Category: Hiding His Word

Day 148 One-Year Daily Bible Reading – 2 Samuel 13:1-39; John 17:1-26; Psalm 119:81-96; Proverbs 16:6-7

Jesus Prays for Them (and You)
I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. – John 17:9-10

In today’s scripture passages, we read Jesus’ prayer for His disciples, and it is powerful. But it becomes even more powerful when it is made personal. Jesus says in John 17:20 that He is also praying for them that would believe in Him through their word. If you are a believer today, that is YOU! I don’t know about you, but that encourages me, excites me, and gives me life. But at the same time, it places demands on me that I can’t take lightly, nor would I ever want to. We are all given free will, but if you know that Jesus prayed the will of the Father for you, could it be anything less than the greatest of joys to choose Him and His perfect will?

Heavenly Father, Please help me to make the choice today and every day to follow Jesus and His perfect will for me and my life. Help me take all these prayers and live them, and battle when necessary in the spiritual and the physical to know You and make You known. I ask this in Jesus’ precious and holy Name. Amen! Amen!

So What Did Jesus Pray for You and for Me?

That They Might Know Thee
And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. – John 17:3

That They May Be One, As We Are
And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. – John 17:11

That They Might Have My Joy Fulfilled in Themselves
And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. – John 17:13

That Thou Shouldest Keep Them from the Evil
I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. – John 17:14-16

That They Also Might Be Sanctified Through the Truth
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.– John 17:17-19

That They All May be One (in Us)
Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: – John 17:20-21a

That The World May Believe That Thou Has Sent Me
that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: – John 17:21b-22

That They May Be Made Perfect in One
I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. – John 17:23

That They May Behold My Glory
Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. – John 17:24

That the Love Wherewith Thou Hast Loved Me May Be in Them
O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them. – John 17:25-26

And this is LIFE eternal.

______ ‭

No Such Thing Ought to be Done in Israel
And when she had brought them unto him to eat, he took hold of her, and said unto her, Come lie with me, my sister. And she answered him, Nay, my brother, do not force me; for no such thing ought to be done in Israel: do not thou this folly. And I, whither shall I cause my shame to go? and as for thee, thou shalt be as one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, I pray thee, speak unto the king; for he will not withhold me from thee. Howbeit he would not hearken unto her voice: but, being stronger than she, forced her, and lay with her. – 2 Samuel 13:11-14

The Hatred Wherewith He Hated Her was Greater than the Love Wherewith He Had Loved Her
Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her was greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone. And she said unto him, There is no cause: this evil in sending me away is greater than the other that thou didst unto me. But he would not hearken unto her. – 2 Samuel‬ ‭13:15-16‬ ‭

______

All Thy Commandments are Faithful
My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word. Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me? For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes. How many are the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me? The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law. All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me. They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts. Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth. – Psalm 119:81-88

Forever They Word is Settled in Heaven
For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants. Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction. I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me. I am thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts. The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies. I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad. – Psalm 119:89-96

______

By the Fear of the LORD Men Depart from Evil
By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: And by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil. – Proverbs‬ ‭16:6

When A Man’s Ways Please the Lord
When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. – Proverbs 16:7

Day 147 One-Year Daily Bible Reading – 2 Samuel 12:1-31; John 16:1-33; Psalm 119:65-80; Proverbs 16:4-5

The Lord Sent Nathan
And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor. The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds: but the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter. And there came a traveller unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man’s lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him. And David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die: and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity. And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. – 2 Samuel 12:1-7

I Have Sinned Against the LORD
And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die. Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die. And Nathan departed unto his house. And the LORD struck the child that Uriah’s wife bare unto David, and it was very sick. – 2 Samuel‬ ‭12:13-15

David Therefore Besought God for the Child
David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth. And the elders of his house arose, and went to him, to raise him up from the earth: but he would not, neither did he eat bread with them. And it came to pass on the seventh day, that the child died. And the servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead: for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spake unto him, and he would not hearken unto our voice: how will he then vex himself, if we tell him that the child is dead? But when David saw that his servants whispered, David perceived that the child was dead: therefore David said unto his servants, Is the child dead? – 2 Samuel‬ ‭12:15-18

