Podcasts about i kings

143:1 Hear my prayer, O LORD- Hear is often used in the Psalms as an imperative directed to God (17:7; 27:7; 28:2; 30:10; 54:2; 64:1). Give ear to my supplications! Give ear is also an imperative addressed to God in the Psalms (5:1; 17:1; 39:12; 54:2; 55:1; 84:8; 86:6; 140:6; 141:1; 143:1). The fact these imperatives are used together stresses the urgency of the request. For supplications the ESV and NIV have cries for mercy.  Supplications are found in Ps. 28:2, 6; 31:22; 116:1; 130:2; 140:6.Answer me in Your faithfulness, in Your righteousness- “The psalmist makes his plea for deliverance, not on the merit of his own righteousness (vs. 2), but on that basis of God's righteousness (vss. 1, 11)” Miller, 436. “His only claim is to a covenant relationship with his God (servant, cf. vs. 10), initiated and maintained by divine grace” Laymen 697. “His confidence lies, not in himself, but in the one who promised. He is true, faithful, and righteous” VanGemeren, 856. “Righteousness is an appositive of faithfulness, so that the one word helps explain the other. The use of righteousness with steadfast love (covenant loyalty, vss. 11-12) also tempers the meaning of righteous (innocent) before God's courts (vs. 2). God is faithful to His covenant commitment to His servant (vss. 2a, 12) and He is true to His own righteousness (character) in forgiving the penitent sinner” Miller, 436. 143:2 And do not enter into judgment with Your servant- The writer describes His relationship to God as Your servant (2, 12). For in Your sight no man living is righteous- Job 4:17; 9:2; 15:4; 25:4; Eccl. 7:20. “No creature (not even the angels, according to Job) can hope to be blameless before God's inexorable judgment” Alter, 492. “The OT also teaches that God freely forgives because of His grace (cf. Pss. 32:1-2, 5; 51:1-2; 103:3, 11-13; 130:3-4)” Miller, 437. This word righteous is a verb while vs. 1 and 11 are nouns. While God is righteous in the sense that He is faithful to His covenant, we are not righteous.“While the psalmist is aware that no-one is perfectly righteous (v. 2), he does believe that he has grounds for saying that he does not deserve the violent treatment of those who are persecuting (pursuing) him” Longman, 462. “The reference to human waywardness (cf. 130:3; I Kings 8:46) is no shoulder-shrugging excuse but expresses a conviction of the power of sin” Laymen, 697. “The covenant relationship can be sustained only on the basis of continual divine forgiveness (cf. 51:5)” Allen, 281. 143:3 For the enemy has persecuted my soul- “Three metaphors describe the intensity of His suffering” Miller, 437. “Like a hunted beast he has been chased, grounded, caged (3; cf. 142 title)” Motyer, 580. The word enemy or enemies is used in vs. 3, 9, 12.                                   He has crushed my life to the ground- “Like the suffering servant in the book of Isaiah, crushed (see Isa. 53:5, 10; see also Ps. 94:5; Lam. 3:34)” McCann, 1251. He has made me dwell in dark places, like those who have long been dead- If you need further notes please send a facebook message..                                                                                       

Show Notes - Deep Dive 002 Ezekiel McPherson hosts Pastor Susan Rowell in a discussion about the Mother's Day sermon that she gave as part of the new series entitled "Jesus, The Continuous Story." Here they further explore some parenting and family stories from Sunday, and talk a little bit more about the little brown book that our congregation will be reading through together which is a weaving together of the four gospels into one succinct volume. The Crossing Deeper Dive podcast posts on Tuesdays at Noon. Stay tuned for more episodes coming soon. ---------------------------------------- Near the end of the podcast Ezekiel mentions Moses and Joseph, the stories he references can be found in latter parts of Genesis and the book of Exodus. The reference to Elijah connects to the I Kings 17-19. The "Little Brown Book" discussed here and in other episodes of this podcast can be researched here: www.plusnothing.org

Daily Morning Prayer and the Litany (5/9/25) from Trinity Anglican Church (Connersville, IN): Psalms 44-46; I Kings 22; Matthew 7 To read along, visit: https://ie.dailyoffice1662.com/To own a Bible, visit: https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/product/kjv-center-column-reference-bible-with-apocrypha/To own a prayer book, visit: https://anglicanway.org/product/the-1662-book-of-common-prayer-international-edition-hardcover-march-2-2021/To own a hymnal, visit: https://anglicanhousepublishers.org/shop/the-book-of-common-praise-of-the-reformed-episcopal-church/

Daily Morning Prayer (5/8/25) from Trinity Anglican Church (Connersville, IN): Psalms 38-40; I Kings 20; Matthew 6 and a brief reading from the Books of HomiliesTo read along, visit: https://ie.dailyoffice1662.com/To own a Bible, visit: https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/product/kjv-center-column-reference-bible-with-apocrypha/To own a prayer book, visit: https://anglicanway.org/product/the-1662-book-of-common-prayer-international-edition-hardcover-march-2-2021/To own a hymnal, visit: https://anglicanhousepublishers.org/shop/the-book-of-common-praise-of-the-reformed-episcopal-church/

Daily Evening Prayer (5/8/25) from Trinity Anglican Church (Connersville, IN): Psalms 41-43; I Kings 21; Romans 7 and a brief reading from the Books of HomiliesTo read along, visit: https://ie.dailyoffice1662.com/To own a Bible, visit: https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/product/kjv-center-column-reference-bible-with-apocrypha/To own a prayer book, visit: https://anglicanway.org/product/the-1662-book-of-common-prayer-international-edition-hardcover-march-2-2021/To own a hymnal, visit: https://anglicanhousepublishers.org/shop/the-book-of-common-praise-of-the-reformed-episcopal-church/

Daily Morning Prayer and the Litany (5/7/25) from Trinity Anglican Church (Connersville, IN): Psalms 35-36; I Kings 18; Matthew 5 To read along, visit: https://ie.dailyoffice1662.com/To own a Bible, visit: https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/product/kjv-center-column-reference-bible-with-apocrypha/To own a prayer book, visit: https://anglicanway.org/product/the-1662-book-of-common-prayer-international-edition-hardcover-march-2-2021/To own a hymnal, visit: https://anglicanhousepublishers.org/shop/the-book-of-common-praise-of-the-reformed-episcopal-church/

Daily Evening Prayer (5/7/25) from Trinity Anglican Church (Connersville, IN): Psalm 37; I Kings 19; Romans 6To read along, visit: https://ie.dailyoffice1662.com/To own a Bible, visit: https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/product/kjv-center-column-reference-bible-with-apocrypha/To own a prayer book, visit: https://anglicanway.org/product/the-1662-book-of-common-prayer-international-edition-hardcover-march-2-2021/To own a hymnal, visit: https://anglicanhousepublishers.org/shop/the-book-of-common-praise-of-the-reformed-episcopal-church/

