Kidgell Publishers

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Devotion Thoughts - 28/05/2011

2 Samuel 13:1-39
Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab... a very subtle man (v.3).
In many situations where an answer is sought, there are those who can think up what are thought of as good solutions. Jonadab was such a man; he suggested a plan for Amnon. However, his plan was not from God and had an unhappy outcome.
We must always look to God for guidance when the way forward seems unclear.
John 17:1-26
As Jesus prayed He lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify Your Son, that Your Son may glorify You in return (v.1) I don't pray that You should take [My disciples] out of the world, but that You should keep them from evil (v.15). Nor do I pray for [My disciples] only, but also for those who will believe in me through their witness (v.20).
Jesus was serious in His praying for His disciples, and for the spiritual descendants who came to Christ through them, right down to today's Believers. There are many powerful thoughts in this chapter, of which I have selected three:
1. The glory that Jesus was looking forward to was not just what He would have once back in heaven, but included the opportunity to go to the cross in obedience to His Father's desire to make a way of salvation for mankind (v.1). (Wow, Lord!)
2. In the world evil abounds, but Believers will only grow spiritually by staying in the world and overcoming evil with the Father's help, just as Jesus did (v.15).
3. We Believers must be eternally thankful that Jesus thought about us, too, when He prayed (v.20).
Psalm 119:81-96
O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven for ever (v.89). I will never forget Your precepts, for by them You have made me alive (v.93).
Jesus said heaven and earth would pass away but not His word (Luke 21:33). The psalmist was inspired to have realised that God's spoken words are far more permanent than the somewhat solid-looking universe we inhabit! Let us heed the word of Jesus as we have them in the New Testament.
Proverbs 16:6,7
(v.6) By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil. (v.7) When a man's ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Just for a change I am using the Good News Bible for their rendering of these two verses. I have often made good use of this translation. Anyone who wants to really get to grips with what the Bible is about will find this translation easy reading, much like a novel. If you have the time, reading through in a week will jumpstart your Bible knowledge!
v. 6. Be loyal and faithful, and God will forgive your sin. Obey the LORD and nothing evil will happen to you.
v.7. When you please the LORD, you can make your enemies into friends.

Devotion Thoughts - 27/05/2011

2 Samuel 12:1-31

Nathan said to David, You are the one! 2Sa 12:7 Why did you despise the Lord's commandment by doing evil [committing murder]? (v.9)You did it secretly, but I will expose it to the whole world (v.12). David confessed to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD" (v.13).

David did not see the trap until Nathan pointed out that he was the guilty one. Those who believe that they have successfully covered up their sin are mistaken; God always sees what we do. When he realised he had been found out, David acknowledged his sin and was forgiven.
Either our sin is revealed when we ask forgiveness of Jesus and see all our sins washed away, or (for unbelievers), make no confession and have every sin revealed at the Judgment. Thankfully, for Believers, our confessed sins have been forgiven, wiped away, and forgotten by God forever.

John 16:1-33

The Father himself loves you, because you have loved me, and believed that I came out from God (v.27). {My paraphrase}.

It must have been a mind-boggling experience for the disciples to realise - and believe - that Jesus had come from God to them. But that is just the start. One day we will know and enjoy all the blessings that God has prepared for us. And because He loves us we can expect to be richly blessed by the Father!

In the meantime, Believer, enjoy His indwelling presence in your heart!

Proverbs 16:4-5

v.4. The LORD made all things for himself, even the wicked for the day of evil.

Although Believers go through trials, they will never ever face the punishment that will be the lot of the unsaved in eternity. Part of that punishment will be everlasting separation from loving God. He made everything for Himself, so is not pleased with Satan and His followers and all unsaved people who have chosen to ignore God's right to their worship of Him. They will get their hearts' desire in that they will not be living with Him in heaven!

v.5. Every one who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD ... he shall not be unpunished.

