Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | July 28, 2024

“Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. … surely I will help you”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Samuel 5:17-25.

“When the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek out David;  and when David heard of it, he went down to the stronghold.  Now the Philistines came and spread themselves out in the valley of Rephaim.  Then David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go up against the Philistines?  Will You give them into my hand?”  And the LORD said to David, “Go up, for I will certainly give the Philistines into your hand.”  So David came to Baal-perazim and defeated them there;  and he said, “The LORD has broken through my enemies before me like the breakthrough of waters.”  Therefore he named that place Baal-perazim.  They abandoned their idols there, so David and his men carried them away.

Now the Philistines came up once again and spread themselves out in the valley of Rephaim.  When David inquired of the LORD, He said, “You shall not go directly up;  circle around behind them and come at them in front of the balsam trees.  It shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then you shall act promptly, for then the LORD will have gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines.”  Then David did so, just as the LORD had commanded him, and struck down the Philistines from Geba as far as Gezer.”  2 Samuel 5:17-25.  

—————–

It is noteworthy that in the two battles with the Philistines in today’s Scripture, the LORD gave different instructions to David for each battle. The LORD gave victory over the Philistines for both battles, but the LORD did not give victory to David in the same way.  

The LORD also does not always deliver us from our trials and tribulations in the same way.   

So to speak, the check may often come in the mailbox just when we need it.  But sometimes, we do not receive the check when we think we need it. God helps us some other way.

Too often, we get anxious and panic when we do not see how God is going to help us.  Too often, we care more about the check in the mailbox than we care about trusting God.

But, there is hope!

God often helps us in unexpected and different ways so that we do not base our trust in what we expect and see.  God causes us to trust Him, no matter what we expect and see.

Jesus is the “author and perfecter of faith”.  Hebrews 12:2.  

How does God perfect our faith?  God helps us in unexpected and different ways so that we trust Him, and not just trust in what we expect and see.  We learn to trust God to get us through our struggles somehow. 

God causes us to fix our eyes on Jesus, rather than to fix our eyes on the mailbox.  Hebrews 12:2.

“Do not fear, for I am with you;  Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand”.  Isaiah 41:10.

“Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous!  Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”  Joshua 1:9.

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.  For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;  and these whom He predestined, He also called;  and these whom He called, He also justified;  and these whom He justified, He also glorified.

What then shall we say to these things?  If God is for us, who is against us?  He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?”  Romans 8:28-32.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | July 26, 2024

“He had exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel.”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Samuel 5:1-16.  Here is a link to this Scripture – 2 Samuel 5 NASB1995 – – Bible Gateway

I quote only the following verses.

“Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Behold, we are your bone and your flesh.  Previously, when Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and in.  And the LORD said to you, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be a ruler over Israel.’”  So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them before the LORD at Hebron;  then they anointed David king over Israel.  David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years.  At Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty-three years over all Israel and Judah.

Now the king and his men went to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, and they said to David, “You shall not come in here, but the blind and lame will turn you away”;  thinking, “David cannot enter here.”  Nevertheless, David captured the stronghold of Zion, that is the city of David.  David said on that day, “Whoever would strike the Jebusites, let him reach the lame and the blind, who are hated by David’s soul, through the water tunnel.”  Therefore they say, “The blind or the lame shall not come into the house.”  So David lived in the stronghold and called it the city of David.  And David built all around from the Millo and inward.  David became greater and greater, for the LORD God of hosts was with him.

Then Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David with cedar trees and carpenters and stonemasons;  and they built a house for David.  And David realized that the LORD had established him as king over Israel, and that He had exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel.”  2 Samuel 5:1-12.

——————-

We may have thought that the LORD exalted David and David’s kingdom for David’s sake.  But, we read “He had exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel.”  Verse 12. 

We are reminded of the following Scriptures. 

“They came to Capernaum;  and when He was in the house, He began to question them, “What were you discussing on the way?”  But they kept silent, for on the way they had discussed with one another which of them was the greatest.  Sitting down, He called the twelve and *said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.”  Mark 9:33-35.