Daily Evening Prayer (5/5/25) from Trinity Anglican Church (Connersville, IN): Psalms 27-29; I Kings 15; Romans 4 and a brief reading from the Books of Homilies.To read along, visit: https://ie.dailyoffice1662.com/To own a Bible, visit: https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/product/kjv-center-column-reference-bible-with-apocrypha/To own a prayer book, visit: https://anglicanway.org/product/the-1662-book-of-common-prayer-international-edition-hardcover-march-2-2021/To own a hymnal, visit: https://anglicanhousepublishers.org/shop/the-book-of-common-praise-of-the-reformed-episcopal-church/

Daily Evening Prayer (5/3/25) from Trinity Anglican Church (Connersville, IN): Psalm 18; I Kings 11; Romans 2To read along, visit: https://ie.dailyoffice1662.com/To own a Bible, visit: https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/product/kjv-center-column-reference-bible-with-apocrypha/To own a prayer book, visit: https://anglicanway.org/product/the-1662-book-of-common-prayer-international-edition-hardcover-march-2-2021/To own a hymnal, visit: https://anglicanhousepublishers.org/shop/the-book-of-common-praise-of-the-reformed-episcopal-church/

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ...    I Kings 11:1-11   1 But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites:    2 Of the nations concerning which the Lord said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love.    3 And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart.    4 For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father.    5 For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.    6 And Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and went not fully after the Lord, as did David his father.    7 Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon.    8 And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods.    9 And the Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the Lord God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice,    10 And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the Lord commanded.    11 Wherefore the Lord said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept MY covenant and MY statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant.   

141:1-2 Cry for help141:1 O Lord, I call upon You; hasten to me- “The cryptic phraseology indicates urgency” Miller, 433. Call (Ps. 4:1, 3; 17:6; 88:9; 130:1) and hasten or come quickly is used in Pss. 22:19; 38:22; 40:13; 70:1, 5; 71:12.Give ear to my voice when I call to You!- Give ear is used in Ps. 55:1; 86:6; 143:1.141:2 May my prayer be counted as incense before You- “Incense and evening sacrifice come from the realm of formal worship” Longman, 458. “Incense symbolized the prayers of the saints (Rev. 5:8) and the priestly intercession accompanying their prayers on behalf of the people (Rev. 8:3-4; Exod. 30:10)” Miller, 433. “Incense is intended to present a sweet fragrance before the Lord, and so the psalmist wants his prayer similarly to please God” Longman, 458. The lifting up of my hands as the evening offering- Lifting up of hands was a common posture in prayer- Ex. 9:29; Ps. 28:2; 63:4; 134:2; I Tim. 2:8. The morning and evening offering are described in Ex. 29:38-42; 30:7-8; Num. 28:4-8. Because he mentions the evening sacrifice, BK, 893, calls this “an evening prayer for sanctification and protection.” A similar idea appears in Longman, 458.This shows that he knew that sacrifices were acceptable and longs for prayer to be just as acceptable. Portions of Scripture like Isaiah 1:10-15 are not anti-sacrifice. 141:3-7 Petition141:3 Set a guard, O LORD over my mouth- “The prayer for the worshiper himself builds on bodily images” Broyles, 492.  There were guards who waited at the temple- I Chron. 15:18, 24; II Kings 11:4-8; II Chron. 23:1-7. “He needs this strong Ally to help him guard his tongue” Laymen, 697. “Pure prayer Godward must be controlled speech manward (James 3:10-12)” Laymen, 579. “Religious ritual and moral lifestyle were to be integrally connected in ancient Israel” Broyles, 492. His first request is not judgment on his enemies but a plea that God will keep him from sin- Longman, 458. “Speech is an indicator of one's relationship to the Lord (cf. 34:13; 39:1; Prov. 13:3; 21:23; James 3:1-12)” VanGemeren, 847. The malicious intention of the speaker's enemies seems to manifest itself in vicious speech. The special emphasis here is on the speaker's prayer that he not answer them in kind, that he keep his own speech from slander and invective” Alter, 487. Faithful and Christian at Vanity Fair prayed “Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity” Kidner, 470. Keep watch over the door of my lips- “The psalmist desires not to sin in word (34:13; 39:1; Prov. 13:3; 18:21; 21:23)” Miller, 433. Speech can do much harm- Prov. 10:6; 12:6; 22:10.141:4 Do not incline my heart to any evil thing- Matt. 6:13 More fundamental than his speech is his heart and he prays his heart will be right with God. “He knows too the dominant pull of his heart toward involvement in evil” Laymen, 697. “Whereas the psalmist prayed in Psalm 140 for deliverance from ‘evil' (see vs. 1-2), here the prayer is that he be prevented from joining the wicked in their ‘evil' (v. 4)” McCann, 1244. “This is a remarkable expression of divine control over the mind; I Sam. 16:14; I Kings 22:21-23; Ps. 119:36” Allen, 270.With men who do iniquity – “He resolves to leave their circle with its lavish hospitality (cf. 23:5)” Laymen, 697. And do not let me eat of their delicacies- “To eat of their dainties could mean to eat of their delicacies attained through wickedness, or it could suggest the strong temptation to follow the ways of those who used a false hospitality to influence him for evil (cf. Prov. 23:6-8, 20-21; Hos. 7:1-7)” Miller, 433. Prov. 4:17.

• The Attitude toward the Aged • The Actions of the Aged• The Army of the Aged - Serving with wisdom, availability, & maturity - 70s, 80s, 90s, 100sSenior Adults are not viewed with respect in many places in the world. Unfortunately, that same attitude sometimes shows up in the church.  Paul wants Pastors like Titus and Timothy to embrace the senior citizens in their congregations. I Timothy 5:1-2. Paul described Timothy in three distinct ways:(1) He was relatively young - I Tim 4:12(2) He was physically weak - I Tim 5:23(3) He was spiritually fearful/timid - II Tim 1:5-7 I. Listen to the Scriptures on Senior Adults (The strength of sr adults)Lev 19:32; Exodus 20:12 (Eph 6:2-3); Deut 32:7; Psalm 37:25; Prov 16:31; Isa 46:3-4Abram & Sarai (100 & 90) - Genesis 17:15-17 - had Isaac which in Hebrew means “laughter”. Who do you use as an example today?Moses - Got God's assignment at 80 years of age. It would be a 40-year commitment.Our recent Christmas Series - Simeon & Anna - Luke 2:25-38. He was looking forward to passing on, and she was described as being “very old”. They both served the Lord without any thought of retiring from doing the Lord's work until God took them home!II. Look to the Aged for Leadership  1. Titus 2:1-2 • What Eliab was to Titus 1• Rehoboam is to Titus 2 - I Kings 12:4-11 (his lack of wisdom divided a fractured country).