Who Can Tell Whether GOD will be Gracious to Me
And they said, He is dead. Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the LORD, and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat. Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread. And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live? But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me. – 2 Samuel‬ ‭12:19-23‬

David Comforted His Wife
And David comforted Bath-sheba his wife, and went in unto her, and lay with her: and she bare a son, and he called his name Solomon: and the LORD loved him. And he sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet; and he called his name Jedidiah, because of the LORD. – 2 Samuel 12:24-25

______

That Ye Should Not Be Offended
These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you. But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou? But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart. Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they believe not on me; of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. – John‬ ‭16:1-11‬ ‭

I Have Many Things to Say Unto You, But Ye Cannot Bear Them Now
I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father. – John‬ ‭16:12-16‬ ‭

A Little While and a Little While
Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father? They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith. Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me? Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you. And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. – John‬ ‭16:17-24‬ ‭

The Time Cometh When I Shall No More Speak Unto You in Proverbs
These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father. At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: for the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father. His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb. Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God. Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe? Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. – John‬ ‭16:25-33‬ ‭

______

That I Might Learn Thy Statutes
Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word. Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments. Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word. Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes. The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart. Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law. It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver. – Psalm 119:65-72

Because I have Hoped in Thy Word
Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments. They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word. I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me. Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant. Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight. Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts. Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies. Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed. – Psalm 119:73-80

______

He Shall Not Go Unpunished
Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished. – Proverbs 16:5 KJV

Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; Though they join forces, none will go unpunished. – Proverbs 16:5 NKJV

Pride – a high or inordinate opinion of one’s own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing, conduct, etc.

Abomination – a vile, shameful, or detestable action, condition, habit

Like David, the evil we commit will not go unpunished.

Day 146 One-Year Bible Reading – 2 Samuel 9:1–11:27; John 15:1-27; Psalm 119:49-64; Proverbs 16:1-3

______

Clean Through the Word
I [Jesus] am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.- John 15:1-8

The Word of God cleans us up. It brings conviction, which leads to confession, which leads to repentance, which leads to life.

Continue Ye in My Love
As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. – John‬ ‭15:9-10‬‬‬

That My Joy May Remain in You
These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. – John‬ ‭15:11-16‬

That Ye Love One Another
These things I command you, that ye love one another. If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his Lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep your’s also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin. He that hateth me hateth my Father also. If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father. But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause. But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: and ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning. – John‬ ‭15:17-27

______

The Thing That David had Done Displeased the Lord
And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem. And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king’s house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon. And David sent and inquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bath-sheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite? And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house. And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and said, I am with child.– 2 Samuel 11:1-5

And when the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she mourned for her husband. And when the mourning was past, David sent and fetched her to his house, and she became his wife, and bare him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD. – 2 Samuel 11:26-27

It was time for the kings to go forth to battle. David sent him men and his servants but didn’t go himself. Had he been in battle, he would not have been on his rooftop as Bathsheba was bathing. But David was, and he was tempted. Right there, he had the opportunity to resist, but instead, he gave in to the temptation and asked about her. His messenger told David she was Uriah’s wife. Right there again, he had the opportunity to resist the temptation, but again he gave in to it and sent for her and laid with her. Bathsheba became pregnant. Sin exposed, but then David tried to cover it up and in the end had Uriah killed, took her as his wife, and she gave David a son. Maybe it seemed to David the plans had worked out, but God knew, and the passage says the thing that David did displeased Him. How often are we just like David?

______

Thou Hast Caused Me to Hope
Remember the word unto thy servant, Upon which thou hast caused me to hope. This is my comfort in my affliction: For thy word hath quickened me. The proud have had me greatly in derision: Yet have I not declined from thy law. I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; And have comforted myself. Horror hath taken hold upon me Because of the wicked that forsake thy law. Thy statutes have been my songs In the house of my pilgrimage. I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law. This I had, because I kept thy precepts. – Psalm‬ ‭119:49-56‬

Thou Art My Portion, O LORD
Thou art my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words. I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: Be merciful unto me according to thy word. I thought on my ways, And turned my feet unto thy testimonies. I made haste, and delayed not To keep thy commandments. The bands of the wicked have robbed me: But I have not forgotten thy law. At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee Because of thy righteous judgments. I am a companion of all them That fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts. The earth, O LORD, is full of Thy mercy: Teach me thy statutes. – Psalm‬ ‭119:57-64‬‬‬

______

Commit Thy Works Unto the Lord
Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. – Proverbs 16:3

Had David committed his works to the Lord and done the works the Lord had for him in that hour, he would have been able to cast the temptations of the enemy aside when it was a thought instead of trying to clean up on his own after he fell into the enemy’s trap. We have so much to learn from David.

