Category: II Samuel

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Light In the Darkness

If you have been reading my blogs for any length of time you have probably read about our use of night lights.

No, we’re not afraid of the dark, we just don’t like stubbed and/or broken toes. This last weekend was no different.

Before bedtime in the Casita, Dave and I made sure there were night lights in strategic places. One near the coffee maker, so I could see to start the coffee in the early morning, one at the foot of the bed so we could avoid those stubbed toes and one in the bathroom, just because you always need a night light in the bathroom.

This morning, I wrote in my journal “Thank you Abba for always being here – my strength, my comfort, my wisdom, my joy. You are the light of my salvation, whom shall I fear”. Light in the darkness, my God, that is who you are!

“You, Lord, are the light that keeps me safe. I am not afraid of anyone. You protect me, and I have no fears. 2 Brutal people may attack and try to kill me, but they will stumble. Fierce enemies may attack, but they will fall. 3 Armies may surround me, but I won’t be afraid; war may break out, but I will trust you.” Psalm 27:1-3 CEV

For us, we needed light because we were in new surroundings. We didn’t know the lay of the room well enough to keep from bumping into things in the night. Silly as it sounds, we needed light.

Maybe you’re in new surroundings. A new job, new responsibilities, a new course in life. Uncharted territory, a place you have never been before. Empty nester, loss of a partner, the darkness of a new job and new co-workers. You need some light in the darkness.

“Our Lord and God, you are my lamp. You turn darkness to light.” II Samuel 22:29 CEV

“Everything that was created 4 received its life from him, and his life gave light to everyone.
5 The light keeps shining in the dark, and darkness has never put it out.” John 1:3-5 CEV

In God, through Jesus, we have light. Darkness – emotional, physical and spiritual darkness is dispelled by the light of God.

As I’m ready to close, the words from the song “Way Maker” are running through my mind.

“Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper
Light in the darkness, my God
That is who You are
Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper
Light in the darkness, my God
That is who You are…

Even when I can’t see that You’re working
Even when I don’t feel that You’re working
You never stop
You never stop working
You never stop
You never stop working”

God, our Father, never stops working on our behalf. We might not see, we certainly might not feel it but He never has and never will stop working. He will always be our light in the darkness and we never need to be afraid!

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No One Like You!

Who is like our God?

No one – there is no one like You. Those are the words that kept running through my mind in worship this morning – There is no one like You!!!

Amazing love, You gave Your life for me…there is none like You!

Amazing grace, You forgave all my sins…there is none like You!

Amazing joy, You put a new song in my heart…there is none like You!

Amazing relationship, You adopted me…there is none like You!

Amazing transformation, You made me a new creature in Christ…there is none like You!!

“O LORD, there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.” I Chronicles 17:20 KJV

“LORD God All-Powerful, there is no one like you. You are strong, LORD, and always faithful.” Psalm 89:8 ERV

“Remember what happened long ago. Remember, I am God and there is no other God. There is no other like me.” Isaiah 46:9 ERV

Oh Lord, we worship you this morning. Your word is our source of life and strength. You keep your word and your word directs us in relationship with you! How we praise You! You alone are worthy of all praise!

“You will do all these wonderful things because you said you would do them and because you want to do them. And you decided to let me know about all these things. 22 Lord GOD, this is why you are so great! There is no one like you. There is no god except you! We know that because of what we ourselves have heard about what you did.” II Samuel 7:21-22 ERV

There is no one like You! Amen and Amen.

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Learning to Follow

When I started this topic of following, I didn’t realize that I was going to come across so many verses in my daily reading that would reinforce the magnitude of the subject. When this happens, I know the Lord is wanting me grounded in the subject.

Following isn’t a mindless activity; it is a walk of trust and faith.

By following their mothers, ducklings learn to swim, what to eat, where to nest and where to seek safety. I felt like one of those little ducks this morning as I read these verses in Psalm 27.

“You, Lord, are the light that keeps me safe. I am not afraid of anyone. You protect me, and I have no fears…I ask only one thing, Lord: Let me live in your house every day of my life
to see how wonderful you are and to pray in your temple. 5 In times of trouble, Lord, you will protect me. You will hide me in your tent and keep me safe on top of a mighty rock… 11 Teach me to follow, Lord, and lead me on the right path because of my enemies…14 Trust the Lord! Be brave and strong and trust the Lord.” Psalm 27:1,4,5,11,14 CEV

And those are only a few of the verses in that Psalm. Teach me to follow! Those words were written by David, the shepherd and the king. A week ago I heard a sermon about King David and his kindness. It’s a story I am quite familiar with. When I read the words “Let me live in your house every day of my life to see how wonderful you are” that story immediately came to mind.