"Help Me Jesus" Andrew Chrysler 3/23/25 Pastor Andrew has returned from sunny Florida to bring this week's message! It's a cry we have probably all uttered at one point in our lives: “Help me Jesus”! I Kings 19:7 And the angel of the Lord came back the second time, and touched him, and said, “Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you.”

144,000 Jewish Believers, sealed for God. 12,000 from each tribe of Israel, but Dan.  Revelation 1:1-17; 8:1-6; I Kings 12:25-31; Deuteronomy 29:18-21; Ezekiel 48:30-34, 34:23; Romans 11:25-29; Isaiah 49:10; Jeremiah 1:13; Psalm 23:1-2. #everydaychristians

Psalm 138A Psalm of David- Psalms 138-145 are listed as Psalms of David in the heading. “The Greek title places the psalm in the days of Haggai and Zechariah” Miller, 423. Is the I individual or collectively? “The individual who is offering thanks here appears to have been rescued from enemies who sought his undoing” Alter, 476. “Psalm 138 is the first of a collection of eight psalms (Pss. 138-145) in Book Five that are attributed, in their superscription to David” NICOT, 958. “Psalms 138 and 145 share no less than thirteen terms and verbal roots, forming an envelope structure around the collection: ‘give thanks' (138:1, 2, 4); ‘name' (138:2; 145:1-2, 21); ‘hesed' (138:2; 145:8, 10, 13, 17), ‘be faithful' (138:2; 145:13, 18), ‘be great' (138:2, 5; 145:3, 6, 8); ‘cry out' (138:3; 145:18); ‘hear' (138:4; 145:19); ‘glory' (138:5; 145:5, 11, 12); ‘exalt' (138:6; 145:1); ‘hand' (138:7, 8; 145:16); ‘for all time' (138:8; 145:1, 21); ‘deliver' (138:7; 145:19)'; ‘make, do' (138:8; 145:4, 9, 10, 13, 17)” NICOT, 958.“Maybe it all happened in II Sam. 5:17-25, when the Philistines challenged David's infant kingdom, and in answer to enquiring of the Lord, a signal victory was won and the ‘gods' of Philistia became the litter of battle” Motyer, 578. 138:1-3 His personal situation and his deliverance“In vv. 1-3, the singer speaks directly to God, using second person pronouns” NICOT, 960. 138:1 I will give You thanks with all my heart- Ps. 119:2, 10, 34, 58, 69, 145; Jer. 3:10; 24:7. “O Lord comes from the Greek; it is omitted in the Hebrew text” Miller, 424. It is added in the NIV following a number of mss., versions, and 11 QPs- VanGemeren, 834; NICOT, 958; Allen, 244. Giving thanks is mentioned in vs. 1, 2, 4. I will sing praises to You before the gods- Pss. 95:3; 96:4; 97:7; 135:5; 136:2-3 “gods (‘elohim) is translated ‘angels' in the Greek. However, there is little, if any, clear evidence in the OT for taking the word ‘elohim to mean angels. The Jewish translators of the OT into Greek were influenced by the Hellenistic concept of angels meditating to man the will of God so transcendently holy that he refused to communicate directly with sinful man” Miller, 424. See Allen, 244, for more on the LXX.  “The Aramaic Targum rendered it, not very convincingly, as ‘judges.' Following this line, Rashi and other medieval exegetes understood it as a reference to the Sanhedrin” Alter, 476. Some believe he refers to all heavenly beings and give Psalm 82 as a parallel. This psalm is “expressing God's sovereignty over any claimants to the appellation ‘god.'” NICOT, 959. The Psalm is “an implicit testimony to Yahweh's power not only to surrounding pagan nations but to their gods” Allen, 244. “The psalmist offers praise ‘in the face of the gods,' almost contemptuously denying them sovereignty (see Pss. 58:1-2; 82:1)” McCann, 1232. “He openly defies the gods of pagan nations, proud of this practical proof of the superiority of his own God” Laymen, 695. 138:2 I will bow down toward Your holy temple- Ps. 5:7; 11:4; 22:29; 28:2; 134:2; I Kings 8:29. “There is a fine blend of boldness and humility from the outset: boldness to confess the Lord before the gods, humility to bow down before Him” Kinder, 461. For more notes send me a private message on Facebook 

Solomon Was the Wisest Person to Ever Live, But That DIdn't Keep Him On the Right PathJoin me for an inspiring and sobering conversation with Tata from the story of King Solomon in I Kings. We learn a lot about how to keep your heart on track, how wisdom is not the same as holiness, and how to find our way back when we wander.  Our featured partner for this episode is Zuma Nutrition. Click this link, and checkout with the promo code DRLEEWARREN to get 15% off.My book, 2021 ECPA Memoir/Biography of the Year, I've Seen the End of YouBe sure to check out my latest book, Hope Is the First Dose!Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here! (00:05) - Introduction to Spiritual Brain Surgery (02:03) - The Wisdom of King Solomon (06:59) - Solomon's Early Choices (12:48) - Temptations of King Solomon (19:27) - The Pursuit of Happiness (26:07) - The Vanity of Wealth (32:41) - Understanding God's Love (35:10) - Changing Your Story Today

This is the third episode of “Songs In The Night.” Please make sure to subscribe so that you can be alerted when the next episode is available.This time of worship and prayer includes prayerful singing based on I Kings 18.For more information about Kathleen Fowle's music and ministry, please go to her website at KathleenFowle.com. Please share this episode on your social media and to your friends. Contributions can be made by "buying me a coffee" here. Many thanks!Music (C) Kathleen Fowle/Two by Two Express All Rights Reserved. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kathleenfowle.substack.com/subscribe

Make time to listen to Dr. Michael Youssef on the next encouraging episode of LEADING THE WAY AUDIO. He’ll reveal ways to defend against Satan’s attacks! Practical words of life, for the days in which we live! (I Kings 19)Support the show: https://au.ltw.org/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, the black and pale horses of the Apocalypse, and martyrs at the base of the altar. Rev 6:5-17, 7:1-8; Jer 14: 2, 15:3, 16:4; Lam 5:10; Joel 2:6; Nahum 2:10; Ezek 14:12-23, 48:33-34; Hosea 10:8; I Kings 12:25-31; Deut 29:18-21 #everydaychristians

In this first lesson on the book of I Kings, Mike traces both the rise and decline of Israel's most dynamic and famous king, Solomon.

