“Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me… say to my soul, ‘I am your salvation.’ ” (Psalm 35:1,3)

Our souls need to be reminded of God’s strength and His role as our deliverer.  That is at least one reason that God has provided us with memorials.  The Lord’s Supper weekly reminds the church of Jesus as our Savior (see 1 Cor 11:26 and Acts 20:7), and the gathering of Christians encourages us to remain steadfast in His love (see Heb 10:24-25).  The constant reading of the Scriptures provides us with repeated reminders of our place in the mind of God to stir up our minds (see 2 Pet 3:1), and the many stories and examples of men and women saved by God’s deliverance surround us (see Heb 12:1).

These stories, letters, fellowship, and memorial acts speak to our souls a constant reminder:

“I am your salvation”

May we never forget.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

This Week’s Reading: 2 Samuel 20-24; 1 Kings 1; Psalm 35; Proverbs 4 This year, #Biblebites are looking at lessons from the history of the Old Testament.  Each week reads a section of history with a Psalm to meditate on and a dash of Proverbs to dwell upon.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2024-vision

“He arose and struck the Philistines until his hand was weary and clung to the sword, and the LORD brought about a great victory that day, and the people returned after him only to strip the slain.” (2 Samuel 23:10)

David’s might men are the elite Navy Seals of the Israeli army.  Their heroic war stories are the stuff bards sing songs about.  These men surrounded David, and the LORD used them to bring about great victories.  This particular verse talks about the exploits of Eleazar, one of the three mightiest of David’s soldiers.

There is something to be said about someone who fought until he had no strength left to hold the sword.  Could the same be said about you or me?  Would we be considered the type of people who God could use because we never give up and fight until we have no strength left to wield the blade?  Something to think about.

“In all circumstances, take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one, and take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,” (Ephesians 6:16-17)

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

This Week’s Reading: 2 Samuel 20-24; 1 Kings 1; Psalm 35; Proverbs 4 This year, #Biblebites are looking at lessons from the history of the Old Testament.  Each week reads a section of history with a Psalm to meditate on and a dash of Proverbs to dwell upon.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2024-vision

“He delivered me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me, for they were too strong for me.” (2 Samuel 22:18)

         The idea that God will never give us problems too big for us to handle is false.  Your life will likely be riddled with problems too big for you to handle…  enemies too strong for you and trials too harrowing and overwhelming to handle with your own might and wit.

         And that’s the point.  David wrote the above words as a psalm of God’s deliverance.  David wasn’t strong enough to face his enemies, but he learned to rely on God.  Your life is meant to require faith.  Faith is only found when trust, and reliance is necessary.  If God never let us face problems too big for us, we would never turn to Him as our rock and fortress.

         May your problems be bigger than you, but smaller than your faith.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

This Week’s Reading: 2 Samuel 20-24; 1 Kings 1; Psalm 35; Proverbs 4 This year, #Biblebites are looking at lessons from the history of the Old Testament.  Each week reads a section of history with a Psalm to meditate on and a dash of Proverbs to dwell upon.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2024-vision

“Now the Gibeonites were not of the sons of Israel but of the remnant of the Amorites, and the sons of Israel made a covenant with them, but Saul had sought to kill them in his zeal for the sons of Israel and Judah.” (2 Samuel 21:2)

When Israel made a covenant with the Gibeonites back in the days of Joshua, it was a mistake.  They were rash in their vow and later came to regret it.  They should have consulted the Lord first, but they didn’t, and a peace treaty was made.  It was a covenant poorly made and rashly entered.

Yet, King Saul’s solution of genocide was not a solution.  When we make a vow, we can’t just dissolve it when it becomes uncomfortable or no longer advantageous to us.  God wished they hadn’t made the covenant with the Gibeonites, but when they did, He expected them to honor it.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

This Week’s Reading: 2 Samuel 20-24; 1 Kings 1; Psalm 35; Proverbs 4 This year, #Biblebites are looking at lessons from the history of the Old Testament.  Each week reads a section of history with a Psalm to meditate on and a dash of Proverbs to dwell upon.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2024-vision

“Now a worthless fellow happened to be there whose name was Sheba…” (2 Samuel 20:1)

         The world has always had worthless fellows in it, and they have a way of rearing their heads with criticism and unkindness at the worst times.  Sheba rose up against David at a time when the kingdom was fragile.  He kicked David while he was down.