“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.  And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord.  There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons.  But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”  1 Corinthians 12:4-7. 

“So then let no one boast in men.  For all things belong to you, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or things present or things to come;  all things belong to you, and you belong to Christ;  and Christ belongs to God.”  1 Corinthians 3:21-23.

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”  Romans 8:28. 

“First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.”  1 Timothy 2:1-2.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | July 25, 2024

“the LORD lives, who has redeemed my life from all distress”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Samuel chapter 4.  Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Samuel%204&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“Then they brought the head of Ish-bosheth to David at Hebron and said to the king, “Behold, the head of Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, your enemy, who sought your life;  thus the LORD has given my lord the king vengeance this day on Saul and his descendants.”

David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, and said to them, “As the LORD lives, who has redeemed my life from all distress, when one told me, saying, ‘Behold, Saul is dead,’ and thought he was bringing good news, I seized him and killed him in Ziklag, which was the reward I gave him for his news.  How much more, when wicked men have killed a righteous man in his own house on his bed, shall I not now require his blood from your hand and destroy you from the earth?”  Then David commanded the young men, and they killed them and cut off their hands and feet and hung them up beside the pool in Hebron.  But they took the head of Ish-bosheth and buried it in the grave of Abner in Hebron.”  2 Samuel 4:8-12.

—————-

David trusted the LORD.  David trusted the LORD to accomplish all of His good purpose and pleasure.  

“9 “Remember the former things long past,
For I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is no one like Me,
10 Declaring the end from the beginning,
And from ancient times things which have not been done,
Saying, ‘My purpose will be established,
And I will accomplish all My good pleasure’;
11 Calling a bird of prey from the east,
The man of My purpose from a far country.
Truly I have spoken; truly I will bring it to pass.
I have planned it, surely I will do it.” Isaiah 46:9-11.

David did not need man to take things into their own hands to do evil so that David would get revenge on Saul and his descendants.  David did not need man to do evil to fulfill the LORD’S good purpose and pleasure on how and when the LORD would establish David as king over Israel as well as Judah.  David did not need man to do evil to deliver him out of all of his distress.  

“Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so,
Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the adversary
3 And gathered from the lands,
From the east and from the west,
From the north and from the south.

4 They wandered in the wilderness in a desert region;
They did not find a way to an inhabited city.
5 They were hungry and thirsty;
Their soul fainted within them.
6 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble;
He delivered them out of their distresses.
7 He led them also by a straight way,
To go to an inhabited city.
8 Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness,
And for His wonders to the sons of men!
9 For He has satisfied the thirsty soul,
And the hungry soul He has filled with what is good.

10 There were those who dwelt in darkness and in the shadow of death,
Prisoners in misery and chains,
11 Because they had rebelled against the words of God
And spurned the counsel of the Most High.
12 Therefore He humbled their heart with labor;
They stumbled and there was none to help.
13 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble;
He saved them out of their distresses.
14 He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death
And broke their bands apart.
15 Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness,
And for His wonders to the sons of men!
16 For He has shattered gates of bronze
And cut bars of iron asunder.

17 Fools, because of their rebellious way,
And because of their iniquities, were afflicted.
18 Their soul abhorred all kinds of food,
And they drew near to the gates of death.
19 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble;
He saved them out of their distresses.
20 He sent His word and healed them,
And delivered them from their destructions.
21 Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness,
And for His wonders to the sons of men!
22 Let them also offer sacrifices of thanksgiving,
And tell of His works with joyful singing.” Psalm 107:1-22.

“Who is wise? Let him give heed to these things,
And consider the lovingkindnesses of the LORD.” Psalm 107:43.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | July 24, 2024

“My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” – “Cast your burden upon the LORD”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Samuel 3:31-39.

“Then David said to Joab and to all the people who were with him, “Tear your clothes and gird on sackcloth and lament before Abner.”  And King David walked behind the bier.  Thus they buried Abner in Hebron;  and the king lifted up his voice and wept at the grave of Abner, and all the people wept.  The king chanted a lament for Abner and said,

“Should Abner die as a fool dies?
“Your hands were not bound, nor your feet put in fetters;
As one falls before the wicked, you have fallen.”

