Author: Brian

Follower of Jesus, Husband, Dad, Grandpa, and Pastor

Forgotten Verses

On By BrianIn Holidays, Hymns1 Comment

Every year we sing numerous Christmas carols from our hymnal at church.  But often our hymnal only has a few select verses included.  So this week I want to feature some forgotten verses from some of our favorite Christmas carols.  Here is the first:

Sinners, wrung with true repentance,
Doomed for guilt to endless pains,
Justice now revokes the sentence,
Mercy calls you; break your chains.
Come and worship, come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn king.

Though an Infant now we view Him,
He shall fill His Father’s throne,
Gather all the nations to Him;
Every knee shall then bow down:
Come and worship, come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn king.

All creation, join in praising
God, the Father, Spirit, Son,
Evermore your voices raising
To th’eternal Three in One.
Come and worship, come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn king.

“Angels From the Realms of Glory”
James Montgomery
Written 1816-1825
As found in the Cyber Hymnal

Reflections on I Samuel 28-31

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

In our passage today we see two men, two battles, and two outcomes.  Observe:

  • Sin and judgment – When God wouldn’t answer him, Saul again took matters into his own hands and sinned by going to a medium. The medium calls up Samuel who delivers the pronouncement of God’s judgment – Saul and his sons will die in the coming battle.  When God doesn’t respond as you want, do you take matters into your hands?
  • Obedience and blessing – David finds that an enemy has taken away his wives. He first turns to God and finds strength in the Lord (30:6).  He then seeks God’s direction and follows it – and rescues his wives.  Where do you turn first in calamity?  Are you following God’s direction?

Reflections on I Samuel 25-27

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

David continues to hide from Saul.  Observe:

  • Responding to evil – David prepares to respond to Nabal’s evil with more evil, but later David responds to Saul’s evil with good again. Why do suppose David responds to Nabal’s evil differently than Saul’s evil?  When is it easier for you to respond to evil with good?  Harder?  Why?
  • Lord’s anointed – Even though Saul had rejected God and God had rejected Saul, David refused to stretch out his hand against Saul because God had made Saul king. God in his providence still determines who will lead our government today – even those who don’t follow God.  Is your attitude toward your leaders like David’s attitude?

I Samuel 25-31: Taking Matters Into Our Own Hands

On By BrianIn OT Studies

(25) How is David tempted to take matters into his own hands?

What reasons does Abigail give for David to not take vengeance?

What further instructions do you find in Romans 12:17-22?

What application do you see for your own life?

(26) How is David tempted to take matters into his own hands?

Why does David refuse?

What principle is this passage teaching us, and what application do you see for your own life?

(27) Do you think David is taking matters into his own hands in this chapter?  Why or why not?

Why are we tempted to take matters into our own hands?

(28, 31) How does Saul take matters into his own hands?  Why?

What do you think he should have done?

What are the results of his actions (see also I Chronicles 10:13-14)?

(29-30) What does David do when he finds out the Amalekites have kidnapped his family (v5-8)?  Then what does he do?

How does God help David recover his family?

How is David in this chapter a good example for us today?

Reflections on I Samuel 22-24

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Saul continues his pursuit of David.  Note:

  • Standing by – Saul in his jealousy orders the execution of God’s priests who had earlier helped David. Saul’s servants refuse to carry out the orders.  So Saul tells a foreigner to kill the priests, and Saul’s servants stand by while this foreigner commits murder.  Do you think Saul’s servants are free from guilt?  Do you stand by when you see injustice?  What do you think you should do?
  • Good for evil – Saul’s heart desire is to kill David (23:20), but when David has a chance to kill Saul, David refrains. What evil has been done to you that you need to repay with good?  How might you do it?  Ask God to help you.