David's laziness leads to adultery, lying and murder

2 Sam 11-12
AIM: sin compounds with laziness
A) David's sin of avoidance and objectifying "the woman", goes from lies to the murder of many
1-5) sin committed; David not where he's supposed to be
 - he has a habit of taking wives, an attitude
 - we can get where we aren't supposed to be
 - location can impact our intention. We must guard where we go
 - he sees, desires, takes (like Adam and Eve), we still do this today
 - verse 3 David gets a stop sign from God
 - Sin brings on more sin
6-11) David wants Uriah to look like the father with gifts then manipulation
 - Uriah's behavior is another stop sign
 12-13) David's plan C, murder
14-24) Many die at David's plan
25-27) David shrugs, Bathsheba gives birth, God is displeased
 - Psalm 32 shows us David's inner life during this time.
1-2) Joy when your disobedience is forgiven, to live in complete honesty with God
3-4) The guilt of unconfessed sin sickened us, discipline is heavy
5) Relief comes at the moment of confession of "all sins to you AND stopped trying to hide guilt"
6) "Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time"
7) God is my hiding place, protection from trouble, surrounds with songs of victory
8-9) "The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life."
10) Sorrows come to wicked, unfailing love surrounds those who trust in the Lord
11) Rejoice in the Lord all who obey, whose hearts are pure!
 - Phil 4:4-7
Principle: Sin no mater well hidden is always seen by God
Application: What is God thinking about what I'm doing right now?
 - Page 4 of BSF notes, way to guard your heart
Sin is like a boomerang that comes back to haunt us.

B) God's grace through accusation
1-4) Story helps us see ourselves: God want David to see his sin, it's the only way to forgiveness
5-6) It's easy to be outraged against someone else doing our sins
7-10) God anointed, king, saved, gave a home
God wants us under the word when we despise his word we have contempt for him
 - Grace is when we are confronted with our sin
11-13) David confesses sin against God, submission to God's word about sin
 - submissive and responsive to God's word about sin
 - Lev 20:10, adultery brings the death penalty

David lost a son for his sin, another son Jesus, died in our place
The sins of parents do not diminish God's love for the child.

He could have circled around this painful time but didn't he moved forward and did what he supposed to do.
Principle: God's grace alone saves us from the penalty of death and sin

Grace and restoration is available

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David experiences deadly consequence of sin, receives grace to live (2 Samuel 13-18)

AIM: God's grace is greater than all sin
A) Sin’s relational, life consequences – 2 Samuel 13
1-14) Amnon obesses, plots and rapes sister Tamar
 15-22) Amnon hates Tamar for being godly
 23-39) Amnon murdered by half-brother Absalom
Application: Do I rightly count the cost of your sin for yourself and others?

B) Suffering in Faith – 2 Samuel 14:1-16:14
14:1-33) Joab, devises a plan to reconcile Absalom to David
 - No true reconciliation can be experienced without
genuine repentance of sin and forgiveness offered and
received in God’s way
 - Grace never minimizes or makes excuses for sin. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11;
2 Corinthians 5:17
15:1-12) Absalom's lust for power, conspires to steal throne
15:13-16:14) David flees to Jerusalem with Ark, Hushai spies, Shimei cursed David - Abishai wanted to avenge - David prevents it
 - Grace is greater than sin

C. Strength in God – 2 Samuel 16:15-18:33
16:15-17:23) Ahithophel's advises Absalom to lie with David's concubines and murder David
 - What the culture condoned and counsel advised, God’s Word condemned
17:24-18:18) David overcomes army of 20,000, Joab kills Absalom (honored by selfish pillar
18:19-33) David grieves over son's death
 - Sin brings grief, grace brings peace
 - All people are responsible for their own choices to sin.

The progress of grace in our lives:
Messianic prophecy: 2 Samuel 7:8-17; Psalm 16:9-10; 110:1; Matthew 22:41-46; Acts 2:31; 13:35
Prophecy fulfilled: 2 Samuel 12:11-12
Brokenhearted: Psalm 34:18
Not of the world: John 17:15-17
Righteous suffering: Job, 1 Peter 4
Iniquity: Isaiah 53:6; 2 Corinthians 5:21
Forgiveness: 1 John 1:5-10
Thanksgiving and contentment: 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Hebrews 13:5
Renew: Romans 12:1-2
Righteous suffering: 1 Peter 3:13-5:11 

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God shows David who will build his eternal home (2 Samuel 7)

AIM: focusing on God's kingdom brings joy today
2 Samuel 7:1-7; 1 Chronicles 17:1-6; 22:8; 28:3
1-7) Through Nathan God rejected David’s request to build Him a house (because of blood he shed, but his son would be of peace)

2 Samuel 7:8-17; 1 Chronicles 17:7-15; Psalm 89:35-37
Messiah prophecy, David assumes his direct son rather than Jesus?
Application: How has God revealed His plans for your life?
2 Samuel 7:18-24; 1 Chronicles 17:16-22
David praises God for making his plan known, Sovereign Lord, holy, generous

2 Samuel 7:25-29; 1 Chronicles 17:23-27; Psalm 89:19-37
David acknowledges that God's promise is good as done

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Samuel, Saul, and conflicts prepare David for kingship (1 Samuel)

A) Samuel anoints Saul king
Hannah's blessed with Samuel the dedicated prophet of the LORD (1 Samuel 1-3)
Ark captured, people repent and a king is requested (1 Samuel 4-8)
Saul anointed, confirmed, then rejected as king (1 Samuel 9-15)

B) David is prepared for kingship
David chosen by God, brings victory against Goliath (1 Samuel 16-17)
David experiences God's providence and protection with Jonathan (1 Sam 18-20)
David experiences God through righteous friends, deliverance from evil Saul (1 Samuel 21-24)
God works through Abigail, David, Saul, and Philistine home (1 Samuel 25-27, Psalm 37)
Saul commits suicide and David with God restores hope (1 Samuel 28-31)

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Abner's choices bring violence to the beginning of David's kingship (2 Samuel 1-4)

2 Samuel 1-4
AIM: God wants us to view struggles in light of his plan for our lives

A) David finds out Saul and Jonathan are dead, laments
1:1-10) survivor, finished Saul - tells David Saul and Jonathan are dead, crown and bracelet delivered
11-16) David, all tear clothes mourned, kills son of Amalekite for murdering Lords anointed.
17-27) lament, written by David in book of Jashar How have the mighty fallen! Saul and Jonathan
 - David loved Jonathan deeply (26)
Application: What men do I love deeply like a wife? Do they know I love them?

