Psalm 23

Someone asked me to write on this and I must confess I´m not religious (no matter what you may think). I love God, I love Jesus, but my opinion tends to be out of some traditions (or other´s opinions) and I do not care feeling or thinking differently: I am me as you are you. What a blessing! We both are individuals! Just see God is WHO He is when saying: “Don´t like to know me” (Jer. 9:6)

The Bible, as a bulk, has some poetry, love letters, and sometimes I enjoy them but, by the moment I read this psalm I felt it as simple rhetoric.

The Bible is inspired and -in itself- it´s inspiring, but I do NOT need more loving or kind words written: I regret missing deeds and those words I could not hear from Him.

I tried to compare the Bible in the Reina-Valera version with the Spanish New Living Translation, but I quit: One was in simple present tense and the other in future tense, as the motto of a promise...

Vs. 5b can be read in its “spiritualized” form, otherwise this is obscure; but I long to talk to God, I would like to hear Him in a chat. Can He be heard? Will I know Him by this second-hand experience?

Some may have found comfort and release while reading the Holy Book, but this is not an actual relationship to keep and, same way I´m telling you I have told God: That is not complete love... You could miss someone who left and sends you emails. You could enjoy meeting someone for skype or phone calls, but reading this -alone- is not enough to name it a relationship.

I do beg you to be understood. I don´t miss His hugs or loving touch, but His person and the best one to talk and hear of. Many have heard His voice (as a thunder) and some have said they saw Him (with His light) but, what I miss is Him, as a Person. How could I say that “I know Him”? All of this is a second-hand experience. I don´t care what David or Salomon lived, but my living experience.

Yes! He has done things for me. He has answered prayers and has done wonders for me, but I don´t know Him as a Person, and He is the best person I could be missing.

I have wasted time and too many years while guessing and making choices. How could I hear His voice, each time I´m away from His blessings or making the best choice?

I´m tired to guess, a whole life inferring... I need His voice, or the assurance of His guiding Spirit.

Errors are predictable while playing chess. My life has been so and this is near to end up, any day.

I need my life to be totally changed and this is not a simple stuff a human potter can break and make anew (Jer. 18:4-6).

I don´t understand life by inferring or guessing. May I find Him to talk or be heard?

I wish He looks at me closely... I cannot speak of Him with a second-hand knowledge or a third-hand experience. I need to live this up to witness He is real. Many people need His guiding voice, many are lazy to read a simple text message (like the Bible) and healthy relationships are built while talking, by hearing one another. That is what I ask for me and for those He knows need Him.

City people and country people need to talk and be heard. I know that by experience. We humans  -even having same citizenship, culture and language- lack full understanding to know what others need, but I think I cannot witness what I have not lived or understood. I don´t sell a product I haven´t tried, because -to me- it is like lying. Will you buy a thing by faith, without knowing it a little?

You may call it as many, it´s just “faith” that you need; but how can I tell those who badly need it: It is not God WHOM I seek?

Traditionally, I was told that God wants OUR trusting obedience. I know it but, am I too deaf to hear He wants to be known? (Jer. 9:6). Could I meet Him without hearing what He is talking?... Who am I to insist on asking? (I need you to be realistic, I don´t mind this I beg of Him).

Psalm 23:4b says: “you are close to me” or “I´ll be protected”. That´s OK, but this is not a complete loving relationship I live. Let´s say the writer´s inspiration talks about the Lord Jesus (or the author´s feeling) but this is not mine.

I don´t like to spent my whole life in a temple (23:6b). I don´t know God in that way to be His priest or servant: I see myself as an individual, with human and spiritual needs. Will that be enough for you? He is God, The Lord, a Spiritual Person I cannot see or hear...

It is easy to worship God when you see Him healing, showing His power; but I need Him as a Person (sometimes for a talk, where I can hear His voice).

Prayers are useless if these are just to ask things. I see them selfish when I go to Him to ask things, for me or others. I don´t believe these prayers are fair when I ask, not giving Him a thing in turn. What could I give Him if I don´t know what He wants me to give (or give up)?

