Proverbs 11:16 - Grace Earns Honor

Proverbs 11:16 

A gracious woman attains honor, 

and violent men attain riches.

Message: Grace Earns Honor

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God.

What the Lord is Saying: Comparing versions:

NIV says, "A kindhearted woman gains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth." 

NLT says, "A gracious woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth." 

Good News / Today's English Version, "A gracious woman is respected, but a woman without virtue is a disgrace. Lazy people will never have money, but aggressive people will get rich."

At first glance, this seems like a little bit of a puzzling contrast. From the NASB, it compares gracious women with violent men. Hmm. What's that about? To be gracious is to be forgiving. It is to give without looking at the character of the individual receiving grace. For God to be gracious towards us or saving us by grace He is saving us without any expectation of us doing something in return. We do not have to work. And so here is the gracious woman and this is someone that everyone wants to be like for she receives honor for her grace. 

The violent man in contrast receives riches. Riches is all this person can attain. Thus, honor is greater than riches. Could it be that anyone can go make riches? Granted, it takes work, but to receive honor means you don't just look out for self. Honor is showing respect or having great esteem for another. This is a need in a marriage and is part of our wedding vows to love, honor and respect. And yet I think what most people want in life is both. We want honor but also riches. 

God is the definer of grace. When looking at grace, we first look at God and His extending grace to us. He sets the bar. All other grace is inferior, but for a woman to have grace is a high calling. This is someone that has humility. As I was thinking about modest dressing. It is a person that isn't calling attention to oneself. It is to be gentle. 

Again, the contrast then is to a man of wealth. As I look at commentaries, all the focus is on the woman and defining grace and honor. There is little words on the man's role of riches. And yet maybe this isn't a classic contrast of positive and negative but rather to say that a man is not simply to acquire riches but retain and keep them. That we are not simply to gather but sustain. And yet the man is more focused on providing for his family. The woman is helping mold the children and their character and the man is out providing what they need. 

Violent appears to mean ruthless and powerful. It is a sort of 'at any cost' to obtain. 

Prayer: O God, I am to extol honor over riches. Help me to value honor and not simply value wealth. Help me to think of character over possessions. I don't want to arrive at a funeral with people thinking of my wealth but rather who I am as a person. I want to point to You God and help people do this. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

2 Samuel 8-9 - Mephibosheth Sits at the Kings Table

2 Samuel 8-9

So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, for he ate at the king's table regularly. Now he was lame in both feet. (verse 9:9)

Message: Mephibosheth Sits at the Kings Table

Time: Second Samuel is set in the land of Israel during the reign of David and follows the course of his forty years as king of Israel (1011–971 BC). It chronicles the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the expansion of Israel under God’s chosen leader. 

What the Lord is Saying: In chapter 7, David has rest and God tells him He shall build a house for himself. David responds in praise to God, asks for further confirmation and for this, He praises God. 

In Chapter 8, David defeats the Philistines (verse 1), defeats Moab with the "Moabites becoming servants to David." David defeats Hadadezer, capturing horsemen, foot soldiers, then killing Arameans that came to help Hadadezer with the Arameans eventually becoming servants of David. David takes gold and bronze from these cities (v.2-8). 

Toi brings David silver, gold and bronze, with David dedicating them to the Lord. "He put garrisons in Edom...and all Edomites became servants to David." Thus, "David reigned over all Israel." David placed different people in charge: Joab over the army; Jehoshaphat the recorder (chief advisor); Zadok and Ahimelech priests; Seraiah the secretary; Benaiah over Cherethites and Pelethites; David's son's were chief ministers. 

In Chapter 9, there is a different thought or change of thought as David seeks to show kindness to Jonathan, though he has died. David made this promise in 1 Samuel 20:14-17 and 1 Samuel 20:42. Ziba, of the house of Saul, is called to David and David discovers there is a son of Jonathan that is crippled. David brought him from his place to him. David shows him kindness and restores the land of Saul to him. He makes this known to Ziba so that all of the land and produce would be for Mephibosheth and all in that land would be his servants. And "he ate at the king's table regularly." 

David didn't have to do this. Mephibosheth was crippled but became lame when his nurse fled from fear (4:4). But David honored his relationship with Jonathan. David is shown to take over the kingdom of Israel, defeating foes and establishing his leaders, and all the while He praises God and dedicates all he receives to the Lord. He surrenders all. And then from this he fulfills a commitment and has mercy on Jonathan's son.  David is showing kindness. The Hebrew word hesed is not adequately limited to the idea of kindness. It seeks the good of others and does not break promises. We are to be a people that puts the interest of others ahead of our own. David did not see him as an enemy. David never saw Saul as an enemy though Saul saw David as such. Likewise Jonathan. David looks out for others interests. 