And all the people wept again over him.  Then all the people came to persuade David to eat bread while it was still day;  but David vowed, saying, “May God do so to me, and more also, if I taste bread or anything else before the sun goes down.”  Now all the people took note of it, and it pleased them, just as everything the king did pleased all the people.  So all the people and all Israel understood that day that it had not been the will of the king to put Abner the son of Ner to death.  Then the king said to his servants, “Do you not know that a prince and a great man has fallen this day in Israel?  I am weak today, though anointed king;  and these men the sons of Zeruiah are too difficult for me.  May the LORD repay the evildoer according to his evil.”  2 Samuel 3:31-39.

—————

As a quick side note, “the sons of Zeruiah” in the last verse included Joab and Abishai his brother who killed Abner.  “Now the three sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab and Abishai and Asahel;  and Asahel was as swift-footed as one of the gazelles which is in the field.”  2 Samuel 2:18.  “So Joab and Abishai his brother killed Abner because he had put their brother Asahel to death in the battle at Gibeon.”  2 Samuel 3:30.

For this devotion, we are not going to primarily meditate on the specific request of David in the last verse, “May the LORD repay the evildoer according to his evil.”  Rather, we are going to primarily meditate on the general condition that we all face, namely, there are matters that we feel are too difficult for us for which we feel too weak to handle.

But, there is hope!

“And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.”  Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.  Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake;  for when I am weak, then I am strong.”  2 Corinthians 12:9-10.

“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith;  and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever.  Amen.”  Ephesians 3:14-21.

“22 Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you;
He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.
23 But You, O God, will bring them down to the pit of destruction;
Men of bloodshed and deceit will not live out half their days.
But I will trust in You.” Psalm 55:22-23.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | July 23, 2024

“Put away from you a deceitful mouth And put devious speech far from you.”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Samuel 3:20-30.

“Then Abner and twenty men with him came to David at Hebron.  And David made a feast for Abner and the men who were with him.  Abner said to David, “Let me arise and go and gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may be king over all that your soul desires.”  So David sent Abner away, and he went in peace.

And behold, the servants of David and Joab came from a raid and brought much spoil with them;  but Abner was not with David in Hebron, for he had sent him away, and he had gone in peace.  When Joab and all the army that was with him arrived, they told Joab, saying, “Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he has sent him away, and he has gone in peace.”  Then Joab came to the king and said, “What have you done?  Behold, Abner came to you;  why then have you sent him away and he is already gone?  You know Abner the son of Ner, that he came to deceive you and to learn of your going out and coming in and to find out all that you are doing.”

When Joab came out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah;  but David did not know it.  So when Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the middle of the gate to speak with him privately, and there he struck him in the belly so that he died on account of the blood of Asahel his brother.  Afterward when David heard it, he said, “I and my kingdom are innocent before the LORD forever of the blood of Abner the son of Ner.  May it fall on the head of Joab and on all his father’s house; and may there not fail from the house of Joab one who has a discharge, or who is a leper, or who takes hold of a distaff, or who falls by the sword, or who lacks bread.”  So Joab and Abishai his brother killed Abner because he had put their brother Asahel to death in the battle at Gibeon.”  2 Samuel 3::20-30.

—————

Joab deceived David by accusing Abner of trying to spy on David and then by privately killing Abner (without David knowing it) as revenge against Abner for killing his brother Asahel.  Today’s Scripture leads us to meditate upon deceit.

“18 Like a madman who throws
Firebrands, arrows and death,
19 So is the man who deceives his neighbor,
And says, “Was I not joking?” Proverbs 26:18-19.

“Put away from you a deceitful mouth
And put devious speech far from you.” Proverbs 4:24.

“3 “They bend their tongue like their bow;
Lies and not truth prevail in the land;
For they proceed from evil to evil,
And they do not know Me,” declares the LORD.
4 “Let everyone be on guard against his neighbor,
And do not trust any brother;
Because every brother deals craftily,
And every neighbor goes about as a slanderer.
5 “Everyone deceives his neighbor
And does not speak the truth,
They have taught their tongue to speak lies;
They weary themselves committing iniquity.
6 “Your dwelling is in the midst of deceit;
Through deceit they refuse to know Me,” declares the LORD.” Jeremiah 9:3-6.