Send us a textHello, may I have five minutes of your time? Almost everyone is going through a life challenge right now. And if you're not going through something, you probably know someone who is. My name is Stephanie Wright, and I want to briefly discuss how we can help one another through these challenges. Many Christian denominations will observe Lent from March 5th until Easter or Resurrection Sunday, April 20, 2025. This is when we commemorate Jesus' 40 days and nights in prayer and fasting in the desert. Afterward, he began his dynamic ministry in which multitudes were healed in their bodies, minds, and souls.Would you consider dedicating 40 days or a portion of 40 days sacrificing one thing leading up to Resurrection Sunday? For most people, it is food—the way Jesus fasted. Or perhaps it would be consecrating yourself from a favorite pastime like television or social media. Whatever you decide, be sure you give time to God in prayer. He is looking for a sincere and believing heart.If you fast from food, be sure to be wise and follow your healthcare provider's instructions. You might think that your fasting and praying is like dropping a teaspoon of water in the ocean. You would be wrong. There are numerous biblical and real-life examples where one person changed the outcome of circumstances and even saved a nation because they fasted and prayed.In Exodus chapters 24, 32, and 34, Moses went on at least two 40-day fasts. God was going to wipe out the Israelites for worshiping a golden idol. But after Moses' fast, God spared their lives.In the book of Jonah, the king of Nineveh put his country, himself, and even the animals on a fast of unspecified days. Jonah warned him of their downfall if he did not repent. God saw their works and spared Nineveh.Queen Esther declared a three-day fast with no food or water for all Jews in 127 provinces covering 2,700 miles in Persia. God delivered her people from annihilation by an evil man named Haman.The last Old Testament example I will give you is the prophet Elijah in I Kings chapters 20 and 21. Elijah fasted 40 days and nights, which led to the death of the evil queen, Jezebel, and her husband King Ahab.I will close with Jesus and the works He did after His 40-day fast. He healed the brokenhearted, set people free from physical afflictions, opened the blinded eyes, and more. Fasting and prayer bring spiritual, physical, and financial blessings.God is no respecter of persons. Therefore, you are no less important than the Bible personalities we discussed today. And your prayers are no less powerful than theirs. So, consider the impact you could have if you commit yourself to a fast and prayer during the days leading up to Resurrection Sunday.If you want an extended version of this presentation, listen to our podcast Episode 5, “H Stands for The Holy Spirit, Our Helper,” in our series, “Stay in His Presence.”  Thank you for joining me today, and may you have a blessed time in preparation for Resurrection Sunday.Now, let's go to Apostle Charles, who will close us out with contact information and tell you how to acces | ReplyForwardAdd reactionIf you want to contact us or comment on this podcast, please visit our website at cgmissions.com/podcast, where all episodes are available by category in series format. You can see the most recent video and audio podcasts at: www.youtube.com/@cgmissionsinc then select from the video or podcast"Playlist." CGM is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations may be made on our website: https://www.cgmissions.com/donate-here/

A study of I Kings 17:1-9 on the importance of trusting God in times of spiritual drought.

The LORD gave special strength to Elijah. He tucked his cloak into his belt and ran ahead of Ahab's chariot all the way to the entrance of Jezreel. I Kings 18:46 NLTFear and insecurity will drive you to desperation and fatigue.So he got up and ate and drank, and the food gave him enough strength to travel forty days and forty nights to Mount Sinai, the mountain of God. 1 Kings 19:8 NLT When we journey in our own wisdom and strength we will land up confused, exhausted, and lost. There he came to a cave, where he spent the night. 1 Kings 19:9 NLTBut the LORD said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Elijah replied, “I have zealously served the LORD God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.” 1 Kings 19:9-10 NLTCave pics! - Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the LORD told him. And as Elijah stood there, the LORD passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And a voice said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 1 Kings 19:11-13 NLTThe nearness of God's presence and the whisper of His voice are the single greatest manifestation of His power and love. What are you doing HERE? - - (Cave pictures go here)Comparison and complaining will land you in a cave when you could be enjoying a mountaintop view! Persistence has the power to perpetuate both good and bad decisions.Cave-time is often the consequence of circumstances beyond our control. - (Mom pic here) What are you DOING here?The cave can be an intimate place to hear Gods voice and learn from His wisdom. What are YOU doing here?Don't let insecurity rob you of your true identity! Then the LORD told him, “Go back the same way you came, and travel to the wilderness of Damascus. 1 Kings 19:15 NLTDon't waste time on blame or regret, rather repent and then follow God's direction and destiny. When you arrive there, anoint Hazael to be king of Aram. Then anoint Jehu grandson of Nimshi to be king of Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from the town of Abel-meholah to replace you as my prophet. Anyone who escapes from Hazael will be killed by Jehu, and those who escape Jehu will be killed by Elisha! Yet I will preserve 7,000 others in Israel who have never bowed down to Baal or kissed him!” 1 Kings 19:15-18 NLTGod called Elijah away from the cave to a life focused on His voice and vision for a amazing future.So he departed from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen in front of him, and he was with the twelfth. Elijah passed by him and cast his cloak upon him. 1 Kings 19:19 ESVPOEMGod's remedy for our lostness is revelation, repentance, restoration, and redemption!

The LORD gave special strength to Elijah. He tucked his cloak into his belt and ran ahead of Ahab's chariot all the way to the entrance of Jezreel. I Kings 18:46 NLTFear and insecurity will drive you to desperation and fatigue.So he got up and ate and drank, and the food gave him enough strength to travel forty days and forty nights to Mount Sinai, the mountain of God. 1 Kings 19:8 NLT When we journey in our own wisdom and strength we will land up confused, exhausted, and lost. There he came to a cave, where he spent the night. 1 Kings 19:9 NLTBut the LORD said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Elijah replied, “I have zealously served the LORD God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.” 1 Kings 19:9-10 NLTCave pics! - Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the LORD told him. And as Elijah stood there, the LORD passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And a voice said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 1 Kings 19:11-13 NLTThe nearness of God's presence and the whisper of His voice are the single greatest manifestation of His power and love. What are you doing HERE? - - (Cave pictures go here)Comparison and complaining will land you in a cave when you could be enjoying a mountaintop view! Persistence has the power to perpetuate both good and bad decisions.Cave-time is often the consequence of circumstances beyond our control. - (Mom pic here) What are you DOING here?The cave can be an intimate place to hear Gods voice and learn from His wisdom. What are YOU doing here?Don't let insecurity rob you of your true identity! Then the LORD told him, “Go back the same way you came, and travel to the wilderness of Damascus. 1 Kings 19:15 NLTDon't waste time on blame or regret, rather repent and then follow God's direction and destiny. When you arrive there, anoint Hazael to be king of Aram. Then anoint Jehu grandson of Nimshi to be king of Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from the town of Abel-meholah to replace you as my prophet. Anyone who escapes from Hazael will be killed by Jehu, and those who escape Jehu will be killed by Elisha! Yet I will preserve 7,000 others in Israel who have never bowed down to Baal or kissed him!” 1 Kings 19:15-18 NLTGod called Elijah away from the cave to a life focused on His voice and vision for a amazing future.So he departed from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen in front of him, and he was with the twelfth. Elijah passed by him and cast his cloak upon him. 1 Kings 19:19 ESVPOEMGod's remedy for our lostness is revelation, repentance, restoration, and redemption!

