April 1

Today’s Reading - 1 Samuel 21-24

(1 Sam 23:27 KJV) But there came a messenger unto Saul, saying, Haste thee, and come; for the Philistines have invaded the land.

In today’s reading we come across this verse which gives us insight into what can happen in a church when a false gospel invades it. Here we see Saul was pursuing after David when the word came to him that the Philistines invaded the land. The Philistines were smart, they used the opportunity of Saul’s vengeful spirit, to try and conquer Israel. This is what happens when false teachings invade a church, it divides it into factions, and that is not bad enough but Satan sends in the Philistines to further widen the gulf between the warring factions so there is a destruction of the church and then the inevitable split. This is why it is so important for church leaders to know what is being taught on TV, Radio, and the Internet. If someone brings in a Saul doctrine into the church, then the church leaders would be prepared to deal with it and quash it. Then when the Philistine doctrines invade the church, they will meet with a united front and the church can then be saved. It is the same situation with an individual. If a doctrine seems to be dividing a person’s spiritual thinking, then there will be a spiritual double-mindedness which may cause a believer to be tossed by every wind of doctrine. This can be stopped when a person immerses themselves in learning correct doctrine, so they will be able to easily identify the destroyer and rebuke the evil teachings. The normal Christian radio station has a different doctrine being taught every half hour and many of these are Saul and Philistine doctrines which will cause spiritual dismay in the life of both the individual believer and the local church. False doctrines sometimes sound very good and palatable but are as detrimental to the soul as cyanide is to the body. Division is one of the greatest tools that Satan has to try and conquer the body of Christ. He knows he can’t have us or win, but he can stop us in our tracks, and lately he has been doing an excellent job. I am sure we each have seen the destructive nature of division. (1 Pet 5:8 KJV) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

April 2

Today’s Reading - 1 Samuel 25-28

(1 Sam 25:11 KJV) Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it unto men, whom I know not whence they be?

In today’s reading we come across this verse in the midst of a discourse on a man called “Nabal.” His name means, “fool or senseless.” Think about this for a moment, what did his parents have in mind when they named him that? Yet, his name fit him perfectly. The Bible refers to him as “churlish.” “Churlish” means vulgar or even difficult to work with. Nevertheless, Nabal was an unreasonable rich man who refused to part with any of his worldly goods unless it was to his benefit. Notice in the above verse, Nabal uses the word “my” three times. This is the essence of selfishness. People in this world hang on to things like they are going to own it for the rest of eternity. Here we see in this narrative, that David sent his men to get some victuals to hold them over and Nabal, who could no doubt afford it, refused to give it to them. This should be a lesson for all of us in that one day God may send someone into our life who may need some type of provision that we can help them with. Refusal would only be an indication of the type of spirit that we possess. Our possessions are given to us only temporarily but we are to be wise stewards of what God has given us. (1 Cor 4:2 KJV) Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. When we become saved, we want to make all our possessions available for the Kingdom of God. We never want to have an attitude like Nabal did concerning material goods. God knows that we must live in this world and we need certain possessions for that existence. It is very rare that God would take everything we have unless of course, in His divine wisdom, He has a plan for our life. We must keep in mind that all the possessions that we have belong to the Lord and He just loans it to us while we are here on Earth. (Psa 24:1 KJV) The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. The most blessed people I have ever known in my years of salvation, are those who freely give of what they have. They are partaking in the Great Commission and being obedient to the Lord. Now I am not speaking only of money and possessions, but the gifts and talents the Lord gives His children. You may not be able to give five dollars to your church, but you may be able to help build a room or paint or whatever. It is when we withhold what is in our power to give or help is when we start emulating people like Nabal, and that is not God glorifying plus it doesn’t represent our salvation experience.

April 3

Today’s Reading - 1 Samuel 29-31

(1 Sam 30:24 KJV) For who will hearken unto you in this matter? but as his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike.

