Galatians One

"'The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.' And they praised God because of me."
-----Galatians 1:23-24

Paul's story is amazing. Believing the Christians were an attack on his Jewish heritage, he pursued them by placing them in prison or executing them. When God reveals His amazing power to Paul everything changes.

Here in lies one of the great mysteries of God the Father. He chooses to use us despite the flaws in our past. His use of Paul regardless of what he had done is one of the main reasons we have the gospel in our hearts. God will allow your past experiences to help you become the person you are. The challenge is, like Paul, not letting the mistakes from the past define you and a child of the Living God.

"Dad, help me use my past to help build Your kingdom."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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2 Samuel Twenty-Four

It is important as we end 2nd Samuel to remember that David is prone to making mistakes. Taking a census was a poor leadership choice, that will cost him greatly. Typically, the nation would take a census to enlist troops for preparing for seasons of battle. The nation of Israel was now at peace, so there was no need to build the army up. David's pride over ruled his leadership ability. This is an easy temptation that most people deal with.

David was very much a complete man. Full of victories and defeats. Take him at his weakest moments and he could appear to do nothing right. View him in scope of his achievements and he could appear to do nothing wrong. But his legacy lives on through today. His leadership brought unity to the nation of Israel (a thing they had been struggling with for over 400 years). He brought the focus to God and his protection. And through it all he lives with the endorsement from God as a "man after His own heart."

"Father, help me follow you like David."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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2 Samuel Twenty-Three

Don't breeze through this chapter. It is vital in understanding the story of David.

Community matters. Even for a king.

Here we read of the mighty men that fought behind and beside David in some of his most dangerous and challenging events of his life. These men dealt with death and life, victory and defeat together. They lived in the city gates and hid in caves. Through it all, they did it together. Life is meant to be lived in community with a few people that are willing to do the bad and the good with you.

2 Samuel Twenty-Two

David appears to be coming out of the other side of a storm refreshed and confident in his God. Allowing the battle to be the Lord's he has saved himself from disaster time and again. Most people will tend to think that when they make the choice to allow God to have the battle that this means that there will be no difficulties in life. That is not the case much of the time. God will allow the strains of life to help build our spiritual muscles. This means that over time we will be able to handle more challenges. He has our development and our hearts in mind. He is committed to seeing us through every situation and promises that He will not let us get in over our heads. Take some time today and re-read these words from David to God. Then write your own psalm of praise to Him who has delivered you not only from the enemy, but has delivered you from death.

"Father, thank You for caring."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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2 Samuel Twenty-One

The Gibeonites had suffered at the hands of the last king. Though what happened to them was a travesty, God was still very much working in their lives. As He reveals to David the reason for the nations challenges, He also will bring closure to a people that have suffered great loss.

There is a way to mend bridges that have been tore down. If both parties are willing to see things realistically. What was taken from the Gibeonites was their identity and their place in society. This is not a small thing. David was willing to offer justice. And all though it may be strange in our societal standards, it was what brought healing to both them and the nation of Israel.

Who have you offended in the past that you should try to make amends? Pride can be a dangerous enemy here. It can cause you more trouble than an apology would cost.

"Father, help me see if I have offended anyone."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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2 Samuel Twenty

Sheba's death comes as fast as his entrance into the story. He seems to have some influence with men considering the need for Joab to pursue him. David has to be looking forward to some days of peace here. I wonder if he ever looks back on his night with Bathsheba with regret? He seems to have been on a pretty good run until that night. Life will bring storms and God is always near. This I know as truth.

"Father, You are good."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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2 Samuel Nineteen

Joab's loyalty to David seems to be very strong all though it can be perceived as being something different. He reminds David that it is important to continue to inspire the hearts of the men that continually out their lives on the line for him. Sometimes a challenge from a friend can bring great strength.

"Father, help me be a great friend."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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2 Samuel Eighteen

It is easy to view Absalom through the lense of villian. It seems most tales in the Old Testament are told in story form. This requires to have a villian and a hero. Lately, Absalom has been the enemy for God chosen people. Don't forget, Absalom may have been evil but he was also David's son. David seems to have little to no anger toward his son. Now it's just remorse.

I think it is important to remember that there are times in our relationships when it can be difficult to sort through the challenges of being friends. Some battles you must fight. Other's you need to let them go.

"Father, thank YOU."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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2 Samuel Seventeen

God is protecting David in the midst of the scheming. Verse 14 shows the reason Absalom chooses to go with the weaker of the two plans. Getting the troops assembled, creating the momentum to move an army and actually heading toward a unified vision is not an easy task. Especially when the men you are attacking are known for being the bravest, fiercest and most experienced fighters out there. God's presence is significant in the deliverance of David and his army. If it were not for Him this would certainly be more dangerous times for the king.