This lesson in a good reminder to me as well, to be kind. Help me to be kind God in my interactions even as people are attacking me. 

Summary: David sets up Israel in defeating areas and taking hold of precious medals, giving glory to God and then fulfills a commitment to Jonathan by giving his son Mephibosheth Saul's land and sitting him at his table.

Promise: We love those who are not able to do anything for us. 

Prayer: Lord, I think of my wife and her work and am thankful for the love that she has for others, students that can't return that love in any way. She wants the best for them always and does not want to exasperate them, but show them respect. It is hard work as they fight her all the way, but this is a love that David had for Mephibosheth because of his commitment to Jonathan. Help me God to love in this way and to give without expecting in return. Help me God in this to honor You and glorify You. You are the great one. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

2 Samuel 7:18-29 - David Thanks the Lord

2 Samuel 7:18-29

Now therefore, O Lord God, the word that Thou hast spoken concerning Thy servant and his house, confirm it forever, and do as Thou hast spoken, that Thy name may be magnified forever, by saying, 'The Lord of hosts is God over Israel'; and may the house of Thy servant David be established before Thee. (verse 25-26)

Message: David Thanks the Lord

Time: Second Samuel is set in the land of Israel during the reign of David and follows the course of his forty years as king of Israel (1011–971 BC). It chronicles the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the expansion of Israel under God’s chosen leader. 

What the Lord is Saying:

David responds to the Lord with a praise to God. "Who am I" stating that he is only a man. This is our response always. God is great and who am I that God would call me to be His forever and to be His vessel and ambassador. His love is extravagant. "Thou art great, O Lord God; for there is none like Thee and there is no God besides thee." He says, "Thou hast established for Thyself Thy people Israel as Thine own people forever." 

God would allow David to plan for a temple for Yahweh, and Solomon would build it. God promises here with David something that will be fulfilled later. As was done with Abraham. The temple is only built when the people fully rest.

In verse 19, David states, "And this is the custom of mankind, Lord God." It is one thing crazy enough that God would bless David and his descendants, but it is something every greater and surprising to him that God would choose to bless those that come after him. Some extend this to Jesus Christ and that seems too radical to lend itself to this statement. And yet the Lord does use some radical language in verse 13 when he states, "I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever." He first speaks of his son (Solomon) but then extends it to forever. So the idea of David being part of that lineage and spring boarding something that will have eternal benefits for many is not too alarming. 

And here is the thing - God works. He has a plan for His people, but the people do something in response to this - they thank God and praise God for His greatness. "For this reason You are great, Lord God; for there is no one like You." We are a people of thankfulness. 

It is normal for us in life to often want more. It is normal for us to not be satisfied and think there is always something more or better that we should have. Contentment is always a challenge. But we need to be thankful. We need to respond to God with thankfulness and appreciation. David does this. 

And after David does this, he then wants confirmation of it happening. We are a forgetful people. We need to reminded and told again and again. The world is hard and tough and we need that reminder from Him that all will work out. "The word that You have spoken about Your servant and his house, confirm forever." Keep confirming it. Keep reminding me. But not so that I am simply satisfied, though I will be, but ultimately for God to be praised, "so that Your name may be great forever." 

God is going to build David a house. It is needed and God will provide. And praise God that He is doing this. Keep reminding. And I will keep praising. 

Great words. God did it. I thank Him. Tell me again. And I will keep praising Him. 

Summary: David Thanks the Lord for wanting to build him a house, a temple. David asks God to remind him of this blessing God has for him and his descendants and David will continue to give thanks. 

Promise: As we seek the Lord, it is for Him to be glorified while He also provides for us. 

Prayer: God, you are great and worthy of my praise. You promise me much and in response I praise Your name. But I want to hear again what you have promised. And for this I will praise Your name more. And this will continue God. Let more see that life is not about toil and giving and being behind and catching up but there is also reward and God giving us what we need and my response is to keep praising Him. I praise You God. I thank you. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

2 Samuel 7:1-17 - The Davidic Covenant

2 Samuel 7:1-17

When your days are complete and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up forth from you, and I will establish His kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of His kingdom. (verse 12-13)

Message: The Davidic Covenant

Time: Second Samuel is set in the land of Israel during the reign of David and follows the course of his forty years as king of Israel (1011–971 BC). It chronicles the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the expansion of Israel under God’s chosen leader. 

What the Lord is Saying: This is a significant chapter. Verses 4-17 are referred to as the Davidic Covenant. It follows David saying "I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells within tent curtains." Thus, the ark of God needs a better and more permanent place to dwell. 

