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1 Peter 3

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Read 1 Peter 3 – Godly living – It is so different from what human nature wants to do.  

But if you read through verse one – Wives must accept the authority of their husbands – and unwrap what that truly means, you will find the beauty of a new way of living.  You can trust the Lord with all those battles and animosity that might be in your heart as you lead with that gentle quiet spirit that is so beautiful to Jesus.  

And husbands must give honor to his wife… for she is equal(2:7). The world would make you think less than, but that is not how God designed marriage.   When both do as they ought, it is a beautiful marriage.  And each must do their part regardless of the other… no saying, “Well, when he/she…”  

Beyond marriage, Peter instructs that all of us should be of one mind, tender hearted and humble.  He quotes Psalm 34:12-16 when he says, “For the Scriptures say,” (3:10-12).  He reminds once more that suffering for doing good has eternal purpose, and that Jesus led the way in this for ultimate good.  

We end with a mystery.  Did you catch it?  “So he went and preached to the spirits in prison -” speaking of those who died during the flood of Noah.  What was that like?  Have they been waiting all this time?  Was redemption then possible for them?  I like to think so, but none of us will fully know until we get to heaven, if it matters at all then.  I LOVE a good mystery – I love how this draws me into the fullness of 1 Corinthians 13:12 “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face.  Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”  Live right, the best is yet to come!

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1 Peter 2

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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

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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

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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.