Let me say this: When I like someone, I like to meet that person closely. Let´s say she is far or I went away: I call! (I phone call). Do you like simple words lacking its full meaning? I like to see, smell, touch and hear. Who gave me my humanity and being? This is not simple faith. Did Moses meet God? Did the Jews hear Him talk to Jesus (at His baptism) or while the Lord called Lazarus from the dead? He is the same Lord I believe, but I long to hear His guiding voice. I don´t trust any longer my decisions or will.

I agree with those who say deeds speak volumes. Words are complete when they walk with simple deeds. If you love someone, show it and make it true. Words are empty without deeds, and facts are coherent with those things you may have said.

I don´t dare to say: “Jesus loves you” when some needs His assurance and His complete confirmation. How could I make Him (God) comes to help the needy? The Bible shows many people experienced God in their personal life, but I don´t have the power to help those who need Him to be seen or heard: I just need your living WORD, God. Just tell me what I need to do!

There is a book I have read “Experiencing God” (written by Henry Blackby and someone else). I used to read it and checked how the authors learned to hear God´s voice. Good! I recommend to read it, but I haven´t learned well. Perhaps I´m in sin and many things are wrong in my life, but I will insist on this: I want to hear Him.

David spent 14 years before being a king. He was anointed by Samuel -and soon after- he was an outlaw and ran and hid... Do I want a kingdom to be a king? No! That´s useless, like a big palace where I have to do all the chores.

I do long for few things, but these are worthless without you, God.

What my life serves for, if I cannot hear of You, God?

I am lost, screwed up and wrong, that my dream is useless and my sleep is restless.

Why am I here, with people I do not belong? (I John 3:18; James 1:22).

I want YOUR words become true...

A.T.

Has God made someone just for you?

I have seen many seem to believe this by using certain Genesis account. 
Did God made Eve just for Adam? 
Many people believe He did the same for each of us (single or married).

My life experience tells me there is not a missing rib, although my mind says this could be so.

What do you think?

Have you found the missing rib or piece?

The poll I thought is:

* Has God made someone for you?
* Have you been made for another person, in particular?
* Have you made an DNA test to prove it?
* How often have you found you are wrong (or the other person) in that match making?

*** Add anything you like (if you like)

P.S.        (Jul 22, 2013)

Although experience tells me there is no one I can say: “This is my flesh and bones”, my faith says God sees me and knows any human need (Gen. 2:18, 20).

While I was a pagan unbeliever I was promiscuous. Perhaps I met the best woman God could have sent, but I kicked her out while sinning with lust and cheating. I can say I met good women, but my concern was sex and not love: Some things cannot be made anew!

When I was young I was punctilious and despised some I considered fat or ugly… Today I´m the same, but I will not flirt with someone I don´t like: I hate lying! And try not to make a mistake twice. Do you like playing games?

Proverbs gives hopes when all seem to be practically gone (Prov. 18:22; 31:10). Prov. 19:14 is excellent when saying marriage belongs to God, no matter how materialistic the world made us to be. You can be rich, but money will not buy you a good spouse.

Have you read the love story of Ruth?

I wish I could hear a woman willing to say those words she said to Noemi (Ruth 1:16). That´s is an unconditional love bond. She showed an unselfish will to SERVE, and both were poor. Do you see?

I know of things like this. I know (and knew) of couples who decided to follow the other. Look at Ruth!

She was young, loving, and a foreigner willing to relocate. She wanted to serve her mother-in-law, another widow and aged woman. Have you seen one like that? We tend to live far from those in-laws.

Ruth was a thankful hard worker lady (Ruth 2:7, 10). Booz was a kind rich old man (with good sight) who wholeheartedly gave orders to let Ruth pick food from his field, as much as she needed (2:8) Have you done anything like this?

God is love! And He gives many his/her second chance.

Deep in me I know He always does the best.

Look at Tina Turner! She is as old as Booz and married a man like me (I hope the opposite case) He! He!

What has made Booz a nice looking man for many? It is just his money?

I guess he was kindhearted, fair (Ruth 3:12-13) and he expected nothing for helping others (No sex that night). I guess he was smart in his business and see he wanted Ruth instead of a piece of land (Ruth 4:3-5). He showed legal concern according to the law and Jewish traditions but, when dealing, he hid his heart from being hurt by others.

I would certainly love Ruth. There´s no need to share your chewing gun, but she is the kind of woman who shares her food (Ruth 2:14b, 18). Is not that loving?