B) David seeks God's wisdom, Abner's wisdom results in conflict and violence
2:1-7) David inquired Lord, goes to Judah, Hebron - men anointed him king, blessing those who buried Saul
8-11) Abner made Ish-bosheth (age 40) king of Gilead, Ashurites, Jezreel, Ephraim, Benjamin, Judah follows David
12-17) 12 from each fight each other and die together.
18-23) Brothers split, refuse treaty died
24-29) Joab, Abishal pursued Abner, Abner speaks, Joab listens and turns away
30-32) End score Joab 19, David 360
Application: Where is God calling me to end a large conflict with wise words?

C) After 2 or 7 year war, Abner moves to David's, resulting in many more deaths and dishonor.
3:1-5) long war house of Saul (weaker), house of David (stronger). David's 6 sons; Amnon from Ahinoam, Jezreelitess, Chileab by Abigail, Absalom by Maacah, Adonija Haggith, Shephatiah Abital, Ithream Eglah
6-11) Abner offended with guilt over concubine, vows to deliver Saul to David
12-16) Abner makes offer to David - it's yours - David agrees if he gets Michal Saul's daughter, from her now husband.
17-19) Abner consults with elders of Israel, David is our king
20-30) Abner given feast, David yet others suspect treason, kill him, David vows revenge
31-39) David comments lamet for Abner, "may LORD repay the evildoer according to his evil"
4:1-4) Ish-bosheth, Saul's son lost courage when Abner died, Jonathan's crippled son Mephilbosheth
5-8) Sons of Rimmon (Beerothite, Rechab, Baanah killed Ish-bosheth, beheaded and brought to David
9-12) David doesn't reward them but kills them for wickedness
Application: What discontent in my life can I view as God seeking my return to him?

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Saul commits suicide and David with God restores hope (1 Samuel 28-31)

1 Samuel 28-30; Psalm 36;1 Samuel 31;1 Chronicles 10;
AIM: Without God, we can do nothing, with God everything is possible.

Saul secretly consulted a medium for help and condemnation is revealed (28)
1-2) Philistines to fight Israel, David serves Achish
3-7) Saul in fear of man, seeks God, without an answer in Sauls way (dream, Urim, prophets)
8-14) Saul seeks Medium to talk with Samuel, medium see a divine being coming up out of the earth
15-19) Samuel says what he said before, Lord "has torn" kingdom out of your hand
 - Prophecy of the future in it's done already speech.
20-25) Saul faints from starvation, woman urges him to eat and he does.

29:1-11) David was released from fighting against Israel.

David and his men defeated the Amalekites and shared the plunder.  (30 with Psalm 36)
30:1-6) David's men see their city destroyed, woman/children taken, want to stone David
 - But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God (v6)
7-10) David consults Lord, goes after them
11-15) 3 days of riding find an Egyptian who tells everything, agrees to bring David to Amalekite
16-20) David 24 hours of slaughter and recovered wives and all their stuff
21-25) David rejects "this is mine" takes a "this is ours" approach
 - Psalm 36:1-4, the sinfulness of wicked, no fear of God, flatter themselves plot evil
26-31)David gives some of the spoil to all the elders and friends
 - Psalm 36:5-12) extend the lovingkindness of God to those around you

Saul took his own life. (31 with 1 Chronicles 10)
31:1-6) Israel falls on Mount Gilboa to Philistines killed Saul's sons: Jonathan, Abinadab, Malchi-shua, Saul falls on his sword, armor bearer does the same
7) the rest of Israel fled, Philistines lived in their cities
8-13) Philistines cut off Saul's head and stripped his weapons - carried "good news" to idols and people, good men found the bodies and buried them.

Chronicles f10:13-14
13 So Saul died for his trespass which he committed against the Lord, because of the word of the Lord which he did not keep; and also because he asked counsel of a medium, making inquiry of it, 14 and did not inquire of the Lord. Therefore He killed him and turned the kingdom to David the son of Jesse.

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God works through Abigail, David, Saul, and Philistine home (1 Samuel 25-27, Psalm 37)

“Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.” – Psalm 54:4

“The Lord makes firm the steps of those who delight in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” – Psalm 37:23-24

The best part of BSF is the first question every week: "how you have seen God’s activity during the week. (How has He provided, answered, comforted, reconciled, guided, etc.?)"
 - It helps us to notice HOW God is at work in our lives. Through people, through circumstances, that prayer is all we have, in ourselves that in spite of circumstance we have joy and peace. In relationships that seemed irreconcilable and in decisions/commitments that put us on the right path he's showing us. What a wonderful year we've had in fellowship with one another.

Big Idea: God’s mercy is greater than all our weakness, weariness and sin.

1 Samuel 25-27; Psalm 37
A) Abigail intervenes between Nabal and David saving many lives
25:1) Samuel died, all Israel gathered mourned, buried at his house Ramah, David arose to wilderness of Paran
2-3) Nabal (harsh/evil/Calebite) in Maon, 3,000 sheep, 1,000 goats in Carmel, Abigail wife intelligent/beautiful
4-8) David sends 10 men to bless him with peace, give an account of blessings bestowed and ask a favor, give
9-17) Nabal didn't know David/Jesse, David/400 come to visit, a worker tells Abigail truth of David's protection
 - 11) Nabal SCORN: "Shall I then take my bread and my water and my meat that I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give it to men whose origin I do not know?”
 - 17) Nabal workers: "he is such a worthless man that no one can speak to him
 - Principle: Respect those whom God has placed in charge
 - Application: I'm like Nabal, Arrogance, stupidity, "unearned wealth", unknown protection from government/police - assuming that my position is and knowledge gives me the right to treat other/unknown people in need poorly. Certainly should know better but go on towards foolish ends.
- Application 2: I'm like David, quick tempter, going to extremes when I feel mistreated. Both sides suffer when the greater more mature person goes to the extreme. Thank God for godly women at home and in the workplace - cooler heads prevail, love covers a multitude of sins.

 - Proverbs 17:27 tells us: “He who has knowledge spares his words.” This means keeping in check a multitude of opinions that could ignite further anger in others. Someone who displays wisdom will think before speaking, and then will share only insights likely to be helpful.