Nathan speaks to David, having received a message from the Lord. That message mentions that the ark needs a house of cedar built for it. God had rescued his people. To David, "I took you" from grazing in a pasture to ruling the people of Israel. "I have been with you" and "I will make you a great name." God has been with David. He has cut off his enemies. His name is to be on par with the great names of earth. For the people of Israel, God "will appoint a place for My people Israel." God "will plant them." David thinks he is to build something but instead God is the builder. I think this is something always for us to remember. God is the builder. It is His doing. It is His grace which makes things happen. 

God "will give you rest from all your enemies." And "The Lord will make a house for you." God "will raise up your descendant after you" and this possibly is Solomon, David's son and "establish his kingdom." And "will establish the throne of his kingdom forever." 

It is also interesting, it says that "when he commits iniquity, I will correct him" and than it says, "Your throne will be established forever." Once again, this mentions God's grace. Iniquity will happen and correction, but God's permanent reward for His people remains the same. 

God's love continues and is prominent always with his people. The people go through difficulties, wanderings, iniquities, but God is still providing for them. Sometimes we don't see it in our current lifetime. God will take care of us many times on the way but sometimes it doesn't occur till later. This is hard. I want to see all things now, but we can await the promise and it will be fulfilled. 

Summary: God speaks through Nathan to David promising land forever, an unending dynasty and an everlasting kingdom. 

Promise: There will be a dwelling place for God and His people and in a permanent way, we are that permanent resting place with the Spirit in us. 

Prayer: God, you choose and you bless forever. Along the way there are struggles but you are present always with your people. You are forever and thank You God for bringing me along. Keep me focused on Your promises, these promises always. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Genesis 22:17 - Abraham's Extraordinary God

Genesis 22:17

Indeed I will greatly bless you, and I will greatly multiply your seed as the stars of the heavens, and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your seed shall possess the gate of their enemies. 

Message: Abraham's Extraordinary God

Time: Genesis is the first book and Moses is credited as authoring. The book spans 2400 years of time. It was originally written in Hebrew.

What the Lord is Saying: The author of this article talks about going to the beach as a family in the summer. Genesis 22:17 speaks of an angel of the Lord from heaven speaking to Abraham after he went to sacrifice his son Isaac (though God stopped it) and giving him the promise that his seed will be multiplied and that multiplication number will look like the sand on the seashore. Yet, Abraham would not experience this in his lifetime. When he died he did not see this multiplying number of offspring. 

God's promises are extravagant. To think that he gave a promise to Abraham that his seed will be an numerous as the sand speaks to extreme way that God wants to bless his people. I see this at times in my life, blessing others or giving them hopefully more than they expect. But it is a promise that I need to remember, that God wants to bless his people. So much is spoken of his judgment and wrath and yet, he wants to bless and provide. But it is focused on his called ones. 

He blesses us as well in the giving of His Son - giving up His Son at Calvary, on the cross, so that His people will live. If anything, could it be that we make salvation too hard. If God is really a God that wants to give so much to us, is it possible that we restrict His giving by coming up with too many rules to merit salvation. Granted, God is Holy and He is to be respected and esteemed. But sometimes I just wonder about God's extravagant love for his people and what that really means. 

Galatians 3:29 is such a powerful verse, "And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's offspring, heir according to promise." The promise. That is an incredible verse and idea. This connects the dots. The sand on the seashore. 

This author states, "So, the next time you’re at the beach, grasp a handful of sand. Then, let it sprinkle from your fist and see in the windswept particles an extravagant promise, a bloody cross, and an extraordinary God."

Prayer: It is hard to fathom God this and that your plan would include me. But, I love the idea that it includes many more than me. To celebrate with one another, cheering, arm in arm, hugging and joyful for the reward that you have for us in heaven is what it is all about. Thank you for your great love, your extravagant Love. You are great and great to be praised. Thank you for connecting these dots and I pray I am one of the particles of sand on the seashore. Help me to communicate this more and more. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

2 Samuel 6 - Uzzah's Error

2 Samuel 6

But when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out toward the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen nearly upset it. And the anger of the Lord burned against Uzzah, and God struck him down there for his irreverence; and he dies there by the ark of God. (verse 6-7)

Message: Uzzah's Error

Time: Second Samuel is set in the land of Israel during the reign of David and follows the course of his forty years as king of Israel (1011–971 BC). It chronicles the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the expansion of Israel under God’s chosen leader. 