 I would feel self-pity if someone comes to me for money (which I don´t have). I think Tina Turner has made a good choice after more than 15 years sharing with someone she liked, since at our age, we´re not plenty of hopes, like Booz (Ruth 3:10)

There are miracles!

God gives and takes, and we must admit we have failed by sinning and hurting others.

Twins may have some chromosomes in common, but our DNA made us to be unique, the ones we are. Does God help you to be you?  I guess so! He is sweet (sometimes not) and Ruth is a true model to learn from.

I could think of those who like to boast of their flag and nationality, but Ruth left family bonds, her roots for pure family love.

Jesus came from FOREIGNERS. Like those who moved from Sodom to somewhere else.

Jesus was not racist... Who am I to be?

I beg you to read Gal. 3:28.

Of course! You like what you like. I´d like a thin and short woman, same way you may like a big and rich man; but I am far from being perfect, far from being like Booz or Ruth.

I hope you find your second (or third) chance at this life.

A.T.

Not the whole world.

For years, more than a decade, I disliked hearing: “...and the whole world lies in the power of the Evil one”. That sounded me hopeless, sad and “true”.

Those who belong to the watchtower of the Jehovah´s witness abuse it “to explain” the evil in the world; when there are disasters we don´t dare to mention God punishing the earth.

I dislike mentioning God´s name when there are dozens using it to get money (or to get what she-he wants). God has absolute right to do what He does: He is God! (But not the whole world lies under the power of the Evil one).

I have seen Jehovah´s witness seldom vote: That´s their right! But Christianity does not deserve evil men ruling nations. Do we?

“Democracy” gives us a chance to vote for a “better government”, but we are in the mess of unbelieving men and women. Who am I to blame?

I will not blame John for that mistaken idea (I John 5:19). If it were “the whole world” I might infer God is not ruling what He has made -The whole universe!

The Bible teaches me God ordered Sodom and Gomorrah to be destroyed (Gen 19) and before that, He destroyed the whole world with a flood (Gen 7). Who is charge then? I believe God rules from Heaven.

At the beginning I thought there were some pauline ideas crawling around because, apart from Jesus Christ, “we know in part, and we prophesy in part”  (I Cor.13:9-10) If we were divine or angels those limits were present, because we´re not God and we are invited to be like Jesus (I Cor. 2:11b; Col.2:2b-3)

I believe John was right when saying: “They all are not of us” (I Jn.2:19) The idea -here- is complete different because everybody is not God´s people. Some are misguided and some are misleading others. God´s will will prevail.

We need to pass away to see He is right and told the truth. This is not the punishment I deserve for the sinful life I have lived. Pains and earthly toils helped me to change a little. These together modeled my character to be converted to His will, instead of my imperfect desires.

I cannot use an isolated idea to explain the world I like or disliked. There are flaws in me and all the people we are talking as “world”. Some have changed because they surrendered to God´s will and His anointed one.

After reading Daniel (Dan. 4:17b, 26, 32b) some of my misconceptions changed. I believed I could change the world by voting or fighting, but the fight is against evil spirits ruling over many minds of unbelievers (here some Pauline’s ideas fit well). Punishment enforces the worldwide outreach of God´s will, and Daniel´s account teaches that to believers. Who am I to say “the whole world lies under the Evil one”?

Something went wrong when conveying (or translating) that idea of John. That made me feel God wasn´t in charge. I felt it hopeless. No matter how inspired I see John is.

Here the adoption (I Jn 5:19b) depends on my will and God´s will: He invites us and we accept it, if believed because “greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (I Jn 4:4)

There is a turning point that refreshed me when I see things done, when I believe BY EXPERIENCE and theory becomes practical truth (2 Peter 2:5).

Sometimes words keep on babbling alone, some looked like nonsense and “Jewish want a sign and Greek want more wisdom” (1 Cor.1:22-23)  What if you see some were predicted?

Daniel foretold Jesus, the Christ, crucified: Daniel 9:26

Some men have counted those times and history proves Jerusalem was destroyed by Titus, AD 70. Who is in charge then?

Daniel 12:10 resumes the world we´re living in. We blame whomever we want but, at the long run, we will give an account and our secret deeds will be exposed to public eyes.

I believe God knows everything and Daniel 12:2 is inspired enough to prove the evil one is not in control, not even a simple man.

