and he was not excluded from God's glory.  He was not excluded from helping to build up the kingdom of God here on earth.  Saul is just one example, but there are so many.  Even within the 12 apostles there was Matthew who was a tax collector, Simon who was a zealot and Judas who was a thief.  I know you don't think you are worthy of the call God is placing on your life, answer that call anyway.  God will be there every step of the way to give you all you need.  I know you don't feel comfortable believing the great things people call out in you, believe them anyway.  I know it can be uncomfortable to call out the wonderful things you see in others, call them out anyway.  You never know how much it could mean to that person.  You never know if that thought that you had about that person is something God put in your mind for you to share it for Him.  We need to build people up.  This world does a great job of tearing people down.  What if we did a great job of building people up?  What if we called out the good we see in others even if we think they already see it.  What if God is using us to tell that person something that He has been telling them and yet they just couldn't hear it?  God loves you, he is choosing you for something right now, can you say yes?  I asked God one time, why me, and he said why not you.  He sees incredible things in each one of us.  He is choosing you and He has His reasons, trust that The One True God, the God almighty, The Maker of Heaven and Earth did not get it wrong.  Trust He knows what He is doing and say “Yes Lord, Yes, Lord, Yes, Yes, Lord.”Dear Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless those listening to this episode today.  Lord, we love you and we are sorry to question you.  We are sorry we struggle to believe you would really use us.  We are sorry we struggle to see how wonderfully you made us.  We say yes Lord, even if we don't understand why you chose us, we say yes.  We say yes even if we don't think we are worthy because we know if you call us for something you will also equip us for it.  Lord, please help us to call out the wonderful things we see in others.  Give us the boldness to follow your promptings and share them with others.  We love you Lord, you are amazing.  We ask all of this in accordance with your will and in Jesus' holy name, Amen!Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus.  I look forward to spending time with you tomorrow.  Remember, Jesus loves you and so do I! Have a blessed day!

Notas en Español e inglés

A Devotional on 2 Samuel 20:1, 2 1And there happened to be there a man of Belial, whose name was Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite: and he blew a trumpet, and said, We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tents, O Israel. 2 So every man of Israel went up from after David, and followed Sheba the son of Bichri: but the men of Judah clave unto their king, from Jordan even to Jerusalem. I Stand On His Words - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYB8CLcv7pU

October 23, 2022                                                                                                 What's the PointWeek 3Excuse MeThere 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.  Now the donkeys belonging to Saul's father Kish were lost, and Kish said to his son Saul, “Take one of the servants with you and go and look for the donkeys.”    1 Samuel 9:1-3“When they reached the district of Zuph, Saul said to the servant who was with him, “Come, let's go back, or my father will stop thinking about the donkeys and start worrying about us.”  But the servant replied, “Look, in this town there is a man of God; he is highly respected, and everything he says comes true. Let's go there now. Perhaps he will tell us what way to take.”  Saul said to his servant, “But if we go, what can we give the man? The food in our sacks is gone. We have no gift to take to the man of God. What do we have?”1 Samuel 9:5-73 Thoughts on our Excuses:Excuses always begin with “But!”Where am I making excuses?________________________  _________________________________________________Excuses come from Pride and Fear.“Come, let's go back, or my father will stop thinking about the donkeys and start worrying about us.”  1 Samuel 9:5Saul said to his servant, “But if we go, what can we give the man? The food in our sacks is gone. We have no gift to take to the man of God. What do we have?”  1 Samuel 9:7The Only 5 Fears we all share.___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________We overcome our Excuses with Faith.The servant answered him again. “Look,” he said, “I have a quarter of a shekel of silver. I will give it to the man of God so that he will tell us what way to take.”  1 Samuel 9:8Discussion QuestionsWhat are some of the lamest excuses you have heard?Why do you think it's easy for us to fail the Pride test?Who do you have in your life that can help you stay on track, even in you Donkey Mission?Of the 5 Common Fears listed above, which do you struggle with?How can you use your faith this week to challenge Fear and Pride?

In Judges 20 the Levite blames the Benjamite men, but he's the one who gave her to them. He should have been her protector. Instead, he slept soundly while they ravaged her. What an awful commentary of the state of their society.All God's Women is a daily devotional women's Bible study podcast and internationally syndicated radio show where we journey through the Bible one woman's story at a time. If you enjoy learning about women in the Bible, tune in each weekday for 2-minute Bible stories about Bible women.If you enjoy listening to All God's Women podcast and radio show, you're going to love my brand new Women of Prayer Bible study. Get to know the character of God by studying the prayers of women in the Bible. Grab your copy today. Available in paperback and Kindle. Take your study further with the Women of Prayer BIBLE STUDY Learn more at the All God's Women WEBSITEJoin the All God's Women FACEBOOK GROUP...

