Tag Archives: Religion

June 6, 2014 Bible Study — There Were No Needy People Among Them

For today, One Year Bible Online links here.

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Proverbs 16:24

    Let us remember to speak kind words to and about the people we meet each day. By doing so we will lift their spirits and improve their health. This follows yesterday’s discussion of the use by the wise of pleasant words to persuade. Taking these two together, let us use kind and pleasant words to persuade those around us to behave in a wise and righteous manner.

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Psalm 124:1-8

    This psalm reminds me of all of the times in my life which would have been much worse, if not for God’s intervention on my behalf. I will praise God for all that He has done for me. I thank God for the many times He has rescued me from trouble.

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Acts 4:1-37

    Some of the religious leaders were upset with Peter and John proclaiming resurrection of the dead through Jesus. So, they had Peter and John arrested and brought before the council the following day. When the council began to question them, Peter immediately asked if they were being put on trial/called to account for healing a crippled man. Peter told them that the man was healed through the power of Jesus, whom they had crucified but whom God had raised from the dead. The council was amazed at Peter’s and John’s boldness before them, considering that neither had a degree from a prestigious school (or any school for that matter). However, because they had the actual facts on their side (the man who had been lame, but was no longer, was standing right there), there was not much the council could say. The council settled for ordering them to stop preaching in Jesus’ name. Peter and John responded by asking if the council really thought they would obey the council rather than obeying God. When forced to choose between obeying the law or obeying God, let us always choose God.
    In the aftermath of this confrontation, the believers were united in spirit and in mind. They did not consider their property their own. Rather they shared their possessions among themselves. Those who were wealthy sold some of their property in order to provide for the needs of the believers who were impoverished. As a result of this, there were no needy people among the believers. This gives us an example of how we should live today. Those of us who have much should give to help those of us who are in need.

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1 Kings 1:1-53

    When David was very old and frail, his son Adonijah decided to make himself king. It does not look to me as if he intended to take the throne from his father, David. Rather, he merely wanted to make it an accomplished fact that he was king as soon as his father died. He set about presenting himself in a manner that looked like he was already king. He gathered the support of several of David’s chief advisers and most of David’s sons. Once again, we see a lesson for fathers in what David failed to do. We are told that David had never disciplined Adonijah, not even by so much as demanding an explanation for his actions.
    However, Adonijah had made a serious miscalculation. He had been unable to convince several key advisers(one of those being Nathan, the prophet) to the king to support his bid for the throne. Then he invited those who did support him to a celebration/sacrifice/feast intended as a de facto coronation. He left out those advisers who did not support him and his brother Solomon. Adonijah’s actions were reminiscent of those of his brother Absalom. When Nathan presented them in that light to the king, David realized that he could not fight another civil war at his advanced age. Rather David instructed his advisers who had not supported Adonijah to take Solomon and make him king in front of the populace of Jerusalem. After anointing Solomon king, they brought him back to the palace at the head of a procession where David acknowledged Solomon as his successor.
    When word reached the people who had joined Adonijah, they scattered. Adonijah had no choice but to seek Solomon’s mercy. Solomon offered Adonijah mercy on the condition that he not stir up trouble in an attempt to gain the crown.

June 5, 2014 Bible Study — Pleasant Words Are Persuasive

For today, One Year Bible Online links here.

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Proverbs 16:21-23

    If we want to be thought of as wise, if we are truly wise, we will speak with pleasant words. That is, we will speak to others in ways that both make them feel respected and liked, and that instruct them. Pleasant words are persuasive, so the wise will use them to instruct others. If those you wish to instruct cannot be taught with pleasant words, chances are good they will not accept instruction at all.

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Psalm 123:1-4

    Let us keep our focus on God so that we can see His will for us. Let us be ready to obey His will at the most subtle signal from Him. I will depend on God’s mercy and not let the contempt of the proud distract me from following His will.

