I Samuel 17:1-37 - The Threat of Goliath

I Samuel 17:1-37

Then David spoke to the men who were standing by him, saying, "What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine, and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philstine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?" (verse 26)

Message: The Threat of Goliath

Time: This book is a biography of Samuel's life and career up to his death. It took place over a period of about 110 years, stretching from the closing days of the judges, when Samuel was born (ca. 1120 BC) through the death of Saul (1011 BC).

What the Lord is Saying: Saul is still king over Israel with David residing in his court. Chapter 17 begins with the word that the Philistines have gathered for battle. [Found this great map here showing the place where the Philistines have gathered - Socoh which is in Judah, below Jerusalem (which resides in the tribe of Benjamin)]. Philistines camped on one side of the mountain and Israel on the other mountain side with a valley in between (v.1-3). 

Enter Goliath, about 9 feet 9 inches tall and had armor weighing 125 pounds. He had on shin guards and a javelin (v.4-7). 

Goliath stands and announces himself as the Philistine and asks Israel for a man to come to him. A fight is offered with the winner becoming servants of the other (v. 8-10). Israel was afraid (v.11). 

In the next 8 verses an overview of David and Jesse is given. Jesse had 8 sons and lives in Bethlehem (15 miles to Socoh, the place of battle so probably a days journey). "David went back and forth from Saul (in Socoh) to tend his father's flock at Bethlehem (verse 15)." David isn't even thought to be included in the battle but Jesse's other sons are present. Jesse instructs David to bring food to the camp for his brothers. 

The next 6 verses (v.20-25) David arrives and heads to the battle line to greet his brothers. Goliath speaks again the words he spoke before and David hears them. Men of Israel tell David that whoever defeats this man will be extremely honored and respected and receive the king's daughter. David responds in verse 26, "Who is this uncircumcised Philistine?" David is marveled that anyone would have that audacity to think they could defeat anyone represented by the Living God. 

From the moment David arrives throughout all of the conversations he has confidence in himself, his experience as a fighter, recalling when he fought a lion taken a lamb from his flock. He used his bare hands. It is in David's words (verse 32) that reflects his confidence, "Let no man's heart fail on account of him."  He tells Saul that he is able to fight the Philistine and Saul says to him in verse 37, "Go, and may the Lord be with you." 

Verse 26 are the first recorded words of David. And his words declare his confidence in God. Previously, it is God that has chosen David without any words or works shown by David. But when David does speak he proclaims his confidence in God. His first description is a man after God's own heart. He is the unlikely hero. 

As I have studied Saul, he seems like an everyday leader. On the surface there isn't much wrong with him, but Samuel does reflect him as being not too confident in God and having to be reminded to look to God for help and guidance. Contrast is David who is chosen by God and immediately reflects confidence in God. Saul was not anti-God by any means. He tried to please God, but perhaps his pleasing was more defined by himself. 

Summary: The Philistines have come to do battle and Goliath challenges anyone to fight him with the winner resulting in those people serving the other. David in coming to provide food for his brothers declares confidence that he can defeat Goliath because of God. 

Promise: God can deliver us from His enemies and we need to have complete confidence in Him alone. 

Prayer: God, you choose your workers and You have clearly chosen some for your purposes while others do not work for your glory completely and yet you sill can work through their lives for your good purpose. I think all people hope that they would be on your side. I pray that I am like a David, chosen by You, after your own heart, reflecting You. Be the strength in my life. 

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

John 6:16-21 - Walking on the Sea of Galilee

John 6:16-21

16 Now when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, 17 and after getting into a boat, they started to cross the sea to Capernaum. And it had already become dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18 And the sea began to be stirred up because a strong wind was blowing. 19 When therefore they had rowed about three or four miles, they [beheld] Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near to the boat; and they were frightened. 20 But He said to them, "It is I; do not be afraid." 21 They were willing therefore to receive Him into the boat; and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going. 

Message: Walking on the Sea of Galilee

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."

What the Lord is Saying: So in the previous verse Jesus had retired to the mountain after the people were thinking that he was their prophet, their long awaited one who will change the tide of everything politically, but Jesus instead retreats, back to where he and the disciples were at, in the mountains. 