I hope my name be found and written in the book of life, to be living (Rev. 20:6, 12, 15) because it is God who rules the whole universe (Daniel 5:21b; 7:13-14).

Is there a quick way to consult God? Jul 2013

Daniel teaches me that there are hindrances, spiritual forces blocking the way for the answers to our prayers (Dan. 20:12-14), but there times where Israel knew God´s will by consulting some precious stones worn inside the ephod (Exo. 28:30).

David (1 Sam 23:2, 4) and Saul consulted God by casting that sacred lot. Saul was not given ultimate answers (1 Sam. 28:6). Sometimes God does not answer by dreams, messengers or the Bible, and personal experiences tell we fail and tend to failures. Have you consulted mediums or spirits? (1 Sam 28:8, 11, 13)

I don´t know if during the lifetime of Jesus the ephod was still in use or if it was worn with the Urim and Thumming to consult God´s will, but I see they were used or missed when all Israel returned to the Promised Land 430 years before Jesus (Neh. 7:65; Ezra 2:63).

Professor J.F. McLaughlin (B.D., D.D.) once wrote: “...this custom of trying to obtain guidance from God by casting a lot belongs to the earliest times and to a very primitive kind of thinking. In later times more spiritual conceptions of religion were introduced by the teaching of the prophets and it fell into disuse...”

What were the lost Urim and Thumming?

I don´t think it was primitive way of seeking God´s will. Sometimes we need His “Yes” or “No” clearly heard and understood. Some may find it old fashioned, but it served God´s people to make their right choices, even at times of family wars (Judges 20:18-23, 26).

I don´t think all are completely wicked and unholy, and those who wore the ephod had the judgment above (and on) their hearts (Exo. 28:30b, 36)

What are the alternative ways of listening God´s will today and now? (I need your help).

I´ve heard of fasting, prayers, reading the Bible... Are today’s circumstances speaking like those Daniel lived to mention God is in control ? (Dan.4:17b, 26b, 32b)

Sometimes we forget to consult God, same way Israel did several times (Josh 9:14). The price we paid for that fault doesn´t bring joy to our life. Each does as he did because sometimes we forget Jesus (or God) as ruling King (Judges 21:25)

Most of the decision I´ve made were thought without God in mind, and I needed His guidance. Christians or not, the world needs God´s direction to succeed.

What would you give to help us sort life out when not having the Urim and Thumming at hand?

A.T.

Nightmare

 I woke up at 2 am to write down this nightmare I had today:

 “I was in front of anything like a both or closed desk with one of my sons (I don´t know whom). I was paying for a ticket -or a trip- and the money tray was suddenly opened in front of me. There was not any operator who say anything or help, so I nervously took out a package of anything that looked like credit cards. There were coins inside it, perhaps tickets of papers, but while I felt nervous I turned my sight to the right the very moment I planned to put my right hand into the money tray to grab anything of value, except coins.

After I stole and closed the tray I felt the guilt. One thing is coveting or greed, but another things is stealing or taking what belongs to another.

I cared nothing except seizing what I thought I could use later on (and I don’t know how to use credit cards). Morally I paid no attention one of my children was present. I turned to the public eye of a camera for a second, then when I guessed it was watching me. I entered that room but that it wasn´t my intention (as many has failed when tented). I wish it had stopped from the begging, but I didn´t know how to re-open the money tray to give those things back. After I did wrong I didn´t know what to do,inside the booth, so I opened my eyes and saw the covetousness and the greed that steals.

Back in the world of the living I knew who I am and what I shouldn´t do. This area is weak as so many are, but I believed the nightmare teaches me on what to pray and what I should change (I wish I could fix it in the heavenly realms).

In bed I wished I had put my hands over the head or having shut away the tray quickly, but I stole.Real life cannot be rehearsed and I stole anything in that nightmare (Is this how many fall, with no turning back?).

I guess many have fallen in tests like thisand hurt me what I felt. I´m thankful to acknowledge this weakness I have to work on, I felt the pain, my sins. 

In my mind I could find an alibi: I spent all the money I was saving to buy construction materials to keep on building my house, but the sin is the same. 

Yes! I regret not having the money flow I wish to buy my world. I know I must trust God, not me; but my mind says another thing...