God is love and wants to love us at all times. But the proud are so because they think they are superior, and so will not be the recipients of His love. This verse does not say that all proud people will be cast away; if they realise they have angered God, they have the opportunity to humble themselves before Him, and be eligible for a place in His Kingdom.

Devotion Thoughts - 26/05/2011

2 Samuel 9:1-13

David asked if there were any of Saul's family left so that he could show kindness to them for Jonathan's sake (v.1). {My paraphrase}.

Having promised Jonathan that he would show kindness to his descendants (1 Samuel 20:14,42), David did so once he was established in his kingdom. He was a man who kept his promises, which is according to God's description of him as 'a man after my own heart'. God expects us to keep the promises we make in life.

2 Samuel 10:1-19

David went to meet [his envoys] for they felt greatly ashamed of their treatment, and he told them to remain in Jericho until their beards had grown and they felt comfortable about returning home (v.5).

This is another incident that confirms that David was a thoughtful man. Having been embarrassed by their treatment at the hands of the Ammonites, David went personally to comfort them, and told them to stay in Jericho until they were ready to return home. It was this sort of conduct that made David popular with his people.

2 Samuel 11:1-27

When the mourning period was over, David sent for [Bathsheba]. She became his wife, and bare him a son. But what he had done displeased the LORD (v.27).

What a blemish on David's character! We have been reading about David being a man of his word and very thoughtful of others. Now, however, we find him concealing his adultery by arranging for the murder of the husband! Of course God was displeased, and was not going to allow David to get away with it.

We all commit sin! Fortunately our wonderful God does not write us off or stop using us for His service. However, sin always has consequences. The son born to David and Bathsheba from the adulterous relationship died, as God had said he would. But we can be encouraged in that God did not hold their sin against them forever. After losing the son born of their adultery, their next son, Solomon, became king, even though he was not the oldest of David's sons.

Psalm 119:49-64

Remember Your word to me, Your servant, by which You caused me to hope. It comforts me in my affliction, for that word from You inspired me (vv.49,50).

When God called me into full-time ministry He did so by using certain verses of Scripture. Through the years those verses have kept me on track, helping me to remember that I am a servant of the Lord. At times when I have not seen the purpose in some of the things that happened in my life, those verses assured me that God would work things out in my life; all I had to do was be a faithful servant.
If God has given you messages of hope, trust them. Like a spiritual life belt, they will keep you afloat until the Lord lifts you out of the stormy waves of doubt and confusion.

Proverbs 16:1-3

Commit your works to the LORD, then what you have envisioned will happen (v.3). {My paraphrase}.

First, the Lord lays on our hearts certain things He wants us to do. We spend time praying over them, and getting some clarity about how they can become reality. The next stage is to let the Lord know that you are ready to proceed, and how you plan to proceed, and pray for Him for the means to complete the thing planned. God then makes it become a reality.
It really is that simple, but sometimes our faith is tested while we wait for God to act!

Devotion Thoughts - 25/05/2011

2 Samuel 7:1-29

Nathan said to the king, Go, do everything that is in your heart, for the LORD is with you (v.3). [But] that night the word of the LORD came to Nathan, saying (v.4), "Tell David, when you die I will set up one of your sons (v.12), who shall build a house for my name, and I will establish his throne for your descendants forever" (v.13). David's response was ..."O Lord God, please do as You say and establish my descendants on the throne of Israel forever" (v.25). {My paraphrase}.

The fulfilment of the prophecies is one of the reasons I believe the Bible to be the Word of God. In this chapter, relating to events some 1000 years before the birth of Jesus, Nathan the prophet has a knee-jerk reaction, much like Believers, most of the time! Without first asking God for guidance, he assumes that God is happy with David and will bless everything he does, and tells David to go ahead and build the house for God. But God has other plans which He reveals to Nathan. He tells David that his descendants will sit on Israel's throne forever.

