Tag: History

December 3, 2025

December 3rd, 2025

Wednesday – History

Reading – 1 Kings 2-3

Highlight Verse:

“Some time later two prostitutes came to the king to have an argument settled.”
‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

What’s wrong with this sentence?

Israel had judges in Moses’ time. I can only imagine that they had regional judges in Solomon’s time.

Yet here these two prostitutes brought their case before Solomon.

What’s more, Solomon heard their case and judged wisely and fairly.

He didn’t reject them because of their position in society.

Most politicians today would have refused to even let them in their presence.

But Solomon, in his wisdom, represented God’s presence among the people.

God does not reject anyone from His presence who approaches in humility and respect.

We are the only Jesus some will see.

We should listen to any who approach us regardless of what we think of their lifestyle or position in society.

Perhaps God will use us to bring them His life-giving wisdom.

How has God used you to reach those with whom you would not normally associate?
Has God ever dropped wisdom on you like He did for Solomon in this case?
November 26, 2025

November 26th, 2025

Wednesday – History

Reading – 1 Kings 1

Highlight Verses:

“the king said to them, “Take Solomon and my officials down to Gihon Spring. Solomon is to ride on my own mule. There Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet are to anoint him king over Israel. Blow the ram’s horn and shout, ‘Long live King Solomon!’”
‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭1‬:‭33‬-‭34‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Did you know that King David was not the King of Israel at his death?

While most kings of that era reigned until death, that was because most were killed in battle.

David was different.

He survived Absalom’s coup.

He and his armies were so strong that no one dared fight him anymore.

At the time of today’s passage, he still had a sound mind, but his body was failing him.

He wisely heeded advice and appointed Solomon as king just in time.

While many would have help on to power until their last breath, David wisely kept the well being of Israel in mind, making sure the next king would be the wisest of his sons.

Sometimes we are forced to decide between our pride and God’s mission.

We could hang on to our successful past, refusing to let someone else take over what we spent years building.

But sometimes it is best to hand the reins over to someone who could build on our success to take what we’ve do to the next level.

Have you ever stepped aside to let the next wave or generation of leader take over?

Was it a good or bad experience? Explain.
November 19, 2025

November 19th, 2025

Wednesday – History

Reading – 2 Samuel 23-24

Highlight Verse:

““Take it, my Lord the king, and use it as you wish,” Araunah said to David. “Here are oxen for the burnt offering, and you can use the threshing boards and ox yokes for wood to build a fire on the altar.”
‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭24‬:‭22‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This passage raises two glaring questions for me.

Who is Araunah and why did he act so generously toward David?

The passage points out that he was a Jebusite.

In other words, he was a resident of Jebus, the city on that site before Jerusalem came.

So, he was one of the people who were conquered by the Israelites when they took over the city a couple decades prior. He was a Canaanite.

He was not only allowed to stay but was treated with respect by King David.

Why was he generous?

Some would say it was out of fear of King David. In fact, that was my first impression.

Then I realized that he knew the importance of the sacrifices that needed to be made at his threshing floor.

He was a true believer in God.

He was willing to give whatever was needed to please God.

We all know the story of David saying that he wouldn’t sacrifice that which cost him nothing.

It was his wrongdoing. It had to be his sacrifice to correct it.

Araunah understood and accepted David’s payment.

What is the takeaway from this passage?

I believe Araunah would teach us the importance of sacrificial faith even in the face of great loss.

He would also teach us to be sensitive to the needs of others, even when they are unusual.

Have you ever been faced with the decision to give sacrificially?
Did you go through with it, or did God provide another way?
November 12, 2025

November 12th, 2025

Wednesday – History

Reading – 2 Samuel 21-22

Highlight Verses:

“He sang: “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. He is my refuge, my savior, the one who saves me from violence.”
‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭22‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This Psalm of David is inserted here near the end of his life.

David looked back over his life and saw all the times God stepped in and protected him.

As a warrior king, those times were numerous.

And for that, David gave thanks.

I wouldn’t say I’m near the end of my life but I’ve lived long enough to be thankful for the Lord’s protection and provision.

There was the time at age 14 when I foolishly rode my bike from San Mateo to San Francisco and back, passing through dangerous neighborhoods, a protest at City Hall, and exposure to traffic.

Or the time a semi truck came around a curve in my lane on a narrow two lane highway in the mountains of North Carolina. I firmly believe God guided my little car right into that tiny space next to the guard rail as the truck flew past.