Have you ever felt -or lived- anything like this?

If you want to share it, go ahead! 

If you are a cop -please- Forgive me!  (I already wear these handcuffs I made typewriting this nightmare)

Amos 3:3, 7

We are like animals who need associations to be reproductive, to progress, to protect, to learn, to eat. See nature, all around, and each family is an example of this: A convenient association. Churches, similarly, are human associations, bonds created on some truths we cling to: Love, similar religious background not based on nationalities, verifiable beliefs and same spiritual source with the morale of its parenthood.

Read about history and you know how many traditions and creeds were raised. Read stories and see how each is willing to invent his/her own. Is there one Church? No! Each belongs to its beliefs, common interests and united to its temporal leadership. Are we united to one truth? We tried to do so, some say we are one, and the truth is we are divided, because the God I believed may be one divided in 3 persons or One who really has one Godhead separated from Mary, the Mother of Jesus. (The important thing is how I am acting and, more than any of my opinions, it is what God thinks about me).

In Venezuela, too often, I have heard: “Si Dios quiere y la virgen” (If God wills, and the virgin wills). Did God married Marry to be His Queen? Are they both sharing a Kingdom that way?

Yesterday a dear friend told me I am radical. Few hours before another told me the same, because sometimes I expect too much (giving little, by the way) but I have same problems like any and I´m not pretty different than any reader. I wish you could read about Samuel, the prophet. He cut in pieces a man (Agag), stopped talking to a man he knew and, at prudent distance, he prayed and shed tears for that man he liked (1 Sam. 15:32-35). Samuel was known by God since the beginning and learned from Him in his childhood, while serving the temple. He heard God´s voice, more than once and he acknowledged God by personal experience, not by sight or simple readings, like us who boast ourselves on being called Christians and we are far from being like Christ or any godly man on earth. Samuel gave Jews and Christian an example on what he considered obedience (1 Sam. 15:22) but Jesus nullified Himself much more than any other man on this planet, He superseded all since God was with Him and dwelt in His human body.

Some time ago God and Jesus arranged to create what we see (Gen. 1:26-27) and somehow planned our redemption, but this is a process unfolded each century. I don´t know about you, but I had problems to believe the Bible and still have problems to apprehend it; but it serves me to understand spiritual things I cannot grasp or see with my human mind. Is this the only source God has used? I think it is not, He has spoken in several ways and I know believes and religions can be used to rule or control people and, perhaps, this is why there are many denominations and creeds (It is to God to speak and clarify each men´s or women´s beliefs).

No one would walk all the way long without talking or knowing their companion. If spiritually I was made to live eternally, I had better to see what the one who made me has to say. He would consider my misbehaving as my behaving as well. He would consider some actions fit and those that do not.

In a business I should know what I am to buy or sell. It doesn´t matter who buys or sells, but the stuff we are paying for. I can sell anything, but those who want to buy it don´t like to lose anything, it be called time or money. Will you like to waste any part of your time? If you dislike waiting or wasting anything, how much more eternity worths?

In a friendly relationship I always have the chance to leave. In a business, if I write a contract I do not always have such freedom to split easily, because I am obliged, same way when I formalized a protocol or any contract like a marriage. If I was born here, in Venezuela, I need a passport and a visa to leave it somewhere else and life is such a business, I am obliged to achieve certain conditions to be relocated, promoted or be paid when doing a job (it is like at the school or being hired for a job).

Life is a business and see it lasts more than primary school. In fact it is a school and a business some are promoted, hired or fired. Would you like to be eternally fired, by the way?  (I don´t!)

God often speaks. He is not mute, He is not a human being to lie (like me) and His job is eternal (He is busy all the time, but He sees what I cannot see). He gave us a gift we cannot deal without Him: Eternity. If we were not watched, if we weren´t warned, imagine this world and its mess: We were at war each week!

Imagine how boring life would be at “eternal” wars. “I hate you and you hate me”. And no one else knows why, but rage and fights... Imagine how I could kill and eternal enemy. Who can kill Satan and demons?