David and Jonathan had been best friends; they had made a promise to look out for one another and to provide for each other’s families if something happened to them. Jonathan had died and David went looking to see if any of his children were still living. He learned of a son.

“David asked, “Are you Mephibosheth?” “Yes, I am, Your Majesty.”

7 David said, “Don’t be afraid. I’ll be kind to you because Jonathan was your father. I’m going to give you back the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul. Besides that, you will always eat with me at my table…Mephibosheth was lame, but he lived in Jerusalem and ate at David’s table, just like one of David’s own sons.” II Samuel 9:6-7,13 CEV

We learn how to follow the Lord by living with Him. When we live in His house we see His kindness on a daily basis. We see how He provides for those He loves, for those who His Son loves.

Mephibosheth was given all the rights of a son because of who his father was. In his own right, he wasn’t worthy to be at the king’s table. Neither are we. But our place at the table isn’t dependent on what we have done, it is by God’s grace and His unconditional love.

The words of my heart are these – teach me to follow, Lord, I trust you!

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The Shepherd King

We saw yesterday how God used a young shepherd to defeat the Philistine army. One young man who trusted God and did not doubt God’s promises to defend and save His people.

Israel had a king. A man they had chosen to lead them; one who stood head and shoulders above all others. He was a man who was a born leader and an able fighting man but he didn’t have a heart for God.

David did.

“Israel’s leaders met with David at Hebron and said, ‘We are your relatives. 2 Even when Saul was king, you led our nation in battle. And the Lord promised that someday you would rule Israel and take care of us like a shepherd.’

3 During the meeting, David made an agreement with the leaders and asked the Lord to be their witness. Then the leaders poured olive oil on David’s head to show that he was now the king of Israel.” II Samuel 5:1-3 CEV

Saul had been killed in battle, along with his son Jonathan. The nation came to David for leadership. God had set David apart as a young man because his heart was pure and now the nation had chosen him as their leader.

Their words, “take care of us like a shepherd”, were his direction from the Lord. David knew how to defend the sheep he had cared for as a youth. While looking after his father’s sheep David had protected them against a lion and a bear. His songs brought them peace and comfort. He knew how to bind their wounds and lead them to good pasture. He would do the same for the nation of Israel.

He would lead them as a living example of the true King. Through David’s leading, the nations of the world would be led to the cross.

” Later, God removed Saul and let David rule in his place. God said about him, ‘David the son of Jesse is the kind of person who pleases me most! He does everything I want him to do.’ 23 God promised that someone from David’s family would come to save the people of Israel, and this one is Jesus.” Acts 13:22-23 CEV

How does a shepherd king rule? I’m so glad you asked that.

“You, Lord, are my shepherd. I will never be in need.
2 You let me rest in fields of green grass. You lead me to streams
of peaceful water,
3     and you refresh my life. You are true to your name,
and you lead me along the right paths.
4 I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won’t be afraid.
You are with me, and your shepherd’s rod makes me feel safe. 5 You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch. You honor me as your guest,
and you fill my cup until it overflows.
6 Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life,
and I will live forever in your house, Lord.” Psalm 23

David had a gentle hand with his sheep and an iron fist with their enemies.

“When he has led out all of his sheep, he walks in front of them, and they follow, because they know his voice. 5 The sheep will not follow strangers. They don’t recognize a stranger’s voice, and they run away…10 A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so everyone would have life, and have it fully. 11  I am the good shepherd, and the good shepherd gives up his life for his sheep.” John 10:4,5,10 & 11 CEV

When we follow the shepherd He will lead us to the cross.

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The Gift of Trust

Up earlier than usual this morning. Couldn’t sleep, lots on my mind. Made my way to the sofa to read and pray…for family, friends, our nation, personal circumstances and things that had to be prayed through by the Holy Spirit.

As I read, the word “trust” repeatedly came from the pages and from my heart. Really, that’s what Christmas is all about – trusting that the gift of His Son would bring us all the salvation that the Father had planned. Trusting in His goodness and love; his mercy and grace.