But here now, evening comes and the disciples go down to the sea, get into a boat in order to cross the sea. They were in the boat, but Jesus was not yet with them, though it was dark. A strong wind started blowing and headed 3 or 4 miles and then here comes Jesus, walking on the sea and coming to the boat. They are frightened, but He tells them to not be afraid. He got into the boat and then at that point the boat was at land. 

Hmm. Interesting interlude of Jesus walking on water. This event is referenced also in Matthew 14:22-33 and Mark 6:45-52. Interesting at how relatively high level is this version in John. There is definitely more detail in Matthew and Mark. Matthew mentions Peter and getting out to attempt to walk as well. Mark mentions more of the disciples response, being terrified at what had occurred, but John doesn't have either Peter or any mention of disciples feelings of faith. Rather it is a straight forward - they were traveling and Jesus showed up. Now John does mention disciples being frightened and so the story mirrors fairly closely what is in Mark. John also mentions strong winds blowing, maybe to express that despite the strong winds and that possibly having an impact on the disciples, what instead they were impacted by was Jesus walking on the water. 

One thing to notice, maybe the only thing is Jesus telling the disciples to not be afraid. Why? Because it is Him. Did they think that it wasn't Jesus and maybe it was a ghost as Matthew mentions. Jesus confirms it is Him. He confirms what He can do and that is a miracle different from what He has done previously - healing someone or making something out of little, but walking on the water is different, for no one can do this on their own accord. This is the 5th miracle in the Gospel of John. 

Joseph MacLaren comments that "the emblem of the sea as the symbol of trouble, unrest, rebellious power, is very familiar to the writers of the Old Testament." 71 percent of the world is water. I can't swim so water has always bugged me a little from that perspective, but it is also captivating in another way. And yet in our day, our weather or storms spring often from water. Hurricane season has somewhat ended but every year it seems to cause issues. This year it was strong winds off the coast of Maui that impacted fires on that land. And then also hurricane's around Florida that caused a lot of damages. So water effects us and in life, we are often affected by what we can't really control. 

We want to know that there is someone there in our life, to comfort us. Yesterday, I started speaking to an atheist. Well, I replied to the person after it was reassigned to me. I read the previous conversation and at first, saw that because of the pain of religion and what it said, how people acted, she left it. And now is happier doing life without it. And yet there is still the reality that so many believe in it. 

In this parable or lesson or miracle, we have a tension - the storms of the sea and the absence of Jesus. Storms are happening. Where is he? He shows up finally. When, at the end as we hit land. So we go through all of this time of storms without him. But he says, "It is me. Do not fear." He lets us know that He won't always be right by us physically, but that doesn't matter, we don't need to fear, "It is I." And yet it doesn't matter, we will walk through difficult times. The storms will happen. Difficult times will occur. We may not like it and we may try to protect ourselves from those things happening. And in a way, we have. But they will happen. God is there but sometimes he doesn't show up till the very end. In this story, he shows up. When? Right as they are getting to the land. 

And so this parable seems to be the constant tension - Absent Lord. Toiling Church. But He is not absent. He is interceding for us. "The Bible shows us that Jesus speaks to the Father on our behalf. Romans 8:34 says that Jesus “is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” In 1 John 2:1 we read that Jesus is our “advocate with the Father,” and from Hebrews 7:25 we learn that Jesus “always lives to intercede” for us." Though we may think He is absent and feel like it at times, He isn't. He is there. 

And yet as we are fighting against the storm, struggling with the toil, the challenges, at times feeling like we can't take any more broken appliances, unhappy supervisors, bodily aches - we might see Jesus and not immediately have the comfort of Him but instead fear. I mean, this is often what people are thinking about trials that come our way, that God is angry with us. We think of Him only because we think we are being punished or have done something wrong. Not to say that sometimes there are consequences, but He maybe simply wants us to behold Him and be comforted to know that He is near. 

Earlier I said Jesus showed up at the end, and yet maybe he didn't show up at the very end, but maybe He showed up and with Him on board, the trek went by fast. When we have God near, and can rest with Him - time doesn't move so slowly. We can trust that everything will work out. 

Summary: The disciples go out onto the sea, get hit by a storm and Jesus shows up, walking on the water saying, "Fear not."

Promise: Amidst trials, He is not silent. He is there. He is interceding for us. 