I don´t want to be eternal. I just wanted to live my life and stop it when I wanted to stop, but it doesn´t function like that. It works the way God made it to function. I like bees and I feel compassion when I see them close to death and more than once I have rushed the process because I don´t like life ceasing, and here you see this contradictory answer or behavior: We all like living and, the opposite, is like dying.  Does the giver of life like the dying? Does He like life ceasing? Do you give a present to be eternally lost or consumed? I don´t think this way.

I have seen animals watching death. I have seen how they fight to protect those they like or loved and I can say they are better than me. Won´t you do the same? (But God does it).

Amos 3:3 is a simple reason. God wants us to walk fine and shed light on the best way. He is not mute, He is not deaf, and certainly He will not do a thing without telling those He loves, those who care about His life business (Amos 3:7).

Read the Bible and tell when He did a thing without giving a warning. He announced Jesus, He foretold these times, and will sent Jesus back to punish those He knows deserve eternal punishment (I could be one of them).

Churches are saying “if you are not like us you won´t be saved”. But God has said: “If you are not like My Son you are not my children”. Is it quite different? Of course it is!

God wants me to walk with Him. Jesus is the way, but I don´t know how to fight against my humanity, my longs and thirsting desires.

Will you mind paying attention to Jesus?

Will you mind listening to God, instead of men traditions?

I will not go to heaven. I don´t like flying the way our planes fly, so I don´t want human wings. Have you seen Jesus “flying” the moment He was taken to heavens? (Mark 16:19; Luke 24:51; Acts  1:9, 11).

Those leaders who believe they will fly, with their “holy” wings, mislead those who believe in them. Jesus, who knew God more than any, who has more faith than no one else, was taken up to the place God prepared for Him, Who am I to say another thing?

It is not what I believe but what God believes about me. It is not what I want, but what God wants to do (Matt. 6:10). See God gave Saul a chance and, some time ago, He regretted having chosen one who disobeyed Him (1 Sam.15:11, 28) and see how God picked David up from nothing and, several times, later on he did wrong and finally God had Jesus to rule over human kind.

If I don´t read on God´s issues I will not guess what He wants. If I don´t built a healthy relationship with Him (and those He has asked to follow His Son) chances are that I get lost in loneliness.

I hope He help me walk with those who belong to the right way. I know I came from darkness, but this (eternal loneliness) is darker than being alone or with the people we are not our own.

Sometimes we find people we have liked to talk to, but it is better to get those we would have liked to live, long time ago. We need to talk, to see how we are, but God is not mute to tell us what we have to do: He never asks you to do a thing the other person would dislike. If He wants you to draw near, He will ask the same to others, to be approached: His bond is love, and it is a liking thing (not a disgusting thing).

Do not let any, with strong voices or nominal leaderships, lie to you. We do not need more leaders, but living believers to walk with; so I rather follow Jesus. He is the only source I see to be saved from myself.

Samuel 1.

This Saturday I enjoyed myself reading on Samuel. I felt the hunch that much of my life has been mistaken when getting things I was not heavenly granted and that I have suffered pains for being self centered and selfish.

I learned a bit more on the character of king Saul. He was big, “but not at his eyes” (1 Sam. 15:17) and that´s why he went to build a monument to his name (1 Sam. 15:12). Like politicians today! Have you ever felt you are in the wrong place or with the people you don´t belong?

Reading more chapters we see how he changed, but not for his betterment. God regretted having chosen him and changed His mind (1 Sam. 15:10) so I see here God had FAITH in him, same way He has a positive faith on us, who are invited to be loyal to the gospel and His son. Did God like David for his outer appearance or for his pastoral attitude? (1 Sam. 16:7).

Surely God saw something good in Saul character and later on this was changed and the H.S. got lost sight off (1 Sam. 16:14). See how Saul so loved that temporal role of king and wanted to pass it on his son (1 Sam. 20:30-31). God picked David and got him anointed, while -at the same time- there were two men to rule over Israel: One casted out and the next under a promise (like us).

God gave Saul a new heart. We read how he changed (1 Samuel 10:6, 9) but something went wrong in years, and this happened to David same way (1 Sam.16:13) He failed when he was getting old... Do we need to watch ourselves? (Yes!)

I like the way God tells us not to look at appearances (1 Samuel 16:7). He only can see the inner mind searching our soul, while we seldom grasp enough, but the tip of an iceberg.

