Author: judyinthesky91

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1 Peter 2

judyinthesky91

Read 1 Peter 2 – YOU are God’s chosen people – now clean it up!  Beloved, recognize the amazingness of who you are in Christ and do everything you can to live up to it – everyday.  

Peter is giving such solid advice to the region, and it is timeless wisdom for us too.  Get rid of all evil behavior – crave spiritual milk – grow into the full experience of Salvation (2:1-2)!  Jesus is our cornerstone and anyone who trusts in Him will not be disgraced (2:6).  Keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very soul(2:11).  Remember, these people were facing persecution and Peter instructs them to submit to it.  

God calls us to do good and represent Him well, even in suffering.  Look to Jesus as your example in 2:22-25.  Live like you are God’s treasure, because you are!  No matter the circumstances, guard against insecurity, pride, fear or anything that would dim the light of Jesus in you.💖

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1 Peter 1

judyinthesky91

Read 1 Peter 1 – May God give you more and more grace and peace. 

Peter is writing to the people of modern day Turkey (Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia 1:1) to comfort and encourage them in a season of persecution.  This letter was written around 63 A.D. – Jesus was crucified in 33 A.D.  It is a mere 30 years later and Christianity is still considered fringe by the masses…. And common people tend to treat non-conformists with hostility, much like today. 

Peter reminds them of their hope due to God’s mercy, Jesus’ resurrection and their Salvation(1:3).  He assures them by their faith, God is protecting them (1:5).  He doesn’t sugar-coat the truth that there will be trials, but encourages them to take joy over the fact that these trials reveal their faith to be genuine and will ultimately result in great praise, glory and honor when Jesus is revealed to the whole world(1:6-7). 

Beloved, read these words, pray for the Holy Spirits lead as you navigate the trials of life in this world.🙏🏻🕊📖🤗📖🕊🙏🏻

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2 Samuel 24

judyinthesky91

Read 2 Samuel 24 – Our last chapter in 2 Samuel!  What a fine accomplishment this is – to know our Lord so much more with the reading of 1&2 Samuel. 

Verse 24:1 put a question on my heart.  God was angry with Israel, so he made David sin against Him by taking a census?  That just doesn’t make sense – it is outside of the Lord’s nature to make a person sin so He can punish.  Upon searching for an answer (thank you, Jesus, that we have access to what your great theologians before us have discovered), it seems the ‘he’ in this verse is referring to Satan and not the LORD, as one might assume without looking deeper.  Ah ha! 

Yes, even Joab questions David on his order to take the census (24:3), and may we all have a few Joab’s in our lives, willing to speak up when we start to go astray!  David’s conscience brings guilt, confession and a plea for forgiveness (24:10). 

The Lord graciously gives David a choice on his consequences: Three years of famine, three months of persecution or three days of severe plague.  David chose plague, trusting the Lord for His mercy (24:14), which He gives, relenting just before Jerusalem (24:15).  

Our book concludes with David building an altar to the Lord, with offerings, and the plague is stopped. 

Even with forgiveness, sin has consequences that humble and sanctify the forgiven sinner.  Remember, God is good all the time, and when life is hard, God is especially good.🙌❤☝️

This is not the end for our David, his story continues in 1 Kings,  which we will get to later.   Tomorrow, we will move to 1 Peter, in the New Testament. To find it, start from the back of your bible, Revelation, and flip up a bit, between James and 1,2,3 John.

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2 Samuel 23

judyinthesky91

Read 2 Samuel 23 – Retirement reflections.   Remember in 2 Samuel 21:15,17, David became exhausted in battle.  Abishai saved him,  and David’s faithful men swore there would be no more battles for King David. Our valiant king was entering a new chapter and perhaps he was thinking about that when he penned these words.  David knows the Lord spoke the words through him (22:2).  He speaks of God saying he ruled in righteousness with fear of the Lord being like the sunrise on a bright,  cloudless morning, the brightness after rain that brings forth grass (23:3-4).  He uses beautiful language in summary on his life,  walking so close to the Lord and leading as truly,  one nation under God(23:1-8).  Then there is a tribute to his fighting men…. those who battled fearlessly alongside him all these years.   What is your perspective on God over your life?  Is Jesus tangible to you? He longs to be.  How about your warriors? Who has walked life’s battles alongside you?🤺☝️

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Psalm 119:49-64

judyinthesky91

Monday! Monday!   Read Psalm 119:49-64 – Memories light the dark seasons.   ‘Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope.  My comfort in suffering is this: your promise preserves my life. ‘ 119:40-50.  Some situations in life are so hopeless, all one can do is look up.   David’s life had many trials and his resolute faith carried him through.  Beloved,  your life has trials too.  Don’t be surprised by them and don’t forget to look up! 

‘I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes. ‘ 119:59.  My friend, your walk with Jesus must be deliberate.   This world will always try to pull you away.  Decide, today, to walk with Jesus. 📖🚶‍♀️🙏🏻🙌🙏🏻🚶‍♂️📖

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2 Samuel 22

judyinthesky91

Read 2 Samuel 22 – Read and rest in David’s psalm – What would your psalm speak of? 