Prayer: Lord, you amaze me. I started off with this passage, not really thinking there was much to it, but as I studied further and broke it down, I saw a lot of richness in the passage and you have encouraged me with it. You are there. I am not too fear. Even with trails come and they will, you are near. I do not need to fear. The key is to stay close to You and continue to trust that You are there. Help me to do this Lord. Trials are coming, I know. I pray and ask that You will be my trust throughout those trials and I can rest in You. 

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

Mark 6:17-19a - Confronting Public Sins

Mark 6:17-19a
¹⁷ For Herod himself had sent and had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, because he had married her. ¹⁸ For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” ¹⁹ Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. 

Message: Confronting Public Sins


Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus arrives in Nazareth, about a 3 day journey from Capernaum. He has made it to his hometown and he speaks in the synagogue. Many of his people did not accept him; he continued to heal, but maybe not to the extent that he could because of their unbelief. The message still goes out. Jesus commissions his disciples with the message of repentance. Many hear of Jesus and his message, wondering where he came from and who He really is: prophet, priest, king. Included in this wondering is Herod Antipas, who killed John the Baptist.

Herod and his family are known for their cruelty. Near the time of Jesus' birth, Herod had all boys age two and younger in Bethlehem murdered. His son, Herod Antipas, married an Arabian princess, then divorced her to marry Herodias, who was married to Antipas brother, Philip. Herodias was Herod Antipas niece. Herodias left Philip for Antipas in hopes of social advancement. Old Testament law forbid this.

In today's passage is the record that John the Baptist made it known that this was wrong. Faithfulness to the Word of God was key. And John the Baptist took a stand against sins of society and it cost him. For Herod himself had sent and had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias. At this time, it was wrong to speak out against the rulers of the kingdom. That was a crime that could put a person in prison and for John that happened. For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”

Today, I think the sins of society are so plentiful that while Christians call out sins they very often have to deal with the same sins within Christendom as well. Yet, do we not still have a responsibility to divide the truth and call out sin or do we often revert too quickly to subtle toleration by the words: "don't judge." Another problem I see is sins are so abundant in society. Blasphemy, adultery, idolatry, coveting, lying, slander, sabbath keeping and thievery are some examples of sins that have become socially acceptable that to confront these sins would be a full-time job. 

And yet, isn't it the obligation of the Christian to defend truth by exposing the lies that are being put forth? I believe, however, that we as Christians, because of our quest always for personal safety and preserving comfort, end up not confronting these sins and instead choose to focus on other truths of the Word like loving one another in hopes that the Gospel itself would change people. 

People hate to be confronted with their sin. We will often defend our actions with excuses or point the finger at others, repeating the sin of Eve - the devil made me do it. Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. For Herodias this turned into not simply having John the Baptist in prison, but wanting him put to death. her sin of greed and power, which I'm sure she was justified, resulted in changing husbands and she was not about to have that questioned. Thus, John is martyred for his faith. 

Summary -  The message of the Gospel, while good news to many that understand they are sinners and see the need to repent, for others who believe their sin is justified and therefore, not sin at all, do not want to be told the opposite. But, Christians still have an obligation to call out sin in others, as John the Baptist did and Herod Antipas and his wife took offense of this.

Promise: Christians and the church are to preach against the sins of the state and call both leaders and citizens to repentance. Keep preaching repentance.  

Prayer: Lord, while I want to be a man of the Word, I admit I get caught up in comfort and safety and preserving my livelihood. Forgive me for my selfishness and the way in which I do not defend truth but defend personal safety. Give me wisdom in this day about being true to Truth. I'm too caught up on comfort. I'm too caught up on self-preservation. Lord, give me strength and help me understand what I need to do about confronting the sins of our culture. I do want to follow you Lord in all of the correct ways. Giving you glory, I want this to be my greatest goal.

Psalm 88 - When Darkness is our Companion

Psalm 88

¹ O Lord, the God of my salvation, I have cried out by day and in the night before You.
² Let my prayer come before You; incline Your ear to my cry!
³ For my soul has had enough troubles, and my life has drawn near to Sheol.
⁴ I am reckoned among those who go down to the pit; I have become like a man without strength,
⁵ Forsaken among the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave,
Whom You remember no more, and they are cut off from Your hand.
⁶ You have put me in the lowest pit, in dark places, in the depths.
⁷ Your wrath has rested upon me, and You have afflicted me with all Your waves. Selah.
⁸ You have removed my acquaintances far from me; You have made me an object of loathing to them;
I am shut up and cannot go out.
⁹ My eye has wasted away because of affliction; I have called upon You every day, O Lord;
I have spread out my hands to You.