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Acts 3:1-26

    When the lame man begged Peter and John for money, they had none to give him. However, Peter recognized that they had something more valuable to give the man. Through God’s power, they were able to cure him and give him the ability to walk. This gave Peter an opportunity to preach the Gospel. However, it is worth noting that Peter did not heal the man in order to preach the Gospel, he healed the man in order to heal the man. It was after the fact, when people were curious about what happened that Peter saw the opportunity to preach. This should be our model. We should help people in order to help them, but when helping gives us the opportunity to preach the Gospel, we should seize that opportunity with vigor.
    When Peter was preaching, he talked about the guilt those listening had in Jesus’ crucifixion. However, he also pointed out that they, and their leaders, had acted in ignorance. They did not know better. What had happened was according to God’s will. Peter’s words here are an example of gentle and persuasive words being used by the wise to persuade. Let us remember to use kind and gentle words to persuade others to follow Jesus.

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2 Samuel 23:24-24:25

    David decided that he wanted a census of all of the people of Israel. In particular, he wanted to know how many fighting men he could muster. Rather than trust in God that the number of fighting men would be sufficient when danger threatened, David wanted to know what force he had at his disposal. By doing so, David brought a plague upon the people of Israel. The passage does not tell us this, but I believe that the plague was spread by David’s census takers. David realized his error and begged God’s forgiveness. We need to face the consequences of our actions when we sin, especially when those consequences bring harm to others.

June 4, 2014 Bible Study — Pray For Peace In Jerusalem

For today, One Year Bible Online links here.

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Proverbs 16:19-20

    It is better to live humbly with barely enough, than to live with great wealth among the proud. However, if you are willing to humbly listen to instruction you will not need to live in poverty for long. Trust in God and do as He commands and you will find joy.

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Psalm 122:1-9

    Do we share the psalmist’s joy at being invited to join others in worshiping and serving God? My first thought every time I read this psalm is about how much joy there is in joining others to serve God, or even just to worship God (which is a form of service). However, I feel a call to follow the psalmist’s request to pray for peace in Jerusalem. I am convinced that if God were to bring peace to Jerusalem in my lifetime, many would stand in awe of His power and worship Him. I will pray for peace in Jerusalem.

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Acts 2:1-47

    When the Holy Spirit came on the disciples on Pentecost, many of those who witnessed it thought they were drunk. Am I willing to let the Holy Spirit control my actions such that those around me think I am behaving foolishly (as if I am drunk)? Peter explained to the crowds what was actually happening and many came to follow the Lord. However, the first step was allowing the Holy Spirit to make all of them look foolish. So, once more, let us ask ourselves, are we willing to let the Holy Spirit make us look foolish so that we can reach those who have not yet met Jesus?
    As important as the story of the day of Pentecost is, Luke’s account of what the believers did following it is at least as important. The believers met together and shared their possessions with those in need. However, they did not meet in private. They met at the Temple. That is, they met in public where anyone could join them. Not only could anyone join them, their meetings were held where they would be witnessed by many who had not yet joined them. The believers did not act in secret. All could see what they taught, and said, and did. Let us live so openly.

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2 Samuel 22-23:23

    As I read David’s song of deliverance, my first thought was how wonderful to have such a great God to whom I can cry out for deliverance. When we cry out to God in our distress, He will come to our rescue. However, I also thought, I do not want to be one of the obstacles between God and those who have cried out to Him for deliverance. I want to be faithful so that God shows His faithfulness to me. I want to live with integrity so that God reveals His integrity to me. I want to be pure so that I can see God’s purity. I do not want to see the hostile face which God turns to the wicked.
    David begins his song by speaking of the protection which God offers us and the security within which He shelters us. However, David reminds us that God does not call for us to cower in His protection. No, God gives us the strength to crush the armies arrayed against us. He will give us the ability to scale the walls which stand in our way. God will give us the strength and the ability to overcome any obstacles that stand in the way of accomplishing the mission which He has given us.

June 3, 2014 Bible Study — You Will Receive Power

For today, One Year Bible Online links here.

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Proverbs 16:18

    This is a proverb that is very well known because of how true it is, and many forget it to their detriment:

Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.

I ask God to never allow pride to make me think of others as less than myself.