Until taken away into captivity in Babylon, the kings of Judah were descendants of David, the shepherd boy from Bethlehem. And because the genealogical records of the Jews were destroyed in 70 AD when Titus sacked Jerusalem, Jesus is the last known descendant of king David! His genealogical records are written in the New Testament. Yes, there is a break in that Israel do not presently have a visible king, but Jesus has been alive all along (except for three days after Calvary), and He is going to sit on David's throne ...forever! When He, the One appointed to be King of kings and Lord of lords, returns He will not only rule Israel but all mankind ... forever!

2 Samuel 8:1-18

The LORD protected David, and gave him victory everywhere (v.14).

Strengthened and supported by God, David was unstoppable, gaining victories over all enemies along his borders. God did this so that when Solomon came to the throne there would be peace in the land, allowing him the opportunity to build the Temple.

Know this: When God has work for us to do He always prepares the way for us. So if we are facing difficulties it is because it is part of God's preparations for whatever He would have us do.

John 14:15-31

If you love me, keep my commandments (v.15).

Many claim to be in fellowship with Jesus but do not love their neighbour (Matthew 19:19), that is, they do not keep this particular command. According to Jesus, it means that they do not love Him. There are other commandments that Believers (yes, Believers) struggle to obey. Fortunately, because of His great love for us, Jesus is not going to summarily stop having fellowship with us. He will, thankfully, continue to help us to grow spiritually. But if we are to keep His commandments we must be prepared for a daily surrender of our will to Him and a commitment to ongoing spiritual growth. If we do, holiness is bound to grow in us.

Psalm 119:33-48

LORD, teach me Your statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end (v.33).

There is no way of knowing what God wants of us if we don't spend time every day reading our Bibles to find that out!

Proverbs 15:33

Through fearing the LORD we will want instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility (v.33).

Through (a healthy) fear and respect for God we seek to learn about Him so that we can please Him. Once we learn to obey God's word we will be able to instruct others.

We must be humble enough to be led by others before we can lead others well.

Devotion Thoughts - 24/05/2011

2 Samuel 4:1-12, 2Samuel 5:1-25

David ... became powerful, for the LORD God of hosts was with him (v.10) ... and realised that the LORD had established him king over Israel and exalted his kingdom for his people Israel's sake (v.12). David asked the LORD, "Shall I go up to the Philistines? will You deliver them into my hand? And the LORD said to David, Go up: for I will certainly deliver the Philistines into your hand" (v.19). David did as the LORD had commanded him; and defeated the Philistines (v.25). (My paraphrase).

Here's a clear outline of what spiritual progression should be in the life of a Believer.
v.10: On becoming a born again Believer you are aware that you are in God's powerful hands.
v.12: You realise that your life now has purpose: to bring blessing to others through service for God .
v.19: No reliance on self; only total reliance on God for direction in life. (Remember Peter? He was self-confident until he denied Jesus. We all have to learn this. John 13:37,38).
v.25: Obedience to God's will for your life as revealed in His Word and through wise guidance will bring about victorious living.

2 Samuel 6:1-23

David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of musical instruments made of fir wood, on harps, psalteries, timbrels, cornets, and cymbals (v.5)

David danced before the LORD with all his might (v.14)

Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death (v.23).

If we keep in mind that one day all the trials of life will be over and we will be rejoicing in the presence of God forever, we will find it easier to rejoice right now. Praise Him in every way that you can, particularly with music. Follow the advice given in Psalm 150 and 1 Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice evermore; v.17 Pray without ceasing; v.18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

John 13:31-38

A new commandment I give you, Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another (v.34), for if you have love one for another all men shall know that you are my disciples (v.35). {My paraphrase}.

The command is simple enough to understand, but a huge ask when it comes to putting into practice. (Surely it is not only me that has discovered this?) If we get it right, people will take notice and will be born again without a word said! Actions do speak louder than words; let us not just talk the talk, but walk the walk! If you are struggling with this one don't give up wanting to get it right; keep going, while letting the Holy Spirit guide you into complete submission to God's will in every aspect of your life. There is no other way to get this right, and you will probably still be busy with it when Christ returns!