Help me to heed Your warnings, Father. I ask this in Jesus’ Name. Amen

Day 145 One-Year KJV Bible Reading – 2 Samuel 7:1–8:18; John 14:15-31; Psalm 119:33-48; Proverbs 15:33

______

Shalt Thou Build an House for Me to Dwell In?
And it came to pass, when the king sat in his house, and the LORD had given him rest round about from all his enemies; that the king said unto Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains. And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in thine heart; for the LORD is with thee. And it came to pass that night, that the word of the LORD came unto Nathan, saying, Go and tell my servant David, Thus saith the LORD, Shalt thou build me an house for me to dwell in? – 2 Samuel 7:1-5

The LORD Telleth Thee that He Will Make Thee an House
Whereas I have not dwelt in any house since the time that I brought up the children of Israel out of Egypt, even to this day, but have walked in a tent and in a tabernacle. In all the places wherein I have walked with all the children of Israel spake I a word with any of the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to feed my people Israel, saying, Why build ye not me an house of cedar? Now therefore so shalt thou say unto my servant David, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, from following the sheep, to be ruler over my people, over Israel: and I was with thee whithersoever thou wentest, and have cut off all thine enemies out of thy sight, and have made thee a great name, like unto the name of the great men that are in the earth. Moreover I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more, as beforetime, and as since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the LORD telleth thee that he will make thee an house. – 2 Samuel 7:6-11

David was now king of all of Israel; there is peace throughout the land and neighboring lands; he has built a palace to live in and then turns his focus on building a temple for God. God didn’t want David to build it but told him that his heir would build His temple. David prays a beautiful prayer of gratitude that begins in verse eighteen.

Then Went King David In, and Sat Before the LORD
Then went king David in, and sat before the LORD, and he said, Who am I, O Lord GOD? And what is my house, that thou hast brought me hitherto? – 2 Samuel 7:18

Hitherto – up to this place or to this time

Oh that the “kings” of this day would go in and sit before the Lord!!!

______‬ ‭ ‬‬

If Ye Love Me
If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. – John‬ ‭14:15-21‬ ‬

How Wilt Thou Manifest Thyself Unto Us?
Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me. – John‬ ‭14:22-24‬ ‭ ‬‬

The Comforter, Which is the Holy Ghost Shall Teach You All Things
These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. – John‬ ‭14:25-26‬ ‬

My Peace I Give Unto You
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence. – John‬ ‭14:27-31‬ ‭‬‬

Oh Holy Ghost, my Comforter, whom the Father has sent to me in Jesus’ Name, please teach me all things today. Please bring to remembrance all that has been said in the Word and by the Word. I love You, Father! I love You, Jesus! I love You, Holy Ghost! I love Your Word! Help me to keep Your Words, every last one. Thank You for loving me and giving me so much. It fills my heart with gratitude, and my heart cries as even David did, Who am I, O Lord GOD, that Thou hast brought me hitherto?

______

Quicken Thou Me in Thy Way
Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; And I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight. Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way. Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear. Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good. Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness. – Psalm 119:33-40

My Hands Also Will I Lift Up Unto Thy Commandments
Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word. So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word. And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments. So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever. And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts. I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed. And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved. My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes. – Psalm 119:41-48

______

Before Honour is Humility
The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility. – Proverbs 15:33

Day 144 One-Year KJV Bible Reading – 2 Samuel 4:1–6:23; John 13:31–14:14; Psalm 119:17-32; Proverbs 15:31-32

Abide Among the Wise
The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise. He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. – Proverbs 15:31-32

Reproof – criticism for a fault

______

She Despised Him in Her Heart
And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal Saul’s daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart.

Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, How glorious was the king of Israel today, who uncovered himself today in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself! And David said unto Michal, It was before the LORD, which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel: therefore will I play before the LORD. And I will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in mine own sight: and of the maidservants which thou hast spoken of, of them shall I be had in honour. Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death. – 2 Samuel 6:16, 20-23

We have been told over and over through the books of Samuel not to touch the Lord’s anointed. Here Michal touched (or despised) David in her heart and then rebuked him for dancing before the Lord. The Bible equates a punishment to the things she did in her heart. She had no children! 

______

A New Commandment I Give Unto You
Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him. Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you. A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. – John 13:31-35

The Cock Shall Not Crow, Till Thou Hast Denied Me Thrice
Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards. Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake. Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice. – John‬ ‭13‬:‭36‬-‭38‬ ‭

I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. – John‬ ‭14‬:‭1‬-‭7‬ ‭

He that Believeth
Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.– John 14:8-14

______

My Delight and Counsellors
Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word. Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me. My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times. Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments. Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies. Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes. Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors. – Psalm 119:17-24

So Shall I Talk of Thy Wondrous Works
My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word. I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes. Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works. My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word. Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously. I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me. I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame. I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart. – Psalm 119:25-32

Day 143 One-Year KJV Bible Reading – 2 Samuel 2:12–3:39; John 13:1-30; Psalm 119:1-16; Proverbs 15:29-30

______

The Lord is Far from the Wicked
And the king said unto his servants, Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel? And I am this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah be too hard for me: the LORD shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness.– 2 Samuel 3:38-39

Saul has died and David, while not king of Israel, is king of Judah. Saul’s son Ishbosheth is king of the nation of Israel. Because there are two kings there are issues and conflict. In the passages today we read of some of the conflict. Abner (Saul’s general) killed the brother of Joab (David’s general) during one of the battles that rose up from these conflicts. Abner however did everything he could to stop the pursuit of Joab’s brother so he could avoid killing him. The brother would not heed the warning and so Abner killed him. Once there was peace, David made a covenant with Abner. When Joab heard of it he called for Abner and took revenge by killing him. All eyes turned to David after this tragedy, and David acknowledged and greived for Abner because he was a fallen national hero. And to Joab, David said, the Lord shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness.

______

But He Heareth the Prayer of the Righteous
The LORD is far from the wicked: But he heareth the prayer of the righteous. The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: And a good report maketh the bones fat. – Proverbs‬ ‭15:29-30

______

Jesus Loved Them Unto the End
Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. – John‬ ‭13:1‬ ‭

Ye are Clean, but Not All
And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him; Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; he riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. – John 13:2-7

Happy Are Ye If Ye Do Them
Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. – John 13:8-17

Do we heed the words of Jesus in this passage? Do we humble ourselves to wash the filth from the feet of others? Do we humble ourselves that others can wash the dirt off ours? Whether we take foot washings literally or figuratively it requires a heart that is humble and honest. More often than not, we live pretending to have no filth or we work to hide our filth from everyone. According to Jesus, however, this humble and honest posture is the path toward blessing from God. Only if we release dominance and control and take on servanthood and allow others to serve us also, will we find the blessings and happiness in life that we seek and need. Jesus said, “IF.”

He that Receiveth Whomsoever I Send Receiveth Me
I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me. Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. – John‬ ‭13:18-20‬ ‭

One of You Shall Betray Me
When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake. Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake. He then lying on Jesus’ breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it? Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly. Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him. For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor. He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night. – John‬ ‭13:21-30‬ ‭ ‬‬

______

Blessed are They that seek Him with Thy Whole Heart
Blessed are the undefiled in the way, Who walk in the law of the LORD. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, And that seek him with the whole heart. They also do no iniquity: They walk in his ways. Thou hast commanded us To keep thy precepts diligently. O that my ways were directed To keep thy statutes! Then shall I not be ashamed, When I have respect unto all thy commandments. I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, When I shall have learned thy righteous judgments. I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly. – Psalm‬ ‭119:1-8‬ ‭ ‬‬

That I Might Not Sin Against Thee
Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, That I might not sin against thee. Blessed art thou, O LORD: Teach me thy statutes. With my lips have I declared All the judgments of thy mouth. I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, As much as in all riches. I will meditate in thy precepts, And have respect unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. – Psalm‬ ‭119:9-16‬ ‭ ‬‬

Please help me today, Father, to hide Your Words in my heart so that I might not sin against You!!! In Jesus Name I ask this. Amen!