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Psalm 121:1-8

    Help comes from the Lord, let us look first to God for help. If we rely on His help, He will not allow us to stumble or slip. God does not slumber, nor does He sleep. Whenever trouble may come upon us, God will be there to rescue us. This is such a beautiful psalm. I will meditate on it all day today.

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Acts 1:1-26

    Just before Jesus ascended into Heaven, He reminded the Apostles that the Holy Spirit would come upon them. It would fill them with power to do the works of God and wonders to convince people of the Gospel message. We are heirs to the Apostles and will also receive the power of the Holy Spirit. Likewise, we are also to be witnesses to Jesus locally, regionally, and worldwide.
    The Eleven Apostles gathered together with other believers and selected Matthias to become an apostle with them to replace Judas. From this (and some of Paul’s writings), I conclude that the role of apostle is one which was meant to continue until Christ’s return. The word after all means “sent one” and was used in Classical Greek to refer to ambassadors and similar officials. God has not stopped sending ambassadors, apostles, to the world with His words for the world. If He has chosen any of us to be His apostle to the world today, let us not refuse to carry His message.

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2 Samuel 20:14-21:22

    Sheba, the man who led a rebellion against David shortly after David had defeated Absalom, fled from David’s army led by Joab. Sheba holed up in a fortified town, along with all of the members of his clan. Joab besieged the town and began battering down the walls. A wise woman in the town parlayed with Joab asking why he was attempting to destroy this town with importance to the nation of Israel. Joab responded that he had no interest in destroying the town, he merely wanted Sheba. The woman responded that the town would throw Sheba’s head over the wall to Joab.
    There is no doubt that the woman knew what Joab wanted before she started speaking to him. However, in all negotiations it is important that both sides declare what their goals are. In this case, the woman declared, indirectly, the town’s loyalty to the nation of Israel. Joab replied that he was seeking the man who was leading a rebellion. The two sides were able to negotiate peace because both sides declared what they would accept to settle the conflict. Joab declared that he would accept the minimum necessary to end the rebellion. The people of the town declared that they would no longer support rebellion against David. Thus peace was restored.

June 2, 2014 Bible Study — Do You Love Me? Then Feed My Sheep

For today, One Year Bible Online links here.

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Proverbs 16:16-17

    We will gain more from seeking wisdom and good judgement than we will from seeking wealth. Those who seek the path of wisdom will avoid evil actions. Following the dictates of good judgement will keep one clear of danger.

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Psalm 120:1-7

    Let us take our troubles to the Lord. When life becomes difficult, let us cry out to God. He will answer our prayers and deliver us from those who lie and deceive.

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John 21:1-25

    I am always struck by Jesus’ questioning of Peter in this passage. Peter had denied Jesus three times on the night of His trial. Here Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him three times. Each time when Peter affirmed that he did indeed love Jesus, Jesus told him to demonstrate that love (by caring for His sheep). Jesus gave Peter an opportunity to affirm his love for Jesus for each time that he had denied Him. There is a lesson here that I have difficulty stating. Peter needed to affirm his love for Jesus for each of the times he had denied Him.
    Jesus’ exchange with Peter here reminds us that it is not enough to affirm our love, we need to also act on that love. If we truly love Jesus, we will follow Him, and His example, even if that means a martyr’s death. We will do what is in our power to help others to follow Him and do His will. If we truly love the Lord, we will joyously embrace the outcomes which result from doing His will without concerning ourselves with the outcomes which others experience. If it is God’s plan for us that we experience suffering and torture, we will accept that joyously out of our love for Him. We should not allow ourselves to be distracted by what God plans for others.

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2 Samuel 19:11-20:13

    As David returned to Jerusalem he demonstrated his desire to restore unity to the kingdom. When Shimei, who had cursed David as he fled Jerusalem, begged forgiveness, David granted it. However, the other tribes of Israel felt slighted because they were not included in the group that met David at the Jordan and escorted him back to Jerusalem. The tribe of Judah had sent men to escort David and failed to inform or invite the rest of the tribes. The tribe of Judah failed to recognize that the other tribes had any basis for complaint and responded to their concerns harshly. This opened the door for a troublemaker named Sheba to make a power play. Sheba played on the discontent of the other tribes of Israel and used the undiplomatic responses by the leaders of Judah to increase resentment.
    The same dynamics which occurred here occur in our organizations today. Sometimes it is more important to be inclusive of those who are not part of the “inner circle” than it is that the “inner circle” does not take advantage of their access to those in power. Leaders need to be careful that they do not appear to only listen to advice from those from a particular group of “insiders”. Failure to make sure that all constituencies not only get a hearing, but perceive that those in authority are listening to their concerns leads to division and conflict. Division and conflict will detract from our ability to do God’s will.