John 14:1-14

Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father except by me" (v.6).

Again, the statement is simple enough for a child to understand, but those who want to find 'easier' ways to God have problems with it. Jesus preached very simply and in words easily understood, yet professors have problems with what He has said. Don't violate the clear meaning which is that you will never live in the presence of God if you try to get there by any way other than Jesus. Hoping to reach God via ancestors, good works, religious practices, singing spiritual songs, and even doing miracles, will not work.

Psalm 119:17-32

Open my eyes [understanding] that I may discover wondrous things in Your law (v.18).

We must approach God in an attitude of adoration and worship before we make any requests. In the words of Psa 19:14 - "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer". Once we have God's attention expect Him to hear us!

Proverbs 15:31-32

The ear that hears the reproof of life abides among the wise (v. 31).

He that refuses instruction despises his own soul: but he that hears reproof gets understanding (v. 32).

One day there will be the Judgment, and judgment on us will depend upon if we have wanted to enjoy God's favour or not. That, in turn, hinges on the degree to which we take care of our spiritual life. It is true that we need God's guidance in life, but there is one matter that is in our hands and not God's, and that is what we do with our lives. If we want total blessing from God we must be totally yielded to Him, a decision only we can make.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Bible Poetry: Proverbs 15:29-30

v.29. The LORD is far from the wicked: but He hears the prayer of the righteous.
The sins of the wicked keep them far from the Lord;
He won't hear their prayers; that's what we read in His Word.
For those who live for Him, lifting up His name on high,
will know their prayers are heard be it now or by and bye.

v.30. The light of the eyes rejoices the heart: and a good report makes the bones fat.
When someone smiles at you in love
it seems like sunshine from above;
and when there is good news to tell
it makes you feel that 'all is well'.

Devotion Thoughts - 23/05/2011

2 Samuel 2:12-32. 2 Samuel 3:1-39

When Joab came from David, he sent messengers after Abner ... but David did not know it (v. 3:26).

When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab ... stabbed him to death (v.3:27).

The king lamented over Abner, and said, "Why did Abner have to die like a fool?" (v.3:33).

Joab played up a lot on the fact that he and David were cousins. The death of Abner was uncalled for, hence David's lament over him. After Joab killed Abner, David, not knowing what to do about him, gave his son and successor, Solomon, instructions to deal with Joab, which he did by having him killed (1 Kings 2:5,6,32-34).

It is helpful to have a 'friend in court', but we should never take advantage of the relationship in order to settle scores against others. Joab was underhanded; Abner not.

In spite of his senior status, Joab died ignominiously, while Abner was given a 'state' funeral with the king lamenting his death. When believers die, the King of kings Himself notices and is moved (Psalm 116:15)! Hallelujah!

John 13:1-30

After [Judas] received the sop [from Jesus], Satan entered into him (v.27).

Amongst the things I cannot understand is why anyone worships Satan. He can't - and won't - do them any good. His track record is poor for he has no real power. God, and God alone, is Omnipotent. What's more, He is omnipresent, being everywhere in the universe simultaneously. Satan, like humans, can only be in one place at any time. Accepting the sop was an act of treachery by Judas against Jesus personally, which is why Satan was allowed to enter him.

Believers must always remember that all power belongs to Jesus (Matthew 28:18), so if we feel under pressure from any of Satan's demons (for Satan is busy attacking someone else somewhere in the world!) we can ask God for His all-powerful help.

Psalm 119:1-16

Your Word is stored in my heart, so that I won't not sin against [God] (v.11).

It is not just once that we memorise or learn God's word; it is an ongoing process until we die or the Lord comes for us (v.17). That is because God's word sanctifies us as we 'chew on it', effectively causing us to grow in holiness day by day as we study and absorb it.