Trusting that the Father is always faithful!

“ Then the Lord came down to him in a cloud, stood there with Moses, and spoke his own name. 6 That is, the Lord passed in front of Moses and said, “Yahweh, the Lord, is a kind and merciful God. He is slow to become angry. He is full of great love. He can be trusted.” Exodus 34:5-6 ERV

“So remember that the Lord your God is the only God, and you can trust him! He keeps his agreement. He shows his love and kindness to all people who love him and obey his commands. He continues to show his love and kindness through a thousand generations,” Deuteronomy 7:9 ERV

The Father knows we have a tendency to forget things and He never wants us to forget His love and faithfulness so He repeatedly reminds of it through His word.

“God’s way is perfect. The Lord’s promise always proves to be true. He protects those who trust in him. 32 There is no God except the Lord. There is no Rock except our God.” II Samuel 20:31-32 ERV

What a precious gift we have been given! We have the Father’s promise and He is completely worthy of trust – there is no God except our Lord.

“So come near to God with a sincere heart, full of confidence because of our faith in Christ. 23 We must hold on to the hope we have, never hesitating to tell people about it. We can trust God to do what he promised.” Hebrews 10:22b-23 ERV

This morning I needed to be reminded to trust! I found myself wavering, on the verge of worry and that’s when I heard in my heart “I trust You”. May you need to hear those same words today – “I trust You”. The Lord is faithful; His word never fails, He always keeps His promises.

A few days back I told you about my favorite Christmas CD, The Gift, by Kenny Rogers. I want to share just a few lyrics from one of the songs on that album.

“God said, Mary pure and holy
With this baby, I trust you
She said, surely I’m not worthy
And it scares me, but I trust you.

Underneith a shining star
In a manger stall
Mary held the gift of love
God gave to us all.

Precious baby pure and holy
I’m not worthy, but I trust you

Precious baby pure and holy
Will you save me, I trust you
Son of Mary, I trust you…*

Receive this wonderful gift that the Father has given us – open your heart and say “Son of Mary, Son of God, I trust you”!

*I Trust You written by Skip Ewing and Don Schlitz

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No One Like You!

Today is a day for giving thanks – across this nation there will be millions of people taking time to express gratitude and thankfulness. That is a wonderful thought!

Before your day gets too busy, before your home fills with loved ones or before you travel to them take this time, this quiet morning time, and give thanks. If you have nothing else to be thankful for, give thanks that Almighty God knows your name, He knows the very number of hairs on your head, He has known you since your conception and He loves you with an everlasting love.

“ Lord All-Powerful, you are greater than all others. No one is like you, and you alone are God. Everything we have heard about you is true. ” II Samuel 7:22 CEV

“You notice everything I do and everywhere I go. 4 Before I even speak a word, you know what I will say, 5 and with your powerful arm you protect me from every side. 6 I can’t understand all of this! Such wonderful knowledge is far above me…You are the one
who put me together inside my mother’s body, 14 and I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me. Everything you do is marvelous! Of this I have no doubt. 15 Nothing about me is hidden from you!” Psalm 139:3-5, 13-15 CEV

Remember a couple of days ago when I told you that our password into God’s presence is “Thank You”? When times are tough and almost overwhelming our praise brings God’s power into our situation. We release control to Him and He brings the victory.

Yesterday morning as I was making pies I was listening to Pandora and this is one of the songs I heard. It was published by Bethel Music in 2018, “Raise A Hallelujah”. As you go about the busyness of your day’s preparation let the words of this song minister to you as you tell the Lord thank you!

I raise a hallelujah, in the presence of my enemies

I raise a hallelujah, louder than the unbelief

I raise a hallelujah, my weapon is a melody

I raise a hallelujah, Heaven comes to fight for me

Chorus

I’m gonna sing, in the middle of the storm

Louder and louder, you’re gonna hear my praises roar

Up from the ashes, hope will arise

Death is defeated, the King is alive

Verse 2

I raise a hallelujah, with everything inside of me

I raise a hallelujah, I will watch the darkness flee

I raise a hallelujah, in the middle of the mystery

I raise a hallelujah, fear you lost your hold on me

Father, today we say thank you! We lift our voices in praise and say Hallelujah! There is no one like You!

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No Time?