In today’s reading we come across this verse which teaches the equality in Christian service. David was allowing 200 of his men who were very tired from battle in delivering his family and herds to rest. Coming back David approached the 200 men he had allowed to remain behind. They were very faint or over tired. The men that were with David had complained that these 200 should not share in any of the spoils since they did not take part in the battle. David had wisdom in dealing with his troops and he showed fairness. This is a great spiritual picture of the Christian life. Many people advocate a teaching that Christians will receive rewards for deeds done in their Christian life. You see, for these people, God is not enough. (Gen 15:1 KJV) After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. Many public Christians like Evangelists, Pastors, or Teachers think they are going to receive some kind of special reward for their efforts. In other words, many are writing their own reward system. David teaches us a great lesson here that those Christians who are involved in the front lines of spiritual battle will share exactly the same compensation as those behind the scenes. Let me break it down further. The little old lady in the nursing home in the wheelchair who prays for missionaries and ministries is on equal footing with those who are physically bringing the Gospel. I think many in public ministries would be surprised how much calamity was avoided in their ministry by the behind-the-scenes prayer warriors. These are the people that we don’t know about but God does. Every Christian is on equal ground before God. There is no one who stands out as better or more important then other Christians. (Luke 18:29-30 KJV) And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, {30} Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting. These two verses tell us that we will receive blessings in this life but we will receive eternal life in the next life. This is the great reward of the believer, that we receive eternal life and absolutely no judgment for sin. So if you are a quiet believer and you give to support missions in your church, or you have a closet prayer ministry, don’t feel ashamed and refer to it as “Well, that’s all I can do.” Don’t be spiritually intimidated or cast down by worldly Christianity which exalts the public preacher or teacher. The Bible says that God exalts the humble. (Ezek 21:26 KJV) Thus saith the Lord GOD; Remove the diadem, and take off the crown: this shall not be the same: exalt him that is low, and abase him that is high. This principle is also taught in the New Testament. (1 Pet 5:6 KJV) Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: So fear not if you have a humble ministry, because you are in less danger than those with the big ministries. God views you the same way as He does the more public Christian. We must also keep in mind that it was not us that chose our ministries, it was God who gave them to us and empowered us to do them. (Eph 2:10 KJV) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. So whatever ministry the Lord has given you, do it all to the glory of God. (Eccl 9:10 KJV) Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

April 4

Today’s Reading - 2 Samuel 1-4

(2 Sam 1:14-15 KJV) And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the LORD'S anointed? {15} And David called one of the young men, and said, Go near, and fall upon him. And he smote him that he died.

In today’s reading we come across this verse which should be a stern warning to all of us. This young man who was an Amalekite, knew that David was being pursued by Saul and thought that he would bring David the news that he had killed Saul, even though he didn’t. He came to David and told him that Saul was dead and he was the one who finished him off. This young man thought he was telling David what he wanted to hear and figured that he would get a reward for it. Well his scheme turned against him and it cost him his life. This scenario should prove to be a good example of not telling people what we think they want to hear. Many times when the gospel is presented and we think by adding to it with our own ideas, that we are actually doing people a favor. It does not matter what the situation is, we must always deliver the truth and not dress it up to impress someone or to elicit some kind of reward or favor. Many times in the presentation of the Gospel, we may dress it up so there would be no offense in the presentation. The Gospel is an offense to unsaved man. Whenever we are witnessing to someone, the hard realities must be given. We cannot withhold the reality of eternal damnation for the non-elect. David asked the young man how come he was not afraid to kill Saul? We must ask ourselves a question too. How come when we witness we are not afraid to soften the realities of Hell? The true presentation of the Gospel demands that we bring the full counsel of God as Paul did to the churches. What kind of a reward or pleasantries do we expect if we bring false information into our witness? What good would it be if I went to the doctor and told him my left hand hurts when it is my left foot that hurts? Whenever we bring the truth of the Gospel, there must never be any type of additions or subtractions. We must never be like the young man who thought he would benefit from a lie. There is no benefit in the Christian walk for holding on to false notions or beliefs. If we do hold on to false ideas, it may betray us as it did the young man in our Scripture verses.

April 5

Today’s Reading - 2 Samuel 5-8

(2 Sam 7:16 KJV) And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.

In today’s reading we come across this verse which has been called “The Davidic Covenant.” It was the promise that God made to David that He would establish his kingdom forever. This joyful prophecy was made by God through the prophet Nathan. Some believe that this covenant is to be applied to national Israel at some future time during a golden age of restoration. However, this teaching is foreign to the Bible. What is in view in the Davidic Covenant is the Covenant of Grace. The name “David” means “beloved or dear.” The Lord Jesus Christ is typified by David. (Jer 30:9 KJV) But they shall serve the LORD their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them. The book of Jeremiah was written about 400 years after the death of David and yet God speaks of people serving the Lord and David. The only ones who will serve David AKA the Lord Jesus Christ are those who have been saved by Him. David is not going to sit on the throne in some future kingdom. The Lord Jesus Christ is the one who is going to rule throughout all eternity. When one reads the Old Testament, you can find many places where the Grace of God is taught and you can see many fine symbols of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Old Testament is as alive with the Grace of God as the New Testament is. As true believers, we are already living in that Davidic kingdom. Notice the words “for ever.” They give us the insight as to what is in view. No present earthly kingdom will last forever and the thousand year physical reign of the Lord Jesus Christ in Jerusalem is a myth. The Davidic Covenant is an eternal covenant which applies to the believers in the Lord Jesus Christ only. When reading in the Old Testament we will find many promises for the believer. Start your treasure hunt today!

April 6

Today’s Reading - 2 Samuel 9-12

(2 Sam 11:3 KJV) And David sent and inquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?