“The thoughts of the righteous are just,
But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.” Proverbs 12:5.

“17 He who speaks truth tells what is right,
But a false witness, deceit.
18 There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword,
But the tongue of the wise brings healing.
19 Truthful lips will be established forever,
But a lying tongue is only for a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,
But counselors of peace have joy.” Proverbs 12:17-20.

“But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.  Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin;  and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.  Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.”  James 1:14-16. 

But, there is hope!

“Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.  In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures.”  James 1:17-18.

“For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.  But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”  Titus 3:3-6. 

“And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also;  and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”  Revelation 20:10.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | July 22, 2024

“The steps of a man are established by the LORD, And He delights in his way.”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Samuel 3:1-16.

“Now there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David;  and David grew steadily stronger, but the house of Saul grew weaker continually.

Sons were born to David at Hebron:  his firstborn was Amnon, by Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;  and his second, Chileab, by Abigail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite;  and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur;  and the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith;  and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;  and the sixth, Ithream, by David’s wife Eglah.  These were born to David at Hebron.

It came about while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David that Abner was making himself strong in the house of Saul.  Now Saul had a concubine whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah;  and Ish-bosheth said to Abner, “Why have you gone in to my father’s concubine?”  Then Abner was very angry over the words of Ish-bosheth and said, “Am I a dog’s head that belongs to Judah?  Today I show kindness to the house of Saul your father, to his brothers and to his friends, and have not delivered you into the hands of David;  and yet today you charge me with a guilt concerning the woman.  May God do so to Abner, and more also, if as the LORD has sworn to David, I do not accomplish this for him, to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and to establish the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba.”  And he could no longer answer Abner a word, because he was afraid of him.

Then Abner sent messengers to David in his place, saying, “Whose is the land?  Make your covenant with me, and behold, my hand shall be with you to bring all Israel over to you.”  He said, “Good!  I will make a covenant with you, but I demand one thing of you, namely, you shall not see my face unless you first bring Michal, Saul’s daughter, when you come to see me.”  So David sent messengers to Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, saying, “Give me my wife Michal, to whom I was betrothed for a hundred foreskins of the Philistines.”  Ish-bosheth sent and took her from her husband, from Paltiel the son of Laish.  But her husband went with her, weeping as he went, and followed her as far as Bahurim.  Then Abner said to him, “Go, return.”  So he returned.”  2 Samuel 3:1-16.

—————–

We see more of the steps, some of them unusual, that the LORD provided for David to become king over all of Israel in addition to being king over Judah.  

In the first paragraph, we read the summary of “a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David;  and David grew steadily stronger, but the house of Saul grew weaker continually.”  In the second paragraph, we read of the children born to David at Hebron.  In the third paragraph, we see the following unusual steps: Abner taking Saul’s concubine whose name was Rizpah, the calm and reasonable question of Ish-bosheth, but then the surprisingly angry and drastic decision by Abner to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and to establish the throne of David over Israel.  In the fourth paragraph, we see the making of the covenant between Abner and David, including the unusual stipulation of the return of Michal, Saul’s daughter, to David.

And, there is hope for us!

“When a man’s ways are pleasing to the LORD,
He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” Proverbs 16:7.

“23 The steps of a man are established by the LORD,
And He delights in his way.
24 When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong,
Because the LORD is the One who holds his hand.” Psalm 37:23-24.

“The LORD will accomplish what concerns me;
Your lovingkindness, O LORD, is everlasting;
Do not forsake the works of Your hands.” Psalm 138:8.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | July 21, 2024

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” – “Blessed are the merciful”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Samuel 2:18-32.