In Judges 20 the Levite blames the Benjamite men, but he's the one who gave her to them. He should have been her protector. Instead, he slept soundly while they ravaged her. What an awful commentary of the state of their society.All God's Women is a daily devotional women's Bible study podcast and internationally syndicated radio show where we journey through the Bible one woman's story at a time. If you enjoy learning about women in the Bible, tune in each weekday for 2-minute Bible stories about Bible women. If you enjoy listening to All God's Women podcast and radio show, you're going to love my brand new Women of Prayer Bible study. Get to know the character of God by studying the prayers of women in the Bible. Grab your copy today. Available in paperback and Kindle. Take your study further with the Women of Prayer BIBLE STUDY Learn more at the All God's Women WEBSITEJoin the All God's Women FACEBOOK GROUP ...

October 16, 2022                                                                                                 What's the PointWeek 2Dealing with our PastThere 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.  Now the donkeys belonging to Saul's father Kish were lost, and Kish said to his son Saul, “Take one of the servants with you and go and look for the donkeys.” So he passed through the hill country of Ephraim and through the area around Shalisha, but they did not find them. They went on into the district of Shaalim, but the donkeys were not there. Then he passed through the territory of Benjamin, but they did not find them. 1 Samuel 9:1-44 Truths for Us:No Detail of our Story is Insignificant.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, 1 Samuel 9:1We are products of our past, but don't have to be prisoners of it.Our Past Matters to our Present more than we Realize.“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”  1 John 1:9What we won't deal with, compounds in our life.Struggles in my life that may stem from issues in my past: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________God wants to heal us of those things in our Past that can hold us back in the Future.What do we do?Notice it when it appears. Get some Help with it.Get rid of it.Discussion QuestionsWhat are the biggest changes when you go back to your hometown?Tell of a time when you unintentionally hurt someone.Is it possible that some of the things you struggle with today are unresolved issues from your past?What are some steps you can take to allow God to bring healing to your heart and settle your past?

1 Chronicles 05Reuben (v 1-10)Gad (v 11-22)The Half-Tribe of Manasseh (v 23-26)1 Chronicles 06Levi (v 1-30)The Temple Musicians (v 31-81)1 Chronicles 07Issachar (v 1-5)Benjamin (v 6-12)Naphtali (v 13)Manasseh (v 14-19)Ephraim (v 20-29)Asher (v 30-40)1 Chronicles 08The Genealogy of Saul the Benjamite (v 1-40)1 Chronicles 09The Genealogy of Saul the Benjamite (v 1)The People in Jerusalem (v 2-34)The Genealogy of Saul (v 35-44)**********Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version ®, NIV ® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved worldwide.The “NIV”, “New International Version”, “Biblica”, “International Bible Society” and the Biblica Logo are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.  Used with permission.BIBLICA, THE INTERNATIONAL BIBLE SOCIETY, provides God's Word to people through Bible translation & Bible publishing, and Bible engagement in Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and North America. Through its worldwide reach, Biblica engages people with God's Word so that their lives are transformed through a relationship with Jesus Christ.Support the show

Judges 3:15 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. (NIV) 3 Lessons From A Left Handed Deliverer 1. God wants you to embrace your uniqueness Genesis 1:27 God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. (NIV) Psalm 139:14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. (NIV) Romans 12:4–5 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5  so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. (NIV) 2. God qualifies the unqualified 1 Samuel 9:21 Saul answered, “But am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why do you say such a thing to me?” (NIV) Exodus 15:6 Your right hand, Lord, was majestic in power. Your right hand, Lord, shattered the enemy. (NIV) Isaiah 41:10 “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God, I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (NASB1995) Psalm 17:7 Show me the wonders of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes. (NIV) Psalm 44:3 It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them. (NIV) Psalms 110:1 The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” (NIV) Luke 22:69 “But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” (NASB) Colossians 3:1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. (NIV) 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (NIV) 3. God displays His power in our weakness Judges 3:16-23 16 Now Ehud had made a double-edged sword about a cubit long, which he strapped to his right thigh under his clothing. 17 He presented the tribute to Eglon king of Moab, who was a very fat man. 18 After Ehud had presented the tribute, he sent on their way those who had carried it. 19 But on reaching the stone images near Gilgal he himself went back to Eglon and said, “Your Majesty, I have a secret message for you.” The king said to his attendants, “Leave us!” And they all left. 20 Ehud then approached him while he was sitting alone in the upper room of his palace and said, “I have a message from God for you.” As the king rose from his seat, 21 Ehud reached with his left hand, drew the sword from his right thigh and plunged it into the king’s belly. 22 Even the handle sank in after the blade, and his bowels discharged. Ehud did not pull the sword out, and the fat closed in over it. 23 Then Ehud went out to the porch; he shut the doors of the upper room behind him and locked them. (NIV) 2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (NIV) Isaiah 40:29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. (NIV)