God's protection is so important in our lives.
Take a minute and thank Him for His presence and protection in your life.

"Father, You alone are wise."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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2 Samuel Sixteen

David is fleeing. Absalom is scheming. The people are thinking. God is in control. If we were not confident in who is holding all of this together, we may think that the enemy is about to go for the knock out punch. Keep in mind that God (through Nathan) told David that He would bring in the open what David did in the private. God is not shocked by Absalom's actions here with David's concubine.

A major factor to keep in mind is; God depart from Saul, but not the scene. Here, God departs from neither. He has chosen to teach David through the storm. The attack from Shiemi seems to be painful and humiliating. However, David seemed to have an innate ability to know when God was working on his heart.

What does it take for God to get your attention? How loud does He need to be, for you to listen? Can you see Him through the storms that arise in your life?

God has promised us through Jesus that we will never be left stranded or solo in the storm. We just need to make sure that the hope we cling to is God and nothing else.

"Father, thank You for saving me."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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2 Samuel Fifteen

Deception is the number one tool of the enemy. Its damage can leave a path of destruction through all that it ravages. It attacks from the outside-in. As it works its way into our hearts, our perception is eskewed. When the enemy is on the attack, he will take what is true and twist it just enough to get us in trouble, but not enough to make us run.

Absalom is spreading deceit throughout David's kingdom. If we were watching this in movie form, it would be so obvious. Even as we read it, we get the sense that all is not right. But for the people effected, the deception is masked by the illusion of sincerity.

Be watchful for deception's evil sting. It can do great damage.

"Father, help me see."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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2 Samuel Fourteen

Absalom may be in the same city but there is still tension in the kingdom. David's unwillingness to deal with Absalom killing his brother will remain to be a stink in the nostril of David for the rest of his life. Grounding Absalom from the city is really not a logical form of punishment. It seems David just wanted to do the "out of sight, out of mind" form of conflict resolution.

Not dealing with conflict in a constructive way can cause greater challenges down the road. Creating open channels of communication, listening with the intent to understand and being willing to speak your mind with a caring heart are all keys to resolving the challenges we face in relationships. Conflict is necessary at times a relationship to grow. How we handle that conflict will guide just how much the relationship grows.

"Father, help me listen."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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2 Samuel Thirteen

If this isn't a Jerry Springer / Law & Order (Criminal Intent) episode waiting to happen then I don't know what is. Amnon thought that his lust for Tamar was love. After he got what he wanted apparently his eyes were opened to see what was truly there.

The Enemy works this way. He will distort the truth just enough to give us a false reality. He will make the end result seem to be all that our hearts are looking for. Ultimate and instant gratification. As we see here, this is only a mirage.

Our ultimate fulfillment is found only in God. He does not distort reality. He does not use deception as His tool to influence us. He loves us like a father loves His children. He is committed to seeing us through the victories and defeats of life. He loves you. Here that again, HE LOVES YOU.

Now stop everything, take a deep breath and know:

HE LOVES YOU.

"Father, thank You for loving me."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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2 Samuel Twelve

Nathan confronts David about his sin with Bathsheba and the cover up attempt by allowing Urriah to be killed. It seems that he got away with this one. No one of consequence really knows about it. Except God. As Nathan rebukes David there are a few things that are interesting:
God's willingness to give David more if it had not been enough.
God's willingness to bring out in public what David had done in private.
God's willingness to discipline David with the consequences of his sin even though he loved him very much.

"Father help me follow You well today."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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2 Samuel Eleven

It appears the most innocent character of this story has the worst thing happen to him. Urriah on all accounts here seems to be noble, loyal and committed to representing King David well. So why does he die in this chapter? Because David is attempting to cover up an incredibly unwise choice that he made. Sin will usually offer instant gratification. That is why it is so enticing (take Batsheba here, beautiful, attainable and willing). The problem with it is, that sin disguises the future. David's attempt to cover up this choice appears to work. It seems that no one knows what happened (except him, Bathsheba and a few messengers). That is until you get to the last verse of the chapter.

God is aware of David's cover up attempt. We can fool anyone in the world as to the person that we are at our core. Everyone that is except yourself and God. In the next chapter God will speak to David about his crime through the prophet Nathan. David will experience the consequences of his actions. Just like we do. But through it all God's love never changes. He is committed to helping you grow and loves you to much to allow you to sabotage your life.

"Father, thank You for caring about my heart."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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2 Samuel Ten

Speculation can be as deadly as an enemy. We see this happen here with the Ammonites. David is genuinely wanting to show favor to a new king. Hanun's advisers convince him that David is wanting to scout the land for a future invasion. Hanun on an assumption chooses to humiliate David's delegation. This would only bring more trouble than he initially bargained for. Not only is he humiliating the men. He is bringing embarrassment on the nation of Israel. And more importantly leaving David with few options.