June 1, 2014 Bible Study — Stop Doubting and Believe

For today, One Year Bible Online links here.

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Proverbs 16:14-15

    The wise do their best to avoid angering those who rule. Those who anger the people who govern a nation are in danger. On the other hand, those who please the people in charge will prosper. Whether these two facts are good or bad depends on whether the people in charge rule justly or not.

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Psalm 119:153-176

    The psalmist continues his tribute to following God’s commands. God’s love is unfailing and His commands are truth. If we follow God’s instructions, He will rescue us from those who persecute us. If you hate falsehood, you will love God’s commands. The reverse is also true, if you love God’s commands, you will hate falsehood. Let us pray daily for God to give us the ability to discern His will for us. The final verse shall be my prayer:

have wandered away like a lost sheep;
come and find me,
for I have not forgotten your commands.

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John 20:1-31

    When Jesus appeared to the disciples after His Resurrection, He told them to receive the Holy Spirit. Along with the Holy Spirit, He gave them the authority to forgive sins. I believe that we receive the same authority, and responsibility, when we receive the Holy Spirit through our faith in Jesus.
    Thomas was not with the other disciples the first time Jesus appeared to them after His Resurrection and refused to believe that they had actually seen Jesus. I am sure that the other disciples tried to convince Thomas, but he would not accept their word for it. He insisted that he needed to actually touch the wounds which Jesus had received when He was crucified. Thomas was a skeptic. We can learn a lot about converting skeptics from this story. No matter what argument Thomas’ close friends, the other disciples, made, he would not accept that Jesus could have risen from the dead. Then Jesus appeared before Thomas telling him to “Stop Doubting and believe”(NIV). When confronted with the living Jesus, Thomas cried out, “My Lord and My God.” We can make all of the arguments to skeptics that we wish, but until they encounter Jesus for themselves they will not believe.
    My final thought on this passage is for those of us who have encountered Jesus. We too need to take Jesus’ words to Thomas to heart. Let us too stop doubting and believe.

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2 Samuel 18-19:10

    When David received news that Absalom was dead, he was grief-stricken. Joab had to confront him about his misplaced grief. Joab pointed out that if David’s army had lost, it would have been David who was dead. And not just David, but his wives and the rest of his sons. David grieved for the loss of his son and that was not completely inappropriate. However, he did so in a manner that made it seem as if he would have preferred the death of all of his loyal supporters to the death of his rebellious son.

May 31, 2014 Bible Study — It Is Finished

For today, One Year Bible Online links here.

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Proverbs 16:12-13

    A ruler who wants stability will detest wrongdoing and build his rule on justice. When those who govern a society do not honour those who speak honestly, that society will suffer.

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Psalm 119:129-152

    I want to have the same passion for God’s word that the psalmist had. I want to pant with expectation as I long for God’s commands. I want the Holy Spirit to guide my steps so that I will not be overcome with evil. I am insignificant, nobody of any importance, but I will follow God’s instructions. By acting according to God’s will, I will improve the world around me, even if only by a small amount. I ask God to give me understanding of His laws so that I may live.

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John 19:23-42

    While Jesus was hanging on the cross, He saw His mother standing next to John. He told John to take care of His mother in His place and told His mother to treat John as her son. Then, having settled His affairs on this earth, He cried out, “It is finished” and gave up His life. He did not fear death, so He was able to recognize that the time had come and surrender to God’s will. We, also, have no need to fear death, because in Jesus we have victory over death. It is my goal to face death in the manner which Jesus did.
    John points out the various ways in which prophecies were fulfilled in the events surrounding Jesus’ death. In addition, it is important to John that when the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side blood and water poured out. I am not sure if John’s emphasis on this is because it is sure proof that Jesus was dead, or if there is theological significance to it. Considering that some people try to explain away the Resurrection by claiming that Jesus never actually died, the former is certainly distinctly possible. Further, when combined with Jesus’ comment about being thirsty just before He died, it gives us a complete picture into the cause of death that it is improbably that John would have been aware enough of to fabricate.