I KINGS 20-21Four Events of King Ahab's Life1. The First Syrian Battle – I Kings 20:1-222. The Second Syrian Battle – I Kings 20:23-433. Naboth's Vineyard – I Kings 21:1-294. The Third Syrian Battle – I Kings 22:1-53Teaching by pastor Jason Duff at The Garden Fellowship on 2.12.25.More teachings and information online at thegardenfellowship.com.

I KINGS 20-21Four Events of King Ahab's Life1. The First Syrian Battle – I Kings 20:1-222. The Second Syrian Battle – I Kings 20:23-433. Naboth's Vineyard – I Kings 21:1-294. The Third Syrian Battle – I Kings 22:1-53Teaching by pastor Jason Duff at The Garden Fellowship on 2.12.25.More teachings and information online at thegardenfellowship.com.

I Kings ch 17 vs 10-16 - Preacher Levi Hunter - Wednesday, February 12, 2025

I Kings ch 17 vs 10-16 - Preacher Levi Hunter - Wednesday, February 12, 2025

A Song of Ascents- “The pilgrimage began in ‘Kedar' (120:5); it ends in the Lord's house wherein the pilgrims ‘bless the Lord' (2) and He blesses them (3)'” Motyer, 576. This “forms a magnificent conclusion to this collection of psalms” VanGemeren, 817. It is “a brief word of departure as they ready themselves to return to their homes in the surrounding countryside” NICOT, 940. 134:1 Behold, bless the LORD, all servants of the LORD- Allen says, 216, Behold “is here uniquely with an imperative” and he translates this Come. Ps. 124:6 The word bless is used in each of these verses. In the first two verses servants are blessing the LORD but in vs. 3 the LORD is blessing us. “The Hebrew root that the NRSV regularly translates as ‘bless' originally meant more literally ‘to kneel,' as in paying homage to a superior (see above on Ps. 95:6; see also Pss. 16:7; 26:12; 34:1; 63:4; 103:1-2; 115:18; 135:19-20; 145:1, 10)” McCann, 1217.In our attitude to God, bless means “to praise, thank, and glorify God” Miller, 416. The NIV translates 134:1-2 praise and 134:3 bless. This obscures the fact that all the verses use the same Hebrew word. “Servants could apply to the whole nation in a different context, but here refers to those officiants who stand to minister (Ps. 135:1-2; Deut. 10:8) day and night (I Chron. 9:33) at the temple. By night is a plural in Hebrew and probably is to be taken in the distributive sense of ‘night after night'” Miller, 416-417.   The first step of the LORD blessing us originally is left out. “But the exchange is quite unequal: to bless God is to acknowledge gratefully what He is; but to bless man, God must make of him what he is not, give him what he has not” Kidner, 454.Who serve by night in the house of the LORD- 122:1-2. I Chron. 23:26, 30. Serve is literally stand here- Ps. 135:1-2; Deut. 10:8; 18:7; I Chron. 23:30. Exodus 12:42; Isaiah 30:29 Passover seems to have been celebrated at night. God, our Keeper, neither slumbers nor sleeps- Ps. 121:4- so this may be a wish that He is praised continually at the temple- Broyles, 475. “Evening duties included keeping the lampstand and the sacrifices burning as well as guarding the gates (Ex. 27:21; Lev. 6:9; I Chr. 9:22-27)” Longman, 441. “Later Jewish tradition associates nocturnal services with the Feast of Tabernacles, the ceremony of water libation during the nights of the festival (Cf. Mishnah, Sukk. 5:4)” Allen, 218. 134:2 Lift up your hands to the sanctuary- Ex. 9:29; I Kings 8:30; Ps. 28:2; 63:4; I Tim. 2:8. Sanctuary is a single word and may refer to worshiping in holiness or to the holy place, sanctuary- Kidner, 454. And bless the LORD 134:3 May the LORD bless you from Zion- Lev. 9:22-23; Num. 6:24-26; Ps. 128:5-6. The God who made everything dwells in a special way in Zion and sends His blessings from there. “Like His commandment, his blessing is not ‘far off'; not ‘in heaven' nor ‘beyond the sea,' but ‘every near you' (Deut. 30:11-14; Rom. 10:6ff)” Kidner, 454. “Dynamic potential is given to those who give Yahweh since acknowledgment of His power…He generously shares with His devoted followers from His own resources of omnipotence so that abundant life may be theirs: Allen, 218. He who made heaven and earth- Ps. 115:15; 121:2; 124:8; 146:6 He is LORD of all. The Creator of all “makes Himself known in historical relationships that are marked by particular people and particular places” Broyles, 475. Jesus and Psalm 134Luke 24:50-53Eph. 1:3

I Kings ch 19 vs 12-18 , Luke ch 8 vs 26-32 - Preacher Andrew Martin - Wednesday, February 5, 2025

I Kings ch 19 vs 12-18 , Luke ch 8 vs 26-32 - Preacher Andrew Martin - Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Are you looking for an example of leadership and hope in turbulent times? Former Congressman Adam Kinzinger joins host Curtis Chang for a conversation on politics, faith, and integrity in the Donald Trump era. Known for his willingness to challenge his own party, Rep. Kinzinger shares candid insights on the moral dilemmas facing political leaders, the long-term impact of principled decision-making, and the fight to preserve democracy. Together, Curtis and the congressman share their own strategies for staying engaged without being consumed by today's outrage-driven narratives. Rep. Kinzinger offers a compelling example of the principled leadership we need for the future for our country. Send written questions or voice memos for “Ask Curtis” episodes to: askcurtis@redeemingbabel.org Send Campfire Stories to: info@redeemingbabel.org   Referenced in This Episode: Isaiah 5:20 I Kings 19:9-18 (Elijah and God's promise to spare those who do not bend knee to Baal) Stephen Miller on border policies The Chronicles of Narnia The Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S.Capitol The executive order of pardon and commutation for January 6 insurrectionists President Trump pardons January 6 insurrectionists Listen to Curtis and David French draft politicians on Good Faith More From Congressman Kinzinger: Watch The Last Republican trailer Congressman Kinzinger's Country First movement Find on Adam Kinzinger on Bluesky Learn more about George Fox Talks   Follow Us: Good Faith on Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook   Sign up: Redeeming Babel Newsletter