“Now the three sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab and Abishai and Asahel;  and Asahel was as swift-footed as one of the gazelles which is in the field.  Asahel pursued Abner and did not turn to the right or to the left from following Abner.  Then Abner looked behind him and said, “Is that you, Asahel?”  And he answered, “It is I.”  So Abner said to him, “Turn to your right or to your left, and take hold of one of the young men for yourself, and take for yourself his spoil.”  But Asahel was not willing to turn aside from following him.  Abner repeated again to Asahel, “Turn aside from following me.  Why should I strike you to the ground?  How then could I lift up my face to your brother Joab?”  However, he refused to turn aside;  therefore Abner struck him in the belly with the butt end of the spear, so that the spear came out at his back.  And he fell there and died on the spot.  And it came about that all who came to the place where Asahel had fallen and died, stood still.

But Joab and Abishai pursued Abner, and when the sun was going down, they came to the hill of Ammah, which is in front of Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon.  The sons of Benjamin gathered together behind Abner and became one band, and they stood on the top of a certain hill.  Then Abner called to Joab and said, “Shall the sword devour forever?  Do you not know that it will be bitter in the end?  How long will you refrain from telling the people to turn back from following their brothers?”  Joab said, “As God lives, if you had not spoken, surely then the people would have gone away in the morning, each from following his brother.”  So Joab blew the trumpet;  and all the people halted and pursued Israel no longer, nor did they continue to fight anymore.  Abner and his men then went through the Arabah all that night;  so they crossed the Jordan, walked all morning, and came to Mahanaim.

Then Joab returned from following Abner; when he had gathered all the people together, nineteen of David’s servants besides Asahel were missing.  But the servants of David had struck down many of Benjamin and Abner’s men, so that three hundred and sixty men died.  And they took up Asahel and buried him in his father’s tomb which was in Bethlehem.  Then Joab and his men went all night until the day dawned at Hebron.”  2 Samuel 2:18-32.

—————-

Abner’s peace-making words resulted in at least temporary peace, and it leads us to meditate on the peacemakers and the merciful.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”  Matthew 5:9.

“Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.”  Titus 3:1-2.

“Who among you is wise and understanding?  Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.  But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth.  This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic.  For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.  But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.  And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”  James 3:18-18.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”  Matthew 5:7.

“The merciful man does himself good,
But the cruel man does himself harm.” Proverbs 11:17.

“Grace, mercy and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.”  2 John 1:3.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | July 19, 2024

“But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, That shines brighter and brighter until the full day.”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Samuel 2:8-17.

“But Abner the son of Ner, commander of Saul’s army, had taken Ish-bosheth the son of Saul and brought him over to Mahanaim.  He made him king over Gilead, over the Ashurites, over Jezreel, over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, even over all Israel.  Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, was forty years old when he became king over Israel, and he was king for two years.  The house of Judah, however, followed David.  The time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months.

Now Abner the son of Ner, went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon with the servants of Ish-bosheth the son of Saul.  And Joab the son of Zeruiah and the servants of David went out and met them by the pool of Gibeon;  and they sat down, one on the one side of the pool and the other on the other side of the pool.  Then Abner said to Joab, “Now let the young men arise and hold a contest before us.”  And Joab said, “Let them arise.”  So they arose and went over by count, twelve for Benjamin and Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David.  Each one of them seized his opponent by the head and thrust his sword in his opponent’s side;  so they fell down together.  Therefore that place was called Helkath-hazzurim, which is in Gibeon.  That day the battle was very severe, and Abner and the men of Israel were beaten before the servants of David.”  2 Samuel 2:8-17.

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“Now there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David;  and David grew steadily stronger, but the house of Saul grew weaker continually.”  2 Samuel 3:1.

We may wonder why the LORD did not cause David immediately to be king over all of Israel after the death of Saul, rather than just Judah, particularly considering David’s trial and tribulation fleeing from Saul.

We may also wonder why we have trials and tribulations.

But, there is hope!

“18 But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,
That shines brighter and brighter until the full day.
19 The way of the wicked is like darkness;
They do not know over what they stumble.” Proverbs 4:18-19.

“7 Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes.
8 Cease from anger and forsake wrath;
Do not fret; it leads only to evildoing.
9 For evildoers will be cut off,
But those who wait for the LORD, they will inherit the land.
10 Yet a little while and the wicked man will be no more;
And you will look carefully for his place and he will not be there.
11 But the humble will inherit the land
And will delight themselves in abundant prosperity.” Psalm 37:7-11.