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2 Samuel 17:1-29

    One of David’s advisers, Ahithophel, had defected to Absalom. David had sent another, Hushai, to join Absalom’s advisers to offset the advice of the first one. Ahithophel advised Absalom to send him with troop of men after David at once. Hushai played on both Absalom’s fear of his father, emphasizing the fighting prowess of David and his men, and his ego, recommending that he lead the troops himself. Absalom chose to take the advice of Hushai. Ahithophel recognized that Absalom’s only chance of victory was to move quickly to defeat David before David had time to plan his campaign. When Ahithophel realized that Absalom would not follow that course of action, he put his affairs in order and took his own life. Ahithophel realized that David would be victorious.
    When I read this account, and Absalom’s response to the advice he was given, I see a lesson here for us. Absalom’s mistake grew out of the two key flaws in his personality. He respected his father for the wrong reasons. He saw only his father’s military prowess and did not recognize the role David’s faith in God played in his successes. Absalom’s other flaw was his desire to be loved and honoured without having to do the work to earn that love and honour.

May 30, 2014 Bible Study — What Is Truth?

For today, One Year Bible Online links here.

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Proverbs 16:10-11

    I like the NIV a little better here. Merchants and tradesmen who use honest measuring devices serve God. When we carefully measure so as to deliver as much as we told people they were paying for, it is as if God Himself made our tools.

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Psalm 119:113-128

    I will not let evil-doers distract me from keeping God’s commands. Those who stray from God’s commands are fooling themselves, true joy only comes from following God. I turn to God for sustenance. Let us turn to God for discernment so that we can understand His instructions. Let us live as servants of God, so that we may experience His unfailing love. As we obey His commands, He will teach us ever more how to live according to His will. His commands are more valuable than anything we can imagine or desire. They will provide us with a better life than any amount of wealth.

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John 18:25-19:22

    When the religious leaders brought Jesus to Pilate, Pilate asked them what they charged Him with. Rather than answering his question, they replied by saying that they would not have brought Jesus to Pilate if He was not guilty of something. When the religious leaders would not tell him what they were accusing Jesus of, he questioned Jesus directly. Let us take a lesson from Jesus, when the opponents of Christianity have accused us of non-specific wrong doing, we should not testify against ourselves. When Pilate asked Jesus if He was a king, Jesus replied by asking Pilate if that was his own idea, or did someone else suggest it to him. Jesus responded that His kingdom was not of this world. He had no intention of mounting a revolution and violently overthrowing the political order of the day.
    Pilate then asked the natural question, if Jesus did not intend to overthrow the political order, why did the local political leaders desire His death? Jesus’ answer was that He came to testify to the truth. The implication here is that the powers-that-be are threatened by the truth. Pilate then stated the question so many ask when they desire to dismiss their own wrong-doing, “What is truth?” I follow Christ and believe that there is objective truth to be learned. It is not that I believe that I know that truth in its entirety, but I know that such truth exists and desire to learn it. Those who wish to justify their own actions will often deny that there is such a thing as objective truth. Let us never fall for that deception and continue to seek to know God’s Truth.

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2 Samuel 15:23-16:23

    As David fled Jerusalem ahead of his son Absalom’s army, he was cursed by Shimei, who was from the same clan as Saul. When one of David’s men sought to strike Shimei down, David prevented him. From later passages it seems that Shimei played some important role in the Kingdom of Israel. David was unwilling to damage the running of the Kingdom in order as part of his struggle for power with Absalom. He did not strike down Shimei, even though Shimei was opposing him, when doing so would not advance his position in his struggle with Absalom.

May 29, 2014 Bible Study — Everyone Knows What I Teach

For today, One Year Bible Online links here.