Day 142 One-Year KJV Bible Reading – 2 Samuel 1:1–2:11; John 12:20-50; Psalm 118:19-29; Proverbs 15:27-28

______

This is the Lord’s Doing
The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. – Psalm 118:22-24

How many times do we know it is His doing but don’t see it as marvelous? He told us His plans are good, and we know His plans are for our good. How then can we ever see them as anything but marvelous? Is it because we are focused on the refusal and the ones that refused the stone? 

Help me, Lord, to focus instead of You and what You are doing. Please help me to rejoice and be glad in it.

King Over the House of Judah
And it came to pass after this, that David inquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the LORD said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron. So David went up thither, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail Nabal’s wife the Carmelite. And his men that were with him did David bring up, every man with his household: and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron. And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. – 2 Samuel 2:1-4

How many times do we fall into discouragement and disappointment because things that God spoke into our lives and anointed us to do have a timing that we get frustrated with? Sometimes people in the church world think that because there is a learning or growing period, there is not an anointing on a call. But even David had to wait. Even David had to grow into his anointing. Even David had to learn a few things about himself and his own heart, and his God. See, David did not immediately become the king of Israel; one of Saul’s heirs did. But…the Lord told David to go to Hebron, and there he did become king of the house of Judah.

Help us, Lord, to follow Your direction step-by-step, trusting Your Word and rejecting the faithless and fleshly thoughts and ideas that war against Your anointing! Please help me, Father!!!

______

The Hour is Come that the Son of Man Should Be Glorified
And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: the same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus. And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. – John‬ ‭12:20-26‬ ‭

For This Cause
Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. – John 12:27-28

How many times do we ask the Father to save us from the hour when the hour we find ourselves is His cause? 

Help us, Lord! Help me to accept Your cause and not to budge when our soul is troubled, but to realize as we stand firm, we do so for His purpose and His glory. 

This Voice Came Not Because of Me, But for Your Sakes
The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him. Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should die. – John‬ ‭12:29-33‬ ‭

Walk While Ye Have the Light, Lest Darkness Come Upon You
The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man? Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them. – John‬ ‭12:34-36‬ ‭

Though He Did Miracles Before Them, They Believed Not on Him
But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him: That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? And to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; That they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, And be converted, And I should heal them. These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him. – John‬ ‭12:37-41‬ ‭

Many Chief Rulers Believed but They Did Not Confess Him
Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.– John‬ ‭12:42-43‬ ‭

He that Believeth on Me, Believeth on Him that Sent Me
Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak. – John‬ ‭12:44-50‬ ‭

______

Study to Answer
The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things. – Proverbs 15:28

The heart of the righteous thinks carefully about how to answer [in a wise and appropriate and timely way], But the [babbling] mouth of the wicked pours out malevolent things. – Proverbs 15:28 AMP

How many times do we say something in haste and wish we would have waited and thought through our words a little more? How many times do we say something in haste and get irritated because people question our words or don’t accept them as quickly as we throw them out there? 

Help us, Lord! Please help me!!!

Day 141 One-Year KJV Bible Reading – 1 Samuel 29:1–31:13; John 11:55–12:19; Psalm 118:1-18; Proverbs 15:24-26

______

I Shall Declare the Works of the LORD
I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD. The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death. – Psalm 118:17-18

______

But David Encouraged Himself in the Lord His God
And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire; and had taken the women captives, that were therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried them away, and went on their way. So David and his men came to the city, and, behold, it was burned with fire; and their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, were taken captives. Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep. And David’s two wives were taken captives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite. And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. – 1 Samuel 30:1-6

The Philistines were going to battle with the Israelites, and David and his men marched with them, but before the war began, they were sent away because the commanders were afraid that once they got into battle, David would turn against them. So, David and his men went back to Ziklag, only to find that the Amalekites had burned their town and taken everything and everyone captive. David’s wives were taken captive, and they all wept until they couldn’t weep any more. Then David asked the Lord if he should pursue them, and the Lord said, “Pursue.” David and a portion of his men went and just as God said they would, they recovered all.