I KINGS 12-16 | Ten Kings of Judah and IsraelThe First Three Kings of Judah1. Rehoboam – I Kings 12:1-24 & 14:21-31 – 17 Years2. Abijam – 1 Kings 15:1-8 – 3 Years3. Asa – I Kings 15:9-24 – 41 YearsThe First Seven Kings of Israel1. Jeroboam – I Kings 12:25-14:20 – 22 Years2. Nadab – I Kings 15:25-32 – 2 Years3. Baasha – I Kings 15:33-16:7 – 24 Years4. Elah – I Kings 16:8-14 - 2 Years5. Zimri – I Kings 16:15-20 – 7 Days6. Omri – I Kings 16:21-28 – 12 Years7. Ahab – I Kings 16:29-34 – 21 YearsTeaching by Pastor Jason Duff at The Garden Fellowship on 1.29.25.More teachings and information online at thegardenfellowship.com.

I KINGS 12-16 | Ten Kings of Judah and IsraelThe First Three Kings of Judah1. Rehoboam – I Kings 12:1-24 & 14:21-31 – 17 Years2. Abijam – 1 Kings 15:1-8 – 3 Years3. Asa – I Kings 15:9-24 – 41 YearsThe First Seven Kings of Israel1. Jeroboam – I Kings 12:25-14:20 – 22 Years2. Nadab – I Kings 15:25-32 – 2 Years3. Baasha – I Kings 15:33-16:7 – 24 Years4. Elah – I Kings 16:8-14 - 2 Years5. Zimri – I Kings 16:15-20 – 7 Days6. Omri – I Kings 16:21-28 – 12 Years7. Ahab – I Kings 16:29-34 – 21 YearsTeaching by Pastor Jason Duff at The Garden Fellowship on 1.29.25.More teachings and information online at thegardenfellowship.com.

God WANTS you to hear His voice even more than you DESIRE to hear it. How to HEAR God's voice through OTHERS. Proverbs 12:15 The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice. The most TANGIBLE way to hear from God is through PEOPLE. I Kings 12:4-5 “Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but now lighten the harsh labor and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you.” Rehoboam answered, “Go away for three days and then come back to me.” So, the people went away. 1. Pursue GODLY WISDOM from others who can be of HELP. I Kings 12:6-8 Then King Rehoboam consulted the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “How would you advise me to answer these people?” he asked. They replied, “If today you will be a servant to these people and serve them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your servants.” But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him.  2. If you aren't open to CHANGING, then don't bother ASKING for input. I Kings 12:10-11 The young men who had grown up with him replied, “These people have said to you, ‘Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but make our yoke lighter.' Now tell them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father's waist. My father laid on you a heavy yoke; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions.'” 3. You can always find a FOOL to support your FOLLY. I Kings 12:13-14a The king answered the people harshly. Rejecting the advice given him by the elders, he followed the advice of the young men…  4. It's difficult to HEAR from God when you BLOCK OUT the godly mouthpieces around you. Proverbs 10:31a The mouth of the godly person gives wise advise “Those who are truly open to guidance (and not just looking for validation) develop better solutions to problems than they would have on their own. They add nuance and texture to their thinking—and, research shows, they can overcome cognitive biases, self-serving rationales, and other flaws in their logic.”—Harvard Business Review Hebrews 12:1-2b Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Godly people can be a MEGAPHONE for hearing GOD'S WILL. 4 Characteristics of Godly Counsel: 1. Person who FEARS God. Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. 2. Live in HUMILITY. Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. 3. Lived some LIFE. Job 12:12 Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days. 4. SUCCESSFUL in area you are seeking guidance. Ecclesiastes 10:10 Using a dull ax requires great strength, so sharpen the blade. That's the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed. Proverbs 11:14 Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. Proverbs 15:22 Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisors they succeed.

I Kings 9-11 | Solomon's Road to Failure1. He Ignored the Word of God – I Kings 9:1-92. He Multiplied Wealth – I Kings 9:10-10:253. He Multiplied Horses – I Kings 10:26-294. He Multiplied Wives – I Kings 11:1-65. He Participated in Idolatry – I Kings 11:7-43Teaching by Pastor Jason Duff at The Garden Fellowship on 1.22.25.More teachings and information online at thegardenfellowship.com.

I Kings 9-11 | Solomon's Road to Failure1. He Ignored the Word of God – I Kings 9:1-92. He Multiplied Wealth – I Kings 9:10-10:253. He Multiplied Horses – I Kings 10:26-294. He Multiplied Wives – I Kings 11:1-65. He Participated in Idolatry – I Kings 11:7-43Teaching by Pastor Jason Duff at The Garden Fellowship on 1.22.25.More teachings and information online at thegardenfellowship.com.

God WANTS you to hear His voice even more than you DESIRE to hear it. The most EXCITING way you can hear from God. I Kings 19:12 And after the fire came a GENTLE WHISPER. Sometimes God speaks LOUDLY, but often He speaks through a WHISPER. The most exciting way to hear from God is through the PROMPTINGS of the HOLY SPIRIT. John 16:7 But in fact, it is BEST for you that I GO AWAY, because if I don't, the Advocate (Holy Spirit) won't come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. The Holy Spirit is a WHO not and IT. The Holy Spirit is PERSONAL. If the Holy Spirit isn't PERSONAL, you will miss his PROMPTINGS. John 16:13 But when HE, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will GUIDE YOU into all the truth. Acts 8:29 The SPIRIT TOLD PHILIP, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.” Acts 10:19-20 “While Peter was still thinking…THE SPIRIT SAID TO HIM…get up and go downstairs.” Acts 20:22 Paul was COMPELLED BY THE SPIRIT to go to Jerusalem. A Prompting from the Holy Spirit will: 1. Never CONTRADICT God's word. 2. Never be MOTIVATED by selfishness. 3. Often require a SACRIFICE. 4. Often require you to take a RISK. 1. Never CONTRADICT God's word. John 16:13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. John 17:17 Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. 2. Never be MOTIVATED by selfishness. Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others. Galatians 5:16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 3. Often require a SACRIFICE. (time, money, convenience) Acts 20:35 Jesus himself said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” 4. Often require you to take a RISK. 1. Never CONTRADICT God's word. 2. Never be MOTIVATED by selfishness. 3. Often require a SACRIFICE. 4. Often require you to take a RISK.