Or when my van’s engine blew up late at night on the Pennsylvania Turnpike as I was moving here to Colorado. God provided everything I needed to complete the move.

These are a tiny sampling of the times when God stepped in and protected and provided for me. I’m sure there were many more I never knew about.

For all of them, I am eternally thankful.

When in your history has God protected or provided for you far beyond normal?
How can we all show our thanks for these instances?
November 5, 2025

November 5th, 2025

Wednesday – History

Reading – 2 Samuel 19-20

Highlight Verse:

“One of Joab’s young men shouted to Amasa’s troops, “If you are for Joab and David, come and follow Joab.””
‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭20‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

We never know his name,

but this young man may have been the biggest factor in David’s complete return to power.

Joab and Abishai had already left in pursuit of the rebellious Sheba.

They apparently didn’t even think of the confusion Amasa’s body would cause.

Our anonymous young hero saw the problem.

He could have said, “Not my problem,” and moved on.

He could have asked an officer what to do.

But to him it was obvious. Those recruited by Amasa would obviously be confused by his corpse on the trail, so he took it upon himself to do the dirty work of moving and covering the body.

While we never learn his name, his deeds will always be remembered.

That’s the ideal that Jesus spoke of in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:3-4).

If we want rewards in heaven for our good deeds, we shouldn’t brag about them here on Earth.

Without mentioning names, what good deeds have you seen done around you?
What are ways that we can remain anonymous while performing good deeds?
November 4, 2025

November 4th, 2025

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Exodus 21-22

Highlight Verse:

“If he does this, his master must present him before God. Then his master must take him to the door or doorpost and publicly pierce his ear with an awl. After that, the slave will serve his master for life.”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭21‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Let’s go straight to the elephant in the room – slavery was legal then.

The rules in this chapter and elsewhere didn’t make slavery right or okay in the eyes of God.

They did represent a huge step toward fairness.

While a slave was obligated to serve their master, men were given freedom in the seventh year.

After that, they were allowed to stay on to stay with their family.

Notice that it was the master who was to pierce the ear of the slave using an awl or large needle on the door post of the house.

That implies an obligation on the master’s part as well.

The slave was obligated to serve the master; the master was obligated to treat the slave fairly and to provide for their needs.

Again, it sounds barbaric by today’s standards but in those days, it gave the slave unprecedented rights.

I see two applications to this passage:
• First, employers and employees are obligated to serve and provide for each other.
• Second, we should always consider the context when we seek God’s intent for a passage.

How do you think employers should treat their employees?
Do you agree or disagree about the context and meaning of this passage? Explain please.
October 22, 2025

October 22nd, 2025

Wednesday – History

Reading – 2 Samuel 15-16

Highlight Verse:

“Then Absalom would say, “You’ve really got a strong case here! It’s too bad the king doesn’t have anyone to hear it.”
‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭15‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I used to be more into politics.

I once backed a candidate who was very honest (a rare bird indeed).

He had some great ideas and would have had a very positive impact on our state as Lieutenant Governor.

His opponent had more money and flooded the state with lies and exaggerations.

Our candidate stayed honest and polite.

Election Day wasn’t that pleasant for us that year.

Absalom reminds me of the opponents of our candidate.

You gotta admit he was intelligent.

But he used that intelligence and persuasive power to win enough support to take over the kingdom through deception.

But the lies were empty, and his intelligence didn’t translate well to running a country.

In the end…, well, let’s save that for another day.

Let’s just say it’s far better to stay honest and to align yourself with honest people.

That doesn’t mean that honest people don’t have tough times. But, in the end, integrity will win out.

When has honesty and integrity helped you succeed?
When have you seen the dishonest come to shame?
October 8, 2025

October 8th, 2025

Wednesday – History

Reading – 2 Samuel 11-12

Highlight Verse:

“Then David confessed to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Nathan replied, “Yes, but the Lord has forgiven you, and you won’t die for this sin.”
‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭12‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This is one of the most painful passages in the Bible.

Here was the greatest king of Israel. One who led his people in righteousness and worship.

And he failed.

Big time.

In multiple ways.

God was gracious enough to send Nathan to call him out in a way that he would understand.

And he repented.

Big time.

And God forgave him.

Big time.

David had his problems.

We all do.

But God saw his heart and gave him the chance to repent and be restored.