Hanun could have spared the lives of his men and the relationship of two neighboring nations if he would have chosen his moves wisely. Assembling the facts before you react is necessary if you wish to avoid greater conflict than what is necessary.

"Father, help me keep a cool head in the mist of conflict."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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2 Samuel Nine

As David shows kindness to Mephibosheth a few things stick out:

1) Honoring your word when it would be easier to ignore your obligation is a measurement of character.

2) Showing kindness when the other person would expect punishment is like a cool breeze in the desert.

3) Helping a less fortunate person is a great way to show the love of the Creator. And most of the time, is a greater way to find fulfillment.

"Father, help me love those You are sending me to."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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2 Samuel Eight

David at this point in his life can be labeled as a success by anyone. Especially, after reading the exploits of chapter eight. As God brought the victory. David continually returned credit and praise to his King. There is something valuable we can learn here.

If the pursuit is stuff. There will never be enough. But, if the pursuit is attached to a legacy greater than just the story of you, then there are not enough storehouses in the land to contain your potential. Especially, when we are talking about the Kingdom of God. We see greater victories and more resources for David here because his desire was simplified: Glorify God by being a leader worth following. Do this and just see what awaits you.

"Father, thank You for being all we need."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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2 Samuel Seven

David wants to show God how much he loves Him by building an elaborate temple for God's presence to dwell in. He tells Nathan about his realization that he is sleeping in a palace while the ark of God is sitting in a tent. David wants to do something special for his God. But God says no. He was not rejecting David. In fact, God will reveal more of his plan here by establishing David's reign for eternity through Jesus Christ. This is far greater than having the plaque on the outside of the temple with your name on it.

When God says 'no' in our lives that is not the ultimate rejection. There is a great possibility that He is preparing something even greater for His children that He loves so much.

"Father, thank You for having great things in store for me."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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2 Samuel Six

"When those who were carrying the ark of the LORD had taken six steps, he sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf."
----- 2 Samuel 6:13

Did you catch the difference between the failure of the first attempt and the success of the second? Here is a hint... it's tucked in verse 13. Did you see it? Israel's fist attempt had to do with a cart. Their second one, some poles. The difference was one was our choice towards convenience. The other was the way God desired.

Two observations:
1. One of the realities of life is that sometimes the "oxen stumble". When this happens we are left in reaction mode that leads us to trouble. If we will stay committed to doing things His way the first time we will see that His plan is better than ours.

2. The cart to me is symbolic of our need for speed. To do things faster and what we interpret as more efficient. Our relationship with God takes time. I believe that the six steps they took is more gratifying because they knew they were taking them in step with their God. Before they were just transporting a heavy box on a cart. Time spent with our creator is everything.

"Father, help me see."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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2 Samuel Five

I have always enjoyed the end of this chapter. The Philistines need to attack Israel before David can establish himself as the leader of the nation. David, as he does many times asks the Lord of the direction that he needs to go. This time God does one better than a simple yes or no. He literally fights the battle for His children. David just comes in and finishes the job.

It is a wonder just how many battles God fights for us without us knowing about it.

"Father, thank You for Your guidance."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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2 Samuel Four

"As surely as the LORD lives, who has delivered me out of all trouble,"
----- 2 Samuel 4:9

David's acknowledgment of God's deliverance should serve as a reminder of His protection. The threat on his life was legitimate. And yet, he allowed God to still have control of the uncertainties of his life. We can take a play from this playbook. God is able and willing to deliver us from all trouble. We have to fight the tendency of taking the reigns and creating more of a mess for ourselves.

"Father, help my trust in You, when troubles arise."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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2 Samuel Three

As Abner dies so does the strength of Saul's family. As the commander of the Israelite army, Abner was loyal to both Saul and his son's. Keeping the royal family strong was his desire. It seems that he gets placed with the 'bad guy' image because David is clearly the 'good guy' here.

There seems to be nobility in Abner's character. He is loyal, capable, and a leader. I think that is why David shows such remorse in his death. This will mark the end of the civil war in Israel. David is about to enter into another amazing chapter in his life. All due to the fact that God is offering this adventure to him. And this new chapter will be far from ordinary.

"Father, thank You for offering us adventure."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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2 Samuel Two

The nation of Israel is in a state of civil war. Abner has positioned an heir to the throne from the house of Saul. The house of Judah has anointed David as their king. Things will get worst before they get better. A house divided against itself can not stand. A few things to keep in mind:

1. God is in control

2. God has chosen the next king

3. The next king will live a legendary life with the endorsement of being a man after God's own heart.

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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2 Samuel One

I first read 1 and 2 Samuel as a senior in high school. It was what I needed. Battle, love, heroes and villain's. It has all the makings of Braveheart and First Knight all wrapped into one. For the longest time I could not understand why David would put to death the Amalekite that brought him the news of Saul's death. It would seem from our perspective that helping Saul die would have shown compassion.