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand;  and we exult in hope of the glory of God.  And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;  and perseverance, proven character;  and proven character, hope;  and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”  Romans 5:1-5.

“In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;  and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.”  1 Peter 1:6-9.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | July 18, 2024

“The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Samuel 2:1-7.

“Then it came about afterwards that David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go up to one of the cities of Judah?”  And the LORD said to him, “Go up.” So David said, “Where shall I go up?”  And He said, “To Hebron.”  So David went up there, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess and Abigail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite.  And David brought up his men who were with him, each with his household; and they lived in the cities of Hebron.  Then the men of Judah came and there anointed David king over the house of Judah.

And they told David, saying, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.”  David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead, and said to them, “May you be blessed of the LORD because you have shown this kindness to Saul your lord, and have buried him.  Now may the LORD show lovingkindness and truth to you;  and I also will show this goodness to you, because you have done this thing.  Now therefore, let your hands be strong and be valiant;  for Saul your lord is dead, and also the house of Judah has anointed me king over them.”  2 Samuel 2:1-7.

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The blessing of David upon the men of Jabesh-gilead, “Now may the LORD show lovingkindness and truth to you”, leads us to meditate upon this “lovingkindness and truth” quality of the LORD.

“Then the LORD passed by in front of him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth;”.  Exodus 34:6. 

“8 Good and upright is the LORD;
Therefore He instructs sinners in the way.
9 He leads the humble in justice,
And He teaches the humble His way.
10 All the paths of the LORD are lovingkindness and truth
To those who keep His covenant and His testimonies.
11 For Your name’s sake, O LORD,
Pardon my iniquity, for it is great.” Psalm 25:8-11.

“10 I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart;
I have spoken of Your faithfulness and Your salvation;
I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth from the great congregation.

11 You, O LORD, will not withhold Your compassion from me;
Your lovingkindness and Your truth will continually preserve me.” Psalm 40:10-11.

“2 I will cry to God Most High,
To God who accomplishes all things for me.
3 He will send from heaven and save me;
He reproaches him who tramples upon me. Selah.
God will send forth His lovingkindness and His truth.” Psalm 57:2-3.

“Lovingkindness and truth have met together;
Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.” Psalm 85:10.

“14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne;
Lovingkindness and truth go before You.
15 How blessed are the people who know the joyful sound!
O LORD, they walk in the light of Your countenance.
16 In Your name they rejoice all the day,
And by Your righteousness they are exalted.” Psalm 89:14-16.

“Not to us, O LORD, not to us,
But to Your name give glory
Because of Your lovingkindness, because of Your truth.” Psalm 115:1.

“3 I will give thanks to You, O LORD, among the peoples,
And I will sing praises to You among the nations.
4 For Your lovingkindness is great above the heavens,
And Your truth reaches to the skies.” Psalm 108:3-4.

“Praise the LORD, all nations;
Laud Him, all peoples!
2 For His lovingkindness is great toward us,
And the truth of the LORD is everlasting.
Praise the LORD!” Psalm chapter 117.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | July 16, 2024

“A time to mourn and a time to dance.” – “O LORD of hosts, How blessed is the man who trusts in You!”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Samuel chapter 1.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Samuel%201&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“17 Then David chanted with this lament over Saul and Jonathan his son, 18 and he told them to teach the sons of Judah the song of the bow; behold, it is written in the book of Jashar.

19 “Your beauty, O Israel, is slain on your high places!
How have the mighty fallen!
20 “Tell it not in Gath,
Proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon,
Or the daughters of the Philistines will rejoice,
The daughters of the uncircumcised will exult.
21 “O mountains of Gilboa,
Let not dew or rain be on you, nor fields of offerings;
For there the shield of the mighty was defiled,
The shield of Saul, not anointed with oil.
22 “From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty,
The bow of Jonathan did not turn back,
And the sword of Saul did not return empty.
23 “Saul and Jonathan, beloved and pleasant in their life,
And in their death they were not parted;
They were swifter than eagles,
They were stronger than lions.
24 “O daughters of Israel, weep over Saul,
Who clothed you luxuriously in scarlet,
Who put ornaments of gold on your apparel.
25 “How have the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle!
Jonathan is slain on your high places.
26 “I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan;
You have been very pleasant to me.
Your love to me was more wonderful
Than the love of women.
27 “How have the mighty fallen,
And the weapons of war perished!” 2 Samuel 1:17-27.