¹⁰ Will You perform wonders for the dead? Will the departed spirits rise and praise You? Selah.
¹¹ Will Your lovingkindness be declared in the grave, Your faithfulness in Abaddon?
¹² Will Your wonders be made known in the darkness? And Your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?

¹³ But I, O Lord, have cried out to You for help, And in the morning my prayer comes before You.
¹⁴ O Lord, why do You reject my soul? Why do You hide Your face from me?
¹⁵ I was afflicted and about to die from my youth on; I suffer Your terrors; I am overcome.
¹⁶ Your burning anger has passed over me; Your terrors have destroyed me.
¹⁷ They have surrounded me like water all day long; They have encompassed me altogether.
¹⁸ You have removed lover and friend far from me; My acquaintances are in darkness.

Message: When Darkness is our Companion

Time: The psalms were written by many different people across a period of a thousand years in Israel's history. They are thought to have been compiled and put together in their present form by some unknown editor shortly after the captivity ended about 537 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying: The Psalms I am studying seem to often be a cry for help. So much of the Christian life is surrounded with messages of how great life is with God and how greater it can be. But it seems the reality is that life is difficult. But, I think it is difficult for those that are truly following the Lord. Our American economy and way of life seems rather to focus on ensuring that life is not difficult, not a challenge, safe, free from sickness, disease, and problems. And when those events occur in our life, we have a tendency to then make it out that God somehow doesn't care for us as much as we thought he did, when life ws simply and easy. So much of our existence is focused on successful living. We have bought into the notion that those with money simply have an easier time with life.

Thus, as I look at this Psalm the words that are being prayed are:

• I have cried out by day and in the night before You.
• incline Your ear to my cry!
• my soul has had enough troubles 
• my life has drawn near to Sheol 
• like a man without strength, 
• Forsaken among the dead 
• like the slain 
• You have put me in the lowest pit 
• Your wrath has rested upon me 
• You have afflicted me with all Your waves 
• You have removed my acquaintances far from me 
• I was afflicted
• I suffer Your terrors
• I am overcome. 
• Your burning anger has passed over me
• Your terrors have destroyed me. 
• You have removed lover and friend far from me

Wow, this is someone who loves God and continues to call on His name, yet he feels alone, and in darkness and abandoned and stricken with wrath, afflicted, suffering and feeling destroyed. 

And there is no rescue in this Psalm. There is no good news that prevails in the end. There is no one riding in on a horse to save the day. This Psalm is all lament. 

Perseverance is a process and it is a process of moving through pain and tough times. This is a Psalm of perseverance. The writer is calling on the Lord. The writer is praying. He has not abandoned his faith, but continues to speak to His God.    

Promise: From Tabletalk - "Even if all we can confess is our spiritual sorrow, it is worth bringing to the Lord in prayer."

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being there at all times. Help me to remember that I can call on you in my darkest moments. Help me to always be honest with you. Forgive me for always thinking that I must connect the dots. The reality is that live is just hard sometimes but my response is to continue to call upon your name, even if it is to voice my feelings of being abandoned by You.

Jesus Calling: December 10

Make Me the focal point of your search for security. In your private thoughts, you are still trying to order your world so that it is predictable and feels safe. Not only is this an impossible goal, but it is also counterproductive to spiritual growth. When your private world feels unsteady and you grip My hand for support, you are living in conscious dependence on Me.
     Instead of yearning for a problem-free life, rejoice that trouble can highlight your awareness of My Presence. In the darkness of adversity, you are able to see more clearly the radiance of My Face. Accept the value of problems in this life, considering them pure joy. Remember that you have an eternity of trouble-free living awaiting you in heaven. 

Isaiah 41:10
English Standard Version
fear not, for I am with you;
    be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
 
Psalm 139:10
English Standard Version
even there your hand shall lead me,
    and your right hand shall hold me.
 
James 1:2
English Standard Version
Count it all joy, my brothers,when you meet trials of various kinds. 