So she did as Elijah said, and she and Elijah and her family continued to eat for many days. There was always enough flour and olive oil left in the containers, just as the LORD had promised through Elijah. I Kings 17:15-17 NLTObedient faith unlocks God's miraculous provision.Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:8 NLTGod is always working to build our faith for what lies ahead. Some time later the woman's son became sick. He grew worse and worse, and finally he died. I Kings 17:17 NLT God has a history of showing up for us at what without Him would only be a dead end.  Impossible is an incredible place for an intimate encounter with Jesus!She said to Elijah, “Man of God, what do you have against me? Have you come to call attention to my iniquity so that my son is put to death? ” I Kings 17:17-18 CSBSoul searching with the Holy Spirit is the only way to live a surrendered life of faith.Show me Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth. Psalm 25:4 NKJVIf we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself.2 Timothy 2:11-13 ESVOur lives have many situations and needs that have no source or solution but the Savior. But Elijah replied, Give me your son. I Kings 17:19 NLTAnd he took the child's body from her arms, carried him up the stairs to the room where he was staying, and laid the body on his bed. Then Elijah cried out to the LORD, “O LORD my God, why have you brought tragedy to this widow who has opened her home to me, causing her son to die?” And he stretched himself out over the child three times and cried out to the LORD, “O LORD my God, please let this child's life return to him.” The LORD heard Elijah's prayer, and the life of the child returned, and he revived! I Kings 17:19-22 NLT-Sunday's Notes-Then Elijah took the boy, brought him down from the upstairs room into the house, and gave him to his mother. Elijah said, “Look, your son is alive.” I Kings 17:23 CSBGod will resurrect what sin and death have destroyed and return them to us redeemed and restored. Then the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know you are a man of God and the LORD's word from your mouth is true.” I Kings 17:24 CSB

So she did as Elijah said, and she and Elijah and her family continued to eat for many days. There was always enough flour and olive oil left in the containers, just as the LORD had promised through Elijah. I Kings 17:15-17 NLTObedient faith unlocks God's miraculous provision.Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:8 NLTGod is always working to build our faith for what lies ahead. Some time later the woman's son became sick. He grew worse and worse, and finally he died. I Kings 17:17 NLT God has a history of showing up for us at what without Him would only be a dead end.  Impossible is an incredible place for an intimate encounter with Jesus!She said to Elijah, “Man of God, what do you have against me? Have you come to call attention to my iniquity so that my son is put to death? ” I Kings 17:17-18 CSBSoul searching with the Holy Spirit is the only way to live a surrendered life of faith.Show me Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth. Psalm 25:4 NKJVIf we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself.2 Timothy 2:11-13 ESVOur lives have many situations and needs that have no source or solution but the Savior. But Elijah replied, Give me your son. I Kings 17:19 NLTAnd he took the child's body from her arms, carried him up the stairs to the room where he was staying, and laid the body on his bed. Then Elijah cried out to the LORD, “O LORD my God, why have you brought tragedy to this widow who has opened her home to me, causing her son to die?” And he stretched himself out over the child three times and cried out to the LORD, “O LORD my God, please let this child's life return to him.” The LORD heard Elijah's prayer, and the life of the child returned, and he revived! I Kings 17:19-22 NLT-Sunday's Notes-Then Elijah took the boy, brought him down from the upstairs room into the house, and gave him to his mother. Elijah said, “Look, your son is alive.” I Kings 17:23 CSBGod will resurrect what sin and death have destroyed and return them to us redeemed and restored. Then the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know you are a man of God and the LORD's word from your mouth is true.” I Kings 17:24 CSB

Daily Dose of Hope January 15, 2025 Day 4 of Week 42   Scripture:  Jeremiah 47, 48, 49; Psalm 80; 2 Peter 2   Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Bible reading plan.  It's Wednesday and that mean Recharge day!  Yeah!!!  I hope to see you tonight in the Garage for a time of fellowship, worship, prayer, and small community.   We head back to Jeremiah for our Old Testament Scripture for today.  God's judgment is coming to the pagan nations – to the Philistines, to Moab, and to the Ammonites.  Just as God used Babylon to punish Judah, he would do the same for these nations.  They are being punished for their idolatry, for their sinfulness, for their support to other sinful cities, for arrogance, and for stealing land from Israel.    Our New Testament Scripture for today is 2 Peter 2.  In this chapter, we see Peter elaborating on the concept of false prophets and false teachers. In verse one, Peter is referring to the false prophets found in the Old Testament. These would have been individuals who claimed to speak for Yahweh but really were not sent by Yahweh at all. Think of the four hundred prophets (I Kings 22) who were summoned by King Ahab to speak on behalf of the Lord. But they were on the king's payroll and clearly didn't speak on behalf of the one true God.   Peter is saying that just as there were false prophets, there will also be false teachers among you. These are people who are already part of the Christian community but have left the true faith. Peter warns that these false teachers will bring in teachings from the outside world, teachings that will create conflict and division among the body of believers. These are teachings that lead people astray and away from the true faith founded in Jesus Christ. By moving away from the faith, these people are actually bringing destruction and grief on themselves, as well as the church. The thing about false teachings is that they are fairly similar to the true faith. The false teacher uses elements of Christian faith to make their doctrine seem solid and sound.   Think of the Mormon faith. They believe in Jesus. They read the Bible. Thus, someone unsuspecting or not firm in their Christian walk might be easily swayed. But they also believe things that are clearly opposed to orthodox Christian teachings. How have false teachings infiltrated the church in our day? Be on guard, my friends, and well-rooted in God's Word so that you will be grounded in Jesus and not be swayed.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki  

