The Home Devo (Page 41)

  DISCUSSION                                              Psalms 73, 77, &78 were probably written by Asaph, a chief musician and composer appointed by King David (1 Chronicles 15:17, 19). In Psalms 78 we see this could be considered a lesson on learning from mistakes made in the past. Throughout the Bible we are reminded of how the children of Israel failed to learn from generations of mistakes.  Verse 37 tells us their hearts were not always tender…

  DISCUSSION                                              Jabez has 2 verses, out of 31,103 verses in the Bible, devoted to him. In chapter 4:9-10 in 1 Chronicles, we are introduced to Jabez as being more honorable than his brothers. His mother named him Jabez because he caused her pain during his birth (Jabez means pain or misery). He lived with that as a constant reminder and that name may have had an unwanted affect in his life…

  DISCUSSION                                                          In Psalms 49 we are reminded that the wealth we gain during our short time in this world stays here when we die. We may receive praise from men and even be thought of highly by many because of the wealth we have attained, but all this leaves us when we die. Ecclesiastes 5:55 tells us that we came into this world naked and that is how…

  DISCUSSION                                           Most of us enjoy reflecting on our previous generations through old photos, through conversations with parents, grandparents and even events recorded by family in Bibles and other records we hold on to. Although most can’t verify much about their genealogy further back than 4 or 5 generations, we are very interested in our generations preceding us, as were the children of Israel. Family records were there for the Israelites…

  DISCUSSION                              Many find out the hard way that success in careers doesn’t necessarily translate to success in personal and family life. David’s life gives us an illustration of that. While his position and stature as the future king grew stronger and stronger, his family life was headed for a lot of trouble. Evidence of that is seen by David having six sons born in Hebron by six different wives, which may be an indication…

  DISCUSSION                                                          In Psalms 128 we see two things God has always called on us to live with in harmony. Do you ever experience tension between your work and your family life? Most people do. Yet ironically work and family are part of Gods plan for us. It is often the two things that we have both the deepest meaning and…

   DISCUSSION                                       David had been severely persecuted by King Saul, who was eaten up with fear that David was out to capture his throne. David had come to the conclusion within his heart that he must go into hiding.  He was in a terrible position. David knew he could eliminate his problem. After all, twice he had an easy opportunity to kill Saul but didn’t. David knew that Saul, even in his maddening jealous…

  DISCUSSION                                                             David is continuously hounded by vicious opponents who really had no grounds for pursuing him. David always had to watch his back. David always puts his faith in the belief that God will take care of him (Psalms 35:9 ….. I will be happy when He saves me.) David talked to God for reassurance, comfort, praise and love. David pleads for Gods justice to save him from his enemies. David knew he…

  DISCUSSION                                              Probably one of the things people want more than anything else from those in authority is to be listened to and respected. Abigail got both from David. He listened to her and respected her. She pointed out to him that he could win that battle with her husband, Nabal, and lose the war because of the loss of many innocent lives in doing so. David thanked her and gave God the…

  DISCUSSION                                            Slander, in Webster’s dictionary is- the utterance of false charges or misrepresentations which defame and damage another’s reputation. One common issue in Psalms 56, 120, 140-142, is the damage, the hurt, the wickedness that comes from an evil tongue. Most of us have been on the receiving end of some type of slanderous remark and know the feeling and threats in makes on you. Are you also on the giving…

  DISCUSSION                                                                        It can be clearly seen in 1Samuel 21-24, that Saul now has a huge problem with David.  He has already attempted to kill him…twice; now he has begun his quest to hunt him down.  David has fled on the advice of his friend Jonathan and is headed out of the city.  He stops by Nob and that is where we meet the priest Ahimelech.  While there,…

  DISCUSSION                                              Now don’t get me wrong, I am sure that Saul had a list of accomplishments a mile long that were good and a blessing to the Lord.  Sadly though, as we continue our study, we seem to only focus on his shortcomings.  Even after the situation with Agag, the King of Amalek, Saul remained King of Israel even though the LORD had already selected David to be his replacement.  Saul knew his…