He had a tough road to travel with multiple trials, but he repented, was restored, and came back to lead his people in righteousness again.

There are many people in the world today who have fallen into serious sin like David. Like with David, God gives each a chance to repent.

Some do.

If we let them, some of these people can still have a great positive impact on the world.

I’m sure, for me, it would depend on the individual case.

In David’s case, he cried out for a restored, clean heart. He got it.

Here’s where I’d like to hear your honest opinion.

Can you trust someone whom God has restored to impact your life?
How can you tell if they have the heart of God?
Where do you draw the line of trust with those who have failed morally?
October 7, 2025

October 7th, 2025

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Exodus 15

Highlight Verse:

“When Pharaoh’s horses, chariots, and charioteers rushed into the sea, the Lord brought the water crashing down on them. But the people of Israel had walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground!”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭15‬:‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

The debates over the parting of the Red Sea fascinate me.

Detractors claim that since there’s no archeological evidence of an army drowned in the Red Sea or its two major gulfs it must not have happened.

They are also quick to point out the lack of any other reporting of such an event in Egyptian history.

Those who wish to normalize the event say they must have crossed one of the shallow lakes north of the Gulf of Suez.

The truth is:

• The high salt content of the Red Sea and the wave and seismic activity would likely have obliterated or buried any evidence.
– But there have been recent discoveries of unusual coral formations that could suggest a drowned army.
• Ancient Egyptian History tends to omit anything not flattering to the pharaohs. Such a defeat would have been omitted from any official history.
– Other Papyri from the era point to plagues and unrest in Egypt, though the details are sketchy.
• The shallow lake theory simply doesn’t fit with Biblical accounts.

The Biblical account has far more early manuscripts than any other writing from that time which, when atheist bias is removed, gives it far more credence than any other writings of the era.

That said, the miraculous aspect of the Red Sea Crossing fits in well with other Old Testament stories.

God has never been afraid to use miracles to protect His people and provide salvation to the world.

I’m not afraid of believing the Red Sea crossing really happened.

What is your take on whether or not the Old Testament stories literally happened?
If God was capable of doing such miracles then, what do you think He can do today?
October 3, 2025

October 3rd, 2025

Friday – Prophets

Reading – Jeremiah 51-52

Highlight Verse:

“In the thirty-seventh year of the exile of King Jehoiachin of Judah, Evil-merodach ascended to the Babylonian throne. He was kind to Jehoiachin and released him from prison on March 31 of that year.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭52‬:‭31‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The NLT gives this passage the heading of “Hope for Israel’s royal line.”

In reality, it was hope for the entire world.

Matthew 1:12 lists this moment in the lineage of Jesus.

Through his favor to Jehoiachin, the ironically named Evil-merodach paved the way for evil to be defeated by Jesus.

Even though most never saw it, God was at work in the midst of a horrible situation for Israel.

In many ways our situation is similar. Ungodly governments rule many countries.

Despite that, God is still at work bringing his salvation to people in ways they wouldn’t expect?

Where have you seen God at work in unexpected ways in dark situations?
How can we help in those situations?

Tag: History

What’s wrong with this sentence?

He didn’t reject them because of their position in society.

Perhaps God will use us to bring them His life-giving wisdom.

Did you know that King David was not the King of Israel at his death?

He wisely heeded advice and appointed Solomon as king just in time.

But sometimes it is best to hand the reins over to someone who could build on our success to take what we’ve do to the next level.

Who is Araunah and why did he act so generously toward David?

He was willing to give whatever was needed to please God.

And for that, David gave thanks.

For all of them, I am eternally thankful.

We never know his name,

Our anonymous young hero saw the problem.

That’s the ideal that Jesus spoke of in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:3-4).

Let’s go straight to the elephant in the room – slavery was legal then.

Again, it sounds barbaric by today’s standards but in those days, it gave the slave unprecedented rights.

Election Day wasn’t that pleasant for us that year.

But the lies were empty, and his intelligence didn’t translate well to running a country.

Let’s just say it’s far better to stay honest and to align yourself with honest people.

And he failed.

And he repented.

In David’s case, he cried out for a restored, clean heart. He got it.

The debates over the parting of the Red Sea fascinate me.

God has never been afraid to use miracles to protect His people and provide salvation to the world.

I’m not afraid of believing the Red Sea crossing really happened.

In reality, it was hope for the entire world.

Despite that, God is still at work bringing his salvation to people in ways they wouldn’t expect?