This Psalm is also recorded in Psalm 18.  As far as 2 Samuel goes, this chapter does not seem to fall in chronological order with the others, as Saul died at the end of 1 Samuel.  Yet, reflection is so important in life. 

David reflects on the Lord – who He is and all that He has done for David.  David speaks of times the Lord has rescued him, and he speaks of prophetic things (22:8-16).  He speaks of the Lord’s why – and it is a why we all should hold on to, “He led me to a place of safety; he rescued me because he delights in me.”  (22:20) 

Beloved, we cannot earn God’s love or rescue.  He gives freely because He delights in us!  There are so many powerful, life sustaining verses, spend some time here, beloved.  Your perceptions of the Lord shape how you receive Him, and how you live out your love and faith everyday. ❤🤗☝️🙏🏻☝️🤗❤ 

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2 Samuel 21

judyinthesky91

Read 2 Samuel 21 – The Bible amazes me time and time again.   It all adds up like a divine mathematical equation. 

Today,  David avenges the Gibeonites, but to fully understand why,  we need to jump back to Joshua 9!  The Lord told the Israelites not to make any covenants with the locals, but these Gibeonites tricked them by dressing as if the came from a far off land. Joshua made the treaty for their safety (see Joshua 9:15). 

Saul violated the treaty in his zeal to for Israel and Judah(21:2), and its up to David to right the wrongs.

Vows, oaths,  treaties matter to God, even those made without consulting him.  May we all be wise to be prayerful and prudent with our promises. 

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2 Samuel 19

judyinthesky91

Read 2 Samuel 19 – So many details!  

Joab speaks some harsh truth to David forcing him to lead like a leader. Israel decides to ask David to be their king again (19:10). 

David appoints Amasa army commander over Joab (19:13).  The bible doesn’t say why, but my guess it is over Absalom’s death.

David crosses the Jordan and is greeted warmly.   Shimei in particular is very apologetic (see 2 Sam 16:5-13) as he should be, and David elects to spare his life (19:23).

Ziba’s deceit is corrected when David meets with Mephibosheth, although David only returns half his land. Mephibosheth is just happy to have David back(19:30). 

Our chapter closes with arguments among the tribes…. It is time for some leadership,  King David. And, how is your leadership in your realm? Are you a good steward of your time, relationships and finances? Things can get messy if you don’t lead with intent. 

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2 Samuel 17

judyinthesky91

Read 2 Samuel 17 – “Many are the plans of a persons heart, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail.” Proverbs 19:21 

Ahithrophel presents a military strike against David using just 12,000 men – hit David only, now, while he is weary and discouraged.  He (Ahithrophel) seeks the support of Hushai.  Remember Hushai is a double agent, sent to frustrated and counter Ahithophel’s advice (2 Sam 15:34). 

Hushai stirs up fear, calling David and his men mighty warriors, enraged as a mama bear robbed of her cubs.  He recommends Absalom use the entire army, buying time.  He says Absalom should lead the troops, appealing to his ego.  And that David and his men be annihilated, fanning the flames of power. 

Absalom is sold, stating that Hushai’s plan is better, even though it wasn’t.  Did you catch why in 17:14?  Yes, because the LORD determined to bring disaster on Absalom. 

Hushai warns David, excitement unfolds, and David crosses the Jordan with all his people.  Ahithophel knows what this means, sets his house in order and kills himself.  David arrives at Mahanaim to a warm greeting and provisions. 

Beloved, when life seems utter chaos, God is still in control, causing all things to work for your good and his  glory.

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2 Samuel 20

judyinthesky91

Read 2 Samuel 20 – No sooner is Israel united than Sheba starts a revolt. “So all the men of Israel deserted David and followed Sheba son of Bicri.”(20:2)  

Meanwhile, David is at home, dealing with his defiled concubines.  He couldn’t return to them after Absalom raped them publicly. He placed them in seclusion, providing for their needs, yet condemning them to live out their lives like widows… this unfair fate should serve as an example of how our personal sin often ripples onto the lives of others.  

Back to the Sheba situation. David tells Amasa to mobilize the men and they set out after Sheba. Joab meets up with Amasa, goes in for a brotherly greeting (they were cousins), but instead, plunges a dagger into Amasa, spilling his insides to the ground!  He does this right in the path of the soldiers.  This slows them down, so Joab’s man drags him to the field and covers him, and the men march on after Joab.  

They find Sheba in a town and begin breaking down the city wall.  A wise woman comes on scene, addresses Joab directly and resolves the matter quickly and without harm to the city.  I wish we knew her name.  Her intervention saved so much destruction and bloodshed.  

I read that Sheba can be considered a symbol of our sin.  Bible commentator, John Trapp explains,  “Every man’s breast is a city enclosed. Every sin is a traitor that lurketh within those walls. God calleth for Sheba’s head, neither hath he any quarrel to us for our person, but for our sin. If we love the head of our traitor above the life of our soul, we shall justly perish in the vengeance.”