What the Lord is Saying: David's 40 year reign as King began in Judah for 7 years and then it moved to Jerusalem as his capital where a house is built for him. It was in I Samuel 6 that the Ark of the Covenant returned to Israel. It was there that I saw how bad things happened to people that thought they could possess the Ark and clearly the Ark belonged only in certain places. It had been in the city of Baalah Judah (Kiriath Jearim) (I Chronicles 13:5) to retrieve the ark as it had been in possession of the priest Abinidab. I Chronicles 13:7,9-10 says, "They moved the ark of God from Abinadab’s house on a new cart, with Uzzah and Ahio guiding it...When they came to the threshing floor of Kidon, Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the ark, because the oxen stumbled. The Lord’s anger burned against Uzzah, and he struck him down because he had put his hand on the ark." When this happened, this troubled David and instead of taking the Ark to Jerusalem, it was kept with "the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite" for 3 months and "the Lord blessed his household and everything he had."

2 Samuel 6 summarizes these same events told in I Chronicles 13. Chronicles adds that Uzzah was intending to steady the ark. 2 Samuel 6:6 says the "oxen nearly upset it." Something caused the ark to shake. It was being pulled by oxen. The terrain could have been uneven at times. Whatever the circumstances, it resulted in Uzzah reaching out and grabbing the ark. It seems most anyone would have done what he had done in that situation. And yet for doing it he was struck dead. 

After the events with Uzzah, David starts to question whether the ark should be with him, perhaps concerned that someone might make a similar gesture toward the ark unwittingly trying to help and be struck dead. David will eventually learn that only the Levites are to carry and transport the ark of God (I Chronicles 15:2). Uzzah was a Levite but the ark was not being carried, but instead on a cart. Uzzah did commit an error. Even if there was danger of it falling, it should not have touched because only the priest is able to touch the ark. 

David sees that Obed-edom is blessed for having the ark of God so he then makes plans to take it to Jerusalem - going 6 paces with it, then stopping and sacrificing. And David danced. Michal his wife saw David dancing and despised him, not understanding his joy of the Lord. David later explains to her how he celebrates to the Lord for His hand of providence and the joy he has with God. 

For me this is a lesson about being careful and realize that God's commandments are sacred, though in the New Testament there seems to be also a lesson on the heart being more of what God is concerned about. I suppose we always have to consider the situation at hand. I suppose there is the question as to whether or not commands must be followed by the letter of the Law, thus no variation or if there can be deviation because of circumstances. Overall, good intentions do not justify disobedience to God's Word, which had decreed that human hands should never touch the sacred ark of God's covenant. 

Summary: David now is ready to bring the Ark to Jerusalem and on the way there Uzzah touches the ark and only the priests are allowed to touch it and Uzzah is struck dead. 

Promise: The Lord's wrath is real and people need to be warned. 

Prayer: O God, thank you for having grace with me regarding my sin. Your patience overwhelms me. Your wrath is real and you are to be respected always. Thank you for knowing me and knowing my needs and also showing me the importance of following your ways. Lord, I ask for your discernment in regards to your commands and to what extent Your laws and commands need to be followed. Is it hard and fast like this always? As I read your word and study I see instances of doing things with an emphasis on heart and motivation, is that correct? Or it always precisely how you have laid out? Thank you for wisdom and understanding. And providing people in my life that you use as well to give me understanding. You are to be praised and adored. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Colossians 1:4 - The Gospel to the Whole World

Colossians 1:4

Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints. 

Message: The Gospel to the Whole World

Time: Paul penned this letter to the Colossian church in AD 60-61 during his first imprisonment in Rome after the church was under attack and denigrating the deity of Christ. He penned it before visiting the church. Christ was and is the visible image of the invisible God, containing within Himself the fullness of Deity. 

What the Lord is Saying: We are to be global Christians. In Romans 1:8 it says, "...your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world." As such, I am thankful the ministry I have been involved with over the last 18 years called Global Media Outreach where I have a chance to communicate with people throughout the world. But even if not that ministry, as we pray for and support missionaries we are involved in fulfilling this verse. I have several friends that are involved with Internationals here and in a way this is a way to be anchored in that truth as well. 

In Colossians 1:4 it says, "...the love you have for all the saints." We need to be praying for people all over our lands and finding ways to help people. Compassion International is a way to sponsor children in other parts of the world, providing them food and training in God's truth. My wife and I have been doing this for the last 6 or 7 years. 

Jesus tells us we are not to light a lamp and then put it under a basket (Matthew 5:15) but instead "Let your light shine before men." God is to be mentioned in our lives, a part of our lives. It is who I am and so I am not to be ashamed of sharing who I am and what I think and believe. I am to speak out and be bold. 

Prayer: Help me God to remain bold in the preaching of Your word, in the preaching of Your name. Thank you again for the ministries you allow me to be involved in and the missionaries I can join with as they are serving others. You are great and your name is great and as we live life we see it is the only way to live. Thank you God for the richness of your love. Help me to remain bold and to continue to live my faith out in my words and actions, continually. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.