I don’t remember learning about the mighty men who helped David in his quest for the kingship.  But I read about them today.  There were three very special men — the Bible calls them The Three — and then there were several others who were especially skilled in soldiering. It’s inspiring to read these words of old and see the hand of God so vividly.  God often shapes our lives through the “mighty ones” he sends to help us achieve the goals He has for us. Who are your “mighty ones?” I’ve had different Mighties throughout my life.  We have … Continue reading 2 Samuel 5:1-10; 1Chronicles 11-12: The Mighty Ones

For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. 13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; 14 for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. I am so grateful.  The Lord is compassionate and slow to anger…unlike me.  Today I had a mini mamma fit while driving my daughter to a field trip. … Continue reading Psalm 102-104: From the East to the West

Among all the records of the Israelite genealogy was a long list of over 200 men whose jobs were to serve as gatekeepers.  When I think of a gatekeeper, I remember the classic scene from The Princess Bride: However, these gatekeepers did not turn and run when faced with a threat.  They didn’t protect a mere castle: their job was to safeguard the Tabernacle and its furniture, the oil and flour and all things necessary for its upkeep.  Some people were in charge of counting the number of loaves of bread that went in and that came out.  Everything was … Continue reading 1 Chronicles 7-10: The Gatekeeper

1“But my people did not listen to my voice; Israel(W) would not submit to me. 12So I(X) gave them over to their(Y) stubborn hearts, to follow their own(Z) counsels. When I read today’s Psalm selection, I couldn’t help but think about what it means for God to “give over” people to their stubborn hearts. When we turn out back on the Lord individually, taking our lives into our own hands without giving Him a second thought…the Lord gives us over to our stubborn hearts. I know a thing or two about stubborn hearts.  For goodness sake, I’m so stubborn I … Continue reading Psalm 81; 88; 92-93: Given Over

Getting through the book of Chronicles is not going to be easy.  My head swims with all the “sons of.”  But ancestry must be important to the Lord, so why should there not be a list of who’s who? I’m reading a novel about King Hezekiah.  The Assyrians were a brutal people, at least as described in this novel, and I am so sad for the people who lived in those days.  The Lord is the Lord of miracles, though, and He did give victory to his people over the Assyrians, if my memory serves me correctly. I am in … Continue reading 1 Chronicles 6: Rambling Again