2 Samuel 17:23
“Now when Ahithophel saw that his advice was not followed, he saddled a donkey, and arose and went home to his house, to his city. Then he put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died; and he was buried in his father’s tomb.”

It is remarkable how many Biblical phrases have become part of our everyday lives. When a person is diagnosed with a disease that advanced medicine has no hope of curing, it is common for this passage to be quoted. They are told to “put their house in order.” Sadly, Ahithophel made preparations to die, without giving the proper consideration to what he would face after death. Too many still approach life that way. It might be, you have purchased life insurance, set aside a nice little nest egg for your family, and even reconciled with all who were at odds with you…

Psalm 45:11b

“Because He is your Lord, worship Him.”

This is a Messianic Psalm, meaning that it is speaking prophetically of Israel’s coming Messiah. In it, the Psalmist is describing the glory of Jesus, our king, and the beauty of His bride, the church. After describing Jesus as the King of Glory girded with a sword, overthrowing wickedness, ruling in righteousness and reigning in glory, he speaks of the proper response from His people.
“Because He is your Lord, worship Him.”
The word “worship” is a translation of the Hebrew word “shachah”, which means to “bow down before and to give homage to”. It is a word that would be used of a person who was entering the presence of royalty and giving the proper honor. The Psalmist is declaring that the child of God is expected to enter the presence of King Jesus bowing and expressing worship.
Sometimes…

2 Samuel 15:14

“So David said to all his servants who were with him at Jerusalem, ‘Arise, and let us flee, or we shall not escape from Absalom. Make haste to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly and bring disaster upon us, and strike the city with the edge of the sword.’”

Perhaps you have heard someone speak of having their whole life pass before their eyes. In a moment’s time, while facing imminent danger, all they had done, whether good or bad, seems to flash into their mind. David is having a similar experience. His son Absalom has stolen the hearts of the people, mounted a large army to overthrow the king, and steal the kingdom. Instead of remaining in Jerusalem and turning the holy city into a battle ground, David chooses to flee to the wilderness and trust his life and future into the hands of God. As…

Psalms 44:3

“For they did not gain possession of the land by their own sword, nor did their own arm save them; but it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your countenance, because You favored them.”

Even a casual reading of the Old Testament will lead to the conclusion that Israel did not win their battles on their own. When armies are overthrown by the rushing waters of the Red Sea, walls toppled with rams horns, and a shepherd defeats a warrior with a sling and stone, it is clear that the hand of God is behind the victories. There are times when Israel went to battle in their strength, but those are the times of failure, not of triumph. It is hard to forget the Battle of Ai. Joshua sent the troops into battle without first seeking guidance from the Lord, only to…

2 Samuel 14:14
“…God does not take away a life; but He devises means, so that His banished ones are not expelled from Him.”

By killing his brother, Absalom had committed a capital crime. The law required, upon his return to Jerusalem, he be sentenced to death. In addition, he was living as a captive to a foreign king, without the hope of ever being restored. In an attempt to convince David to forgive and restore his wayward son, Absalom, this wise woman from Tekoa speaks of the ways of God. Her words are some of the most beautiful Old Testament expressions of the heart of God for humanity.

We, like Absalom are living under the sentence of death, and held captive by a foreign king. The Bible declares, “. . . all have sinned. . .” Romans 3:23. Empirical evidence supports the Bible’s claim. We have never gone…

2 Samuel 13:1

“After this Absalom the son of David had a lovely sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her.”

“I love you” is one of the most common phrases in any language. It is the heartbeat behind many popular songs, movies or works of literature. It seems a love story is an underlining theme in every movie whether it is designed as an historical piece, a comedy, or even a horror film. The story of Amnon and Tamar reveal that the love story is as ancient as time itself, and  people were as confused then, as they are now as, to what love really is.
We are told Amnon loved Tamar. However, as the details are described, it becomes clear that his feelings for her were anything but love. We read, she was his half sister, making the relationship forbidden, both biblically…

Psalm 42:1-2
“As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.”

This Psalm begins with the Psalmist describing his hunger for more of God. In a beautifully poetic fashion, he compares his desire for God to a deer panting for water. Thirst is one of our most basic drives, second only to the body’s need for oxygen. He is not only stating that he desires more of God in his life, but that he cannot live without Him. Psychologists have made lists of basic human needs for mental and emotional health. These lists often include things like companionship, communication, a good diet, human touch, self acceptance and proper rest. Unfortunately, they often neglect man’s greatest need; our need for God. Paul wrote:

Colossians 2:10 “You are complete in Him, who is the…

2 Samuel 12:22-23

“And he said, ‘While the child was alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, “Who can tell whether the Lord will be gracious to me, that the child may live?” But now he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.'”

David and Bathsheba found themselves face to face with a parent’s worse nightmare. Their child was diagnosed with a terminal illness for which modern medicine had no answer. Like any of us, David was devastated, he would not eat or sleep, and those closest to him began to worry about what he might do to himself. When the sickness reached the end, and the child passed, David’s behaviors changed dramatically; he showered, ate, and worshipped. When questioned about the sudden change, he declared, 

“While the child was alive, I fasted…

2 Samuel 11:2
“Then it happened one evening that David arose from his bed and walked on the roof of the king’s house. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful to behold.”

David is one of the most famous men in history. He was a gifted singer, song writer and musician. By today’s standards, he would be considered a superstar. He was also a war hero, who led armies to great victory. No doubt, in that era, David would experience the same treatment as our most famous athletes. His popularity spread throughout the nation, so much so, that songs were being written about him. After reading of a lifetime of successes, we come to a striking passage where we read,

“. . . it happened one evening. . .”

One evening forever changed the life of David. What a different…

Psalms 40:1-3

“I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth — Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the Lord.”

Without giving us the details, David describes the condition of his life as being in a horrible pit of miry clay. A mire is an area of wet spongy earth, like a bog or marsh. David was saying he was stuck in a very difficult place, and it seemed as though there was no escape. Unfortunately, life can be like that. Even when we are walking with the Lord, we come to times of great difficulties that seem to carry on…