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Even though Saul repeatedly tried to kill David and so pursued David causing David such suffering of fear, fleeing, and hiding in the wilderness and caves for so long, and even though the death of Saul resulted in the end of that suffering and would also lead to the joy of David being king over Israel, David did not rejoice in the death of Saul.  Instead, David lamented over the death of Saul and Jonathan, and David praised them.

Today’s Scripture leads us to meditate on the providence of the LORD.

Consider the following from the Belgic Confession.

Article 13: Of Divine Providence.

We believe that the same God, after he had created all things, did not forsake them, or give them up to fortune or chance, but that he rules and governs them according to his holy will, so that nothing happens in this world without his appointment: nevertheless, God neither is the author of, nor can be charged with, the sins which are committed. For his power and goodness are so great and incomprehensible, that he orders and executes his work in the most excellent and just manner, even then, when devils and wicked men act unjustly. And, as to what he doth surpassing human understanding, we will not curiously inquire into, farther than our capacity will admit of; but with the greatest humility and reverence adore the righteous judgments of God, which are hid from us, contenting ourselves that we are disciples of Christ, to learn only those things which he has revealed to us in his Word, without transgressing these limits. This doctrine affords us unspeakable consolation, since we are taught thereby that nothing can befall us by chance, but by the direction of our most gracious and heavenly Father; who watches over us with a paternal care, keeping all creatures so under his power, that not a hair of our head (for they are all numbered), nor a sparrow, can fall to the ground, without the will of our Father, in whom we do entirely trust; being persuaded, that he so restrains the devil and all our enemies, that without his will and permission, they cannot hurt us. And therefore we reject that damnable error of the Epicureans, who say that God regards nothing, but leaves all things to chance.

Consider the following from the Heidelberg Catechism.

Q. 1. What is thy only comfort in life and death?

A. That I with body and soul, both in life and death, am not my own, but belong unto my faithful Savior Jesus Christ; who, with His precious blood, hath fully satisfied for all my sins, and delivered me from all the power of the devil; and so preserves me that without the will of my heavenly Father, not a hair can fall from my head; yea, that all things must be subservient to my salvation, and therefore, by His Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life, and makes me sincerely willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto Him.

Q. 26.  What believest thou when thou sayest, “I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth”?

A.  That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (who of nothing made heaven and earth, with all that is in them;  who likewise upholds and governs the same by His eternal counsel and providence) is, for the sake of Christ His Son, my God and my Father;  on whom I rely so entirely, that I have no doubt but He will provide me with all things necessary for soul and body;  and further, that He will make whatever evils He sends upon me, in this valley of tears, turn out to my advantage;  for He is able to do it, being Almighty God, and willing, being a faithful Father.

Q. 27.  What dost thou mean by the providence of God?

A.  The almighty and everywhere present power of God, whereby, as it were by His hand, He upholds and governs heaven, earth, and all creatures;  so that herbs and grass, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, meat and drink, health and sickness, riches and poverty, yea, and all things come, not by chance, but by His fatherly hand.

Q. 28.  What advantage is it to us to know that God has created, and by His providence doth still uphold all things?

A.  That we may be patient in adversity;  thankful in prosperity;  and that in all things which may hereafter befall us, we place our firm trust in our faithful God and Father, that nothing shall separate us from His love;  since all creatures are so in His hand, that without His will they cannot so much as move.

“Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:28-31.

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28.

“5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6.

“A time to weep and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn and a time to dance.” Ecclesiastes 3:4.

“11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
The LORD gives grace and glory;
No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.
12 O LORD of hosts,
How blessed is the man who trusts in You!” Psalm 84:11-12.

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