18-22) Abigail 200 loaves, wine, 5 sheep prepared.. loaded on donkeys, workers, David intends to slaughter all Nabal has
 - 21) “Surely in vain I have guarded all that this man has in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that belonged to him; and he has returned me evil for good."
23-25) Abigail takes blame for not intervening sooner, Nabal name = folly
26-31) Abigail blesses David in the name of the LORD with gifts, asks forgiveness, acknowledges David as lord
32-35) David acknowledges LORD who sent Abigail, grants her request.
 - 35) David received from her hand what she had brought him and said to her, “Go up to your house in peace. See, I have listened to you and granted your request.”
Application: Be like Abigail: wise, takes responsibility to save many at great personal risk, leadership - gets others to help her make things right, intervenes between two opposing forces helps them make peace.
36-38) Nabal eating/drinking like a king, Abigal tells what happened, his heart died, 10 days later LORD struck Nabal, he died
39-42) David, "Blessed be the LORD", heard David, brought Nabal's evildoing on himself - took Abigail to be his wife
 - 41) She arose and bowed with her face to the ground and said, “Behold, your maidservant is a maid to wash the feet of my lord’s servants.”
 - Application: be like Abigail, follow the LORD wholeheartedly and help others do the same Lord, wash my feet, Godly relationship enhance spiritual growth (Romans 16), Everyone's choice: sacrilege or coram Deo
43-44) Meanwhile David also marries Ahinoam of Jezreel and Saul regifts Michal to Palti son of Laish, from Gallim.
Psalm 37:1-6) don't worry/envy wrongdoers, trust God and do good, cultivate faithfulness, delight in the LORD, commit your way to HIM - trust in HIM, he will bring forth righteousness/judgment as the light of noonday
7-11) rest in the LORD, wait patiently for Him, stewing over others wicked schemes only leads to evildoing
12-15) wicked plot againt righteous, LORD laughs, He sees, their sword enters their heart
16-20) better little + righteous, than abundance + wicked, LORD sustains, knows = evidence not ashamed in the time of evil
21-22) wicked borrows, doesn't pay back, righteous graciously gives, blessed inherit land, cursed cut off
23-26) STEPS of man established by the LORD, He delights in his way, fails but God has his hand, gracious/lending, descendants are a blessing (footprints in the sand)
27-34) depart from evil and do good, LORD loves justice, righteous speak wisdom/justice, law of God in his heart (Psalm 119:11), his steps don't slip wait for the LORD you will see
35-40) wicked men like big tree gone, man of peace has posterity - salvation of righteous is from the LORD, strength, help, delivers - because they take refuge in HIM.
Application: better to rest in the LORD, trust him as I obey and see his day approaching.

B) David trust LORD, sparing Saul's life a second time
26:1-5) Ziphites tells Saul David hiding, 3,000 searches for him. David, spies where Saul lays
6-12) While Saul and army slept, David and Abishai walk up to Saul and converse about killing him or letting LORD deal with him, steal spear and jug of water.
13-16) David calls the army out for not protecting LORDs annointed
17-20) Saul recognized David's voice, David asks why he pursues him, evil he's done, LORDs will?
21-25) Saul repents, David gives back spear, they make peace blessing eachother
 - 23) The Lord will repay each man for his righteousness and his faithfulness

C) David lives with Philistines under false pretense
27:1-7) David lives with Philistines, Achish at Gath with 600 men and their families, Saul no longer searched for him, 1 year, 4 months in Ziklag, Judah
8-12) David robs and kills Geshurites, Girzites, Amalekites - lies to Achish - says Negev of Judah, Jerahmeelites, Kenites - Achish, believed David is his servant

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David experiences God through righteous friends, deliverance from evil Saul (1 Samuel 21-24)

AIM: David's life marked by confidence in God (guidance and protection)

A) David's flight and Saul's revenge (1 Samuel 21-22)
21:1-9) Saul's rage contrasted with Johnathan's prayer "go in peace" (1 Samuel 20:42), priest helps David with mercy, bread, and sword
 - Principle: God's righteousness, acts of compassion, not coldhearted ritual observance
 - Lies: John 8:44 - Showbread: Exodus 25:23-30; Leviticus 24:5-9
 - Mercy, not sacrifice: Micah 6:8; Matthew 12:1-8, Word as food: Matthew 4:4
10-15) David responds to pressure with fear and lies instead of faith (acts crazy, Achish/Gath/Goliath's hometown)
 - Psalm 34 David praise God for deliverance, promises, and eternal salvation/resurrection
22:1-5) David goes to cave about 400 mighty men join
6-19) Saul kills Ahimelek and family because Doeg, Edomite told about help to David
20-23) Abiathar, son of Ahimelek escapes tells David who blames himself but promises protection
 - Psalm 52, links Doeg informing Saul and David's trust in God's justice

 - David didn't waste time on regrets but focused on the next right thing

B) David seeks the Lord at Keilah through Abiathar (1 Sam 23)

23:1-6) Philistines attack Keilah, David inquires Lord's direction with Abiathar - God promise victory

 - David follows God and wins, as should we 

 - Use of Urim and Thummim in ephod, used as lots or dice with which priest discerned God's will.  Exodus 28:6-13; Exodus 28:30; 

 - Offering ourselves alive, renews our minds and enables us to discern God's perfect will Romans 12:1-2

7-13) Keilah citizens fear Saul, yet David's men are increasingly aware of God's protection

14-23) Saul wants David dead, David receives strength through Jonathon's encouragement

 - Principle: encouragement is easy but its effect is immeasurable.

24-29) Saul pursue David, but turns to fight Philistine

 - Principle: God can relieve oppression through physical rescue or even by the repentance of our enemies

 - Psalm 54: Prayer for deliverance: 1-4) Present power of God to bring peace, 5-5) future promises of God to bring justice

C) Saul in David's hands, is reconciled (1 Sam 24)

24:1-7) Saul enters David's cave, David cuts his robe

 - David, convicted of doing wrong, repents and does the next right thing

 - Application: ask God to help you identify habits of rebellion, receive help only God can give

8-22) David seeks Saul's good rather than harm

Principle: Lovingkindness leads others to repentance

 - The world says, kill him. But God convicts of the righteous way

 - Psalm 57, 142 relate to David's time in the cave

 David's need for God (Psalm 57:1-4), praise is his greatest desire (5-11), pain of abandonment and distress (Psalm 142:1-4), praise for presence and power (5-7)

Applications: 

God is perfectly sufficient for everything - he is our refuge, delivers us when we turn to Him

• Deliverance: Psalms 34:4; 91; Isaiah 43:1-5 

God requires our righteousness

• Joy in trials: James 1:2-4
• Rejection promised: John 15:18-16:4
• Leaders’ mistreatment: Matthew 9:3, 11, 34 

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David experiences God's providence and protection with Jonathan (1 Sam 18-20)

This week's lesson outline is:
A) David's success and Saul's jealousy (18)
18:1-4) Jonathan makes covenant with David, loving him as himself
5-9) David’s victories bring praise from troops, women, angering Saul
10-16) Saul tries to kill David, becomes more fearful as Israel loves David
17-23) Saul tries to give 2 daughters as wives, David humbly refuses
24-30) David kills 200 Philistines as bride price; Saul more fearful as David more successful
Principle: God gives His children power to serve with humility
Application: Where am I misunderstood or wrongly treated and how do I respond? What attitudes can I ask God to change to allow me to serve fully and humbly, even when mistreated?

B) David's security in Saul's pursuit (19)

Principle: God's children can trust Him in suffering
C.   David's support from Jonathan's friendship (20)
       Principle:  God's children should expect opposition and God's care

Aim:  God's people suffer opposition but are surround by God's care

Attribute:  Preserver - No one can take you out of God's hand.  God preserves us as He accomplishes His purpose for us.