I cannot touch tomorrow. Much of me liked the idea of having both, wisdom and a matchmaking mind to get my dreams, or the tools I could use to build them up; but I´m completely wrong. Perhaps some wisdom is utterly reached, but the matchmaking mind is from God´s will. I spent all my life looking for that person I haven´t found. Now I am convinced of this!

David was a humble pastor. He was not a coward boy and grew to fight his fears. Samuel´s account does not tell on David´s brothers business, except that 3 went to the military service (1 Sam. 17:13) and one wanted to rule over David´s will (1 Sam. 17:28). Are we always concerned on the welfare of the family or certainly envious of other´s attitude?

In childhood I wasn´t too often interested in helping. I just had tried to do my will, but this reading broaden my point of view and I knew that obedience is the best sacrifice I can offer God.

Too often I started asking Him things to be done. This is not a friendly relationship and, in fact, I would not like to have a friend -or a person- who always comes asking me things to be done. Are you like that? I have to change this! (Will you too?) I think love is not asking, but giving; but I learned this the opposite way: I believed “being loved” was receiving instead of giving. Of course! A love relationship is built on the flow of both, giving and receiving things fairly, often to both sides.

God needs nothing from me, it is just the other way around, and Jesus showed me the right way (but I have loved -too much- what I considered mine). Is this my life? Is this real life?

This is how I often misbehaved: “Hi, God! How are you doing?... I just wanted to ask You this couple of things... May I trust you to get this and these?”

·         Is God a Genius to make my life happy?

·         Am I His servant or employer?

·         Do I love Him at my selfish convenience?

Same mistake is made with family, friends or those we say “we love”. Think of the many times we used people to get what we wanted, and culturally we are taught the wrong way: “Ask!” (Instead of giving).

When David wanted to marry Michal had to pay a price (1 Sam. 18:23, 25). Let´s say Merak was too expen$ive (Ha! Ha!) and, in fact, Saul reminded me Laban, when that man tricked Jacob when getting Rachel as wife (Gen. 29:17, 20, 25) Dave actually got Merak´s hands by beating Goliath (1 Sam. 17:25, 27, 30) but he was smart enough to ask for the price and finally had to pay for the one he liked. How long he was away deprived -and forcedly divorced- from the one he paid for? More than 10 years and it was sure she won´t enjoy living like a girl scout in the wilderness (such as a poor woman, without safety and shelter). Will any of you like to live as poor people? I bet you do not! (David spent 7+7 years living in such circumstances, and Jacob had to live in open fields to get his two wives).

It is worth noticing how God said nothing on these two men having several women. Jacob was somehow tricked and David had forced no one to be engaged in such marital intercourse, with the exception of that criminal sin he made -being the king- with Betsabeth, where God punished him very well (2 Sam. 12:7-10). I don´t agree having two women, but I do see circumstances allowing men and women to have a second chance to marry ONE. Is it part of God´s grace? I have read how David gave Saul more than one chance to repent. He could have killed him twice (1 Sam. 24:17-18;   26: 20-21, 24) and he dared to approach that one who was unwilling to be changed and converted. I know I cannot be changed by myself but I tried to sort things out, the best I could or knew. Divorce has given many a second (and a third) chance to built their life...

There were portions of the O.T. that seemed mixed and confused with promiscuity, but those completely sinful were corrected or punished, same way Sodom and Gomorrah or when Israel went astray (Exo. 32:27-28).

From Genesis to Revelations I see all human kind under tests. Each will be approved (or disapproved) according to his/her deeds (Exo. 32:33); but it takes time -decades- to realized how we are, and how far we are from reaching His eternal goal. Sometimes eternity seems to be boring, too toiling to be reached, but it is not the same that repeating mistakes here on this dry earth.

When Israel wanted a king I see how Samuel felt despised, but it was God being dismissed by those He loved (1 Sam. 8:6-8). Saul was not fit enough. He was too high (although humble at the beginning) and his faults and recurrent disobedience made God to change His mind (for David´s sake, instead).

Once more we see how we human beings are and see things. David was handsome (1 Sam. 16:12) and I see how we lack enough, unless God comes (and dwell) with His empowering Spirit to dress us up with His eternal grace: The anointed one needed God´s oil and the complete blessing of the obedience His supernatural Spirit gives.

Jesus is the anointed one!      (I hope He helps me change to see life).    June 2013