Psalm 130 A Song of Ascents “In Christian tradition the psalm became one of the seven penitential psalms, the others being Ps. 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 143” Allen, 195. “This psalm, of course, is a penitential psalm, focusing not on the evil of Israel's enemies, as does Psalm 129, but on the wrongs Israel has done” Alter, 455.130:1 Out of the depths- Ps. 30:1; 71:20; Isa. 51:10; Ezek. 27:34; Jonah 2:2-6 This is “a figure of speech suggesting his insurmountable difficulty, even to the point of death:…The exact problem is not specified” B.K, 886. I have cried to You, O LORD- Ps. 17:6; 86:7. Is the I used of the author individually or the people collectively? “In v. 1, the psalm-singer addresses God by the divine name YHWH: in v. 2, the psalmist uses the more generic Lord (adonay). The pattern (divine name followed by generic name) is repeated in vv. 3-4 and in vv. 5-6. Only in vv. 7-8 is the divine name YHWH used twice” NICOT, 927. 130:2 Lord, hear my voice!- Ps. 4:1; 64:1;102:2; 119:149; 141:1 .Let your ear be attentive- II Chron. 6:40; 7:15; Neh. 1:6, 11 “What is clear in all such passages is that self-help is no answer to the depths of distress, however useful it may be in the shallows of self-pity” Kidner, 446. To the voice of my supplications- Ps. 28:2; 140:6 “The Hebrew word translated supplications comes from the same root as those render ‘grace' and ‘be gracious'” Miller, 411.  130:3 If You, LORD, should mark iniquities- Iniquities “is the primary word used to describe human sin and guilt in the prophetic writings” NICOT, 928. The word iniquities will reappear in vs. 8. “If He should deal with us exactly as we are; if He should overlook nothing, forgive nothing, we could have no hope” Barnes, 259.  O Lord, who can stand?- Ezra 9:15; Ps. 76:7; Amos 7:2; Nah. 1:6; Mal. 3:2; Rev. 6:17. This is “an adaptation of the question of the entrance liturgy ( ‘who shall stand' 24:3; 15:1)” Allen, 192.Compare the thought of I Kings 8:46; Psalm 143:2; Prov. 20:9; Rom. 3:9-20, 23. 130:4 But there is forgiveness with You- Exod. 34:7; Neh. 9:17; Dan. 9:9. “He derives comfort from the known character of Yahweh as a God who forgives (cf. 86:5, 15): this divine quality transcends man's sinfulness” Allen, 195.That I may be feared- Jer. 33:8-9 “Forgiveness increases the sinner's reverent awe of and trust in Yahweh (cf. I Kings 8:38-40)” Allen, 192. 130:5 I wait for the LORD, my soul does wait- Ps. 25:3, 5; 27:14; 33:20; 37:34; 40:1; 52:9; 62:1, 5; Isa. 8:17; 26:8 Notice the shift from 2nd person (vss. 1-4) to 3rd person (verses 5-8).  And in His word do I hope- Ps. 119:74, 81, 114, 147 The word hope appears in both vs. 5 & vs. 7.  130:6 My soul waits for the LORD- A similar phrase is used in Judges 5:9 with “my heart goes out to the commanders” Allen, 192.. More than the watchman for the morning- “He compared his weight to that of a city's watchman looking for the first rays of dawn, for then they would be relieved of their duties by other guards” B.K., 886. Indeed, more than the watchmen for the morning- The verb waits is missing in the Hebrew text but it added in some translations like the NIV because it is implied- VanGemeren, 802. 130:7 O Israel, hope in the LORD- 131:3 “The psalmist's faith and hope impel him…to encourage others to be faithful and hopeful (Pss. 22:22-23; 27:14; 31:23-24; 32:8-11; 34:3, 5, 8-14; 51:13-14; 131:3)” McCann, 1206. “The morning will dawn; the light will break in the east; deliverance and joy will come” Barnes, 260. 

December 8, 2024 I Kings 22:29-53; Ps. 139:1-12; Prov. 29:15-17; Acts 13:38-43

December 7, 2024 I Kings 22:1-28; Ps. 138:7-8; Prov. 29:12-14; Acts 13:26-37

“The psalm is ascribed to Solomon, and has perhaps a concealed signature in the expression his beloved (2), which is the word from which Jedidiah, his personal name from God, was formed (II Sam. 12:25)” Kidner, 440. Solomon carried on many building activities (I Kings 3:1-2; 7:1-11; 8:13; 9:1). This psalm has more of the characteristics of a wisdom psalms than other types. “A wisdom psalm ... ‘provides instruction in right living and right faith” NICOT, 917. “In Jewish practice the psalm is recited as a part of thanksgiving as a part of a thanksgiving service after children” VanGemeren, 793 127:1 Unless the LORD builds the house- “The Hebrew bayit equally means ‘house' and ‘home.' The emphasis in the second half of the psalm on progeny suggests that both sense of the word are in play here” Alter, 449.  “House could refer to a literal dwelling house (Gen. 19:10), a household (Gen. 7:1), the temple, or the king's palace (I Kings 9:1), or the nation as a whole (Amos 3:1, 13; 7:10)” Miller, 407. See NICOT, 918, for even more possibilities for the word house. They labor in vain who build it- Prov. 14:23 uses this word for labor and says in all labor there is a profit. The word for in vain is used three times in vss. 1-2. It is translated vain in the command not to take God's name in vain in Exodus 20:7; Deut. 5:11. It is translated false in warnings against false reports in Exodus 23:1; Deut. 5:20. It refers to worthless idols in Jer. 18:15; Jonah 2:8 and the false messages of false prophets in Ezekiel 13:6, 7, 8, 9, 23.Unless the LORD guards the city- Num. 6:24; Pss. 25:20; 34:20; 86:2; 97:10; 116:6; 121:3-5, 7-8.127:2 For He gives to His beloved even in His sleep The NIV has He grants sleep to those He loves. “This could signify the blessing God gives, or taken adverbially the time or way to which He gives it” Kidner, 442. 127:3 Behold, children are a gift of the LORD- Gen. 33:5; Deut. 7:13. The word children here and in vs. 4 is literally sons. “The martial imagery of the rest of the poem argues for the masculine sense of the term” Alter, 450. “The patriarchs of Israel and their wives recognized that children are gifts from God (Gen. 29:31-35; 30:1-6, 17-23; I Sam. 1:5-6, 11, 19-20) How much better our society would be if we recognized as much!” Miller, 407. The word sons vss. 3, 4 in Hebrew is very similar to the word for builders in vs. 1- McCann, 1198. The fruit of the womb is a reward- “It is not untypical of God's gifts that first they are liabilities, or at least responsibilities, before they become obvious assets” Kidner, 442. Gen. 15:1 God is our ultimate reward. 127:4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior- The word for warrior “is often used to describe military figures…II Sam. 23:8 names David's ‘mighty men' and in II Kings 24:16, the king of Babylon took captive all of the gibborim of Jerusalem, 7000” NICOT, 919. So are the children of one's youth- “. One might recall David's original power base was in part a kind of family militia, led by three nephews” Alter, 450. “Sons provide sufficient strength to enable the family to defend itself against marauders” Miller, 407. 127:5 How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them- “The larger the family, the greater the defense against the enemy” Miller, 407. “Children confer real advantage on a person in the battle of life. Indeed, the more the better” Longman, 426. 

December 6, 2024 I Kings 21:1-29; Ps. 138:1-6; Prov. 29:9-11; Acts 13:16-25

December 5, 2024 I Kings 20:16-43; Ps. 137:5-9; Prov. 29:5-8; Acts 13:13-15

December 4, 2024 I Kings 19:15-20:15; Ps. 137:1-4: Prov. 39:2-4; Acts 12:24-13:12

December 3, 2024 I Kings 19:1-14; Ps. 136:13-26; Prov. 29:1; Acts 12:20-23

December 2, 2024 I Kings 18:20-46; Ps. 136:1-12; Prov. 28:27-28; Acts 12:1-19