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Saul anointed, confirmed, then rejected as king (1 Samuel 9-15)

AIM: Rebellion is the only alternative to obedience to God's voice (1 Samuel 15:22-23)
 - Giving more (Offerings) won't cut it
 - Taking less (Sacrifices) won't either
The message: Do you think all God wants are sacrifices-empty rituals just for show? He wants you to listen to him! Plain listening is the thing, not staging a lavish religious production.

 - Just obey because the alternative is equal to divination\witchcraft
 - Just obey because insubordination/stubbornness/presumption/arrogance equals iniquity (planning of sin) and idolatry (putting someone/something in place of God).

Saul came from humble beginnings and was given everything by God, his downfall was that he didn't listen to God until he couldn't hear his voice anymore. This is a great story contrasting trusting in God versus ourselves and it's consequences.  When we reject the written word of God, we lose the ability to hear the God speak in our hearts. I think a God hardened heart is simply the absence of God, pushed away by the person who chooses rebellion rather than obedience. No offerings or sacrifices can replace simple obedience to God.

Saul was humble (1 Sam 9:21)...Then it happened when he turned his back to leave Samuel, God changed his heart; and all those signs came about on that day. - 1 Samuel 10:9

Don't turn from following the LORD, serve the LORD with all your heart (1 Sam 12:20)
Fear the LORD, serve Him in truth with all your heart; consider great things He has done for you (1 Sam 12:24). Saul is 30 years old and ruled for 40 years (1 Sam 13:1).

 - They wanted a different king than God (1 Sam 12:12-13), so blessings OR curses:
If you will fear the Lord and serve Him, and listen to His voice and not rebel against the command of the Lord, then both you and also the king who reigns over you will follow the Lord your God.
If you will not listen to the voice of the Lord, but rebel against the command of the Lord, then the hand of the Lord will be against you, as it was against your fathers. Even now, take your stand and see this great thing which the Lord will do before your eyes. 1 Samuel 12:14-16

The people were terrified as they followed and fled their king, in a panic Saul attempted what only Samuel (the spiritual leader) could do (1 Sam 13:2-12). Samuel pronounced judgment: "You have acted foolishly; you have not kept the commandment of the Lord your God, which He commanded you (1 Sam 13:13)." Curses were pronounced, yet Saul continued with only a 1/3 of his men, no weapons and a half-baked plan (1 Sam 13:14-14:5).

Meanwhile, Jonathan (Saul's son)  thought "perhaps the LORD will work for us" as he remembered, "the LORD is not restrained to save by many or by few (1 Sam 14:6)". I think God put a plan in his heart and the armor bearer was witness to him "do ALL that is in your heart, and here I am with you according to your desire (1 Sam 14:7)."
 - God uses others to confirm his will in our lives, like John the Baptist and Jesus, like Ananias and Paul
 - Service and spoken encouragement goes from both directions of authority

Jonathan put into a play a plan with defined milestones and success criteria:
 - crossover to men, reveal ourselves. If they say wait, we'll wait. If they say come, we will go up because the LORD has delivered them into our hands. "This shall be the sign to us (1 Sam 14:10)."
 - Jonathan crawled up to them, killed twenty and the earth quaked, causing fear in the camp (1 Sam 14:11-15). Philistines in confusion killing each other, the LORD delivered Israel that day (16-23).
 - When we see God at work, we can go "all in"

Saul speaks a heavy burden of fasting on his people for his own glory (1 Sam 14:24), Jonathan unknowingly defies his father and speaks mutiny against Saul (25-30). They struck Philistines, rushed greedily and ate animals with the blood, Saul built an altar to the Lord to atone for sins (31-35).

Saul's plan starts with himself (1 Sam 14:36), "do whatever seems good to you... Let us draw near to God here."
 - The LORD didn't answer Saul, so he asked others to seek him, escalates to putting someone to death even his own son (1 Sam 14:37- 42). People went along "what-evs".
 - When it came down to killing Jonathan, people protest and rescued Jonathan (43-46).
 - Saul had a family, fought Philistines all his days, rewarded valiant men with staff positions (47-52)

Saul is anointed king, given instructions to completely destroy the enemy of God, yet he spares what he thinks is good (1 Sam 15:1-9). He did this in order to "sacrifice to the LORD your God (1 Sam 15:15)"
 - God "regrets" Saul as king because "he has turned back from following Me and not carried out My commands." Samuel distressed and cried all night to the LORD (1 Sam 15:11).
 - Turned his back is, akin to backsliding (Heb 6:4-6), regret is akin to grieving the Spirit (Eph 4:30), by moving away from Christ
 - Application: Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith (2 Cor 13:5), confess your sin (1 John 1:9), Return and be healed of faithlessness (Jeremiah 3:12,22). Righteous rise when they fall down (Proverbs 24:16). Let me help you back into fellowship (James 5:19) away from temptation (Galatians 6:1). If we confess our sins to one another, the prayers of a righteous man are powerful and effective (James 5:15,16). Pray, and don't lose heart (Luke 18:1).
Saul defends his behavior, then blames the people for his disobedience (1 Sam 15:12-21)
 - Key truth from 1 Samuel 15:22-23: Obeying the voice of the LORD is better than offerings/sacrifice because rebellion is the only alternative.

Saul tries to bargain with Samuel, tearing at him - but Samuel points to the offended party "you have rejected the word of the Lord, and the Lord has rejected you (1 Sam 15:26)." Saul knows he sinned but wants honor before people, that he may worship the LORD your God - again seeking the approval of others, even Samuel - but the result was Saul worshiped the LORD (if even briefly (24-31). Samuel grieved over Saul, LORD regretted that He made Saul king over Israel (32-35).

1 Samuel 9-15
A) Saul was anointed as king of Israel (1 Samuel 9-10)
9:15-20) Lord tells Samuel the day before he met Saul, he'll meet this guy to be anointed as ruler/king
 - God gives specific instructions
21-24) Saul, the smallest tribe, least in Benjamin
9:25-10:8) Samuel anointed Saul with oil, king over Israel (6) Spirit of Lord upon you, prophesy, changed into another man
10:17-19) God didn't think it was a good idea to give them a king, because God is our true king
 - our wants are not always good for us
 - God is our best king because he's the owner of all, good and can be trusted, loves people

B) Saul was confirmed as king (1 Samuel 11-12)
12:6-11) Samuel reminds the people of Moses, Aaron, Jacob, Moab
• How did Samuel cause the people to remember how good God had been to Israel?
• How would life be different if you honestly trusted in Jesus and asked God’s forgiveness?
Principle: God forgives sin.