In today’s reading we come across this verse which should serve as a an example and a warning to us. This verse is the beginning of woes for David as he was walking on his roof and saw Bathsheba taking a bath. David saw her and instantly he lusted after her. We see this in our verse that after David saw her, he went an inquired about who she was. Here is the example and warning. When David saw Bathsheba bathing, instead of immediately turning away from her, he made inquiry of her. This is the problem we make with sin. We always seem to have to inquire about it. It is like we want to see how close we can come to the edge of hell without falling in. When temptation comes knocking on your door, the place to stop sin is not after you do a feasibility study, but the moment the notion enters your mind. There is always a choice when it comes to the believer and sin. This was Eve’s problem in the garden of Eden. When Satan came to her and tempted her, instead of walking away or going to the Lord, she entered into a dialogue with Satan and as crafty as he is, he won the conversation which resulted in plunging the entire human race into sin. Whenever we face any type of sinful situation, it is not the time to hold a dialogue or to reason. It is a time to run. Sinful situations or false gospels are products of Satan and you do not need to involve yourself in either to know they are wrong. Does one have to experience sin to know what sin is? David’s sin also had a ripple effect on his family. God said that the sword would never depart from his family. His family was plagued with death and sorrow, even unto his grandchildren. The reason for this was he made a conscious decision to pursue sin instead of running from it. How many marriages have been ruined because one spouse chose to fall into the arms of another? How many businesses have been ruined because of someone wanting to experience cocaine? How many lives have been ruined because someone wanted to drink alcohol? We see these type of sins repeated continually because we never learn. We walk around with an arrogance which deceives us into believing that we can handle any situation. David thought killing off Uriah would end his problem, instead it just escalated it. The reality is that the flesh is weak and the time to prevent ruination of life is quashing a sinful desire the moment the thought appears. I have a friend in the ministry who told me that he is afraid to play the lottery because he might win. Sounds strange? Not really if you take into consideration your Christian testimony would be damaged. Anytime we have a run in with sin, expunge the idea of furtherance of it or else it could be the ruin of your entire life. Just read Genesis 3 again for the first time!

April 7

Today’s Reading - 2 Samuel 13-15

(2 Sam 13:3 KJV) But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother: and Jonadab was a very subtle man.

In today’s reading we come across this verse which is an example to us. This verse kind of dovetails the principles we saw in yesterday’s verse. Amnon loved Absalom’s sister Tamar. He wanted to have sex with her but did not know how to accomplish this sin. The Bible said that Amnon literally became ill on account of his lust for her but did not know how to go about to gratify it. Remember, David set the example for his sons in this area with Bathsheba. How could David chide his sons on adultery and fornication, when he himself schemed to do away with Bathsheba’s husband? Well, anytime you want to sin against the Lord, Satan will be right there to help you along. Enter Jonadab, the friend of Amnon who helped him plan his scheme to take Tamar in lust. The Bible describes Jonadab as “subtle.” The word “subtle” means “wise, skilled or expert.” This means that Jonadab must have been an expert in schemes and obviously Amnon trusted in Jonadab’s schemes because he followed it. As the story unfolded, Amnon raped Tamar and the Bible goes on to say that after the rape, he hated her more than the love he initially had for her. This is the problem with sin. The anticipation of the fulfillment of the results of the sin is never realized. Sin never brings joy. It may bring a season of happiness but there are four seasons in the year. You always reap what you sow. I don‘t want to focus on the sin in this verse. I want to focus on Jonadab. I once heard Preacher Joe Brown from Baltimore preach a message on Family Radio about Jonadab and it stuck with me to this day. How many of us have a Jonadab, ready to help us sin? Let us take it one step further, how many of you are a Jonadab and ready to bend the rules for your friends. To you parents, does your child have a Jonadab for a friend? There are so many Jonadabs on the street ready to help you go wrong. This is why we must be so careful as to our choice of friends. Let us take it one step further, do you know of a spiritual Jonadab which may be helping you take your Christian walk off course? How many Jonadabs do you think we have in government? This is the only place in Scripture this fellow shows up. What a testimony for eternity? Do a friend inventory today and see if you have a Jonadab in your life which may be more detrimental than good.

Does anyone know where I can get a copy of Preacher Brown’s Sermon on Jonadab?

April 8

Today’s Reading - 2 Samuel 16-18

(2 Sam 18:14 KJV) Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee. And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he was yet alive in the midst of the oak.