As you know I missed yesterday morning’s blog – no quiet time.

If you’ve ever done much camping you know that most, if not all, campgrounds have quiet time. It’s generally from 10 pm to 6 am; while at the racetrack camping with 10,000+ of our non-closest friends, quiet time was from midnight to 6 am. But it was a not so quiet quiet time.

Yesterday morning, trucks were backing up to their trailers at 4 am and some a bit earlier. Motorhomes were pulling out even before that, quiet time was disrupted and things got busy in a hurry. Kim and Austin were up and out the door by 5 am and Dave and I started in right away getting things wiped down and stowed away for the trip home.

I didn’t make any time for quiet…yes, I admit it. My favorite time of the day passed me. It was invaded by a cluster of activity and noise. No time.

I didn’t even take time to write down three things I was grateful for although my heart was filled with gratitude for the events of the weekend and spending time with family and making new friends. This morning I’m back in my favorite place – I’m in my rocking chair, with my cup of coffee, my computer and my Bible in my lap. My heart is filled with praise.

Quiet time should never be an obligation that we check off our daily “to-do” list. It is an intimate time of day when we close off every distraction and focus on spending time with the Father. If we miss a day do we feel God loves us less? I’ve had those thoughts.

However, I have learned over the years that the Father understands my circumstances and my human tendencies to jump right into the day without spending time with Him. I have also learned that when I do start my day with my Father it goes much smoother because I’ve prepared my heart to focus on His blessings and instruction.

I found these words which were spoken by King David shortly before he died. He was giving instruction to his son, Solomon.

“‘”Our Mighty Rock, the God of Jacob, told me, ‘A ruler who obeys God and does right
4 is like the sunrise on a cloudless day, or like rain that sparkles on the grass.’ 5 I have ruled this way, and God will never break his promise to me. God’s promise is complete and unchanging; he will always help me and give me what I hope for.”‘” II Samuel 23:3-5 CEV

Isn’t that interesting? The Lord compares our actions, those who do right, to the beauty of a sunrise or the refreshing of rain on the meadow. He reminds us that His promises are complete and unchanging – He is always with us to help.

Each morning we all have a sunrise. Each morning that sunrise should remind us that God has promised to be faithful to His word and in turn, faithful in His actions towards us. That is what fills my heart with gratitude and joy!

No time?

Let the words of an old chorus be a reminder to us all – “In the morning when I rise, in the morning when I rise, in the morning when I rise Give me Jesus”!

Let’s make time.

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Go to the Rock!

When we get bad news, where is the first place we go? Do we seek out a second opinion, head to the bar, talk to a close friend? Where do we turn?

The first place my heart turns is to my Rock! There is only one place I know to find wisdom, strength, hope and help.

“God, hear my cry for help.
    Listen to my prayer.
2 From a faraway land I call to you for help.
    I feel so weak and helpless!
Carry me to a high rock
    where no one can reach me.
3 You are my place of safety,
    a strong tower that protects me from my enemies.
4 I want to live in your tent forever.
    I want to hide where you can protect me. Selah” Psalm 61:1-4 ERV

Since April, Dave and I have seen some landscapes with massive rocks. This morning I could see all those places with my mind’s eye: City of Rocks, Gila Cliff Dwellings and the Catwalk. Each place I was looking up at the grandeur and the almost impenetrable fortress that these rocks provided.

These rocks became an object lesson for my faith. “When I feel weak and helpless, carry me to the Rock”.

When we are overwhelmed, the Apostle Paul tells us we are to guard our hearts.

“Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.

7 And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 AMP

Jesus told us that his word is the rock that we should build our lives on and when the storms of life blow in, trying to destroy our house, that if we are built on the rock we will withstand the storm.

“He is my God, the Rock I run to for protection. He is my shield; by his power I am saved. He is my hiding place, my place of safety, high in the hills. He is my savior, the one who rescues me from the cruel enemy.” II Samuel 22:3 ERV

Bad news, devastating storms, heart ache – what are you facing?

“They will not be afraid of bad news. They are confident because they trust in the Lord.
8 They remain confident and without fear, so they defeat their enemies.” Psalm 11:7-8 ERV

Go to the Rock!

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Trust is Progressive

As with most things, trust is not a one time experience, it’s progressive.