C) Saul was rejected as king (1 Samuel 13-15)
• How was Jonathan different from his father, Saul?
• How is God calling you to complete obedience today?
Principle: God is serious about our obedience to His Word.

How do I avoid grieving the Holy Spirit?
Three Surprising Ways to Grieve the Holy Spirit

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David chosen by God, brings victory against Goliath (1 Samuel 16-17)

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Sam 16:7
 - We can see the heart via appreciative inquiry
Then David took the Philistine’s head (Goliath) and brought it to Jerusalem, but he put his weapons in his tent. 1 Samuel 17:54
 - Buried head at the place of the skull, Golgotha is Hebrew, Calvary is Greek. 1 Samuel 17:54
Genesis 3:15, Matthew 27:33, Mark 15:22, Luke 23:33, John 19:17

AIM: So the world may know God

A) David chosen by God, anointed by Samuel
16:1) Lord to Samuel, why grieve over Saul, I rejected him, Fill horn oil, go, Jesse I selected a king for Myself
2-3) How? heifer, sacrifice to Lord, invite Jesse, I'll show you anoint whom I designate to you.
4-5) Samuel Bethlehem, elders trembling "Peace?" - "Consecrate yourselves", and Jesse/sons to sacrifice
6-11) Samuel thinks Eliab, Lord rejected him, God sees the heart, Abinadab, Shammah, 7 total - then the youngest 8 (wowza resurrection Sunday)
 - New day
12-13) Ruddy, beautiful eyes, handsome "Lord said Arise, anoint him; for this is he", oil Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David that day forward
 - Principal: God sees the potential of a heart committed to himself and builds bridges for that person

B) Saul's influence diminished
14-15) no Spirit of Lord departed from Saul, evil spirit from the Lord terrorized him
 - 1 Sam 15:23: “For rebellion is as the sin of divination, And insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has also rejected you from being king.”
 - 1 Sam 15:24-26, too late to repent? No, it's never about cheap words
16-23) David plays harp and spirit goes away
 - 1 Sam 15:16-29, because he didn't obey God and (19) "rushed upon the spoil, did what was evil in the sight of the Lord" - obey, not sacrifice (Jer 7:22, 23; Hos 6:6; Matt 12:7; Mark 12:33)

C) Goliath defeated by David
17:1-11) Goliath (9 feet + tall, strong heavy armor). 1 fight, winner takes all, Saul and Israel dismayed/afraid
12-16) forty days went on, Jesse old, some of Davids bros with Saul - David back and forth tending flocks
17-19) Jesse to David, "take food to brothers in battle"
20-23) David did as Jesse commanded, but heard Goliath's words
24-25) Afraid men said Saul will make the one who kills Goliath rich king
26-27) who is this uncircumcised Philistine, taunt the armies fo the living God?
28-30) Eliab angered, accused David of bad work, wicked heart, sloth watching battle - for a question
31-32) Saul heard about David's words, sent for him, David said "I'll go and fight with this Philistine"
33-36) Saul youth, David lion or bear attacked rescued from mouth, fought and killed them by hand
37) uncircumcised Philistine will be like them, since he taunted armies of living God, Saul trust - Lord be with you
38-40) With all the battle gear David couldn't use it, took it off - stick and 5 smooth stones in sheperd's bag, sling in hand approached Philistine
41-47) Philistine thinks David is a joke, birds will eat you. David says(45) I come in the name of Lord of hosts who will deliver you into my hands battle is the Lords birds will eat your armies flesh
48-49) Philistine rose, came near to David - he charged and slung a stone sung in forehead, fell on his face
50-54) David with Goliath sword, cut off his head, Philistines fled Israel plundered their camp, David kept his weapons
55-58) Saul didn't know who David was, son of Jesse, Bethlehemite

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Holy Spirit "filling" is repeated for ministry and testimony to Jesus Christ

BSF gives weekly doctrines that match up with what we're reading. We are in 1 Samuel where we see the Holy Spirit is very active. I always enjoy scriptures being tied together from Old and New, showing greater depth of who God is in light of the good news of Jesus. I've started my new Job this week and closing Christianity 101 series at work on Destiny. I've finished a book by Andy Stanely on Irresistible new (which had good points but goes too far). Praying for the Spirit to fill my day today, that I might be a blessing to those around me. Praying for Seth to find a church home at Grace in the City as their new piano player.

The Holy Spirit is the third member of the Trinity. Wherever the Lord Jesus Christ is being lifted up and glorified and people are coming to Him in true faith, there the Holy Spirit is present and at work (John 15:26; 16:14). Every believer receives the Holy Spirit when he or she believes in Jesus Christ (Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 12:13). In fact, it is the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit that makes belief possible (John 16:7-15). This is the true “baptism with the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:13). By definition it occurs only once. The New Testament, especially the book of Acts, also speaks of a “filling” of the Holy Spirit, which may occur repeatedly (Ephesians 5:18; Acts 2:4 with 4:8 and 4:31). But what marks this “filling” is increased spiritual power in ministry and in faithful, verbal witness to Jesus as the Savior. Testimony follows every reference in Acts to a filling of an individual or group by the Holy Spirit. 

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Joshua divides the land according to God's promises (Joshua 13-21)

Joshua 13:1: Our starting point – God’s call to Joshua to act on His promise and complete the conquest
Joshua 21:43-45: Our destination – God’s promises fulfilled

Between the start and finish, what are the landmarks? The examples of faithful Caleb and Joshua, the only survivors of the previous generation; the western tribes’ inheritance begins and ends with these “bookends.”

• Two examples of faithful women (Joshua 15:13-17; 17:3-4). 
• Two bad examples (Joshua 17:14-18; 18:1-3). 
• Repeated words or themes: God’s promise, inheritance and boundaries. 
• A warning refrain: Failure to possess God’s promise fully endangers the nation. 

13:1) seven years pass, Joshua now 90, Lord says, "still work to be done - get the land"
2-7) God promises to drive them out, commands Joshua distribute land to Israelite tribes
 - God gave power, they're responsible to act in faith to possess all He had promised.
 - God works in, through and for His people as we love and obey Him by faith. (Philippians 2:12-13)
 8-33) Reuben, Gad, 1/2 tribe of Manasseh, Levites taken care of, commanded Love and obey God wholeheartedly (Joshua 22:4,5)
14:6-15) Caleb 85, receives the inheritance he had believed in for 45 years before it happened.
15:1-63) Judah's inheritance
 - 15: 13-19) Caleb's daughters Aksah, Othniel later became Israel's first judge
16:1-17:18) Joseph's inheritance
 - 17:3-16) Zelophehad's daughters boldly stepped out in faith, asked and received
18:1-10) Remaining tribes delay
 - unthankful hearts and shallow faith hide behind excuses
 - Joshua challenged the people to come and recieve what God had promised them
18:11-19-:48) Remaining tribes inheritance
Principle: Even when consequences remain, God delights to bless all who turn to Him in repentance and faith.
 - Southern: Benjamin, Simeon
 - Northern: Zabulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, Dan
* Centuries later, the prophet Isaiah said of Zebulun and Naphtali, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.”40 After many centuries more, the Light of the World41 shone brightly on these areas when the Messiah Jesus lived and taught in Galilee.
19:49-51) Joshua's Inheritance Timnath Serah hill country, Ephraim, Joshua lived for the Lord
20:1-21:42) Including the cities of refuge, the Levites received 48 towns from the 12 tribes:

• Judah and Simeon together – nine towns
• Naphtali – three towns
• The half-tribes of Manasseh – two towns each
• The other tribes – four towns each

 - Priesthood of believers: 1 Peter 2:5, 9; Revelation 1:5-7; 5:10

 - Living sacrifices: Romans 12:1-2; Philippians 2:17; 2 Timothy 4:6

 - Our portion: Psalm 73:25-26

21:43-45) God's unfailing promises 

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We listen to and follow the Lord, He listens to us giving victory (Joshua 10-12)

Conque Conquest of Canaan, Part 1
Joshua 10 - 12

A) Trust the process (Joshua 10:1-10:27)
1-4) Adoni-zedek king Jerusalem, Gibeon made peace w/Israel - plan w/ 4 other kings, against Gibeon
5) five kings of Amorites camped & fought; 1) Jerusalem, 2) Hebron, 3) Jarmuth, 4) Lachish, 5) Eglon
6-7) Gibeon asked Joshua for help, Joshua's warriors went
8-11) Lord said, don't fear them, I've given them to you - Joshua marched all night to them, Lord Confounded them, threw large stones from heaven killing more than Joshua did.
12-13) Joshua spoke to the LORD, "sun stand still -till avenged themselves of enemies" book of Jashar, it did for whole day
 - Natural events in response to our prayers. Saturday 4/14/2018 - huge blizzard to bring Joy and Darren home, many miracles at that time. This gave us 24 hours to pray and prepare to leave Colorado.
14-15) No day like that before/after when LORD listened to voice of man, fought for Israel
 - in that way. but perhaps even greater Nineveh prayed - God answered and didn't destroy (Jonah 3:5-10), a wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign and it's the sign of prophet Johan (Matt 16:4), came to save that which is lost (Matt 18:11)
16-21) five kings hid in cave, Joshua rolled stones against them, pursued the armies and slaughtered them - no one uttered a word against sons of Israel
22-27) Come near put foot on necks of kings
 - The promise from Genesis, fulfilled in Christ and in us (Trample scorpions, don't collect them (Luke 10:19))
 - “Do not fear or be dismayed! Be strong and courageous, for thus the Lord will do to all your enemies with whom you fight.” So afterward Joshua struck them and put them to death,
Principle: Trusting in God’s plan gives us peace and courage

B) Momentum (Joshua 10:28-11)
28-33) Lord gave victory to Joshua captured, struck, destroyed Makkedah (1 day), Libnah/Lachish (2 days) - Horam king of Gezer, Joshua left no survivor.
34-40) Lachish to Eglon to Hebron back to Debir to Negev - left no survivor as Lord, God commanded
41-42) from Kadesh-barnea as far as Gaza from Goshen as far as Gibeon Joshua captured the kings and land because the LORD God fought for Israel. Landed in Gilgal
11:1-5) Northern kings as many as sand on seashore with horse/chariots together at Merom to fight Israel led by:  Jabin of Hazor, Jobab of Madon/Shimron/Achshaph
 - "dragon stood on the sand of the seashore, Then I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads, and on his horns were ten diadems, and on his heads were blasphemous names." - Rev 13:1
 -  Abrahams promise (Gen 22:17), Moses promise (Deuteronomy 1:7), fulfilled in Jesus (Heb 11:12)
6-9) Lord said "don't be afraid tomorrow I will deliver all of them, hamstring horses, burn chariots - so Joshua attacked them, he hamstrung their horses and burned their Chariots
 - God made the promise, Joshua believed and did what the Lord said would be done
 - Application: we are to receive the promise and take action
Never underestimate the power of God’s Word to change a person’s heart
Satan deceives by questioning God's Word, denying it and substituted his own lie
True worship: Living on the exciting edge of miracles

Principle: Spiritual victories is the start of spiritual momentum so build off it.

C) Record (Joshua 12) from BSF Notes:
Chapter 12 reviews the victories God gave as He defeated kings and brought His people into the promised land. The Lord kept His covenant with Israel and His promises established long ago through Moses. “But the LORD your God will deliver them over to you, throwing them into great confusion until they are destroyed. He will give their kings into your hand, and you will wipe out their names from under heaven. No one will be able to stand up against you; you will destroy them.”
Kings destroyed: Deuteronomy 7:23-24

Principle: God sees and knows every individual and their response to Him
Principle: Recording your spiritual victories is honoring and sharing God’s glory.

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Hannah's blessed with Samuel the dedicated prophet of the LORD (1 Samuel 1-3)

AIM: Commitment to the Lord results in blessings, indifference results in curses

Themes (From bsfinternational.org PPL Lesson 7)

• God's gracious prophecy
• Prayer's powerful connection (with God and one another). How clearly do I see, hear and speak of God throughout my day?
• God's Word taken to heart unveils His presence and transforms lives. People may dispute or ignore God's Word but none escapes it's purifying and righteous power.

1 Samuel 1-3
A) Hannah’s Prayer and God’s Gift – 1 Samuel 1:1-2:11
1:1-8) Elkanah and Hannah
9-18) Hannah’s Prayer
19-20) God's Answer
21-23) Elkanah, Hannah's plan for Samuel
24-28) Hannah's commitment
2:1-11) Hannah's Praise
Application: What am I dedicating to the Lord, giving over to Him fully

B) Eli’s Sons and God’s Judgment – 1 Samuel 2:12-36
2:12-17) Eli's Wicked Sons
18-21) Samuel and his family
22-36) God's prophecy of judgment
Application: What sin have I chosen to ignore?

C. Samuel and God’s Prophecy – 1 Samuel 3:1-21
3:1-10) God's call (Here I am, Isaiah 6:8, 1 Sam 3:4,6,8,10)
 - Word from Lord rare in those days 1 Sam 3:1, Ps 74:9; Ezek 7:26; Amos 8:11, 12
11-14) God's message
 - Everything I told Eli about his house, iniquity he knew about, sons curse upon themselves - Eli's indifference (1 Sam 2:27-36)
15-21) God's Word and His prophet
 - God was with him like with Joseph (1 Sam 3:19, Gen 39:2) let none of his words fail/[fall to the ground] (1 Sam 9:6, Matt 18:18)
Application: How will I be persistent in the call of God with his ministers?