         Worthless people take advantage of weakness.  People of value bolster the downtrodden.  Sheba saw weakness as an opening for power.  Instead, we should see weakness as an opportunity to mend.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

This Week’s Reading: 2 Samuel 20-24; 1 Kings 1; Psalm 35; Proverbs 4 This year, #Biblebites are looking at lessons from the history of the Old Testament.  Each week reads a section of history with a Psalm to meditate on and a dash of Proverbs to dwell upon.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2024-vision

“In this manner, Absalom dealt with all Israel who came to the king for judgment, so Absalom stole away the hearts of the men of Israel.” (2 Samuel 15:6)

If you read the account of 2 Samuel 15, Absalom knew exactly how to steal the kingdom from David.  He dressed the part, he talked the part, he knew how to flatter, and he knew how to sow the seeds of discord and doubt.  Absalom wasn’t a better man that king David… he was just a better politician.

If you are looking for truth – remember, that liars tell you what you want to hear, but the truth often stings a bit as it hits the ears.  Beware of religious flattery.  Expect truth, reason, and book, chapter, verse from your preacher and church.  If the Bible isn’t being taught with some bite and straight talk… chances are, your ears are being itched.

“For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine, but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts and will turn away their ears from the truth and turn aside unto fables.” (2 Timothy 4:3-4)

This Week’s Reading: 2 Samuel 13-19; Psalm 34; Proverbs 3

This year, #Biblebites are looking at lessons from the history of the Old Testament.  Each week reads a section of history with a Psalm to meditate on and a dash of Proverbs to dwell upon.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2024-vision

“Then Amnon hated her with a very great hatred, for the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her.” (2 Samuel 13:15)

If you have read the story of Amnon’s rape of Tamar in 2 Samuel 13 – you have realized that the Bible tells the dark history of man, not just the positive stuff.  Evil exists, and the scariest part about evil is that it feels justified in its evil.

Amnon felt justified when he violated Tamar because he “loved her” and was “so frustrated… he made himself ill” (2 Sam 13:1-2)  He also felt justified when he hated her afterward.  She had rejected his advances, and he felt justified in his hatred because of it.

At every step, Amnon saw himself as the hero or the victim… but never the perpetrator.

Beware self-justification and pride.  Dark things come from that road.

“For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.” (James 3:16)

This Week’s Reading: 2 Samuel 13-19; Psalm 34; Proverbs 3

This year, #Biblebites are looking at lessons from the history of the Old Testament.  Each week reads a section of history with a Psalm to meditate on and a dash of Proverbs to dwell upon.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2024-vision

“O taste and see that the LORD is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!” (Psalm 34:8)

We can miss out on delicious foods because we never try them.  We turn our noses up and show disdain before we even give them a chance.  Sure, french fries and ice cream are an unusual combination, but don’t knock it until you’ve tried it!

Those who have tried the “taste” of a life guided by God get it – this is how life was meant to be lived.  Sure, it’s hard sometimes, but it’s also transcendently beautiful, full of contentment, and your cup overflows with unexpected blessings.

A life of service to an unseen God? A life of allegiance to an ancient book that most of society laughs at?  Seems like an unusual recipe for joy, but don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it.

This Week’s Reading: 2 Samuel 13-19; Psalm 34; Proverbs 3 This year, #Biblebites are looking at lessons from the history of the Old Testament.  Each week reads a section of history with a Psalm to meditate on and a dash of Proverbs to dwell upon.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2024-vision

“Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways.” (Proverbs 3:31)

The violent man is close to no one.  He seems powerful and it may appear that he has anything he desires because he takes what he wants – but bullies are always alone.

Look closer – the heart of the upright is close to God.  Don’t envy the man of destruction; his life is an internal train wreck.

This Week’s Reading: 2 Samuel 13-19; Psalm 34; Proverbs 3

This year, #Biblebites are looking at lessons from the history of the Old Testament.  Each week reads a section of history with a Psalm to meditate on and a dash of Proverbs to dwell upon.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2024-vision

“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.” (Proverbs 3:27)

When you have an opportunity, you have an obligation.

Paul would later say that we should “owe no man anything, save to love one another” (Romans 13:8).  We should do good because it is what is due.  It is our responsibility to use what we have to help others.

It is the price we pay for our humanity.  Do good when you see it, and ALWAYS try to see it.

This Week’s Reading: 2 Samuel 13-19; Psalm 34; Proverbs 3

This year, #Biblebites are looking at lessons from the history of the Old Testament.  Each week reads a section of history with a Psalm to meditate on and a dash of Proverbs to dwell upon.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2024-vision