The study notes in my Bible lend some explanation:
Why did David consider it a crime to kill the king, even though Saul was his enemy? David believed that God anointed Saul, and only God could remove him from office. If it became casual or commonplace to assassinate the king, the whole society would become chaotic. It was God's job, not David's, to judge Saul's sins (Leviticus 19:18). We must realize that God has placed rulers in authority over us, and we should respect their positions (Romans 13:1-5).

"Father, help me rely on your protection today."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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1 Samuel Thirty-One

Saul is dead. Some will read this and have relief, believing that he got what was coming to him. Other's will read with confusion, wondering why he would have to die such a brutal death. Like David, Saul was a complete man with assets and liabilities.

It is the tale of two kings. Saul and David will have the same title by the end of their lives. Saul fed the beast of his own human nature. Eventually, it overtook him and he was removed from his leadership. David fed the beast of the Holy Spirit. Though his life was not perfect, we see him continually strive for a deeper relationship with God. Because of this, he lives under the endorsement from God as a man after His heart.

The same applies for us. We have a constant war inside our souls. One leads us to God, the other away from Him. What we have to be aware of, is which beast we choose to feed each day.

"Father, help me follow You today."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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1 Samuel Thirty

"...and David inquired of the LORD, "Shall I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake them?"
"Pursue them," he answered. "You will certainly overtake them and succeed in the rescue.""
----- 1 Samuel 30:8

David and his men come back to Ziklag to discover that their city has been burned to the ground and their wives and children were carried off. After weeping to the point of exhaustion, David needed to plan a course of action. We can find great strength in his first step.

David went to the Lord with his question. I imagine that everything in him wanted to charge the Amalekite's. But, he knew that he would suffer defeat if it was not what God wanted him to do.

So many times in life we react without thinking about the "wise" choice. Because of this, we find ourselves in more bitter arguments relationally, harder hearts emotionally and deeper holes spiritually. Making your first step one that brings God into the equation is always the "wise" choice. After all, His ways can reveal the path of least resistance.

"Father, help me place You first when I am confronted with the desire to have a rash decision."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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1 Samuel Twenty-Nine

Talk about God giving David a way out of this dilema. David's men were skilled in battle, capable warriors. Any nation would be able to use them the go to platoon. But God has plans for David and will not allow him to attack the people that he will eventually lead.

God will get us out of situations that can be damaging to the people we are becoming. What we must do is keep our eyes open and seize the opportunity.

"Father, help me steer clear of the enemy's traps."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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1 Samuel Twenty-Eight

David is coming up on a hard decision. On one hand, he can't endanger his men by refusing to fight with the Philistines. On the other, he can't take lives of people from a land he will eventually lead. This is a decision that God will need to step in and show the way out. (He will, take a peak at the next chapter.)

Saul on the other hand, has no decision. Only a declaration from God. His reign is about to be over. God has chosen another. A man that He endorses, "A man after My own heart." Leadership is a stewardship. Abuse it and God will remove you from yours.

"Father, help me be a leader that glorifies You."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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1 Samuel Twenty-Seven

"David lived in Philistine territory a year and four months."
----- 1 Samuel 27:7

This is a good time to remind you that David is a complete human being. He has assets and liabilities just like everyone. Here we see him in a weak moment. His faith in God's provision appears to not be as strong as in previous chapters. He decides to create some extra space between him and Saul by traveling into the land of the Philistines. If he could have waited just another 16 months. Saul would be dead and he could have saved himself the embarrassment of going to the Philistines for help.

At times when your faith is weak be aware of the decisions you are making. Are you making decisions based on fear? Fear can paralyze your growth. Decisions based on fear can cause more trouble than intended.

BUT, God was not done with David. He is about to enter into an incredible new chapter in his life. When your faith is weak know this, GOD IS NOT DONE WITH YOU EITHER!!!

"Father, help me become stronger for You."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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1 Samuel Twenty-Six

Timing is everything. More accurately, God's timing is everything. The scope we view life through is incredibly limited. David seemed to have an understanding of this concept. This is the second time that David has the opportunity to remove Saul from his leadership. In fact, the men that are with David think they are about to witness a murder. From their perspective, this is a long time coming.

David however, realizes that murdering Saul only hurts his ability to follow God and lead men. We get the sense that he is aware of the danger and wants to do everything within his power to convince Saul to change his mind. But murder is not the option. David seems confident in God's ability to bless and curse. His choice is to wait on God's timing.

"Father, help me be patient and follow Your steps."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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