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Redemption and the "To Be" list

Redemption: freedom, we are the temple of the Holy Spirit
 - new identity, part of the family
 - redeemer sets the value of the redeemed
Joy from the heart

Redemption validates future hope, eternal life starts now and last forever. I was reading, “To-Do” List or “To-Be” List? that talks about God's part and our part in being the people we want to be, rather than just doing things. Focus on why, in other words, what do we want to BE at the end.
God's part: "...God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. (Phil 2:12-13)"
Our part: "Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. (Ephesians 4:28)"

Bsf has this great doctrine statement we got as part of our Ruth study that reminded me of Jason V: Redemption is a word borrowed from the commercial world of the ancient near east (where slaves were bought and sold) and pressed into biblical service to describe how Jesus has purchased us in the marketplace of sin to set us free from sin’s dreadful bondage. The story of Hosea’s purchase of Gomer in the Old Testament book by his name is a wonderful example of this transaction (Hosea 3:1-2). Peter has the same concept in mind when he writes, “It was not with perishable things such as silver and gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect” (1 Peter 1:18, 19). His point is we have been set free from slavery to sinful ways of life and should therefore live as being Christ’s possession. (See Romans 6:22-23; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Ephesians 1:7.) 

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Naomi sees redemption through Ruth, Boaz, and Obed (Ruth 1-4)

AIM: Godly families bring immeasurable blessing to the world through children

Key verses: 

"Ruth replied...Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God." - Ruth 1:16

"Praise the Lord, who has now provided a redeemer for your family...the son of your daughter-in-law who loves you...she cared for him as if he were her own...Obed. He became the father of Jesse and the grandfather of David." - Ruth 4:13-17

Ruth 1-4
A) Naomi looses everything heads home with Ruth
1:1-2) Judges ruled, famine, Elimelek from Bethlehem/Judah, wife Naomi, 2 sons Mahlon, Kilion to Moab
3-5) Elimelek died, sons married Orpah, Ruth, ten years - sons died
8-13) Naomi, go home daughters, find another husband, Lord's hand against me
14-18) Orpah left, Ruth clung - your my people, your God - my God

B) Naomi pushes Ruth a faithful worker to pursue Boaz
19-22) Ruth/Naomi to Bethlehem - call me Mara Almighty made my life bitter, afflicted me, misfortune
2:1-3) Boaz, clan of Elimelek - Ruth to fields anyone whose eyes I find favor (i.e. Boaz)
4-7) Boaz "Lord be with you" Lord bless you they answered, who's Ruth (Moabite with Naomi)
8-11) My daughter, stay here you'll be cared for because you cared for Naomi,
 - 12) " May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”
13-16) Ruth "favor in your eyes, my lord, kindness", Boaz wine/bread plenty, said let her gather
17-23) Ruth gleaned, threshed until evening, gave left overs, told Naomi "LORD bless him!, kindness to living and dead, guardian-redeemers
3:1-8) Naomi plan, clean up, best clothes, when Boaz is wasted - uncover his feet, he'll direct you, Ruth does it

C) Ruth innocent in desire for guardian-redeemer, Boaz plan ends in LORD's blessing
9) “Who are you?” servant Ruth,” she said. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer of our family.”
10-18) LORD bless you daughter, woman of noble character, stay discreetly, closer relative will redeem, else I will - generous six measures of barley
4:1-4) Boaz, elders and close relative of Elimelek, redeem the land - I'll do it
5-8) includes Ruth Moabit, widow, I can't might endanger my own estate - you redeem it - sandal promise
9-12) I've bought from Naomi property of Elimelek, Kilion and Mahlon married Ruth, elders blessed Ruth famous in Bethlehem through offspring LORD gives
13-17) Boaz, Ruth LORD enabled her to conceive, Naomi cared for him: "Naomi has a son!" Obed, fahter of Jesse, father of David
18-22) Perez, father of Hezron, father of Ram, father of Amminadab, father of Nahshon, father of Salmon, father of Boaz, of Obed, Jesse, David

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Joshua recounts history and covenant to the Lord before death (Joshua 22-24)

AIM: Our faith is a response to God's faithfulness, or God's word increasingly became Joshua's thoughts, words, and actions.
Joshua 22-24
A) Joshua blesses 3 tribes with greatest commandment and treasure
22:1-6) Joshua Blessed Reubenites, Gadites, 1/2 tribe Manasseh "You kept all Lord commanded, listened, not forsaken brothers - go love God, walk in His ways/commands, hold fast to Him, serve Him all heart and soul
7-9) 1/2 tribe Manasseh Bashan, other 1/2 west beyond Jordan - blessed with riches, divide with brothers
Application: Walk in the way of the Lord, abide in love (see John 14-16)

B) Altar causes conflict, conversation reveals motives
10-12) region of Jordan, land of Canaan, Reuben/Gad 1/2 tribe Manasseh built a large altar - WAR
13-20) Unlawful act, turning away, rebellion against Lord - we'll all die! remember Achan
21-25) God knows if rebellion or concern for Him, our portion
 - 26-29) So we built the altar, witness between us and you - a copy, His tabernacle
30-34) pleased with the answer, "Today we know that the Lord is in our midst because you have not committed this unfaithful act against the Lord; now you have delivered the sons of Israel from the hand of the Lord" - war avoided
Application: Listen to where people are coming from before jumping into judgment

C) God reminds of His faithfulness, Joshua commits to serving Lord, reveals His holy jealousy
23:1-13) Joshua calls leaders; God fought for you, kept His promises - firmly keep His commands, love God, forsake idols or they will snare, whip, thorns in eyes leading away from God and this land
14-16) Heart/soul knows God's word doesn't fail, God will act on His threats when you transgress covenant serving other gods.
24:1-13) leaders presented themselves before God, "thus says the Lord 'Ancient times Abraham's dad served other gods. I took him, led him Canaan, Isaac, Jacob Egypt/Esau Mount Seir, Moses/Aaron - I plagued Egypt, darkness/red sea, wilderness, I brought you here, destroyed enemies, Balaam, the kings I gave them to you, you benefit without labor, eating from vineyards and olive groves you didn't plant.
14-15) Fear Lord, serve Him in sincerity/truth, put away gods ancestors served Egypt, serve the Lord - choose who you'll serve, for me and my house we will serve the Lord
16-18) We'll not forsake the Lord to serve other gods, he brought us/our fathers from bondage, did great signs, preserved us, won our victories - we'll serve the Lord He is our God
19-28) Joshua: you won't be able, He is holy, jealous, not forgive transgression or sins. Let a stone be a witness against you
Application: Motivation is not enough, God seeks our wholehearted obedience.
29-33) Joshua died 110 years old, buried with Joseph's bones Gibeah of Phinehas hill count of Ephraim

