Sunday, March 1, 2015

A helping Lord

In Psalms 28, the speaker calls out to the Lord for help, anpleads that if He does not answer the speaker will go down to the world of the dead.

He asks that he not be condemned with the wicked, men who are hateful in thought and deed.

He asks that the Lord help and protect him, all who trust in Him.

The Lord is like a sheperd, taking care of His flock forever.

Sunday, February 22, 2015

The news of Absalom's Death

In the book of 2 Samuel, chapter 18, David sent three groups of soldiers out to fight Absalom's Israelites soldiers.  This was an awkward time, for these were brothers fighting against brothers, Israelites against Israelites.

David stayed behind, on orders from one of his commanders.  This was mainly done for his own safety, for he was worth thousands what the soldiers were worth, as he was the king.

Prior to departing, David told them not to harm his son Abasalom.

The fighting was a disaster.  Even though David's men were victorious, tens of thousands of men on both sides were killed.

In the aftermath, Absalom succumbed to an accident, where he head was caught in the branches of a tree.  David's men saw this and killed him.  Joab ordered them not to, but no one would listen to him.  Two men, a slave and a ranking soldier, were sent to give news to King David regarding his son Absalom.

King David wept heavily for his son's death.

Sunday, February 15, 2015

Living under the Lord's roof

Children are protected when they live under their parents' roof.  Children abide by their parents' rule and obey, learning to be productive members of society.

In Psalms 27, the speaker has one request, and that is the live under the Lord's roof, in His own house.

The speaker trusts in the Lord, even if an army of enemies surrounds him.  He asks that, even though others may abandon him, the Lord does not.

Have trust in the Lord, to teach you what He wants you to do.  He will never abandon you.

He will be with you forever.

Sunday, February 8, 2015

Misleading Absalom

In the book of 2 Samuel, chapter 17, Absalom takes advice on what to do next from two men: Ahithophel and Hushai.  He wanted to know how he should proceed in defeating King David.

Ahithophel went first.  He advised to gather a large army and storm the caves, for he was certain that was where David would be.

Hushai, on the other hand, on the strong will of God, said that Ahithophel's advice was not very good and advised to bring together all of the men of Israel and lead them personally into battle.

Absalom went with Hushai's advice.

Then, Hushai went a servant to give King David a message on what was being planned.

King David escaped by crossing the Jordan before Absalom could cross it.

Sunday, February 1, 2015

I am innocent, O Lord

Psalms 26 is known as the prayer of the innocent man.  Or of the good man.

The speaker prays to God for guidance, but also asks God to test and examine him.

"I am innocent, O Lord," he says.

He stays away from evil people and hypocrites, loving the house of the Lord and all of His glory.  He knows he is safe, for he is innocent from the influence of evil and completely trusts in the Lord.

Sunday, January 25, 2015

David's Shameful Leave

In the book of 2 Samuel, chapter 16, King David is on the run.  He has left Jesusalem as Absalom is making his way towards it.

David meets with Ziba, who has brought with him much provisions for David and his men.  David is pleased.

In another town, he meets with Shimei, who curses at David and throws stones at him.  David decides to turn the other way, telling his men that the Lord has advised Shimei to throw these insults and therefore they must take it.

In the meantime, Absalom has arrived in Jerusalem . . .

Sunday, January 18, 2015

Absalom's Deceit

In the book of 2 Samuel, Absalom plots deceit for King David in chapter 15.  He would stand out by the city gates when Israelites would arrive in Jerusalem, he would stop them and ask about their grievances.  Then, he would offer advice and give the perseption that the King David's justice is nowhere to be had.

Over time, the people of Israel turned their loyalty to Absalom.

King David sent Absalom to Hebron.  Along the way, he gathered his followers and plotted his takeover of Jerulsalem and his place as the king.

King David got word of this, and gathered up his own men to flee.  After he left, he gained word that even his closest advisors had turned to Absalom.

David spoke with his friend, Hushai, and sent him back to Jerusalam, to spy and gain the trust of Absalom by opposing the advice by the said advisors.

Saturday, January 17, 2015

Beginning The Day With God - a new devotional ebook available on Amazon

Beginning The Day With God, is a new 30-day devotional ebook available now on Amazon's Kindle Store by E. I. Glass.

This devotional ebook contains 30 days of inspirational tales from her life along with a Biblical Scripture.  Each devotion is designed to be read in just a few minutes, starting each day out on the right foot with God.

If you crave devotionals, be sure to pick up Beginning The Day With God, by E. I. Glass.

Your spirit will thank you for it.

Sunday, January 11, 2015

Absalom returns . . . kind of

In the book of 2 Samuel, chapter 14, Joab decieves David into accepting Absalom's return.

He does this by sending a woman to King David, pleading for his help to save one of her sons.  She tells a story of an argument her sons had, along with her husband, and her husband and one of the sons were killed by the other son.  A number of her relatives demanded that she the one over to them, so they can kill him in the name of justice.

King David took pity on her and said that if anyone threatens her son, to immediately notify him and he would take care of it.

She then asked if he had cared so much for her situation, why would he wrong God's people.  Shen then cleverly asked him why he would not accept his son Absalom back into his palace.  David demanded to know if Joab put her up to this.  She said he did.

He called on Joab and said that son Absalom was welcome back to Jerusalem, but he was not to stay in his palace.  Absalom waited two years in Jerusalem to be able to meet King David, and even asked Joab about it.  When Joab failed to tell him, Absalom ordered his servants to light Joab's fields on fire.  This got Joab's attention for sure.

Joab then took Absalom to King David, where he was welcomed.

Sunday, January 4, 2015

The rape of Tamar

In the book of 2 Samuel, chapter 13, we meet Tamar, one of King David's daughters.

Tamar was not married and one of her brothers, Absalom, was protective over her.  Unbeknownst to her, there was a half-brother of hers named Amnon who was attracted to her.  He was so in love with her that he couldn't think of much else.

So, one day, he devised a scheme to fake an illness and have his servants call on Tamar to help take care of him.  When she did, he told of his love for her.  Love was not replicated.  Amnon was enraged by her display of failed affection that he violently raped her, and afterwards hated her as much as he had once loved her.

King David was furious by this and no longer wanted to speak with him.

Two years later, Absalom invited all of his brothers to his place for a feast.  Amnon became very drunk, and Absalom ordered his servants to kill him.  They did.  King David was distraught by the news, and was even more so when Absalom fled to lands far away.