My Prayer
Lord, continue to take hold of my captive thoughts and retrain me throughout my day and life to allow you to work through me. I get too trained by the media of this world, impregnated to be a friend of the world and its ways. Help me to be trained by you God and accept whatever comes my way, even if it seems difficult to me. Keep eternity in my heart. You are my God. I do not need to fear. You will strengthen me and uphold my righteous right hand. Your right hand shall hold me.


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Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author.

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Ecclesiastes 7:14 - The Days of Prosperity and Adversity

Ecclesiastes 7:14
In the day of prosperity be happy,
But in the day of adversity consider—
God has made the one as well as the other
So that man will not discover anything that will be after him.

Message: The Days of Prosperity and Adversity

Time: Ecclesiastes: Solomon's authorship is not stated. Solomon's reign as king of Israel lasted from around 970 B.C. to around 930 B.C. The Book of Ecclesiastes was likely written towards the end of his reign, approximately 935 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying: 

What a great reminder in this day and age, that God has made days of prosperity and he has also made days of adversity. I should not think that days of trouble are any less from the hand of God than are days of ease and abundance. I am to trust in Him and His goodness.

Lord, help me to accept whatever you put on my plate and use it for your glory and to thank you and praise you. You are in control. You know what is best. 


Promise: Are you enjoying prosperity? Rejoice. Are you facing hardship? God is working for your good.

Jesus Calling: November 4

Walk peacefully with Me through this day. You are wondering how you will cope with all that is expected of you. You must traverse this day like any other; one step at a time. Instead of mentally rehearsing how you will do this or that, keep your mind on My Presence and on taking the next step. The more demanding your day, the more help you can expect from Me. This is a training opportunity, since I designed you for deep dependence on your Shepherd-King. Challenging times wake you up and amplify your awareness of needing My help.
     When you don't know what to do, wait while I open the way before you. Trust that I know what I'm doing, and be ready to follow My lead.  I will give strength to you, and I will bless you with Peace. 

Exodus 33:14
English Standard Version
And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Deuteronomy 33:29
English Standard Version
Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you,
a people saved by the Lord,
the shield of your help,
and the sword of your triumph!
Your enemies shall come fawning to you,
and you shall tread upon their backs.”

Hebrews 13:20-21
English Standard Version
20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Psalm 29:11
English Standard Version
May the Lord give strength to his people!
May the Lord bless his people with peace!

My Prayer

Lord, it feels like, life, trains us at times to resist problems. We are trained to not deal with any difficult circumstances, but instead to remain in a state of ease, comfort, and being entertained. Lord, your Word tells us to count it joy when we encounter various trials. Lord, I want to be trained by you to respond to adversities in a way that honors You. As I do this, I'm sure I will stand out and you will get the glory. You have told me that your presence will go with me and you will give me rest. You will give me rest in the midst of struggles. You will give me peace. You will give me strength. You can keep me happy even as a traverse through struggles. Train me God, O train me. Thank you God.


Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author.

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Jesus Calling: November 3

Every time something thwarts your plans or desires, use that as a reminder to communicate with Me. This practice has several benefits. The first is obvious: Talking with Me blesses you and strengthens our relationship. Another benefit is that disappointments, instead of dragging you down, are transformed into opportunities for good. This transformation removes the sting from difficult circumstances, making it possible to be joyful in the midst of adversity.
     Begin by practicing this discipline in all the little disappointments of daily life. It is often these minor setbacks that draw you away from My Presence. When you reframe setbacks as opportunities, you find that you gain much more than you have lost. It is only after much training that you can accept major losses in this positive way. But it is possible to attain the perspective of the apostle Paul, who wrote: Compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus, I consider everything I once treasured to be as insignificant as rubbish. 

Colossians 4:2
English Standard Version
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

Philippians 3:7-8
English Standard Version
⁷ But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. ⁸ Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ

My Prayer
Lord, I want to be a person that talks to people, talks to you, to people, to you - back and forth. I want my talk to you to just naturally outflow of me throughout my day, constantly consulting you, sharing with you; I don't want to get too caught up in the moment so that I can be joyful in the midst of adversity. Lord, I want to train myself daily to be Godly and respond to situations in a manner that will always glorify You. 

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author.

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.