Saul Took a Sword, and Fell Upon It
Then said Saul unto his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it. And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise upon his sword, and died with him. So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armourbearer, and all his men, that same day together.– 1 Samuel 31:4-6

While David was recovering all the Amalekites had taken, the Philistine’s battle began, and they crushed Israel. Saul’s sons (including Jonathan) were killed, Saul and his armourbearer had killed themselves, and the Israelite army fled.

______

What Think Ye, that He Will Not Come to the Feast?
And the Jews’ passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves. Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast? Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were, he should shew it, that they might take him. – John‬ ‭11:55-57‬ ‭

Then Took Mary Spikenard and Anointed the Feet of Jesus
Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray him, Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein. Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this. For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always. – John‬ ‭12:1-8‬ ‭

Not For Jesus’ Sake Only
Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus. – John 12:9-11

The Jews came to see Jesus, but also Lazarus since he had been raised from the dead. Because of Lazarus, many believed in Jesus. Their belief in Jesus infuriated the chief priests to the point they wanted to kill not just Jesus but also Lazarus.

As in those days, when we believe and follow Jesus, there will be those people that will come against us to the point of wanting to destroy us. Looking from a distance, these are the people you would think would be happy and supportive, but looking closer, they are threatened by what the Lord has done for you! Your passion and praise shake up their world.

Heavenly Father, help us to support those You save and then place among us genuinely. Help us to be an encouragement and a support as they grow and as You use them. Help us to build them up as others have built us up so that they too can build others up. Show us the areas we need to surrender to You. In Jesus Name. Amen!!!

These Things Understood Not His Disciples at the First
On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord. And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written, Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt. These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him. The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record. For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle. The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him. – John‬ ‭12:12-19‬ ‭

______

The House of the Proud
The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow. – Proverbs 15:26

Day 140 One-Year KJV Bible Reading – 1 Samuel 26:1–28:25; John 11:1-54; Psalm 117:1-2; Proverbs 15:22-23

______

A Word in Due Season
A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it! – Proverbs 15:23

Thank You, Father for this Word spoken to me today, at just the right time, Your Word in due season!!! How very good it is!!!

______

Guiltless?
Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not smite him the second time. And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD’s anointed, and be guiltless? David said furthermore, As the LORD liveth, the LORD shall smite him; or his day shall come to die; or he shall descend into battle, and perish. The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD’s anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go. So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul’s bolster; and they gat them away, and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither awaked: for they were all asleep; because a deep sleep from the LORD was fallen upon them. – 1 Samuel 26:8-12

Now therefore, I pray thee, let my lord the king hear the words of his servant. If the LORD have stirred thee up against me, let him accept an offering: but if they be the children of men, cursed be they before the LORD; for they have driven me out this day from abiding in the inheritance of the LORD, saying, Go, serve other gods. Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth before the face of the LORD: for the king of Israel is come out to seek a flea, as when one doth hunt a partridge in the mountains. – 1 Samuel 26:19-20

Well, here we are again. God is reminding me again today that if I do stretch forth my hand against the Lord’s anointed, there is a price to pay. It is a sin. 

Here, King Saul can’t get over his insecurities regarding David.

King Saul teaches us many valuable lessons regarding the destruction that jealousy and harboring insecurity bring as we go through our own lives. King Saul went to great lengths, even seeking a medium to help him and advise him in the battle he has fueled with David.

David teaches us how to deal with someone whose jealousy sets us up as their rival and enemy. Pray! Give it to God! Don’t retaliate against the other party…as they are anointed by God (as are you).

David did not touch the Lord’s anointed. He valued and protected Saul’s life more than Saul protected his own life.

Saul did touch the Lord’s anointed. Saul’s choices led to his death and reminds me of a passage in James:

but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. – James 1:14-15

Choose you this day who you will serve when it comes to this…and eventually, we all have this in our lives. We will be the one dealing with a jealous rival, or we will be the jealous rival. Both have their instructions straight from the Father, from His Holy Word!