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Proverbs 16:8-9

    I completely agree with this proverb. I would rather live an honest, godly life in poverty than gain great wealth through dishonesty and cheating others. The second part of this is important to remember as well. I have seen it in my own life where time and again I have tried to make plans according to what I see as God’s will for my life, only to have circumstances change so as to be unable to continue with those plans. I know that no matter what plans I make, only those which are truly what God wants will come to pass.

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Psalm 119:97-112

    The psalmist reminds us that God’s words and commands provide us with guidance for our lives. By studying God’s path and following His commands we will gain wisdom. God’s word supplies us with the light which allows us to see obstacles in the path of our lives so that we may either avoid them, or know how to deal with them when we must go through them. I have experienced the truth of the psalmist’s words. As I study God’s word and embrace His commands, I discover that I become ever more unwilling to follow paths which involve lies and deceit. The more I seek after God’ Truth, the more I dislike that which is false.

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John 18:1-24

    When Jesus was brought before Annas, the high-priest’s father-in-law, Annas questioned Him about His teachings. Jesus replied by telling him that He had preached openly, none of His teaching was in secret. He told them to ask those who had heard Him teach. It reminds me of a saying I have heard from time to time. If it was illegal to be a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict me? Or to put it another way, if those we meet in our every day lives were asked to testify, could they tell the court what we believe?
    I will strive to live my life so that those around me will know what I believe. If I make sure that those around me know what I believe, the Holy Spirit will bring to me those who are open to being convinced.

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2 Samuel 14-15:22

    Joab recognized that David was heart-sick at having exiled Absalom. So he sent a woman to David with a story to convince David to bring Absalom home. The woman reminded David that God seeks ways to bring us back to Him when we have been separated by our sins. David took this advice to heart and brought Absalom back. But when he did so, he did not fully follow God’s example. When God brings us back to Him, He embraces us and makes sure we know His love for us. David brought Absalom back, but he did not embrace him as his son. David continued the course of fatherly neglect which had led to the problem in the first place. Let us remember that when we forgive those who have sinned against us, we must show them our love. David failed to show his sons his love in a way which conveyed it to them. Just as David’s failure to convey his love led to Absalom’s rebellion against him, so too will any other father’s failure to convey their love to their children lead those children to rebel.

May 28, 2014 Bible Study — We Do Not Belong To This World

For today, One Year Bible Online links here.

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Proverbs 16:6-7

    There has been debate in the last few days about the young man who had “everything” yet went on a killing spree. People have been trying to figure out why he committed this act. In a way, this proverb answers that question. No one ever taught him to fear the Lord. Those who fear the Lord avoid evil. This young man, rather than avoiding evil, chose evil.

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Psalm 119:81-96

    It may seem like God is long-delayed in coming to our rescue when we experience difficult times, but if we continue to obey His commands, He will rescue us. Those who hate God’s commands will dig traps for those who are faithful, but we will avoid those traps by carefully keeping God’s commands. God’s word and His love are eternal. I will remember and follow God’s commands. As I do so, He will, in His time, deliver me from all troubles.

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John 17:1-26

    Here John recounts a prayer which Jesus prayed for His disciples, but not just those who were with Him at the time, but also for all who would believe in Him through the testimony of those who were present. Let us seek to be in perfect unity with all who are filled with the Holy Spirit. Jesus is sending us into the world in the same way in which the Father sent Him into the world. Let us not flinch from the blows the world will send our way in the same manner which it sent blows toward Jesus. Let us stand up to the world in service to God and His truth because following the truth of God’s message will bring us great joy. The world will hate us because we refuse to serve it. Let us take that hate as a sign of honour.

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2 Samuel 13:1-39

    As I read this passage I see the problems described in this passage arising from two sources. First, David’s sons saw how their father behaved in the affair with Bathsheba. His power allowed him to have what he wanted, and while David knew the suffering he experienced as a consequence of his actions his sons were unlikely to see the connection. Second, David did not discipline his sons. He allowed them to believe that they could get away with whatever they wished. David had too many wives and too many children to be a good father to his sons. He failed to instill in his sons the same faith in God which he himself possessed.