In today’s reading we come across this verse which shows us the reward of rebellion. Absalom had rebelled against his father David, and even tried to usurp the throne of Israel. This was also part of the penalty that God pronounced on the house of David, that the sword would never depart from his house. Let us see how God views the sin of rebellion. (1 Sam 15:23 KJV) For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king. God views rebellion on the same level as witchcraft, and in Exodus He commanded that witches should be put to death (Ex. 22:18) God abhors any form of witchcraft, that is why we cannot take lightly looking at our horoscopes. Rebellion in God’s sight carried the same penalties also. Remember Korah’s rebellion when he and 250 died in the wilderness. Physical rebellion led to physical death but spiritual rebellion will lead to eternal death. Rebellion is basically an opposition to the authority of another. Absalom rebelled against his father’s authority and ultimately paid the price. Even though David was not the one who ordered his death, nevertheless, any rebellion will always lead to dire consequences. Rebellion carries the same penalty today whenever someone rebels against authority. In many countries rebellion is met with swift death. Rebellion in the spiritual realm is ultimately aimed at God. Whenever someone comes against the created establishments of God such as His Word or the church, they are in essence rebelling against God. It is God who has given us the Bible and it seems theologians do not really care how they butcher it as long as it sounds good. God did not give us two Bibles and those who attack it, either by trying to change it or misquote it are in essence in rebellion. This does not mean if someone holds to a wrong doctrine that they are intentionally in rebellion because we cannot know everything in Scripture correctly. I am speaking about a defiant attitude toward it. Those who want to destroy God’s church will never do it because she has endured the persecutions of dictators, empires, and all such as hate the work of God on earth. All one needs to do is read Foxes Book of Martyrs and you will almost instantly gain an understanding of how tough the church is and it is here to stay until the last day. Make sure your name is not written with Alexander. (2 Tim 4:14 KJV) Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: Those who oppose the work of God will be rewarded according to their works. David was set up as the King of Israel and was not dethroned by God. Rebellion tried to unseat him but it failed. Any rebellion we harbor toward God’s work will ultimately fail. Let us make sure that we are not part of any rebellion.

April 9

Today’s Reading - 2 Samuel 19-21

(2 Sam 21:7 KJV) But the king spared Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan the son of Saul, because of the LORD'S oath that was between them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saul.

In today’s reading we come across this salvation verse nestled among three chapters of strife. There was a famine in the land and David inquired of the Lord as to why this was happening. It was because Saul had brought destruction on the Gibeonites. David wanted to make amends to them for what had happened. So he met with them and they demanded that seven grandsons of Saul were to be given to the Gibeonites so they could be hung as a retribution against the house of Saul. In our verse above, we see that King David spared Mephibosheth. This was because David had an oath that he would take care of Mephibosheth for the rest of his life. This oath literally spared his life. This reminds me of the covenant of Grace in that when the world is ready for destruction on the last day, all believers who are living at that time will be taken out and ushered into glory, while the unbeliever goes to a place where they will face the judgment of Christ for their sins. David protected Mephibosheth in the same manner the Lord protects us. It is an eternal oath that we had nothing to do with except to receive it. As Mephibosheth ate at the King’s table, it pictures the believer as spiritually eating at the eternal table of the Lord. Today we eat from this table while we are still here on earth. (Psa 23:5 KJV) Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. All the unsaved on this earth are the enemies of the believer, yet we eat freely at the Lord’s bountiful table. (Isa 25:6-9 KJV) And in this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined. {7} And he will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the veil that is spread over all nations. {8} He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it. {9} And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation. This is a long passage of Scripture but it illustrates the beauty of the present salvation we have on earth and the future we will have in Heaven. Come for the Feast is Spread!

April 10

Today’s Reading- 2 Samuel 22-24

(2 Sam 22:31 KJV) As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.

In today’s reading we come across this verse which is in the middle of David’s song of Deliverance. David lauds God for delivering him from all his enemies including Saul. David gives three major teachings in this verse which would go far beyond a simple commentary if we developed it. First, we are told that God’s ways are perfect. That word “perfect” means “blameless, without blemish, faultless, or complete.” We many not be able to understand all the ways of God, for how could finite really understand infinite. David looks back on his life and sees how God had delivered him even while he was on the run from Saul. We probably wonder why God didn’t remove Saul instantly when David was anointed King? If he did, then David would not have been able to see how many times God delivered him. By being on the run, David was trained to be a better and more compassionate king. David was able to have a closer relationship to God because of the hard times he endured by the mercy of God. It serves as a lesson for us that in hard times God comes to the aid of His children.

The second major teaching we find in this verse is that the word of God is tried. The word “tried” means to be refined like a metal. Whenever we go through hard times and count on the Word of God, we are trying it like we are refining gold. When God brings us through the hard times, we see the Word of God as much purer and refined. We see the word of God in a new light. We see it as polished Gold and more valuable than we did before because when we experience the joy of fulfilled Scripture, it brings not only the Word of God closer to us but the Lord Himself seems much closer. The word of God is true whether it is tried or not, but when we see Scriptural promises fulfilled before our eyes, it endears us to the Lord and how He cares for His children.