Any adult who has tried to coax a child or grandchild into jumping into their arms in the swimming pool knows what I’m talking about. The child stands timidly on the side, while you are tell them repeatedly, “It’s ok, I’ll catch you”, knows it takes time for them to trust.

Each time it gets easier for them…trust has been built. There’s a track record that they can count on.

Do you have a track record with the Lord? Have you trusted Him in the small things of life and found Him always faithful? If so, your trust has grown and matured and you have a confidence that He will never let you down.

Perhaps you are standing on the edge for the first time and hearing the Lord say, “Trust me, I’ll catch you”.

This morning I would like to share a few of my favorite trust verses. Write them down, screen shot them, keep them handy. You’ll rely on them again and again. I know I have.

“God’s way is perfect. The Lord’s promise always proves to be true. He protects those who trust in him.” II Samuel 22:31 ERV

“It is better to trust in the Lord than to trust in people.” Psalm 118:8 ERV

“Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge.” Proverbs 3:5 ERV

Early in our marriage we were really struggling financially. Two small children to care for, Dave was working long hours but there was barely enough to cover household expenses and even less for groceries. I remember the first time I prayed over my grocery list.

My prayer went something like this. “Lord, you know I need to feed my family. I don’t know what I’m going to do. I only have $25 . I need a miracle. I trust You.” And off I went.

I was learning to trust.

I did not deviate from my list. The first item, bread, had a 2 for 1 special. Next was eggs, this week’s price 79 cents a dozen, milk, cheese, potatoes, flour, sugar…90% of the items were on special and if I remember correctly, I spent $23.74.

“Don’t worry and say, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ 32 That’s what those people who don’t know God are always thinking about. Don’t worry, because your Father in heaven knows that you need all these things. 33 What you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what he wants you to do. Then he will give you all these other things you need.” Matthew 6:31-33 ERV

I wish I could tell you that from that day forward I always trusted the Lord but that wouldn’t be true. There have been times, more than I’d like to admit, that I have done my own thing, trusted in my own knowledge and resources and have neglected to trust the Lord. The outcome was far from stellar.

But when I returned to trusting in my Father’s provision, He was always there waiting to help.

“So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:16 CEV

Trust the Lord with the small things and soon you will be trusting Him with everything! It’s progressive.

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Who Would You Talk To

For some reason this morning I began to think about people I would like to sit down and talk with one-on-one. These are people who I feel have great knowledge, insight and understanding. I would like to learn from them, listen to their advice and counsel.

My lists consists of people like Robert Morris, Max Lucado, Rea Drummond, Beth Moore, the Apostle Paul, Peter Maneas, Kevin Harvick and Darrel Waltrip.

Quite a list right? So who’s on your list? Think about it for a moment…if you could have a special meeting for two hours, uninterrupted, who would you like to talk with? Great presidents, leaders of industry, influential men and women of medicine, sports stars – who would it be and what would you ask?

As I sat here thinking of the questions I would pose to each of these people I was overwhelmed by the magnitude of my heavenly Father. He is so much greater than anyone who has ever lived on earth and I have unrestricted access to His throne room.

“Lord All-Powerful, you are greater than all others. No one is like you, and you alone are God. Everything we have heard about you is true.” II Samuel 7:22 CEV

There is no one like our God – He is gracious, loving, kind and good. He knows all things and He created all things. His desire is for our good and well being; He will never abandon us or leave us helpless.

“No one is holy like the Lord! There is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.” I Samuel 2:2 NLT

“I will call to You in the day of my trouble. For You will answer me. 8 There is no one like You among the gods, O Lord. And there are no works like Yours.” Psalm 86:7-8 NLV

“There is no one like You, O Lord. You are great, and Your name is great in power. 7 Who would not fear You, O King of the nations? For You should be honored with fear. Among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their lands, there is no one like You.” Jeremiah 10:6-7 NLV

It truly is amazing to know that someone this great and powerful is not only willing, but desirous, to give us His undivided attention. He asks us to come and spend time with Him. He tells us to call and He will answer. He tells us not to fear, He will never leave us; we will not be abandoned.

“Call to Me, and I will answer you. And I will show you great and wonderful things which you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3 NLV

I would still like to talk with the people whose names I listed above but there is no one, absolutely no one, I would rather talk to than my Father.

Unlimited access! Unconditioned love! Unsearachable knowledge! Unlimited Grace!

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