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God's judgment and grace displayed in Jericho, AI and Gibeon (Joshua 5:13-9:27)

Joshua 5:13-9:27
AIM: God's word and his people bring clarity to our personal journey

A) God’s Judgment of Jericho – Joshua 5:13-6:27
5:13-15) Joshua sees the captain of the host of the LORD, fell face down, "remove sandals this place is holy"
 - Lifted up his eyes:  Abraham (Gen 18:1-2), Jacob (Gen 28:16,32:24,30), Balaam (Numbers 22:31), Daniel 8:3, 10:5, Acts 1:10
 - Remove sandals: He washed their feet and opened their minds
6:1-14) Siege of Jericho
 - “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands." - past tense
15-27) Fall of Jericho
 - Joshua commanded, “Shout! For the Lord has given you the city!” The soldiers shouted with all their might, and “by faith, the walls of Jericho fell.” Heb 11:30

B. God’s Deliverance of Ai – Joshua 7-8
7:1) Achan's sin of apostasy.
From BSF notes,

As so often happens in our lives, trouble followed the triumph. “The Israelites were unfaithful in regard to the devoted things.” One man disregarded God’s command to devote everything in Jericho to the Lord. Achan, of the tribe of Judah, took some things for himself. Sin always has unforeseen, uncontrollable consequences. The ripple effect of Achan’s sin affected the entire community: “The Lord’s anger burned against Israel.”  

2-5) Defeated at AI because of self-confidence 36 men died
6-9) Joshua distraught, facedown prayer till evening - brought question and doubts to God
 - Principle: We can be transparent with God, he knows us completely but when we are open with him, he reveals truths to us that were previously hidden from our view.

Personal testimony part 1/Appliction: during this lesson, I was thanking God for his faithfulness in keeping me away from "sin that so easily entangles" Hebrews 12:1-3. Having endured harsh yet loving discipline from the Lord, I was making stickers for MNTC Alpha group members (The Lord disciplines those he loves - Heb 12). 

10-26) Deliverance from Achan's sin, Lord said: "Stand UP!, you've violated my covenant, destroy sin I'll show you"

Personal testimony part 2: During this time of personal worship, the Lord brought to mind that I had carried out of my past music equipment that I used in the worship of false gods. I had recently taken this out of storage and began playing with it again. I even purchased a pocket operator drum machine and was visiting Guitar Center often. 

8:1-29) Victory over AI

Personal testimony part 3: I let this thought percolate for a week and then threw away this gear. Literally that morning I received notice of a job interview, then another, then another. I had been trying to find a good fit of work for 9+ months, now the floodgates opened. From mid-September till mid-October, I interviewed almost daily and was in the running for 5 great jobs. I accepted the best offer on October 30 and start Nov 12. 

30-35) The Altar - remembering God, and His law
 - Burnt offerings expressed God's forgiveness for worshippers sin and worshipper's full dedication to God; flames consumed the entire sacrifice.
 - Fellowship offerings expressed thankfulness to God for fellowship with Him and with one another, worshippers consumed much of the sacrifice.

Personal testimony part 4: What an awesome year in BSF, MNTC Alpha and EMAW - I'm excited to see God at work in 2019!

C. God’s Grace to Gibeon against division even of a bad treaty – Joshua 9
9:1-6) Gibeon's strategy - look poor, desperate and from far away
7-21) Israel's error, didn't inquire of the Lord but took things at face value
22-27) After they found out, came to win-win, Gibeonites serve Israel, Israel protects them

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Loving obedience will characterize those who belong to God

Loving obedience will characterize those who belong to God and live in the light of His promise. To obey God requires faith. Faithful actions always involve risk. Yet, believers can move forward and lead others with certainty that our victory is already won in Jesus Christ. God promises He will never forsake His people. Will you take strength by meditating on His Word, His great, loving character and His promises? As you step out in faith to obey His gracious commands, He will deepen your joy and grant you success in accomplishing His purpose.

Going Deeper References from www.bsfinternational.org | People of the Promised Land I Lesson 1
1: Land: Genesis 13:14-17;15:18-21; 17:8
 2. Covenant: Genesis 15:13, 16;Deuteronomy 11:24-25
 3. Commission: Numbers 27:18-23;Deuteronomy 31:3-8; 34:9
 4. Commission: Exodus 3:1-10
 5. Moses’ blessing: Deuteronomy 33
 6. View of Promised Land: Deuteronomy 34:1-4
 7. Moses buried: Deuteronomy 34:5-6
 8. Covenant: Genesis 12:1-7; 15:7
 9. Worship and obey: Exodus 19:3-8; 20; 24:3-8
10. Circumcision: Genesis 17:1-14; Joshua 5:2-7
11. Passover: Joshua 5:10-12
12. Renewal: Joshua 8:30-35; 24:1-28
13. Joshua’s victories: Joshua 1:5, 11; 3:10-17; 6:16; 8:18;10:14, 30; 11:6; 13:2-6
14. Jesus’ victory: Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 24:44-47; John 12:31-32;Hebrews 2:14-15
15. Promise of rest: Joshua 1:15
16. God rested: Genesis 1:31-2:3
17. Eternal rest: Hebrews 3:7-4:11
18. Judgment of Canaanites: Deuteronomy 7:2; Joshua7:1-26; 8:24-26
19. Mercy for Canaanites: Joshua2:8-14; 6:24-25
20. God’s presence: Joshua 1:5; Matthew 28:20; John 14:16-18; Hebrews 13:5
21. God’s Law: Joshua 8:32
22. God’s covenant: Joshua 24:26
23. Judgment: Romans 2:14-16; Acts 17:31; Hebrews 4:13
24. Sin: Genesis 6:5; 15:16
25. Battle: Exodus 17:8-14
26. God’s presence: Exodus 33:7-11
27. 12 spies’ report: Numbers 13:1-14:9
28. Commission: Numbers 14:10-35
29. God’s will: John 4:34
30. God’s will: Romans 12:2
31. Manasseh: Numbers 32:20-33
32. Faith: Hebrews 11:31
33. Faith: James 2:25
34. Gospel: Romans 1:16-17; Revelation 5:9; 7:9
35. Genealogy: Matthew 1:5-16
36. Consecration: Genesis 35:2-3; Exodus 19:10-11
37. Ark: 2 Samuel 6:6-7
38. Passover: Exodus 12:2-3; Joshua 4:19
39. Faithfulness: Psalm 119:90
40. Circumcision: Genesis 17:1-14; Deuteronomy 10:16; Romans 2:28-29
41: Living water: John 4:13
42: New life: Romans 8:28-29
43. Freedom: John 8:34-36; Romans 6:1-14
44. Manna: Exodus 16:1-34
45. Patient: 2 Peter 3:9
46. Joy: Psalm 16:11
47. Blessing: Psalm 1:1-3

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