Father, I come before You today as humbly as I can and confess that I see this passage being played out in my own life. Lord, I thank You for instruction, warning, and correction that help me make the right choices that my heart may be guiltless. Help me as I walk this path to keep my hands and my heart from ever coming against any of Your anointed ones. I pray God for those who see me as a rival. Show me my part in fueling this. Show me what I can do according to Your will. Soften hearts God that we would be drawn together by love and honor and covenant. Show how we are better working together than what seems against. I thank You for exposing the schemes of the enemy through Your Word and I pray that his schemes would be destroyed this day and every day and that the plans and purposes You have established will come forth mightily. I ask this in the precious Name of Jesus. Amen! Amen!

______

A Certain Man was Sick Named Lazarus
Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.) Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. – John‬ ‭11:1-5‬ ‭

I Go, that I Many Awake Him Out of Sleep
When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was. Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judæa again. His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again? Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him. These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. – John‬ ‭11:6-11‬ ‭

Lazarus is Dead and I am Glad for Your Sakes that I was not There
Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him. Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him. Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already. Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off: and many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. – John‬ ‭11:12-19‬ ‭

Thy Brother Shall Rise Again
Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house. Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee. As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him. Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him. The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there. – John‬ ‭11:20-31‬ ‭

Jesus Wept
Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, and said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept. Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him! And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died? – John‬ ‭11:32-37‬ ‭

Lazarus Come Forth
Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him. But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done. – John‬ ‭11:38-46‬

They Took Counsel Together for to Put Him to Death
Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation. And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; and not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death. Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples. – John‬ ‭11:47-54‬ ‭

______

His Merciful Kindness is Great
O Praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD. – Psalm 117:1-2

Day 139 One-Year KJV Bible Reading – 1 Samuel 24:1–25:44; John 10:22-42; Psalm 116:1-19; Proverbs 15:20-21

______

I Will Not Put Forth My Hand Against the Lord’s Anointed
And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul’s robe privily. – 1 Samuel 24:4

And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men’s words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt? Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee today into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the LORD’s anointed. – 1 Samuel 24:9-10

As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee. After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea. The LORD therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand. – 1 Samuel 24:13-15

Here we have two men that the Lord has anointed. One follows the Lord and one follows his insecurities. One seeks to kill the one he sees as his rival. One honors because in his heart of heart he loves even the one who seeks his life. The Lord’s anointing does not mean everything always goes as God desires and has planned. How much more could these two men have done had they both honored the anointings of God? How much more could we do? There is enough anointing to go around. King Saul could have been used mightily of God but instead he took the anointing of God and laid it aside to take up insecurities and fear. He bought into the schemes of the enemy. David was anointed to be king and he wasn’t in such a hurry or so insecure about what God had for his life that he would destroy another to get there.

Help us, Lord, to learn the lessons of King Saul and David. Help us, Jesus, to follow You and You alone, knowing that You can use us mightily when we keep our eyes, ears, and hearts on You; when we honor those You have anointed; when we realize we are each one called by God to do a work and so my anointing is not a threat to Yours. Help us not to set ourselves up as rivals today, Father. Lord help me not to fall for the schemes of the enemy in this way. Help me to see when I have, confess it, and repent of it. Help me trust Your plan for my life, realizing that the anointing of others is part of Your plan even for my life as my anointing is a part of theirs. Help us all to LOVE each other today so that honor would come naturally. I ask this all in Jesus’ holy and precious Name. Amen! Amen!

______

Ye Believe Not Because Ye are Not of My Sheep
And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch. Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me. But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one. – John‬ ‭10:22-30‬

He told them plainly. They still didn’t believe.

Many Good Works Have I Shewed from My Father, for Which Do Ye Stone Me?
Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God? If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him. – John‬ ‭10:31-38‬ ‭

All Things John Speak of This Man Were True
Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand, and went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode. And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true. And many believed on him there. – John‬ ‭10:39-42‬

______

I Will Pay My Vows Unto the Lord
What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people. – Psalm 116:12-14

Precious In the Sight of the Lord
Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. – Psalm 116:15

This verse is quoted at funerals and when people are at death’s door. We believe it for the moments of grief but then how often do forget that death is precious when we are face with it again? This is a verse I need to sow into my heart.

______

A Man of Understanding
Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly. – Proverbs 15:21